Elections

Markets upbeat as Japan announces fresh stimulus measures while Chinese economic outlook remains strong.

Japan's 10.3trn yen stimulus package intends to boost business investments and infrastructure development.

Bunga-bunga accused says judges hounding him after huge payout in Veronica Lario divorce.

Mayan soothsayers may have got it wrong but constitutional forecasters may have a better time, says Henry Hill.

With 2013 Academy Award nominations imminent, Argo, Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty are frontrunners.

Right-wing Bayit Yehudi says ultra-orthodox Torah scholars should be allowed to miss national service.

Japanese exports drop as Yen breaks recent weak run against the Dollar.

Italy's former PM Silvio Berlusconi will serve as economy minister if coalition with Northern League wins elections.

Figurehead of right-wing group pleads guilty to possession of false identity document.

Second sentence in two days for opposition activists in Gulf Arab state.

US economic concerns return after Fed's meeting minutes and further political wrangling indications.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro rules out opposition calls for re-election.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu under threat from outsider Naftali Bennett and Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) party, according to poll.

Nicolas Maduro and Diosdado Cabello favourites to take over if Venezuelan president health worsens.

Italy’s PM Mario Monti has launched his political formation: Monti’s Agenda for Italy.

Most of the Asian bourses post annual gains as the year 2012 comes to a close.

Government to redraft bill and submit it again to raise tax rate.

Move follows UN ordering non-essential staff out over fears Seleka Coalition about to take CAR’s capital.

Charity minister urges elderly who do not need public money to heat homes to give it to good causes instead.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Pussy Riot, Bashar al-Assad and Francesco Schettino among the 12 people who made the headlines in 2012.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to announce formal entry into active politics.

Abe says he will form stable government with seasoned hands in his cabinet.

Asian markets gain as traders remain upbeat on yen's weakness against dollar and euro.

Unofficial tally of referendum votes gives 64 percent Yes vote for draft constitution but opposition cries foul.

Former Italian prime minister says current prime minister 'has never been in the trenches of work' and has 'already made too many mistakes'.

Outcome considered a big victory for Islamists and a setback to liberal groups advocating a secular society.

Thousands of security forces on standby as clashes break out.

Asian stocks remain volatile as US budget concerns weigh on investor sentiments

The central bank has extended its asset purchase programme by £73bn with a view to keep its borrowing costs down.

Stocks edge lower in the opening minutes of trade as renewed concerns on US budget negotiations dampened sentiments.