EU to stick to bank aid demands

The European Commission will defy national pressure and stick to its main demands on the conditions for state aid to the bank sector when it publishes new guidelines shortly, EU sources said.

Asian shares edge up; caution before US

Asian shares edged higher on Friday following record rate cuts by central banks in Europe, though plenty of caution remained, lifting the dollar ahead of what is expected to be dismal U.S.

German upper house approves economic package

Germany's upper house of parliament approved on Friday the government's planned package of measures to boost Europe's biggest economy. Approval from the Bundesrat clears the way for most measures in the package,