Japan's industrial output slides

Exports bolster Japan's economy
Japan's economy grew at a brisk annual rate of 3.3% in the first three months of 2008, official figures show.

Darling 'optimistic' on economy
The chancellor stands by his growth forecasts for 2008 and 2009 despite a downgrade by the IMF.

Japanese factory output shrinks
Production at Japan's factories shrank in January, adding to fears that the nation's economy is faltering.

EU wants banks to boost lending
The EU competition commissioner says she expects banks that receive state aid to promise to lend to the real economy.

Crisis fears hit European shares
European shares fall amid increasing concerns over the state of the world's economy, mirroring a similar decline on Wall Street.