Manufacturing activity in China expands for the third month in a row, adding to hopes of a rebound in the world's second-largest economy.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index ends the year nearly 6% higher, having fallen by 5.6% during 2011.

Singapore's economy averts a recession, as it reported better-than-expected growth data for the fourth quarter.

US President Barack Obama hails a deal reached to stave off a looming "fiscal cliff" as "just one step in the broader effort to strengthen the economy".

Asian markets rise after the US House of Representatives passes a deal to stave off the fiscal cliff.

As Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of advertising group WPP, moves his HQ back to London, his comments could reignite the corporation tax row

The Portuguese president says that he will send this year's controversial budget to the Constitutional Court to examine its fairness.

France's President Francois Hollande says he still plans to raise the top rate of income tax after his 75% plan was struck down on technical grounds.