Cheques - until recently facing the threat of abolition - should be improved and the group overseeing them overhauled, say MPs.

Rating agency Moody's cuts Japan's debt rating citing concerns about the size of the country's deficit and borrowing levels.

Australian carrier Qantas Airways says annual profits double as speculation swirls it is a possible takeover target.

Shares of BYD, the Chinese carmaker backed by Warren Buffett, are extending losses following poor earning results.

The Japanese government sets up a new $100bn (£61bn) fund to help local businesses combat the strength of the yen.

Results from insurance group Admiral are boosted by rising sales of car insurance and higher premiums.

Councils and companies are using health and safety rules as an excuse to make "unpopular decisions" banning low-risk activities, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says.

Shares in Heineken fall 15% as Europe's top brewer says its core US and Europe markets will remain "challenging".