US Vice-President Joe Biden visits China later, with talks likely to focus on addressing concerns over his country's budget deficit.

Pocket money for children has gone up for the first time in eight years - but only by 36 pence a week, the Halifax says.

Newly announced Enterprise Zones around England could create 30,000 new jobs by 2015, the government says.

Republican presidential contender Rick Perry is criticised across the political divide after warning the Federal Reserve chairman against "treason".

Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has escalated a patent war against Apple, accusing the company of a number of infringements.

Japanese electronics firm Sony cuts the price of its Playstation 3 games console by 17% in an effort to lift weakening sales.

Five tobacco companies sue the US government over a new law that would force them to place graphic health warnings on their cigarette packets.

China has pledged to expand investment options for overseas yuan holdings using Hong Kong as the main trading centre.