ECONOMY

Japan's Nikkei strikes a new 15-year peak while the Shanghai Composite hits a fresh seven-year high.

Rent went up by 4.6% over the last 12 months

China will be largest shareholder in Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, followed by India.

Desert kingdom's oil minister expects an end to crude by about 2050.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics UK showed retail sales jumped 1.2% in April

Firm is looking to 'safely decommission' its power plants.

Report from Citizens Advice Bureau shows that 16% of privately rented homes are not safe

Richest 10% of OECD population earn 9.6 times the income of the poorest 10%.

Warm weather and favourable consumer prices caused a 4.7% jump in sales volume.

But the Shanghai Composite advanced on hopes of higher policy support from Beijing.

European Union risks pricing itself out of global economy with excessive regulation, says chancellor

Markit flash Japan manufacturing PMI rose to 50.9 in May from 49.9 in April, while China PMI rose to 49.1 from 48.9 in April.

Business welcomes move, but unions attack slashing of public investment.

Confederation of British Industry: 'No credible alternative to EU membership'.

China wants to expedite the development of fibre optic broadband and high speed 4G mobile networks.

Chicago Federal Reserve president Charles Evans says the US central bank should not hike rates until early 2016.

Japan says country's economy expanded at its fastest pace in a year in January-March.

Asian bourses outside Hong Kong and Sydney gain on upbeat Japanese growth figures.

Recent rally in oil prices would force producers to drill, adding to existing glut, says Goldman Sachs analysts.

CBI president Sir Mike Rake says the cost of leaving will harm Britain's place in the world.

FTSE 100 finished day up 26.23 at 6,995.10 after breaching the 7,000 mark in early trading.

Airports Commission chair Sir Howard Davies to submit report on expansion by the end of the summer.

The Greek government and the EU could be nearing a settlement.

A rise in Harry Potter sales helped publisher Bloomsbury achieve a slight increase in revenue with a new edition of the JK Rowling books with covers by illustrator Jonny Duddle.

Governor Mark Carney said public have until 19 July to nominate their favourite visual artist.

Experts don't expect deflation to continue for a prolonged period.

HSBC is offering first sub-1% mortgage with an initial rate of 0.99% on its two-year discount special mortgage.

March saw house prices rise by 1.1%

UK inflation is calculated by measuring the price of a "basket" of goods and services. The contents are updated annually to keep up with consumer habits and tastes.