JAPAN

The BoJ relents to government demands and resorts to US Federal Reserve-style asset purchase plans.

Bank of Japan adopts 2% inflation target and open ended asset purchase programme to stimulate economic growth.

Executions, daring escapes and hiding under beds among harrowing stories to emerge from hostage crisis.

US markets closed for Martin Luther King holiday keep traders on the sidelines as investors await Bank of Japan policy decision.

Outoing US Secretary of State angers Beijing by reaffirming Washington's commitment to Tokyo's territorial integrity.

Sony's Xperia range has been expanded with the 10.1 Tablet Z, the world's thinnest and lightest 10in tablet.

Markets positive as US debt ceiling fears ease after Republicans propose 3-month extension to borrowing limit.

Boeing partners will cooperate with investigation over onboard lithium-ion battery fire.

Chinese stocks extend gains on the strong GDP figures, but Japanese traders remain cautious on the central bank meet.

Boeing plans to suspend 787 deliveries as safety inspections are yet to conclude.

On 16 December 2012 with voter turnout at just over 59 per cent, the lowest since the Second World War, the opposition Liberal Democratic Party trounced Yoshihiko Noda's Democratic Party of Japan to win the most seats in the House of Representatives, the Lower House in the National Diet, and so return to their usual dominance as Japan's ruling party - and probably a dominance more conservative than ever under the strongly right-wing Shinzo Abe!

Maria Sharapova continued her sublime form at the Australian Open by beating Venus Williams 6-1, 6-3 to reach the fourth round.

Sentiments upbeat as Chinese GDP growth boosts global economic optimism.

Bank of Japan may consider open ended purchase of government and other assets in a bid to raise inflation levels to 2 percent, according to a report.

Nearly 30 foreign hostages and 11 al-Qaida militants killed in Algerian army operation while scores escape.

Traders upbeat as Chinese economy beats expectations and yen extends its weak run.

David Cameron protests that Algiers gave no notice of military operation to free In Amenas captives.

Row over disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku archipelago in East China Sea flares up again.

Both Murray and Williams won their games in straight sets on day four.

US decision to suspend super-jumbo prompts Europe, Japan and India to follow suit.

Investor sentiments pick up as yen resumes its weak outlook against dollar ahead of Bank of Japan's policy meet early next week.