Africa/International

A duet recorded by Michael Jackson and rapper-producer Akon will go on sale on Monday -- the first single off an album of new music from the King of Pop after his death in 2009, his record label said on Thursday. Called "Hold My Hand",…

Asian stock markets fell Friday on concern China might further tighten credit and fears about Europe's debt crisis as global leaders meeting in South Korea struggled to soothe currency tensions. The losses across Asia followed a down day…

Thousands of fans descended on Leicester Square in central London on Thursday, braving wind and rain to catch a glimpse of the stars on the red carpet for the new Harry Potter film's world premiere. Young British actors Daniel Radcliffe,…

Bankers, hedge fund and investment managers and stockbrokers must have their mobile calls taped from November 2011 to help crack down on market abuses, the financial watchdog said on Thursday. Fixed line calls involving financial business…

Ireland warned on Thursday that a surge in its borrowing costs to record highs had become "very serious" and the EU said it was ready to act should the humbled former "Celtic Tiger" require a rescue from its euro partners. European…

The government announced plans to overhaul the welfare system on Thursday, promising to help the jobless get back to work but warning that those who avoided employment would face tough sanctions. The reforms will initially cost more money…

An 18th century Chinese porcelain vase discovered when a house was cleared out was sold Thursday at a London auction for 43 million pounds ($69.3 million). Bainbridges, the auction house, said that the final price for the 16-inch vase —…

President Obama’s hopes of emerging from his Asia trip with the twin victories of a free trade agreement with South Korea and a unified approach to spurring economic growth around the world ran into resistance on all fronts on Thursday,…

Oil prices jumped above $88 a barrel in Asia on Thursday, boosted by news that U.S. crude and gasoline stockpiles declined last week in a sign of improving demand for fuel. Benchmark oil for December delivery was up 49 cents at $88.30 a…

Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to offer free shipping on nearly 60,000 gift items, including toys and electronics, when purchased through its website from Thursday, the New York Times reported. The world's largest retailer will not raise prices…