Banking group HSBC has settled a case brought by a fund over losses it suffered during the collapse of fraudster Bernie Madoff's financial empire, potentially paving the way for more claims against fund custodians.

Germany's largest utility, E.ON AG, warned it was reviewing its earnings outlook for 2013, citing weak economic conditions that have hurt the energy industry.

Wall Street's post-election sell-off may gather steam in the coming weeks as worries mount about the looming "fiscal cliff" and technical weakness suggests a possible correction ahead.

U.S. stocks and oil prices rebounded on Friday on news U.S. consumer sentiment rose in November to a more than five-year high, offsetting fears a looming "fiscal cliff" in the United States and Europe's troubled finances and weak economies may tip the world into recession.

Stocks fell on Thursday as worries about lawmakers finding a timely solution to the "fiscal cliff" outweighed stronger-than-expected economic data.

The trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in September as exports rose sharply, suggesting global demand for U.S. goods was holding up despite a debt crisis in Europe.

U.S. consumer credit expanded at a solid pace in September in a hopeful sign for household spending, although Americans appeared to use their credit cards more sparingly, Federal Reserve data showed on Wednesday.

Penn West Petroleum Ltd shares were down as much as 4.7 percent on Tuesday after the company fired four senior executives, including its chief operating officer.

British retailer Marks & Spencer Plc believes its costly expansion plan is paying off and winning support from investors even after suffering its second straight drop in first-half earnings.

U.S. stocks held steady and the dollar edged up on Monday as investors played it safe on the day before Americans choose their president and as Greece headed into two key votes to secure further rescue funds.