The weapons maker has denied accusations of bribery linked to deals in Africa and Eastern Europe. Read more..

By JULIA WERDIGIER - The New York Times

Many economists expect China to replace Japan as the world’s second-largest economy next year, five years earlier than previously forecast. Read more..

By HIROKO TABUCHI - The New York Times

The insurance company, which aims at the affluent, is using waterfalls, alligators and charging bulls to show how danger can lurk unexpectedly. Read more..

By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN - The New York Times

Mr. Letterman said on his show that a person demanded $2 million not to reveal his sexual affairs with staff members. Read more..

By BILL CARTER - The New York Times

The fund’s latest report predicts a global expansion of 3.1 percent next year, better than its earlier forecast. Read more..

By CARTER DOUGHERTY - The New York Times

The collapse of talks between Bharti Airtel of India and MTN Group of South Africa illustrated the difficulty of striking deals in emerging markets. Read more..

By HEATHER TIMMONS - International Herald Tribune

There have been a flurry of new investment funds organized to buy up heavily discounted residential property from desperate sellers. Read more..

By KEVIN BRASS - International Herald Tribune

Despite an increase in spending, economists worry any rebound could falter if income growth does not improve. Read more..

By JACK HEALY - The New York Times

Yes, President Obama is pushing for the 2016 Summer Olympics to be held Chicago, but Rio de Janeiro is the city that can best afford it. Read more..

By CONSTANTINE COURCOULAS and GEORGE HAY - The New York Times

The Dec. 31 departure of Kenneth D. Lewis has left the board at Bank of America scrambling for a successor. Read more..

By ERIC DASH and LOUISE STORY - The New York Times