More than 24 million people will gain by an average of £50 owing to changes to tax thresholds - but others will lose out, Budget documents show.

Shares in Oracle, the US software firm, fall sharply after it reported a fall in sales and earnings.

Japan posts a trade deficit for the eighth straight month, underlining the challenge the new government faces in spurring on the country's economy.

South Korean officials say unidentified hackers used a Chinese IP address to launch a massive cyber attack on banks and media firms on Wednesday.

Manufacturing activity in China picks up speed in March, an initial HSBC survey indicates, adding to hopes of a sustained recovery in its economy.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls calls on George Osborne to make a swift "U-turn" on the economy, after growth forecasts were slashed in the Budget.

YouTube, the video sharing site owned by Google, has announced it has passed one billion regular users.

Retailer Next says that trading in recent weeks has been "quiet", worrying investors and sending its shares lower.