BBC World Service

The BBC's Andrew Walker explains how the recent slump in commodity prices reflects slow economic growth.

In a cost-cutting measure, Cuba is cutting down on the rations of coffee offered to citizens.

International diplomats are meeting today in Rome to discuss how best to support Libya's rebels. And one proposal would create a new Marshall Plan for the Arab World.

The BBC's Owen Bennett-Jones explains how the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden could hurt -- but not maim -- the funding of the al-Qaida network

Historically, royal marriages played a big role in the political and economic future for the country. Who would have been a good choice for Prince William, if that were still the case today?

People around the U.K. are being encouraged to apply to their local councils to hold street parties in celebration of the royal wedding. But while some areas of the country have received as many as 80 applications, others have received hardly any.

Johnson and Johnson has agreed to buy Swiss orthopedic medical device company Synthes -- a move addressing the needs of an aging population.

The video game and console company reported profits fell 66 percent for the year, due in part to competition from smart phones and other game devises.

Toyota said this morning factories in Japan won't be operating at full capacity for several months. And car inventories won't be back to normal until the end of 2011.

The Japanese government says companies shipped less stuff abroad in March because of supply disruptions from last month's massive earthquake and tsunami. The BBC's Roland Buerk explains why American companies could benefit.