Business
Tory tax reform plans dismissed
The government says most taxpayers will not benefit from proposals by a Tory policy group for £21bn a year cuts.
First-time buyers rely on parents
More and more first-time buyers are depending on their parents for a deposit to buy property, a survey suggests.
Finnair braces for staff strike
Cabin staff at Finland's national airline, Finnair, are to begin a strike over pay and conditions.
eBay registers 212 million users
Registered users of the eBay auction site have risen 26% to 212 million, boosting the firm's profits by 10%.
Apple profits soar on iPod demand
Apple Computer's fourth quarter profits rise 27% as the firm ships more than eight million iPod music players.
Greece facing state aid penalty
The European Commission is seeking to fine Greece for its failure to recover illegal state aid given to Olympic Airways.
Tory group urges £21bn tax cuts
The commission set up to advise the Conservatives on tax will recommend cuts worth £21bn, the BBC learns.
Brown and Cameron's City battle
Chancellor Gordon Brown and Tory leader David Cameron battle for the business vote with pledges on taxes.
Dow Jones breaks through 12,000
The Dow Jones index of major US shares passes the 12,000 level for the first time ever in early trading in New York.
US prices ease on cheaper energy
US inflation falls 0.5% last month, the first fall in nearly a year, in an apparent signal price pressures are easing.