1. Royal Dutch Shell reported its biggest net loss in at least 16 years after it abandoned some projects and lowered its oil-price expectations, resulting in a charge of almost US$8 billion (S$11.2 billion).

2. Two Chinese exchanges and China's foreign exchange trading operator are setting up joint ventures with Germany's Deutsche Boerse, in a boost for Frankfurt over London.

3. Sales growth in the global personal luxury goods market has slowed to 1 to 2 per cent from 3 per cent last year at constant currencies, hit by lower demand in China and Hong Kong, consultancy Bain & Co said in a study.

4. CNA's judicial managers have signed an agreement with Mr Michael Ong Liang Huat to divest the Singapore business to him. Mr Ong was CNA chief executive before it was placed under judicial management.

5. Yongmao Holdings said it expects to report a small net profit for the second quarter ended Sept 30, compared with the same quarter a year ago, where it recorded 16.5 million yuan in profit.