The US Senate passes a stop-gap bill to fund the US government for three weeks, and avoid a shut-down while lawmakers work out a deal on the main budget.

Japanese shares climb after Japan says G7 finance ministers have agreed on joint intervention to stabilise the yen.

G7 finance ministers agree on first coordinated intervention in the currency markets since 2000 to cut yen volatility.

Cumberland sausage wins its bid to be made only in Cumbria, as it gains protected status.

The Bank of Japan pumps another 3 trillion yen into the country's financial markets in a bid to ensure calm.

Shares of Hutchison Whampoa, the world's largest shipping container terminal operator, slide on their market debut.

Small businesses are given a three-year moratorium on new regulation under a government plan to cut red tape.

Apple, Sony Ericsson and General Motors are among international manufacturers facing likely shortages of parts from Japan.