Global regulators are considering a capital surcharge for the world’s largest banks that may force them to hold as much as three percentage points more reserves than other lenders, according to two people familiar with the discussions.

Global stocks gained for a sixth day, the longest rally for the MSCI World Index since September, amid improving earnings and speculation the need for European bailouts may end with Portugal. Portugal’s bonds fell, while the euro strengthened.

South Africa’s FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index gained for a third day, rising 432.14, or 1.4 percent, to 31,647.69 at the 5 p.m. close in Johannesburg.

The pound slumped to the weakest versus the euro since November and two-year British government notes rose after data showed U.K. retail sales in February dropped more than economists estimated.

Parts shortages caused by Japan’s record earthquake may reduce global automobile production by about 30 percent, research firm IHS Automotive said today.

Ireland’s economy shrank the most in a year in the fourth quarter of 2010 as rising unemployment curtailed consumer spending and investment and exports declined.

Prospects for settling the U.S. budget battle hinge in part on the fledgling relationship between House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid .

R. Allen Stanford , the indicted financier, dropped a lawsuit that accused attorneys with the U.S. Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission of “abusive” law enforcement.

Marine Current Turbines Ltd. and RWE AG ’s Npower Renewables unit today sought permission to build a 10-megawatt tidal power project off northwest Wales.

Protalix BioTherapeutics Ltd. , an Israeli biotechnology company , plans to start clinical trials of a drug treating Fabry disease this year and a medication against rheumatoid arthritis in early 2012.

You know things are bad when pop stars a world away get more fired up about a humanitarian crisis than a nation’s own leaders.

Mario Andretti wore silver sneakers and recalled a near crash as jumpsuited models passed vegetable timbales.

Cycling’s ruling body is challenging a decision to clear Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of doping at last year’s race.

Credit Suisse Group AG , Switzerland’s second-biggest bank, cut total compensation for Chief Executive Officer Brady Dougan 34 percent for 2010 after profit declined.