AP - The European Central Bank is poised to adjust the euro zone's interest rate Thursday for the first time in more than two years, likely voting for an increase to head off what it said were fears of inflation down the road.

AFP - European stock exchanges rose with the French and German stock markets striking multi-year high points in the wake of a strong rally by Wall Street and Tokyo's best finish since October 2000.

AFP - Germany wants to cut back its net contribution to the European Union budget so it can better respect EU rules governing national finances, Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck has revealed.

Reuters - Dutch Finance Minister Gerrit Zalm said on Monday he was not sure whether European Union leaders would reach a compromise on the bloc's contested 2007-2013 budget this year.

FT.com - London's main equities markets were unchanged in opening trade on Tuesday as falling energy stocks offset more gains among financial stocks after more strong corporate newsflow in the sector.

FT.com - A mixed showing from the banking sector summed up a contrasting session for London's equity market. Bank stocks have had a good month, outperforming the blue-chip index and powered by a run of well-received trading updates.

AFP - European stock markets fell in the wake of losses by Wall Street and Asian markets, with banking shares the centre of attention in London.

AFP - European stock markets fell in early dealing on Friday, mirroring losses by Wall Street overnight, with attention on the London Stock Exchange after it rejected a takeover bid by Macquarie Bank

AFP - Trade ministers gathered in Hong Kong to work on a deal to open markets and boost the global economy, with the European Union quickly under fire for its refusal to cut farm subsidies further.

AFP - European stock exchanges steadied with the oil sector energised by an overnight bounce in oil prices, but gains were capped amid caution ahead of a US interest rate call.

AFP - European stock markets mainly dropped in early trading in the wake of mixed performances elsewhere, with Tokyo's main index recording heavy losses after gains by Wall Street overnight.

AFP - British Prime Minister Tony Blair's credibility at home and abroad is on the line as he strives for a deal on the European Union's future financing at a Brussels summit.

FT.com - European stocks were expected to open little changed on Friday after a flat session on Wall Street. A volatile session could be in store as futures and options expiries hit stocks across the continent.

AFP - Britain's finance minister Gordon Brown was not consulted over the European Union deal brokered by Prime Minister Tony Blair, threatening a rift between the pair, British Sunday newspapers reported.

AP - Europeans will feel the effect of the recent oil-price spike throughout 2006, the European Commission said Tuesday as it released its quarterly report on the 12 countries that use the euro currency.

FT.com - London's main equities market consolidated around Wednesday's three-year highs in early exchanges on Thursday on the last full trading day before the Christmas break.

Reuters - A Milan court has issued a European arrest warrant for 22 CIA agents suspected of kidnapping an Egyptian cleric from Italy's financial capital in 2003, Prosecutor Armando Spataro said on Friday.

AP - Tokyo and Seoul shares rose to new highs Monday, but many Asian markets remained closed for the Christmas holidays. Canadian, U.S. and most European markets also were closed.

AP - French and German shares were higher in trading Tuesday, as the Continent's investors returned from the long holiday weekend in a positive mood, while Belgium brewing company InBev NV gained ground after detailing a management shakeup.

Canadian Press - BERLIN (AP) - German consumer confidence is rising amid increased optimism over the outlook for Europe's biggest economy, with Germans becoming more willing to consider major purchases, according to closely watched survey released Wednesday.

AFP - Leading shares closed higher, with gains in Hilton and further strength across the mining sector helping the FTSE 100 reach fresh 4-1/2 year highs in the last full trading session of 2005, dealers said.

FT.com - From January 1 2006 all the old classifications of the FTSE are being replaced by new ones, bringing the FTSE classifications into line with stock exchanges in the US and Europe.

AP - French President Jacques Chirac said Saturday that the conservative government's effort to tackle joblessness has been a success, sparking eight consecutive months of dropping unemployment levels.