LONDON (AFP) - The London Stock Exchange announced on Wednesday that six-month net profits nosedived by almost 40 percent, as a result of depressed markets and increasing competition.

TORONTO (Reuters) - North American food processor George Weston Ltd said on Tuesday its quarterly profit dropped 52 percent, hurt by foreign exchange charges.

MOSCOW (AFP) - The Russian central bank cut its main interest rate to a record low 9.0 percent on Tuesday to check a strengthening ruble that threatens to harm the major oil and gas producer's crucial exports.

LONDON (AFP) - The dollar firmed on Tuesday after recent sharp losses as investors largely stayed on the sidelines ahead of the US Thanksgiving holiday later in the week, dealers said.

NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar came under fresh pressure Monday after comments suggesting US authorities may extend emergency stimulus measures, encouraging traders to move into riskier assets including gold.