Standard & Poor's cuts Spain's long-term credit rating, as rival Fitch downgrades European banks including Lloyds and RBS.

Inflation in China eases slightly but high prices, especially for food, remain a concern for the country's population.

Dutch National Railways is introducing emergency plastic bags for passengers to urinate in as part of its first aid provision on some commuter trains.

Ice cream maker Ben and Jerry's announces its support for the Occupy Wall Street protest movement on the firm's company blog.

Singapore cuts its growth forecast for 2011 amid concerns that the global economic recovery may be faltering.

The energy regulator announces plans to increase competition in the market after finding a big increase in profitability for energy companies.

Finance ministers from the G20 are meeting later to continue efforts to find a solution to the debt crisis in the eurozone.

Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi faces a key confidence vote amid questions over his handling of the economy and personal scandals.