World Trade Organisation members have approved a plan to end export subsidies on farm products and cut import duties across the world, a key step toward a comprehensive global accord under discussion since 2001, trade officials said.

LACK of solid US data pushed the dollar to record lows yesterday as the euro hit a high of $1.2898.

The euro slipped from a record high against the dollar this afternoon following comments from the European Central Bank (ECB) chief which highlighted Europe's concern over the sharp rise of the single currency.