AFP - The leading stock exchange declined on Thursday on speculation last quarter?s record rally in the benchmark may have outpaced the prospects for economic growth.

AFP - Europe set a deadline on Thursday to end economic pump priming with a pledge to tackle member states' bloated deficits in 2011, the keystone of "exit strategies" from the crisis.

AP - The head of the European Central Bank said Thursday that the 16 countries that use the euro should withdraw stimulus programs and start repaying mounting public debt by 2011 at the latest.

AFP - Tidjane Thiam began his role as head of insurance group Prudential on Thursday, becoming the first black chief executive of a company listed on London's benchmark FTSE 100 index.

AFP - Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling on Thursday urged the European Union to clamp down on bankers' bonuses, after five of the country's biggest banks signed up to new rules on payments.

AP - European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet warned EU governments Wednesday that the public will be unforgiving if authorities don't provide a stronger financial system.

AP - German unemployment declined in September, but the fall was due to a seasonal upturn and statistical effects rather than any fundamental economic improvement, official figures showed Wednesday.