Crude futures hit fresh five-year lows

Traders seemed hell-bent on Monday on testing how low they could push crude futures ahead of the year-end.

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.

ECB announces decision to publish meeting minutes

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Thursday its decision to begin publishing minutes for its monetary policy meetings.

Swiss National Bank surprises with negative interest rate

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) surprised on Thursday with imposing a negative interest rate of 0. 25%.

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.

Market overview: US current account deficit widens

1425: The US current account deficit widened to $100. 3bn in the third quarter from $98. 4bn, more than the forecast of $97. 5bn.

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

UK consumer prices slowed much more than expected in November

Consumer price inflation in the UK slowed by much more than expected in November.

Iran lowers price on shipments to Asia, sending Brent lower

Brent crude has fallen below $60 a barrel for the first time since July 2009 amid reports Iran has lowered its January prices for oil shipments to Asia.

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.

Live: Suspected Islamic gunman takes hostages at Lindt Cafe in Sydney

Rolling coverage of hostage situation in Sydney where a gunman suspected of being Islamic is holding between 10 and 30 people at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe.

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

UK airspace now open but air traffic is restricted after computer failure

London airspace reopened but air traffic was restricted after a computer failure at the air traffic control centre in Swanwick, according to National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

IEA cuts global oil demand forecast for the fourth time in five months

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cut global oil demand forecast for the fourth time in the last five months.