AFP - European stock markets slumped on Thursday in the wake of heavy falls in Asia, pulled down by sharp losses for the banks as the global economic outlook turns darker still, traders said.

AFP - London shares slumped on Thursday in the wake of heavy falls in Asia, pulled down by sharp losses for the banks as the global economic outlook turns darker still.

AFP - London shares slumped for the third day in a row on Thursday, pulled down by losses for retailers and banks as the global economic outlook turned darker still.

AFP - The pound benefitted from a weaker euro on Thursday on heightened concerns about the European economy.

AFP - Averting a recession in Europe will be the burning issue for EU finance chiefs meeting Friday and Saturday on the French Riviera as the euro and stocks tumble on fears of a downturn.

AFP - The euro fell to a fresh one-year low against the dollar in Asian trade Thursday on renewed fears over the health of the European economy, dealers said.

AFP - European stock markets fell slightly at the start of trading on Thursday, with London's FTSE 100 index of leading shares down 0.08 percent at 5,362.10 points.

AFP - European economic heavyweights Britain, Germany and Spain are headed for recession this year, the European Commission forecast on Wednesday.

AFP - Share prices in London slid in on Wednesday as ailing US investment bank Lehman Brothers unveiled huge write-downs linked to the subprime mortgage crisis.

AFP - The FTSE 100 index closed lower on Wednesday as ailing US investment bank Lehman Brothers unveiled huge write-downs linked to the subprime mortgage crisis.

AFP - The 15 countries sharing the euro are teetering on the brink of recession but should just escape the worst, the European Commission said on Wednesday, slashing its economic forecasts for this year.

AFP - Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, wants to adopt the eurozone single currency by 2011, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday, setting a target entry date for the first time.

AFP - European stock markets mainly fell at the start of trading on Wednesday as oil prices rebounded back above 100 dollars after OPEC decided to cut its crude production.

AFP - European stock markets held steady at the opening of trade on Tuesday following surges the day before caused by the US bailout of former mortgage titans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.