IAG makes takeover bid for Aer Lingus which has been rejected

US initial jobless claims come in less than forecast at 289,000

US jobless claims decreased by 6,000 to 289,000 in the week ended 13 December, the fewest since early November, the Labor Department said.

Fed likely to maintain low rates for a considerable time

Following its meeting on Wednesday the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has said that it can be patient in beginning to normalise the stance of its monetary policy.

Greece fails to elect a new president in the first round of voting

The first attempt by Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to elect a new head of state has failed, after he was unable to gather enough support from lawmakers.

US inflation slows more than expected to 1.3% in November

US inflation slowed to 1. 3% year-on-year in November from 1. 7% a month earlier, more than the 1. 4% expected by analysts.

UK unemployment falls by 63,000 as earnings growth picks up

The number of unemployed people in the UK declined by 63,000 between August and October to 1. 96m, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday.

Two members of BoE voted for policy change at 4 December meeting, minutes show

Russia hikes rates to stem rout in Rouble

Overnight Russia’s central bank hiked short-term interest rates in a bid to stem a rout in the country’s currency.

Oil prices rise amid stifled Libyan export capacity

Oil prices made a modest come back on Monday as armed clashes in Libya during the weekend disrupted about half of the country’s crude export capacity.

Police charge six men with terror and fraud offences

Six men have been charged with terror and fraud offences, Scotland Yard has said.

Exit polls predict Japan PM Abe's coalition to win majority in 475-seat Lower House

ECB under pressure after poor TLTRO take up

The European Central Bank's (ECB) so-called targeted long-term refinancing operations (TLTROs) fell slightly short of consensus on Thursday, increasing the pressure for the Eurozone monetary authority to take additional action at its next policy meeting.

US President Barack Obama names Ashton Carter his new defense secretary

The US President has officially nominated long-serving Pentagon official Ashton Carter to be the next secretary of defense.

ECB keeps interest rates and deposit facility unchanged, as expected

The European Central Bank (ECB) decided to keep interest rates and the deposit facility rate at 0. 05% and -0. 20%, respectively, as predicted by analysts.

BoE keeps interest rates at 0.5% and asset purchases at £375bn, as expected

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has announced it will maintain interest rates at 0. 5%.

UK house prices slowed by less than expected in November, Halifax says

UK house price growth slowed by less than expected in November, mortgage lender Halifax said on Thursday.

UK growth forecast revised higher for next year, according to Autumn Statement

In his opening remarks the Chancellor has indicated that he will tighten the public finances, as expected, in what some economists believe will be a ‘last push’ on fiscal consolidation in the UK.

Osborne says deficit has been cut in half in Autumn Statement

Britain is predicted to have a surplus of £23bn by 2019-20, Autumn Statement reveals

In his opening remarks the Chancellor has indicated that he will tighten the public finances, as expected, in what some economists believe will be a ‘last push’ on fiscal consolidation in the UK.

UK services PMI charges past forecasts, Markit reveals

UK services activity grew more than forecast in November, Markit has revealed in its purchasing managers' index (PMI) report.