Canadian dollar falls to five-year low on weak jobs data for November
Canada's dollar fell to five-year low as economy recorded falling employment in November.
US trade gap narrows in October as exports increase
Latest data show trade deficit fell by 0.4% to $43.4bn in October.
Moscow urges Kiev to speak directly to pro-Russian rebels
Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov criticises France over warship delivery delays.
Ukraine's currency reserves crumble to lowest level since 2005
Ukraine's hrynvia currency has lost 46% of its value against the dollar in 2014 amid recession.
Vladimir Putin accuses West of meddling and urges Russians to stick together as recession brews
Russian president strikes defiant tone in annual address to nation that will worry investors.
Rwanda criticises drop in corruption league score as bid to speed up economic growth continues
Finance minister says increased regional integration would accelerate growth despite Corruption Perception Index ranking.
Brent hangs on around $70 as US stocks fall
The price of Brent crude has fallen by around 40% since June as global supplies increased.
Israel urges EU to back Cyprus gas pipeline
Pipeline could be the world's longest if completed and could cost around $10bn.
US chip giant Intel set for $1.6bn China investment
US company's performance in marked contrast to that of its rivals such as Qualcomm.
Jerusalem Tensions Could Derail Jordan-Israel Gas Deal
Jordan and Israel sign memorandum of understanding over natural gas deal in September
Oil Set For First Weekly Gain Since September After China Interest Rate Cut
Crude futures gained after the Bank of China announced the decision
Russia Considers Cutting Oil Production in Bid to Boost Flagging Economy
Moscow will push Opec members to reduce supply in bid to boost oil prices.
Boko Haram Massacre 45 Villagers in Borno State
Militants said to have rampaged through Ayaza Kura village, looting and killing indiscriminately.
Russia's Second Oil Firm Lukoil Set For Nigeria Investment With Chevron
Russia's second-biggest oil company has expanded investment overseas in recent months.
Ukraine: US Won't Risk Russian Weapon Escalation but Sends Non-Lethal Aid to Poroshenko Government
Washington will send Humvees and mortar detection radars as Vice President Joe Biden visits Ukraine.
China Needs to Improve its Crisis Management, States Defence Chief
China's defence minister Chang Wanquan said the region must deal with territorial disputes better.
Russia Warns US Over Arming Ukraine
US vice-president Joe Biden to visit capital Kiev to discuss whether supplying arms to Ukraine will encourage Russia to stand down in the region
Shell Sells Off More Nigeria Oil Operations
Royal Dutch Shell sells 30% stake in Niger Delta field for $600m.
Isis Kingpin Killed in US-Led Air Strike on Mosul
Radwan Taleb al-Hamdouni was killed in an air strike late on Wednesday afternoon in northern Iraq.
Amnesty Report: Syrian Refugees Killed by Border Guards as Turkey Feels Strain
Syrian refugees have been shot and killed by Turkish border guards as Ankara feels the strain.
Russia's Second Bank VTB Reports 98% Profit Fall as Economic Crisis Bites
The sanctions-hit, state controlled lender has asked for 250bn roubles (£3.4bn) more in state aid.
Seven Dead After Hospital Massacre In China
Six nurses and hospital administrator killed in knife attack in north east China.
Ukraine Tells Russia To 'Stop Playing Games That Legitimise Terrorists'
Kiev rejects Russian call to engage directly with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine
Baghdad and Kurdistan Launch Oil-For-Funds Deal
Iraq's semi-autonomous region agrees deal over oil exports
Putin Urges Stronger Ties With North Korea
Talks come as UN urges Security Council to refer North Korea to ICC over alleged human rights abuses.
Saudi Arabia Calls on Egypt to Back Gulf Détente
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE agree to new phase of relations after long running dispute over Egypt.
McDonald's Biggest Russian Restaurant Reopens on Pushkin Square
Iconic branch was shuttered in August amid crackdown on US food restaurant.
Saudi Arabia Fearing Isis Attacks Tightens Security on Iraq Border
Saudi Arabia doubled the area of its secured border zone on northern frontier with Iraq.
Keystone XL Pipeline Narrowly Rejected by US Senate
Controversial pipeline project from Canada to the US narrowly fails to win backing in US Senate.
Uralkali Shares Slide Over Sinkhole Discovery at Potash Mine
Uralkali shares fell after a 20 by 30 metre sinkhole was found at its Solikamsk potash mine.
