Confidence among UK businesses hit its lowest level in at least 21 years last month, a survey suggests, renewing recession fears.

Home loan approvals in Australia decline for a third straight month despite moves by the central bank to lower the cost of borrowing.

The French consumer, agriculture and food ministers are to hold emergency talks with key players in the meat industry as the horsemeat scandal widens.

Technology giants Apple, Microsoft and Adobe are called by the Australian parliament to appear before a committee looking at pricing levels.

The Scottish economy gained momentum at the start of the year, according to a survey of purchasing managers.

A "free shop" which gives goods away for nothing could potentially help boost the local economy, a psychologist claims.

Barclays bank misled shareholders and the public about one of the biggest investments in the bank's history, a BBC investigation finds.

France is set to voice concerns about the strength of the euro at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers later.