The Italian government is reported to have been in talks with China's largest sovereign wealth fund about buying Italian bonds.

Fourteen homes were sold per UK estate agent in the three months to August - the lowest total for over two years, a survey says.

The Rugby World Cup will boost New Zealand's economy by as much as $1.2bn (£756m), according to a report by MasterCard.

Republicans object as the White House says it plans to pay for its $450bn jobs plan with taxes on oil firms, fund managers and corporate jet owners.

The rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 4.5% in August from 4.4% the month before, official figures show.

Pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers says it would reject a second takeover offer from billionnaire Joe Lewis's Piedmont investment vehicle.

News International chairman James Murdoch is to face more questions from MPs on the Commons culture committee about phone hacking.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox is expected to give strong backing to UK arms manufacturers in a speech at a major defence exhibition in London.