Investors seeking high-yielding assets on prospects of further monetary easing by major central banks provide solid demand.

Hong Kong company reportedly wants to acquire nearly 30% of the Italian telecom firm.

Debt to hit new record of 130.4% of output this year; Monti urges next government to pursue sound finances.

The European Commission warned of deepening economic problems in France, Italy and Spain, and said Slovenia must take urgent steps to offset the risk of a wider destabilization across the euro zone. | Macroeconomic imbalances in the E.U., by country

A judge in Tuscany has fined the Italian cruise line for the 2012 wreckage of the Concordia cruise ship that killed 32 people.

Hutchison Whampoa is reportedly in talks to buy up to 29.9% of Telecom Italia, a deal that would radically alter the power base at Italy's leading phone company.

Caretaker government wants to provide funds to cash-strapped firms and help tackle a deep recession in the euro zone's third-largest economy.

Mario Monti's outgoing administration says can provide vital liquidity to Italy's cash-strapped companies and help tackle a deep recession.

Italian police have seized a record amount in cash and property from a Sicilian alternative energy entrepreneur alleged to have close ties to the Mafia.

S&P 500 sets a record closing high while the euro rises from a four-month low after banks in Cyprus reopened to relative calm.
Euro wins day vs U.S. dollar but loses first quarter [Reuters]