ECONOMY

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's budget comes just 24 hours before a key audit of Spain's banking sector as investors grapple with myriad issues in Europe's fourth-largest economy.

France's labour ministry says the number of unemployed people in the country has reached three million and there are few hopeful signs.

Protesters say people are already reeling under hikes and cuts introduced in July.

Spain's biggest and richest region will test appetite for independence from Madrid as Prime Minister Rajoy struggles to maintain national unity

Business Secretary Vince Cable and Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander outlined coalition government and Lib Dem economic and business policy

According to figures supplied by the Montreal-based Airports Council International, in 2011 London Heathrow Airport advanced one peg in the world passenger rankings to No 3 - beating Chicago O'Hare International - with a total throughput of over 69.4 million, an increase over the previous year of 5.4 per cent. Plane movements averaged 1,305 per day, affecting, if some critics of Britain's only true hub airport's expansion plans are to be believed, some two million people!

Experts give evidence at parliamentary commission on banking standards joint select committee.

Third major austerity protest in a week highlights political challenge to Europe's economic reforms.

Temasek is not actively pursuing buyers for £6bn stake in the emerging markets-focused bank, a source tells IBTimes UK.

The 24-hour nationwide strike is likely to bring normal life to a halt as almost all sections of society have thrown in their lot with the unions.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces his toughest week in government as protests highlight unease over steepest austerity measures in modern Spanish history.

Having been battered by dreary macroeconomic environment, Christmas trading period more important than ever for British retailers

Ratings firm's "New Recession in the Eurozone" report paints "bleak picture" for single currency area.

British Banking Association data shows more first time buyers entering housing market in August

DMGT said results will meet market expectations with boost from solid business-to-business performance and London 2012

EU lawmakers hear case for major changes as UK's FSA prepares recommendations for biggest reforms in decades.

Singapore investment fund is judging buyer interest for its stake in emerging markets bank Standard Chartered following money laundering scandal.

Financier Nicholas Levene warned that he faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting £32 million ponzi scheme.

Plans to increase Europe's permanent bailout fund with some of the same techniques that created the original crisis appear doomed from the beginning.

The ten most educated countries in the world, according to data released by OECD, were also those with lowest unemployment levels during times of recession

Mario Draghi's bond buying programme has bought time but business leaders in Europe's biggest economy seem to question whether it will be used effectively.

Thousands of jobs in high street sportswear retailer JJB are at risk as the business fails to secure a buyer

Apple iPhone's major supplier Foxconn hit by workers' riots triggered by personal rivalry.

Indonesia-based coal miner founded by Nathaniel Rothschild starts urgent investigation into development funds at coal exporter

Move designed to help SMEs unable to secure credit from existing lenders.

China makes strategic investments in Afghan mineral resources, copper mines and oil exploration and extraction.

Tax affairs of rich footballers, media personalities and other wealthy people to come under closer scrutiny.

European giants Tesco and Carrefour also expected to follow Walmart's decision to set up shop in India.

The final review of Greece's staggering finances will be published in November as Obama Administration asks for "no surprises" from EU officials before presidential vote.