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Facebook shares end a volatile first day of trading at $38.23, barely above the company's initial pricing, having initially jumped more than 10%.
Merkel 'suggests Greek euro vote'
Greek officials say Germany's Chancellor Merkel has suggested a euro referendum, but Berlin denies the report, as world leaders gather in the US for a G8 summit meeting.
European markets suffer a nervous session with investors unsettled by a downgrade for Spanish banks and the political crisis in Greece.
Article written by Robert Peston
Robert Peston
Business editor
00:00 UK time, Friday, 18 May 2012
The government is set to lose £2bn on the privatisation of part of Northern Rock and the winding down of the rest, even though taxpayers are expected get back all the £37bn of cash we put into the bank and a lot more. Confused? Here is why the National Audit Office is forecasting a loss.
Article written by Stephanie Flanders
Stephanie Flanders
Economics editor
02:08 UK time, Thursday, 17 May 2012
Talk of a run on Greek deposits, and some banks being cut off from European Central Bank support, add a fresh twist to scary talk about Greece and the euro.
US April retail sales in slowdown
US retail sales barely grew in April, rising 0.1% compared with a gain of 0.7% the month before, while consumer prices stayed unchanged.
Moody's downgrades Spanish banks
Ratings agency Moody's cuts the credit ratings of 16 Spanish banks, as shares in struggling lender Bankia fell another 14%.
Africa 'must boost food output'
The United Nations Development Programme says Africa needs to boost agricultural productivity if it is to sustain its economic boom.
China Mobile in talks with Apple
China Mobile, the main mobile service provider in China and the largest in the world by users, could soon offer its customers Apple's iPhone.
Ticketus deal 'being terminated'
Charles Green says administrators at Rangers have told Ticketus they are terminating its contract over future ticket sales.
Tech powers Philippines call centre success
Technology - like social media and internet telephony - has helped the Philippines to overtake India as the world's call centre capital.
Brazil's business labyrinth of bureaucracy
Anyone wanting to set up a new business in the country of the moment should be warned that one of the world's worst red tape mountains faces them.
£9k fees 'to push debt up £100bn'
A study suggests public sector debt will be pushed up by £100bn over next two decades by higher university fees.
EU 'taking all neccessary action'02:23
Concern in Spain after credit downgrade01:24
'No liquidity problem' in Spain05:45
Spain to send in auditors01:59
Should Britain build a spaceport?01:16
Gold retains safe haven status01:08
Eastern Europe affected by crisis02:01
Greek tips for starting up a business01:07
Eye of the storm
Spain, feeling fragile, looks to Germany for help
Youthful drive
The young entrepreneurs aiming to rebuild Greece
Share your shares
The social networks breaking Asia's stock market traditions
Friend request
Can Facebook crack the Chinese market?
The Swiss Army knife had to adapt after the events of 9/11
How an ageing population threatens China's economy
The dual identities of Bo Xilai's brother
Last Updated at 20:43 ET
| Market index | Current value | Trend | Variation | % variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | 12369.38 | Down | -73.11 | -0.59% |
| Nasdaq | 2778.79 | Down | -34.90 | -1.24% |
| S&P 500 | 1295.22 | Down | -9.64 | -0.74% |
| FTSE 100 | 5267.62 | Down | -70.76 | -1.33% |
| Dax | 6271.22 | Down | -37.74 | -0.60% |
| BBC Global 30 | 5713.56 | Down | -48.54 | -0.84% |
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