Google to venture into start-ups

Search giant Google eyes new talent as it enters into venture capitalism, pledging to invest millions of dollars.

GM chairman forced out by Obama

The chief executive and chairman of troubled US carmaker General Motors will step down at once, at the request of Barack Obama.

Australia rejects China takeover

Australia rejects a Chinese state-run firm's $1.7bn takeover bid for Australia's Oz Minerals because of national security concerns

Brown pre-G20 tour reaches Brazil

Gordon Brown heads for Brazil, as he continues efforts to forge a consensus on action to tackle the global economic crisis.

Japan's February exports halved

Japan's exports see a record plunge in February, falling by nearly half compared with a year earlier, the finance ministry says.

Top AIG bosses 'to repay bonuses'

Nine of the 10 executives paid top bonuses by US insurance giant AIG agree to return them, officials say.

World's cheapest car is launched

India's Tata Motors is due to launch the 100,000 rupees Nano car on Monday as it seeks to boost its own fortunes.

US lawmakers vote for bonus tax

The US House of Representatives approves a 90% tax on bonuses from bailed-out firms, in a vote hailed by President Obama.

Dollar slides after US Fed plan

The dollar falls against all major currencies after the US Federal Reserve announced $1.2 trillion stimulus plan.

US to force AIG to repay bonuses

Insurer AIG must pay back $165m of staff bonuses awarded after accepting public bail-out funds, the US treasury secretary says.

Sri Lanka plays hardball with IMF

Sri Lanka will not accept any conditions on a loan from the International Monetary Fund, the island's president says.

Bernanke hopeful for US recovery

The head of the US central bank, Ben Bernanke, says he expects the country's recession to end this year.

Madoff admits $50bn fraud scheme

Financier Bernard Madoff is jailed after pleading guilty to all 11 charges in a $50bn (£35bn) fraud and apologising to investors.

Rich list hit by economic crisis

The financial crisis takes its toll on the world's richest people, knocking 322 names off the Forbes 'rich list' of billionaires.

China's exports in sharp decline

Chinese exports sank 25% in February from a year ago, figures show, as demand for the country's goods overseas falls.

IMF predicts a global recession

The world economy is likely to shrink for the first time in decades this year, the head of the International Monetary Fund warns.

Japan's exports halved in January

Japan imported more than it exported for the first time for 13 years in January, official figures show.

Opel 'should consider insolvency'

German carmaker Opel should consider insolvency instead of state aid, the country's interior minister has said.

China 'faces most difficult year'

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says the country faces unprecedented challenges, as he gives details of its economic stimulus plans.

Japan clears cash hand-out bill

Japan passes legislation to give a cash hand-out to every resident in an attempt to boost the recession-hit economy.

Toyota arm seeks government loan

Toyota, the world's biggest car maker, asks the Japanese government for a 200bn-yen loan for its car financing unit.

Economy worries hit global shares

Global stock markets see big falls on fears the global financial sector could be taking a further turn for the worse.