There was more bad news from Europe overnight, with data showing the German economy contracted in the last quarter.

Investors are becoming so averse to risk that for the first time they have paid more for German securities than they will get on maturity.

Want to know what you've missed? Check out the day's news in photos from across the globe.

The motor-racing magnate faces a fight to stay in control of the glamour sport, writes Richard Williams.

Want to know what your favourite celebrities have been up to this week? Check out our gallery.

Germany's biggest Catholic-owned publishing house has been rocked by disclosures that it has been selling thousands of pornographic novels.

A restaurant offering 'Paleolithic cuisine' has opened in the German capital.

Frankfurt's massive Christmas Market has been operating for more than 600 years.

A cruise down the Rhine and its tributary the Moselle turns up some awe-inspiring sights, none more so than the dozens of fairytale medieval fortresses.

French media reports say first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has given birth to a baby girl.

A cruise down the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Germany turns up some awe-inspiring sights, writes Catherine Masters.