UKRAINE CRISIS

Moscow will pay price with 1.8% contraction in economy if it fails to ease Ukraine-Crimea crisis

More than six in ten businesses based in Russia said they have no plans to reduce staff numbers.

Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev calls international negotiations after sanctions placed following Crimean referendum

Brent futures down 1.2% for week while US crude gains 0.6%.

Analysts expect gold to log a little more weakness before it bounces back.

US and EU sanctions target wealthy Russians close to President Vladimir Putin.

Obama says US support for Nato allies unwavering after Moscow voices 'concern' over Russians in Estonia

Washington ramps up punitive measures as ambassador warns of further incursions by Russia

Kremlin publishes English translation of Russian president's speech on Crimea

Watch dramatic footage of Igor Miroshcichenko and five cohorts manhandling Panteleymonov in his office

Yanukovich supporter Aleksandr Panteleymonov beaten and forced to sign resignation letter by ultra-nationalists

Second storming of Crimean base by pro-Russian forces follows killing of Ukrainian serviceman

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov tells US Secretary of State John Kerry sanctions are 'absolutely unacceptable'

Defence ministry says raid on Simferopol naval base by Russian-uniformed men changes game

Funeral of Crimean Tatar found abducted in Simferopol held in Crimea's regional capital

Prime minister will press for further punitive action at EU summit.

Micex shares rise as initial sanctions against Moscow do not target businesses.

AKA Dmitry Firtash says his Vienna arrest was 'without foundation'

Sanctions to hit Russian M&A activity typically brokered by advisors in London.

Traders await US Federal Reserve's 19 March monetary policy decision.

Production rises 0.8% in February, the highest increase since August 2013.