Brazil's central bank raises its key interest rate to 11.25% in a bid to cool inflation in one of the world's fastest growing economies.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew a faster-than-expected 10.3% in 2010, official statistics show.

Charges some elderly people must pay for council carers to come into their homes rise sharply, according to new data compiled from Freedom of Information requests.

Shares in Easyjet sink more than 13% after the budget airline warns higher fuel costs could double half-year losses.

Thames Water starts a six-week amnesty asking people who use water but do not pay bills to come forward or face backdated charges.

Primark saw strong sales growth in the final four months of 2010 despite the bad weather in December, says owner AB Foods.

UK car production rose sharply in 2010, with carmakers making 1.27 million cars, up 27.1% on the previous year, figures show.

A three-year turnaround plan helps eBay earnings beat expectations, with rapid growth in Paypal and mobile business.