Trade data from China, the world's second largest economy, came in well below expectations on Monday, heightening fears of a sharper slowdown.

An income squeeze, benefit delays and high utility bills are blamed by a cross-party committee of MPs for a rise in hunger in the UK.

Price comparison website GoCompare is bought by the insurance company Esure in a deal worth £95m.

Sainsbury's shares rise following a report that an investment fund is in talks about taking a stake in the firm, which could lead to a takeover bid.

Northern Ireland's Attorney General accuses Bank of Scotland of "criminal fraud" over its treatment of homeowners who fell behind on their mortgage payments.

Transport services in Belgium have been severely disrupted by strikes protesting against government austerity measures.

A former associate of Bernie Madoff is sentenced to 10 years in jail for aiding the disgraced Wall Street financier in his $65bn fraud scheme.

Australian banks need to hold more capital to survive any future financial crises, a report by former bank chief David Murray says.