The rapid rise in private school fees has slowed over the past 12 months, according to the Halifax bank.
Microsoft says Japanese firm Toshiba will make its Zune portable music player, due out later this year.
The US Senate is to investigate stock options and executive pay at a hearing in early September.
The US jails former Ukraine Prime Minister Pavel Lazarenko for nine years for fraud and other offences.
US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke warns of the threat posed to global economic growth by protectionism.
China secures a major energy deal during a state visit to the country by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
A German official body rules against retail giant Karstadtquelle in a dispute over confiscated Jewish property.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined the Foresters Friendly Society for publishing misleading adverts.
Italy's largest bank will be formed in a 55bn euro merger between Banca Intesa and rival Sanpaolo.
Gym and health club membership declined in the first six months of the year, a survey says.