The pace of US economic growth quickened to a 2.8% annualised rate in the three months to December, the Commerce Department says.

Greece could reach a deal with its creditors over the weekend, according to the EU's Economic Commissioner, Olli Rehn.

Spain's unemployment figure rose above the five million mark in the last quarter of 2011, official figures show.

Growing inequality should now be the priority for leaders after the economic crisis, senior figures at the World Economic Forum say.

With half the world online by 2016, the web economy in the G20 countries is set to nearly double in size to $4.2tn (£2.7tn), research suggests.

Davos veteran Rick Goings, boss of Tupperware, offers "dos and don'ts" for first-time visitors to the World Economic Forum.

Once again the rich and powerful congregate in the Swiss mountains for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, but does it still have a purpose?

Five eurozone economies, including Italy and Spain, are downgraded by rating agency Fitch, citing financial weakness during the debt crisis.

US carmaker Ford has reported a surge in profits in 2011, fuelled by a one-off payment and strong sales in its home country.

A European Parliament rapporteur has stood down in protest as a controversial anti-piracy agreement is signed by several countries.

BP must cover some but not all of oil rig owner Transocean's liabilities for the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a US judge rules.

Intel is paying $120m (£76m) for RealNetwork's video patents. Experts say it undermines claims that a "patent bubble" has burst.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics announces a 17% rise in profits in the last three months of 2011, as smartphone sales boosted earnings.

Retail sales in Japan rose in December at their fastest pace in more than a year, official figures show, as consumer spending recovers.

A £963,000 bonus in shares awarded to Royal Bank of Scotland boss Stephen Hester is strongly criticised by politicians and unions.

Key talks between Athens and its private creditors resume with "some progress" made towards agreeing a deal to reduce Greek debt.

Mobile phone giant Nokia reports a loss for the final three months of last year, as sales of mobile devices fell sharply.

Orders for durable goods rose 3% in the US in December, according to official figures from the Commerce Department.

US phone network AT&T reports a $6.7bn (£4.3bn) net loss for the three months to the end of December 2011.

US coffee chain Starbucks posts a 10% rise in net profits for the three months to 1 January 2012, benefiting from new stores and new products.

Timothy Geithner says he does not expect to serve a second term as US treasury secretary if President Barack Obama is re-elected.

The US Justice Department files a proposed settlement with India's biggest drugmaker, Ranbaxy Laboratories, in a federal court in Maryland.

US President Barack Obama begins a three-day tour to highlight his economic agenda , visiting five states seen as vital to his re-election bid.

H&M reports a fall in profits as input costs rise and the tough economic environment takes its toll.

Karl Lagerfeld is the latest designer to launch a collection online, taking advantage of growing internet fashion sales.

The European Commission tells Deutsche Post DHL to repay between 500m euros ($648.3m, £415.9m) and 1bn euros in state aid.

The International Monetary Fund warns of a possible 20-30% spike in oil prices if Iranian exports are disrupted.

South Sudan agrees a deal with Kenya to build an pipeline to Lamu, potentially reducing its dependence on its northern neighbour Sudan to export its oil.

EU foreign ministers formally agree to an oil embargo against Iran, as Western powers reinforce their naval presence in the region.

Japanese gaming giant Nintendo announces heavy losses, blaming the strong yen and poor sales of its key 3DS console.

South Korea's Hyundai Motors posts a 38% rise in profits for the fourth quarter, as sales domestically and in key markets surged.

South Korea's economy grew at a slower pace in the fourth quarter of 2011, as the eurozone debt crisis hit exports, the central bank says.

Harry Redknapp told police he has paid "fortunes in income tax" and did not "fiddle anybody", a court hears.

London 2012 organisers take control of the Olympic Village site in a ceremony to mark six months until the Games begin.

Relocating to a new stadium would not necessarily guarantee Lincoln City's long-term future, warns a football finance expert.

The world’s first hybrid-powered ferry fleet in Hong Kong is a proving ground for technology that could transform the future of marine travel

Shopper in the Gulf states love their giant shopping malls - but could online shopping start to make a dent in their popularity?

Self-publishing is often looked down upon by literary traditionalists, but with more authors prepared to go it alone, is that set to change?

Halifax and Bank of Scotland charity credit cards which have helped to raise millions of pounds will be withdrawn, Lloyds Banking Group announces

Model train and Scalextric maker Hornby issues a profits warning after sales of its train and slot-car racing sets were hit in the run up to Christmas.

The pubs chain and brewer Marston's reports "strong" trading over the Christmas period, with higher sales of food and drink.

Firms face raids and fines of up to £500,000 for sending unsolicited text messages about credit or compensation.

Payday lenders and other providers of short-term credit will face much tougher regulation when a new watchdog starts work.

The Italian firm that owns the stricken cruise ship Costa Concordia reaches an agreement on compensation with several Italian consumer groups.

Speaking from Davos, financier George Soros has warned that Europe is likely to face a "lost decade" and is concerned that the EU may be destroyed by austerity measures.

Dame Ellen MacArthur is in Davos to promote a new sustainable approach for the economy.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has again stressed the need for European governments to prioritise growth as talks on the region's debt crisis continue.

The US Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner has stressed the importance of new legislation and fiscal reform to stimulate growth in the American economy.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics has announced a 17% rise in profits in the last three months of 2011, as smartphone sales boosted earnings.

Many are struggling to pay their bills but the philosopher Alain De Botton reckons the British should be encouraged to think this is a good idea, by rebranding it as charity.

The Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, has told industrial leaders they have a social and moral duty to innovate in the drive to turn around the global financial crisis.

Cuba is to begin exploratory drilling in search of oil - this weekend a rig will begin drilling for oil just 100 kilometres from Florida.

'Gambling' with some of the world's top investors

Is Pakistan's economy in danger of potential collapse?

Keeping systems safe from attack

Davos comes to terms with a new global power

Does a financial crisis pose danger or opportunity?

How do you start your own swimsuit company?

The Chinese New Year is an opportunity for China to rebrand