The Bank of England is to inject another 50 billion pounds (US$79 billion) into the British economy, which contracted in the last three months of 2011 and is likely to face further difficulties as Europe struggles to contain its raging debt crisis.

Qantas Airways and Korean Air will carry out inspections for wing cracks on their Airbus A380 superjumbo planes earlier than previously scheduled, after European air safety officials ordered global checks, warning of a safety risk if the defects were not fixed

People with Parkinson's disease who practiced the Chinese martial art tai chi for six months showed better balance than counterparts who did other forms of exercise, a U.S. study said Wednesday.

Markets remained optimistic Thursday that Greece will secure its next bailout despite an 11th hour snag that has delayed the signing off of another batch of austerity measures.

Trade in the euro was cautious in Asia Thursday with the market focused on Greece's efforts to reach a deal on debt restructuring.

Oil prices rose slightly higher to above US$99 a barrel Thursday in Asia as U.S. crude demand hinders the overall improvement in the world's biggest economy.

Brazil's busiest airport on Wednesday opened a new terminal meant to handle as many as 5 million domestic passengers a year.

Fitch Ratings downgraded Spain's troubled regional savings banks on Wednesday, a fresh blow for the sector as it fights to restructure following the collapse of a building boom in 2008.

Credit Suisse Group posted its first fourth-quarter net loss since 2008 as Switzerland's second-biggest bank continued its drive to reduce its exposure to potentially risky investment banking at a time when Europe's economy is facing problems related to a raging debt crisis.

Facebook's top executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are eligible for twice-a-year bonuses of up to 45 percent of their base salaries and other earnings, according to a Wednesday regulatory filing.