Shell, BG Group in 'deal of decade'

Royal Dutch Shell Plc agreed to buy BG Group Plc for about 47 billion pounds ($70 billion) in cash and shares, the oil and gas industry's biggest deal in at least a decade.

Lenders prove Middle East's keenest recruiters

Banks and financial firms are increasing hiring at the fastest pace among Middle East employers as the region's economies improve and governments plan infrastructure projects, according to recruiters Monster Worldwide Inc.

Gross regains footing at Janus with bet on dollar

After a shaky first five months, Bill Gross is regaining his footing at Janus Capital Group Inc, helped by a contrarian bet that the dollar's rally won't continue.

Bank of Japan keeps record stimulus after inflation decreases to zero

The Bank of Japan kept its policy unchanged as Governor Haruhiko Kuroda tries to head off a drop in consumer prices two years after he began unprecedented stimulus in the world's third-biggest economy.

Elderly care sector under strain as the country ages

A Tianjin-based foundation is proposing a new model for elderly care in poor and rural parts of China after managing two nursing homes in Wenchuan county, Sichuan province, since the devastating earthquake there in May 2008.

Foundation banking on the spirit of Titanic

The legendary ocean liner Titanic sunk more than a century ago in the North Atlantic - but the story and the spirit of its demise still capture the imagination of people all over the world, regardless of nationality, race or language.

Report highlights growing problems of obesity

Nearly 342 million people in China are classified as overweight or obese, an increase of more than 200 percent compared with the figures 30 years ago, according to the US Chamber of Commerce.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Busy weekend for property agents

Property agents in Shanghai have reported their "busiest weekend" in a quarter, over the three-day Qingming Festival.

Rhode Island ice cream firm aims for scoop of China market

Next week, a large shipment of a sweet and creamy product that left Boston Harbor on March 1 is scheduled to arrive in China. It is ice cream made by an 85-year-old company in the state of Rhode Island, which hopes the country will be its latest market.

Shanghai seen emerging as Delta hub

Delta Air Lines Inc Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson said he envisions creating an international hub in Shanghai to build on a growing relationship with China Eastern Airlines Corp.

Feng shui finds more fans in US real estate

Feng shui, meaning wind and water in Chinese, is a belief system that goes back thousands of years. The search for balance in these forces is influencing the United States real estate market, as buyers of everything from condominiums to cemeteries want the input of the ancient art that channels positive energy.