Asda boss says 2015 will be tough
The rise of the discount supermarkets will mean 2015 will be another difficult year, the boss of Asda tells the BBC.
India to scrap tax breaks on cars
Cars, bikes and consumer goods are set to get more expensive in India as the government is to withdraw tax breaks in the new year, reports say.
Caution continues among homeowners
Homeowners have not relied on the rising value of their home in 2014 to withdraw equity for other spending, figures show.
Venezuelan economy enters recession
The Venezuelan economy is now officially in recession after the central bank released figures showing that it has been shrinking all year.
China’s factory activity shrinks
China’s manufacturing activity shrank for the first time in seven months in December, a private survey showed on Wednesday.
Venezuela denies ice-cream crisis
Venezuelan officials deny reports that a milk shortage is behind the temporary closure of an ice-cream shop famous for its wide range of flavours.
VIDEO: Why is there a science skills gap?
The BBC’s Steph McGovern is looking at the skills shortages facing employers in Britain.
Prescription fraud plan criticised
Pharmacists strongly criticised plans to strengthen checks at the counter for entitlement to free prescriptions in England.