A British Chambers of Commerce survey finds that smaller firms are still struggling, with the director-general saying that "growth cannot wait".

Microsoft takes a $6.2bn write-down on the value of online advertising agency aQuantive, bought five years ago for $6.3bn.

Micron Technologies agrees a deal to buy embattled Japanese chipmaker Elpida in a deal worth 200bn yen ($2.5bn; £1.6bn).

China's services sector, which includes construction, picks up pace in June, helping allay fears of a sharp slowdown in its economy.

Labour steps up its attack on government plans for a cross-party parliamentary inquiry into the banking sector following the Barclays rate-rigging row.

Barclays boss Bob Diamond resigns after a rate-rigging scandal that has sparked a government inquiry and prompted calls for criminal investigations.

Australian regulators launch an investigation into the mysterious withdrawn offer for the department store chain, David Jones.

The US leads the world in innovative building and infrastructure projects, according to a list compiled by KPMG.