The downturn in the 17 economies that share the euro eased slightly in December, according to a closely watched survey.

US producer prices rose by more than expected in November, after having fallen in October, official data shows.

Heirs of the founder of the French car company Renault demand in court compensation for the nationalisation of the firm after World War II.

The merger of two major Latin American airlines is approved, creating the largest carrier in the region, LATAM.

The eurozone is facing a "bleak" winter including a recession in the first half of 2012, according to audit firm Ernst & Young.

Insurer Old Mutual sells its Nordic business to Skandia Liv for $3.2bn as part of a disposal programme.

Japan's scandal-hit camera maker Olympus retains its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange but sees its shares fall sharply again.

Claims that the costs of wind farms and other low-carbon technology will lead to sharp rises in fuel bills are wrong, government advisers say.