BP is set to face civil proceedings over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which killed 11 men and caused one of the worst oil spills in history.

Investment in the North Sea is the highest for 30 years and rising, according to a report by an oil and gas trade body.

Japanese shares rise and the yen weakens on reports that Haruhiko Kuroda is likely to be nominated as the next Bank of Japan governor.

European Union agriculture ministers are to meet in Brussels, with the continent's growing horsemeat scandal high on the agenda.

The value of sterling falls during currency trading in Asia, with further falls expected when European markets open.

Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) cancels all Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights until at least the end of May, in the latest blow to Boeing.

Associated British Foods says its half-year results will beat expectations thanks to an "outstanding performance" at its clothing chain Primark.

Poor weather in January curtailed mortgage approvals while borrowers continued to play safe on loans and overdrafts, the major banks say.