HSBC and Barclays report relatively strong profit compared to the bailed-out RBS and a restructuring Lloyds.
Top planning body raises pump price 7%, to its highest level ever, to reflect the increasing cost of crude.
The $16 billion takeover attempt sends Cadbury shares lower.
U.K. government-owned bank reports an operating loss of $2.5 billion, 50% less than the previous quarter.
The Reserve Bank of Australia expects the economy to grow 1.75% in 2009 and 3.25% in 2010.
The major central bank keeps its key interest rate at crisis level lows.
World's largest automaker makes $242 million in the latest quarter, but still projects a loss for the full fiscal year.
Investment banking growth lifts third-quarter earnings to $627 million.
The World Bank now expects economy to expand 8.4% in 2009 and 8.7% in 2010.
But the government will not take majority control at Lloyds Banking Group after restructuring.
