Australia's central bank has raised interest rates for the sixth time in eight months as the country's economy continues to recover. The target interest rate is now at 4.5%—up from 3% in October last year.
Shares across the globe fell sharply after German chancellor Angela Merkel said bond investors in Greece may have to take a hit even if a bail-out is agreed. With Merkel facing increased domestic opposition to the planned bailout and with elections imminent she has been talking tough, demanding Greece pay higher interest on any money it borrows than was originally agreed.
The chairman of an inquiry into the causes of United States' financial meltdown has attacked the role of Goldman Sachs. Senator Carl Levin spoke of the reckless greed that infected Wall Street's financial community.