AFP - Business and consumer confidence in the 16-nation eurozone jumped in July to its highest level in more than two years, driven by regional powerhouse German, the European Union said Thursday.

AFP - The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has ruled in China's favour in a dispute with the United States over imports of Chinese chicken, state media reported Thursday.

AP - Crews took another step toward readying the relief well expected to finally kill the Gulf of Mexico oil gusher, removing the plug they had popped in before clearing the area ahead of Tropical Storm Bonnie last week, federal officials said Wednesday.

AFP - President Barack Obama's "reckless" moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is suffocating small businesses and destroying livelihoods, lawmakers and residents said Tuesday.

Reuters - A New York judge put two shareholder lawsuits against executives and directors of Goldman Sachs Group Inc on hold until progress is made on 16 other lawsuits related to a controversial debt transaction involving the Wall Street bank.

Reuters - Eminem ruled the U.S. pop album chart for a fifth week on Wednesday, fending off a strong debut from fellow rapper Rick Ross.

AP - It's a maxim of technology: Invent the newest gadget and the porn industry will find a way to cash in.

AP - William Rast, the fashion line by Justin Timberlake and his childhood friend Trace Ayala, has a new partner: Target.

AFP - Former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is set to be appointed as Fulham boss within the next 48 hours, according to reports in England on Thursday.

AFP - US cyclist Taylor Phinney will make his debut for the RadioShack team of Lance Armstrong at the Tour of Denmark from August 4-8, the team confirmed on Thursday.

AFP - Australian top seed Samantha Stosur and Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska advanced to the quarter-finals of the WTA Bank of the West Classic on Wednesday by ousting qualifiers.