Ireland's Bailout
Deal Shows Strain

Germany's Central Bank Chief Resigns

Deutsche Bundesbank President Axel Weber, until recently the most likely man to take over the European Central Bank from Jean-Claude Trichet, is to step down from his duties April 30, the German government said.

• Weber Says He Would Have Stood Out
• Bundesbank Head's Move Angers Merkel
• Central Bank Watch

Nokia Gambles on Microsoft Lifeline

Nokia said it will establish a broad strategic partnership with Microsoft, adopting the U.S. software giant's Windows Phone as its main smartphone platform.

• Nokia Leaves Intel's MeeGo in the Lurch
• Alliance Is No Sure Bet for Windows Phone
• Finland's Tech Pride Takes a Hit | Video
• Heard: Nokia Calls Microsoft for Help
• App Developers Command Respect

Norilsk Sweetens Offer to Rusal

Russian miner Norilsk Nickel said it has offered to buy four-fifths of Rusal's stake in Norilsk for $12.8 billion.

VTB Sale Raises $3.3 Billion

VTB Group has bucked a trend of recent failed Russian initial public offerings, with the Russian government raising $3.3 billion by selling shares to investors, according to a banker involved in the deal.

Portugal Stays in Debt Spotlight

Portugal faces a fresh test of its ability to raise cash after a weak post-sale performance of a major bond issue, together with confusion about rules for any future bailouts of euro-zone members, pushed its benchmark 10-year yield to a euro-era high.

IMF Seeks More Greek Progress

Greece's international lenders of last resort said the country has made enough progress to receive an additional $20.4 billion aid tranche but needs to accelerate economic changes and commit large-scale privatizations.

Spanish Data Underline Malaise

Spain's economy bounced back slightly in the fourth quarter, but contracted for the whole of last year and is still growing at a slow pace.

Total Posts Lower Profit

Total said its fourth-quarter net profit slipped 2% amid flat production and an impairment charge for its downstream division, despite the increase in the oil price.

Moody's Cuts Irish Bank Debt

Moody's Investors Service cut its ratings on senior debt issued by six Irish banks that is not guaranteed by the Irish government, saying that recent statements cast doubt on the government's willingness to support the banks.

China, India Lift De Beers

Upstarts Spurred Talks of Tie-Up

Assange Extradition Hearing Adjourned

Swiss Custom Comes Under Fire

German Inflation Revised Upward

ThyssenKrupp Warns on Mill Costs