1 The Chinese authorities have asked some banks to conduct test runs for longer trading hours for the onshore yuan between Dec 23 and 30, media reports said yesterday.

2 Toshiba shares plunged to their lowest level in nearly seven years yesterday after it warned of a US$4.5 billion (S$6.4 billion) annual loss and layoffs following a profit-padding scandal.

3 Google is in talks with automaker Ford Motor to help build the Internet giant's autonomous cars, Automotive News reported. Google plans to bring its self-driving cars to the market by 2020.

4 ARA Asset Management has set up the ARA Harmony Fund V to redevelop Park Mall into a commercial building comprising two office blocks and a retail component.

5 Swiber Holdings said yesterday it is buying a construction barge for US$10 million to support its projects. The payment will be made in cash.