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Euro inflation hits two-year low
Inflation in the eurozone falls more than expected to 1.6% in December, which is the lowest level for 26 months.
Sales fall at Next and Debenhams
Next and Debenhams see sales fall over the Christmas period, as a survey puts UK consumer confidence at a new low.
European gas supplies disrupted
Several EU countries report major disruption to their gas supplies from Russia as Moscow accuses Ukraine of shutting pipelines.
Venezuela suspends US fuel aid
Venezuela's US-based oil subsidiary is halting a programme to provide cheap heating oil to low-income communities in the US.
Areva wins Niger uranium licence
French nuclear energy group Areva is awarded a licence to build and operate a uranium mine in Niger.
Aer Lingus cool on Ryanair offer
Shareholders in Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus show little appetite for a Ryanair takeover.
Robert Peston
Sterling's fall is next challenge for UK High Street
Porsche takes majority VW stake
German luxury carmaker Porsche announces that it now holds more than 50% of Volkswagen's shares.
House prices 'fell 15.9% in 2008'
House prices fell by 15.9% last year, according to the latest survey by the Nationwide building society.
Toyota shuts plants for 11 days
Toyota announces that it is to halt production at its domestic plants for 11 days in February and March.
India truck strike over fuel cost
Millions of trucks in India are off the roads in an indefinite strike, with operators demanding a lowering of diesel prices.
Madoff's million-dollar mailings prompt court outrage
US prosecutors call for Bernard Madoff to be put in prison until his trial after it emerges he sent jewellery and watches to friends and family.
Obama says US economy 'sick'
US President-elect Barack Obama says that America's economy is very sick and that the situation is worsening.
Fans' reaction
Apple boss Steve Jobs's health hot topic at Macworld
Wonder years
A BBC journalist remembers his first job - at Woolworths
Final Woolworths stores to close
The final closure of the remaining 200 Woolworths stores is due to take place, the retailer's administrator says.
Cracking up
How Waterford Wedgwood ran out of steam
Seaside mission
Grand but faded, Blackpool strives to revive its fortunes
French TV ditches prime-time ads
State-run French TV stations stop showing ads in prime time as part of President Sarkozy's plans to reform public broadcasting.
UK short-selling ban to be lifted
A ban on the short-selling of financial shares is to be lifted, the UK's financial regulator confirms.
Cameron in savings tax pledge
David Cameron proposes to axe tax on basic rate taxpayers' savings and to increase pensioners' tax free allowances.
Congress launches Madoff inquiry
The US Congress begins an inquiry into a suspected $50bn (£32bn) fraud allegedly run by the American hedge fund manager, Bernard Madoff.
Wedgwood in administration
A number of firms owned by Waterford Wedgwood enter administration, as the parent firm appoints a receiver.
US car sales in steep drop
US carmakers report sharp falls in their sales in December as the economic slowdown drives customers away from showrooms.
Caterpillar stops for four weeks
Construction industry firm Caterpillar will stop production in Leicestershire for four weeks due to a drop in orders.
Thatcher pays tribute to Walters
Lady Thatcher leads tributes to her "fearless" economics adviser Sir Alan Walters, who has died aged 82.
Gas price cuts 'likely in spring'
Scottish Power raises hopes that energy bills will fall after it cut prices - with rivals expected to follow suit.
Adams shuts 111 of its shops
Adams Childrenswear closes 111 of its 271 stores in the UK, five days after calling in the administrators.
Apple's Jobs admits poor health
Steve Jobs, head of Apple, has disclosed in a statement that he is being treated for a hormone imbalance.
Perfume seller in administration
Retailer Passion for Perfume becomes the latest high street victim of the economic slowdown.
EU plays down impact of gas row
Russia and Ukraine's row over gas has not had a major knock-on effect to European supplies, the EU says.
Mortgage rationing gets tougher
Mortgage lenders are continuing to demand larger deposits as they ration home loans to their customers.
Japanese car sales plunge 22%
Vehicle sales in Japan fell 22% in December compared with the same month in 2007, making it the worst December on record.
BBC acts over light-skinned doll
The BBC is to replace a doll based on a character from CBeebies show In the Night Garden after complaints it is too light-skinned.
Oil price rises on Gaza conflict
Oil rises briefly above $48 a barrel on fears of heightened Middle East tension after Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.
State mortgage help widened
The government extends state help for people struggling to make mortgage payments after losing their jobs.
Vintage vinyl
The 7 inch single is still making music after 60 years
Firms urged 'try to keep staff'
Redundancies should be a last resort when firms look to cut costs during the recession, the CIPD says.
Government mulls help for banks
The government says it is exploring how to getting UK banks to increase lending to businesses and households.
Holidays affected by weak pound
The weak pound is likely to affect the choice of 2009 holiday destination according to travel agents and tour operators' body.
Nationwide ends tracker rate cuts
The Nationwide says it will not pass on any further cuts in UK interest rates to most of its tracker mortgage customers
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