Big slump in Japan factory output

Japan's industrial output declined 9.6% in December - the biggest fall since records began - as exports slumped.

Ford reports record yearly loss

US carmaker Ford reports the biggest full-year loss in its history, but says it still does not need federal loans.

Global job losses 'could hit 51m'

Millions of workers face unemployment because of the economic crisis, the International Labour Organization says.

Nomura losses blamed on Lehmans

Nomura reports heavy losses for the final quarter of 2008 as it struggles to integrate parts of failed US bank Lehman Brothers.

Pfizer acquires Wyeth for $68bn

US drugmaker Pfizer is to buy rival Wyeth in a deal worth $68bn (£50bn), the two companies announce.

Microsoft to cut up to 5,000 jobs

Microsoft says it will cut up to 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months, including 1,400 immediately.

IBM bucks gloom with rosy outlook

IBM's latest quarterly profits rise 12% as the technology services firm issues a rosy forecast for 2009.

Founder's grandson to run Toyota

Toyota picks the grandson of the company's founder to be its new president as the carmaker braces for a tough year.

New measures to help UK banks

The government is to offer insurance to banks against their losses from toxic debt as it tries to encourage them to lend again.

Bank of America bail-out agreed

Bank of America, the US's largest bank, will receive $20bn in government aid and $118bn of guarantees against bad assets.

Medical leave for Apple boss Jobs

Apple chief Steve Jobs is taking leave until the end of June, saying his health issues were more complex than he thought.

Yahoo names new chief executive

Internet portal Yahoo has named Silicon Valley veteran Carol Bartz as its new chief executive to replace Jerry Yang

Congress gets bail-out request

President Bush has formally asked Congress to release the remaining $350bn of a $700bn US financial rescue package.

Satyam rebounds on rescue hopes

Shares in Indian software firm Satyam jump 51% on hopes of a rescue plan for the scandal-hit firm.

Spanish industrial output plunges

Production in Spanish factories fell by 15.1% in November, the biggest fall on record, as the downturn gathers pace.

India IT boss quits over scandal

The boss of Satyam, India's fourth-biggest software firm, resigns after admitting to irregularities in its accounts.

Toyota shuts plants for 11 days

Toyota announces that it is to halt production at its domestic plants for 11 days in February and March.

school2009

Asian shares start 2009 strongly

Stock markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong have a strong start to 2009 on hopes of fresh stimulus packages.

Markets start year on upbeat note

Asian shares rise on the first day of trading in 2009 after record falls last year but analysts say the gains might not continue.

Russia reassures Europe over gas

Russia assures EU countries they will face no disruption after it halted gas supplies to Ukraine in a row over payment.

Record stock market falls in 2008

Shares worldwide see record falls in 2008 after a year of financial turmoil, with Wall Street having its worst year since 1931.