From 2014 most big financial firms will be required to set a target for the number of women on the board of directors.

Japan's economy expands at a slower pace than most analysts expected in the second quarter.

New Zealand's prime minister launches a ministerial-level inquiry into a botulism scare at dairy giant Fonterra.

Labour shadow immigration minister Chris Bryant is embroiled in a row with two of the UK's biggest retailers over claims they have favoured foreign workers.

The whole of the country must "get behind fracking", which deserves "real public support" once its benefits are explained, says David Cameron.

The value of art exports leaving the UK surged by a third over the past year to hit its highest level since the height of the financial crisis in 2008.

Thames Water asks industry regulator Ofwat for permission to increase bills to cover bad debts and increased infrastructure costs.

Insurer Prudential says it has seen profits rise in the past six months, driven by a strong performance in Asia.