Obama says US economy 'very sick'
US President-elect Barack Obama says that America's economy is very sick and that the situation is worsening.
Steep sales drop for US carmakers
US carmakers report sharp falls in their sales in December as the economic slowdown drives customers away from showrooms.
Congress launches Madoff inquiry
US Congress begins inquiry into a suspected $50bn (£32bn) fraud allegedly run by the hedge fund manager, Bernard Madoff.
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.
Russia to cut Ukraine gas supply
Russia's Vladimir Putin tells Gazprom to reduce gas sent via Ukraine to Europe over allegations Kiev is siphoning some off.
Wedgwood goes into administration
A number of firms owned by Waterford Wedgwood enter administration, as the parent firm appoints a receiver.
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.
Asian shares start 2009 strongly
Stock markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong have a strong start to 2009 on hopes of fresh stimulus packages.
China factory output dips further
China's manufacturing output falls for a third consecutive month as the economic slowdown continued to hit its economy.
Japanese vehicle 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.
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.
New Royal Mail stamps celebrate iconic British designs
Classic 20th century designs including Concorde, the telephone kiosk and mini skirt are in the Royal Mail's next special stamp set.
Guidelines for financial journalists
Vintage vinyl
The 7 inch single is still making music after 60 years
Cracking up
How Waterford Wedgwood ran out of steam
Robert Peston
No news from big companies is good news
In pictures
Celebrating ten years since the birth of the euro
Energy enigma
What's behind Russia's decision to cut gas to Ukraine?
Cheer up
Entrepreneur Sir David Tang on the risks of pessimism
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.
Firms urged 'try to keep staff'
Redundancies should be a last resort when firms look to cut costs during the recession, the CIPD says.
Final Woolworths stores to close
The final closure of the remaining 200 Woolworths stores is due to take place, the retailer's administrator says.
Adams shuts down 111 of its shops
Adams Childrenswear closes 111 of its 271 stores in the UK, five days after calling in the administrators.
Cocoa prices hit a 23-year-high
London cocoa futures hit a 23-year-high as it proves to be the most lucrative commodity in 2008.
WTO scraps plan for trade talks
World Trade Organization chief Pascal Lamy says there is not enough consensus to resume world trade talks this year.
Fresh fall in US factory output
US manufacturing activity fell in December to a fresh 28-year low, latest data suggests.
US offers $6bn bail-out for GMAC
The US Treasury unveils a $6bn rescue package for GMAC, General Motors' troubled car loan arm.
Tokyo shares end 2008 42% lower
Japan's stock market had its worst year on record in 2008, with the Nikkei share index losing 42% of its value.
Toyota sales plunge in November
Toyota reports a 21.8% fall in gloabl vehicle sales in November, its worst decline since it began tracking such data.
Austria to run Madoff-hit bank
Austria takes control of Bank Medici after the private bank was hit by the Bernard Madoff investment scandal.
Belarus to get $2.5bn IMF loan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves a $2.5bn loan to Belarus to help it cope with the financial downturn.
Oil rises on Middle East tensions
Crude oil prices rise on concerns Israel's attacks on Hamas could threaten supplies from the Middle East.
Oil falls back below $39 a barrel
More bad economic news from the US on Tuesday sends oil prices falling back below $39 a barrel.
India unveils economic boost plan
Indian authorities unveil a fresh economic stimulus package, including another cut in the country's main interest rate.
Tata 'to inject cash into Jaguar'
Tata Motors, owner of Jaguar Land Rover, will inject "tens of millions" of pounds into the troubled firm, says the FT.