Tumbling oil prices have strengthened rather than weakened the Federal Reserve's resolve to start raising interest rates around midyear even as volatile markets and a softening U.S. inflation outlook made investors push back the timing of the "liftoff."

U.S. producer prices in December recorded their biggest fall in more than three years on tumbling energy costs while underlying inflation pressures were tame, a cautionary note for the Federal Reserve as it ponders its next step on monetary policy.

Lifting U.S. crude export restrictions could boost domestic oil production and cut gasoline prices, according to a report issued Friday by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

Asian shares stumbled on Friday and the dollar skidded against the safe-haven yen after Switzerland's central bank unexpectedly scrapped its currency cap - jolting markets already roiled by plunging commodities prices.

Standard Chartered's (STAN.L) abrupt move to shut its global equities business last week could be a prelude to the lender selling off stakes in a number of Asian banks as it looks to boost capital, people familiar with the lender's thinking said.

RadioShack Corp, expected to file for bankruptcy next month, is in talks to sell leases on some of its stores to telecoms operator Sprint Corp, Bloomberg said, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Taxi drivers in Los Angeles will be required to use an Uber-style app allowing riders to hail cabs from mobile phones, city officials decided on Thursday, in a move to help licensed taxis compete against ride-sharing services.

China's Xiaomi Inc [XTC.UL] plans to invest in Indian tech start-ups and overseas media content, as the world's No.3 smartphone maker looks to dominate homes with its own TVs and appliances.

China's Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA.N) plans a major move to win U.S. business this year, by offering American retailers new ways to sell to China's vast and growing middle class.

European antitrust regulators believed Amazon's (AMZN.O) arrangement with Luxembourg to minimise its tax bill did constitute state aid and expressed doubt that such aid was lawful, according to a document released on Friday.

Chipmaker Intel Corp (INTC.O) forecast current-quarter revenue and gross margins that disappointed investors, sending its shares down more than 2 percent in extended trading.

China's Xiaomi Inc [XTC.UL] staked its claim to Apple Inc's crown on Thursday as the world's third-biggest smartphone maker and most valuable tech start-up unveiled the flagship Mi Note, its challenger to Apple's iPhone 6 Plus.

China's Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties Co Ltd on Wednesday said four investors have agreed to contribute 24 billion yuan ($3.87 billion) over the coming two years as the first tranche of funding to build around 20 shopping malls.

India's central bank has allowed conglomerate Tata Sons Ltd [TATAS.UL] to buy Japanese telecom firm NTT DoCoMo Inc's (9437.T) stake in their struggling Indian venture, paving the way for the completion of the long-delayed $1.1 billion deal.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc's decision to suspend purchases from a pork producer that ran afoul of its animal welfare rules could bolster its reputation with diners but threatens sales and profits this quarter.

General Motors Co (GM.N) on Wednesday forecast its 2015 operating profit will increase from last year due mostly to growth in its two largest auto markets, China and the United States.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg launched a free Internet application in Colombia on Wednesday as part of a drive to bring developing markets online, but remained mute on when and if the company would look to move into China.

The world's biggest drugmakers face a new reality when it comes to U.S. pricing for their products as insurers use aggressive tactics to extract steep price discounts, even for the newest medications.

Asian stocks mostly edged up on Thursday after a significant rebound in oil and copper prices brought a semblance of calm, while the dollar regained ground lost on disappointing U.S. retail sales.

Boeing Co (BA.N) said on Tuesday that it sees no business case for offering an extended-range version of its largest 737 jet, the forthcoming 737 MAX 9, to compete with a long-range plane that rival Airbus (AIR.PA) launched on Tuesday.

Ezra Holdings Ltd (EZRA.SI), a Singapore-listed oilfield service company, said on Wednesday it has put on hold a plan to list its subsea services unit in the United States, prompted by unfavourable market conditions.

Canadian private equity firm Onex’s buyout of UK safety and survival equipment maker Survitec will be backed with around 300 million pounds ($457 million) of leveraged loans, banking sources said on Wednesday.

Qatar Petroleum and Shell RDSa.l said they had decided not to proceed with their $6.4 billion Al Karaana petrochemical project in the Gulf state, the region's second big energy project to be shelved since oil prices began to plunge late last year.

Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Development Co Ltd has agreed to acquire Europe's Groupe Du Louvre for up to 1.21 billion euros ($1.13-$1.43 billion) from U.S. investment firm Starwood Capital Group, as Chinese hoteliers expand their global footprint.

Changing their previous stance, two influential proxy advisory firms advised Family Dollar Stores Inc shareholders to vote for the retailer's acquisition by Dollar Tree Inc, saying the deal offered more certainty of closure.

Boeing Co (BA.N) on Wednesday said it was disappointed by the U.S. Air Force's decision to award Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) a contract worth up to $963.5 million to maintain the nation's stockpile of nuclear missiles, and had asked for a briefing about the decision.

Airbus edged closer toward raising production of its best-selling model on Tuesday, declaring the supply chain stable and hinting at a decision to produce more of its A320 cash cow in coming months.

Senior executives at JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) are pressuring managers across the bank to cut costs, after disappointing revenue growth has hurt profits, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

Samsung Electronics recently offered to buy BlackBerry Ltd (BBRY.O) (BB.TO) for as much as $7.5 billion, seeking its valuable patents as it battles Apple (AAPL.O) in the corporate market, according to a person familiar with the matter and documents seen by Reuters.

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has become the largest shareholder of New York Times Co (NYT.N) after exercising warrants to double his stake in the publisher to 16.8 percent.