News from the BBC

Interest rates hit all-time low

The Bank of England cuts rates to 1.5%, the lowest level in its 315-year history, as it continues efforts to help the economy.

UN suspends Gazan aid operation

The UN says its main aid agency is suspending work in Gaza because staff have been killed and injured in Israeli attacks.

Nissan plant to shed 1,200 jobs

Wearside car plant Nissan is to axe around 1,200 jobs - about a quarter of its workforce - blaming the economic downturn.

Obama urges action on economy

US President-elect Barack Obama says that a huge stimulus package is urgently needed to revive the US economy.

Madoff 'had cheques ready to go'

Bernard Madoff had $173m in cheques in his office desk, ready to send out at the time of his arrest, US prosecutors say.