ECONOMY

Crude oil prices have dropped some 50% since their peak in June: their steepest fall since the 2008 financial crisis.

Carlos Ghosn described the Russian currency as a 'bloodbath'.

Cracks appear in customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan ahead of closer integration.

Canadian inflation rate fell more than expected in November.

Putin's speech has done little to allay fears about the economy's impending collapse.

Russia's ruble reached an all-time-low of 80 against the dollar on Tuesday but has since recovered.

Ed Davey described it as 'fantastic news for bill-payers and businesses'.

Syria's civil war has left more than 12 million people displaced.

Report commissioned by World Bank found that sexual orientation seemingly affects job access, satisfaction, earning prospects and interaction.

Surplus narrows from September's record high.

The number of concerned over geopolitical risks up 5 times to 79%.

Oil price direction is anybody's guess and Russia's currency and economy lies in tatters.

Revision adds output almost equal to Malaysian economy for 2013.

GfK consumer confidence index drops to eight-month low impacting the pound.

Monthly rents across England & Wales drop to £768.

Russia's economy is resilient and we will survive this downturn.

A new poll shows that despite economic crisis, Putin is more popular than ever.

Firms across the continent plan to stop hiring new workers.

US moves to normalise relations with Cuba after more than 50 years of trade embargo

Lukashenko demands that Belarus settles trade in dollars or euro.

Stock markets across the Gulf rallied on Thursday after oil prices steadied.

European Union measures stop cruise ships docking at Crimean ports.

Scotland was promised devolution max in the event of voting to stay part of the UK in the independence referendum.

Three-month rate at which banks lend to each other hits 28.3%.

Russia facing 2015 recession as oil slump set to extend beyond year.

Analysts say oil price of $65 a barrel in 2015 will trigger the biggest drop in project finance in decades.

Indonesia's growth rate will average above 5% in 2015, inflation will ease to target band.

The vintage American automobiles in Havana are one of the most visible signs of the trade embargo.

Ruble has failed to respond to Putin's national address.