Due to our office summer shutdown this will be our last Daily News blog until I return on Monday 24th August.

• US economy still shaky; France, Germany show life.


• Germany, France report surprise GDP gains.


• US retail sales weak, jobless claims rise again.


• US hedge fund guru's stock purchases help market.


• Copper prices at highest levels for 2009.

Reuters 14th August 2009.

• Volkswagen (VW) and Porsche have agreed the details under which VW will merge with its German compatriot by 2011.


• South Africa's central bank has taken markets by surprise by cutting its lending rate from 7.5% to a four-year low of 7%.


• Entertainment group Chrysalis says its trading in the three months to June 30 saw an "extraordinary surge" in sales of Michael Jackson's recorded music.

BBC Business News 14th August 2009.

• Thunder and chance of rain here in Malta the day before the Santa Maria Public Holiday.
• Kim Clijsters rolls on in her return to tennis as both Williams sisters are beaten.
• Tiger Woods makes a strong start at the USPGA.