Business

Forbes, the US-based business magazine, has released its annual list of the world's richest people, and for only the second time since 1995, the name of Microsoft founder Bill Gates was not at the top.

Read more: Rich list signals shift in fortunes

The chief executive of Google has said the internet search giant expects to see an outcome soon from talks with China over the future of its operations in the country.

Read more: Google expects China outcome 'soon'

Francois Fillon, the French prime minister, has said that a proposed European Monetary Fund (EMF) is an "interesting" idea that could be a reality in the "medium term".

Read more: Support for European economic fund

Icelanders have rejected a deal to pay Britain and the Netherlands billions for their losses in the collapse of the Icesave bank, the government said after partial referendum results.

Read more: Iceland rejects bank payback deal

China's exports surged ahead in February, in an indication of revived global demand in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Read more: China export rebound continues