The US Senate blocks the Buffett Rule, President Barack Obama's proposal to raise tax rates for top earners to at least 30%.

Egypt strongly criticises the UK for "not helping enough" with the recovery of £85m of Egyptian assets frozen since last year's uprising.

The Sunday Times releases details of the 2012 rich list, with stars like Adele, Daniel Radcliffe and Jessie J all increasing their fortunes.

China increases its holding of US debt for the second month in a row as its foreign exchange reserves continue to rise.

The World Bank's new president, Jim Yong Kim, says that capitalist market-based growth is a priority for all countries.

Japan to give the International Monetary Fund $60bn (£38bn) in loans to ease the problems caused by the European debt crisis.

India's central bank cuts interest rates for the first time in three years to 8% as it shifts focus to growth from inflation.

Digger firm JCB reveals the best financial results in its 66-year history, with a £2.75bn turnover for 2011.