AFP - World stock markets reeled again on Wednesday on uncertainty over the unfolding US financial crisis and the prospect of more gloomy comment from US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.

AFP - China's economic juggernaut slowed but still maintained double-digit growth in the first half of the year as it battled inflation and absorbed global setbacks, official data showed Thursday.

Reuters - Oil prices steadied on Thursday, after sharp losses on swelling stocks and fading demand in the United States and after a fresh diplomatic initiative from Washington over Iran.

Reuters - Stocks rallied more than 2 percent on Wednesday, powered by the best day for banks in 16 years as unexpectedly strong results from Wells Fargo & Co relieved worry about a credit crisis spiraling out of control.

AP - Consumer prices shot up in June at the second fastest pace in 26 years with two-thirds of the surge blamed on soaring energy prices.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Wednesday as upbeat quarterly results from Wells Fargo & Co eased concerns about the impact of the credit crisis on banks, while a fall of about $4 in oil prices reduced inflation fears and fueled optimism about consumer spending.

Reuters - Crude oil prices dropped sharply for a second day on Wednesday after a U.S. government report showed a surprise increase in inventories and continued weak demand in the world's top consumer nation.

AFP - The FTSE 100 index was lower on Tuesday, mirroring a general slump across Europe in the wake of more steep losses on Wall Street and in Asia, despite weekend moves by the US government to rescue two mortgage giants.