Consumer confidence in the United States increased for the second month in a row in December, according to figures compiled by Nielsen.

Unemployment in the UK is to keep rising in 2012 and peak in 2013, according to a report by think tank the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Shares of Tokyo Electric Power Company fall on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on fears the utility provider may be nationalised.

China Mengniu Dairy Company says it has destroyed a batch of its milk after it found traces of cancer-causing substance in it.

Chinese workers at a LG group factory in the eastern part of the country have gone on strike on a dispute over year end bonuses.

Japan's industrial production falls in November, pulled down by a strong yen, weak global demand, and flooding in Thailand.

Tens of thousands of people who were flooded in 2007 may find it impossible to get cover for their homes and businesses unless the government and insurers reach a new agreement.

Big Society projects are to receive £3.1m in funding from dormant bank accounts, the government announces.