US judge approves $8.5 billion Bank of America settlement

WASHINGTON: A US judge has approved an $8.5 billion settlement between Bank of America and a group of investors for losses on dodgy mortgage-backed securities whose collapse triggered the 2008 financial crisis.

Shares slip, ECB hopes drive German bonds to 6-week low

LONDON (Reuters) - Worries about the slowing global economy following some gloomy data hit shares in Europe and Asia on Wednesday, although expectations of central bank action to stabilize the euro zone propped up the euro and tempered demand for German bonds.