Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, posted $224 billion in earnings before tax last year, Fitch Ratings said Monday, as the secretive giant opens its accounts for the first time.

Taxes on products considered polluting are struggling to gain ground in the European Union despite backing from Brussels, in the face of strong opposition from movements like France's "Yellow Vests".

As the United Kingdom grapples with its Brexit drama, the uncertainty around its decision to leave the EU persuaded Dale Carr to close down her Berlin shop selling British goods.

From smog breaks to pollution bonuses, Asia's businesses are promising increasingly inventive perks in a desperate bid to lure executives to a region where toxic air engulfs major cities for much of the year.

The investigator hired to look into the release of intimate images of Jeff Bezos said Saturday he has concluded that Saudi Arabian authorities hacked the Amazon chief's phone to access his personal data.

French banks called Saturday for an end to violence against branches, cash machines and personnel as the country braced for a 20th day of "yellow vest" protests.

A ferry firm that has signed a contract to ship critical products to Britain in the event of a no-deal Brexit on Friday launched the first of its extra services.

The pound fell Friday after Britain's parliament again rejected a proposed deal to withdraw from the European Union.

The pound climbed solidly on Friday before a crucial vote on Britain's Brexit future.

Stock markets meanwhile rallied, with investors looking past a downgrade of US growth to focus on the next round of top-level China-US trade talks.

London's stock market steadied at the open on Friday, with investors sitting tight before a crucial vote on Britain's Brexit future.