US halts global shares slide
A dramatic day's trading saw volatile US markets lift Europe out of its deep gloom before ending the day flat.

US retail sales plunge
A record drop in US retail sales dampens hopes of a swift economic revival, but the jobs and inflation outlook improves.

Gloom increases at Japanese firms
A key survey of business confidence finds companies remain pessimistic about their future prospects.

European Central Bank warns on growth
European Central Bank president Wim Duisenberg warns that economic growth will be slower than previously thought.

Fed's rate decision changes little
Despite the anticipation surround the US central bank's latest rate cut, problems still abound for the world's largest economy.