Major exporters like Japan, Germany and Italy post their fastest growth in years.
Monte dei Paschi foundation has big enough holding to block rights issue by troubled lender, Italy's third largest bank.
Prolongs uncertainty over whether Italian carmaker can reach deal to buy stake in Chrysler not already owned.
Federico Ghizzoni says Italy doesn't run the risk of default, but needs urgent reforms to promote growth.
Fears that the U.S. gov't was heading for a shutdown and renewed political instability in Italy jolted markets.
Egyptian tycoon says still potentially interested in taking a stake in Telecom Italia.
Lowers rating one notch to BBB, with negative outlook.
Designers sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for failing to declare €200 million ($268 million).
Founded the Italian fashion firm that popularized the zigzag look.
Rejects order of Italian prosecutors in Monte Paschi case looking into suspected fraud involving world's oldest bank, sources say.
