Donna J Figgins

Dragged by a weak performance from the real-estate sector, China's official non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index fell to 55.6 in July from 56.7 in June, likely adding to market concerns about a sharp and continuous slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

German luxury auto maker BMW AG (BMW.XE) plans to double its annual production of engines in China, the major growth driver for global car makers and where demand for upscale vehicles continues to be strong.

Mainland Chinese shares bucked a regional decline to rise in Friday trading -- with the Shanghai Composite Index up 0.2% -- after the country's financial regulator said it is trimming some stock fees, according to reports.

BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Friday it will write down the value of U.S. shale gas and Australian nickel assets by a combined US$3.29 billion, prompting Chief Executive Marius Kloppers to decline an annual bonus in the latest sign the global resources boom has lost momentum.

A global selloff in stocks extended to Asian markets Friday, as investors took flight from riskier assets after the European Central Bank failed to offer a lifeline for the beleaguered members of the euro zone.

Hong Kong stocks opened lower Friday after global markets dropped in disappointment over the European Central Bank's policy decision, with losses spread across several sectors.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange approved Friday the share relisting of Japan Airlines Co. on Sept. 19, allowing what would be the biggest share offering this year in Japan at more than 500 billion yen ($6.4 billion).

DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (D05.SG) Friday reported a 10% increase in second-quarter net profit, beating market expectations as strong loan growth and lower allowances offset the effects of persistent pressure on lending margins.

BP PLC (BP, BP.LN) Thursday notified California's South Coast Air Quality Management District of its plan to flare emissions at its oil refinery in Carson, California.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AU) has chosen Matt Comyn, who previously ran its brokerage arm, to head up its retail banking division as the former chief departs for a senior role at Royal Bank of Scotland in London.