The head of the Qatar Investment Authority said Wednesday that the lingering Gulf political crisis was having little impact on the $300 billion sovereign wealth fund of the gas-rich nation.

As Frankfurt's IAA auto show gets under way, European carmakers are looking to the continent's east for growth, where increasing numbers of people are wealthy enough to afford their own wheels.

Britain's unemployment rate has fallen to a new 42-year low, official data showed on Wednesday, but wages growth remains far below overall inflation.

The unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent in the quarter through to the end of July, reaching the lowest level since 1975, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. 

There are signs the global oil market is returning to balance and stocks of oil products in industrialised nations could soon fall below their five-year average, the IEA said Wednesday.

Cyprus said on Tuesday that an exploratory drill by Italian-French venture Eni-Total in waters off the Mediterranean island had failed to find enough natural gas to exploit.

Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has agreed to buy over half of Credit Agricole's stake in Banque Saudi Fransi, making his Kingdom Holding Co the largest shareholder in one of the country's major lenders.

The Chevening Secretariat is accepting applications for UK Government scholarships to study in the UK in 2018/2019. Applications for Chevening Scholarships are open until 7 November 2017, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.

Branches of China's biggest banks have suspended financial transactions for North Koreans, employees told AFP, suggesting that Beijing has pursued stronger measures against its nuclear-armed ally than previously thought.

Britain's annual inflation rate accelerated in August, mainly on rising prices for motor fuels and clothing, official data showed on Tuesday, sending the pound to a year-high versus the dollar.

Tokyo led gains across most Asian markets Tuesday, tracking a record on Wall Street as the North Korea crisis eased and dealers breathed a sigh of relief that Hurricane Irma caused less damage to Florida than feared.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously Monday to step up sanctions against North Korea, having won the crucial support of Russia and China, while the US held out hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.