Principal content
German push on EU treaty divides bloc
Political conflict over the fate of the European Union’s constitution erupted again, as the issue divided the bloc and raised the prospect of a new clash between Britain and France.
Airbus woes prompt fresh warning from EADS
A380 production problems hit group
Sony Ericsson edges ahead of Samsung
Sales surge at mobile phone group
Related content and features
Board exit prompts renewed Alitalia speculation
Air France-KLM member stands down
France’s Royal denies tax-dodging claims
Presidential candidate admits to being ‘well-off’
Music groups to sue ISPs over piracy
Internet companies accused of ‘filibustering’
ECB fails to hit inflation target
Figure unchanged at 2.2% in 2006
JP Morgan eyes new acquisitions
Net income jumps 68 per cent
ASML fourth-quarter profits jump
Dutch group forecasts higher sales in 2007
Lex
HSBC
In the global banking playground, it seems to be HSBC’s turn to be picked on. In the past three months, the bank’s shares have fallen 9 per cent, while the banking sector globally has gained 8 per cent.
European view
Sabre-rattling at Airbus precedes the real pain
Markets
China’s tale of two markets
Comment
Republicans and the Bush dilemma

For moderate Republicans in Congress facing a tough re-election campaign in 2008, the imperative is clear – abandon Bush, writes Jacob Weisberg.
Do not be fooled by the bull in the China shop

China’s failure to develop a robust equity market leaves the country perilously dependent on its rickety banking industry to finance growth, writes Guy de Jonquières.