Egypt's president signed a new tax law Tuesday that cuts the amount paid by poorer Egyptians in the latest move aimed at reforming the country's economy.

Gas production from huge offshore deposits along its Mediterranean coast is enabling Israel to shift from costly and unreliable imports to a growing self-sufficiency and the potential to become an energy exporter.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart had AU$7 billion (US$6.8 billion) wiped off her fortune in the past year but remains Australia's wealthiest person, an annual rich list showed Wednesday.

U.S. online giant Amazon has unveiled plans for a futuristic greenhouse-style headquarters “where employees can work and socialize in a more natural, park-like setting.”

Europe faces a “decade of stagnation” if it does not move on momentous reforms to put its fiscal house back in order, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney warned Tuesday.

A consortium comprising French, South Korean and Chinese companies has won a contract for a liquefied natural gas project in Canada, the French partner Technip said on Wednesday.

Europe's main stock markets fell on Wednesday, with London and sterling in focus following Bank of England minutes and mixed British data, and ahead of key testimony by U.S. Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke later in the day.

The yen edged down against the dollar and euro in Asia on Wednesday after Japan posted its worst ever April trade deficit, fueling yen-negative sentiment.

The price of oil fell Wednesday as investors waited for a report on U.S. crude stocks and the Federal Reserve's latest views on the U.S. economy.

Many flat panel module makers which specifically target North American markets are apparently pulling in orders as mobile phone panel supply remains tight this month, while the prices of flat panels for most other applications are expected to be stable in May.