
The agreement reached by European countries for deeper economic integration was a step in the right direction but not a complete solution for the Euro zone's debt crisis, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Olivier Blanchard said.

China faces severe challenges to its exports due to economic difficulties in key Western markets, the country's commerce ministry has warned. Data has shown a sharp slowdown in export growth in November, the ministry said.

China's rate of inflation has fallen in November to its slowest pace in 14-months. Consumer prices rose at 4.2% compared with the same month last year, the National Bureau of Statistics said this week.

Falklands Battle Day was commemorated in Britain this year on Saturday December 10th at the Cenotaph, in fine sunny weather.

Ratings agency Moody's downgraded the debt of BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and Credit Agricole on Friday, citing deteriorating liquidity and funding conditions.

British PM David Cameron has defended his decision to block an EU-wide treaty change to tackle the Euro zone crisis, despite warnings it will leave the UK isolated.

In a very close result the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party (GSLP) Liberal Alliance were elected on Thursday into government with Fabian Picardo topping the poll.

The European Central Bank cut interest rates by a quarter of a point Thursday to counter the twin threats of recession and deflation in the Euro zone, and is expected to unveil fresh measures to help banks hurt by the bloc's debt crisis.

Europe's banks must increase their capital by 114.7 billion Euros, more than predicted two months ago, to make them strong enough to withstand the Euro zone debt crisis and restore investor confidence, Europe's banking watchdog said.

Argentine Defence minister Arturo Puricelli rejected the announced UK plan to create a huge marine protection zone in South Georgia saying the British are feeling “uneasy” because of the Argentine diplomatic work displayed to claim the South Atlantic Islands.