Chinese security officials accused four detained staff of Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto of bribery on Friday as Australia sought to avert a diplomatic row centering on the massive iron ore trade

European equities were set to dip on Friday, trimming some of the previous session's rebound as a grim outlook by U.S. bellwether Chevron reignited concerns over company profits.

Japan's Mitsubishi Motors and French carmaker Peugeot Citroen will work together to develop and produce parts for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Nikkei business daily said on Thursday.

American International Group is preparing to pay next week millions of dollars more in bonuses to dozens of corporate executives, a source familiar with the development said.

Australia is adopting a cautious approach to dealing with Chinese allegations of spying against Shanghai-based staff of Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday.

With numerous media moguls, CEOs and political figures gathering in Sun Valley, Idaho, to discuss media, technology, the economy and deal-making at the annual Allen & Company media conference, CNBC sat down to interview several executives:

Britain's most senior policeman ordered an inquiry on Thursday into reports that journalists at Rupert Murdoch's bestselling British newspaper conspired to hack into the phones of celebrities, legislators and public figures.

Shares of Mexico-based Fresnillo surged 7.5 percent Thursday after Citigroup raised its rating on the mining heavyweight to “buy” from “hold.”

Retailers were posting disappointing monthly sales Thursday as consumers curbed spending amid higher gasoline prices and rising unemployment.

European shares looked set to open higher on Thursday, breaking a five-day losing streak, after two of Wall Street's three main indexes eked out minor gains overnight after a late rally.

LG Display, the world's No. 2 LCD screen maker, said on Thursday its notebook PC panel sales in June rose 20 percent from a year ago, suggesting strong results next week when the company posts quarterly earnings. 

Las Vegas Sands, the world's largest casino firm, wants to raise $3-$4 billion and is considering several options including an IPO of its Macau assets in Hong Kong, Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson tells CNBC.

Japan's Mitsubishi Motors and French carmaker Peugeot Citroen will work together to develop and produce parts for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Nikkei business daily said on Thursday.

China's detention of an Australian mining executive on spying allegations rattled currency markets on Thursday, with investors concerned that the affair could hurt trade ties between Australia and its biggest trade partner.

British retailer Marks & Spencer survived a big shareholder rebellion over its management succession plan on Wednesday, a 38 percent of investors called on it to appoint an independent chairman by next July.