Argentina defaulted for the second time in 12 years yesterday, after last-ditch talks with what it called "vulture" creditors failed, though debt insurance prices suggested investors believed a deal could eventually be reached.

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange vowed to reveal confidential account details of rich and famous individuals after taking delivery of a new dossier from a former Swiss banker.

NOVARTIS, Switzerland’s largest drugmaker, reported first-quarter profits above analysts’ forecasts as sales increased for its biggest product, hypertension drug Diovan.