Parts of the credit industry are "opaque and poorly regulated" and require swift action from the government, MPs say.

The amount of money lost due to fraud on credit and debit cards fell last year by 7% to £341m - its lowest level for 11 years.

Australia's economy expands by less than expected in the fourth quarter of 2011, sending the dollar to a six-week low.

The US drags India to the World Trade Organization challenging Delhi's ban on imports of American poultry goods.

Tokyo prosecutors charge Japanese camera-maker Olympus and three former executives in connection with a $1.7bn accounting scandal.

Insurance group Admiral announces record pre-tax profits for 2011 of nearly £300m, an increase of 13%.

Sportswear firm Adidas unveils its best-ever annual profits, as hopes rise this year's Olympics will help it break more records.

Former Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive Sir George Mathewson says plans to break up the bank are "totally inappropriate".