CHINA

The Asian political canvas looks challenging in 2012, with government changes in key countries likely to surprise investors and businesses. The highlights are a once-in-a-decade leadership change in China, chances of an early general election in India, worsening uncertainty in Pakistani politics and general elections in South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

About 18 couples from Nigeria, Russia and China tied the knots in a freezing cold of minus 20 degrees during a group wedding ceremony at the Chinese city of Harbin Friday.

Toronto's main stock index finished lower for the first time this year on Friday, as resource and financial issues fell after Canadian and U.S. jobs data failed to impress investors.

Jon Huntsman and members of his family expressed outrage Friday at an advertisement targeted at his adopted daughters by a group supporting rival Ron Paul.

European shares ended little changed on Friday, with many investors happy to cash in on three weeks of gains ahead of the start of the U.S. fourth-quarter earnings season on Monday.

American Airlines, US Airways, and United Continental have all joined Delta in adding a $3 surcharge to fares purchased in the United States for flights to Europe in response to the EU's new Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

The ad finishes with an image of Huntsman dressed as the infamous Communist leader Mao Zedong.

Year of the Dragon begins on Jan. 23.

American Airlines and US Airways Group have joined other big U.S. carriers in adding surcharges to flights in the wake of a disputed European law requiring airlines to pay for aircraft emissions.

Some things haven't changed since 2008: for the second time, the largest newspaper in Massachusetts has endorsed someone other than former Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination.

The deteriorating global growth outlook has meant the underperformance of the platinum group metals relative to gold, although supply disruptions could provide some relief to weaker demand. Of the PGM group, palladium is more likely to outperform in 2012, given its stronger links to U.S. and Chinese demand.

President Barack Obama revealed that the United States will be sending more troops to the Asia-Pacific, a move that China was quick to criticize on Friday.

BMW grabbed the top spot in the U.S. luxury auto market in 2011, edging out Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz brand, as both German automakers took advantage of inventory problems for Toyota Motor Corp's Lexus lineup.

Gold prices rose Friday as concerns about the Eurozone's economy and the health of its banks offset the effect of a stronger dollar.

Launch of iPhone 4S in China can delay the release of the much-hyped and much-awaited iPad 3, speculate experts. Now delaying the launch of iPad 3 can be another structured rumor or marketing gimmick of Apple as this world renowned electronics company is known for making a series of announcements at random times to fuel up the suspense among the Apple enthusiasts.

The top after-market NASDAQ Stock Market gainers are: ViroPharma, WebMD Health, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Oritani Financial, and Momenta Pharmaceuticals. The top after-market NASDAQ Stock Market losers are: RF Micro Devices, Vical, Integra LifeSciences Holdings, Morgans Hotel Group, and Zoltek Companies.

Some of the planet's top automakers are showcasing their latest concepts and models at the 2012 India Auto Expo in New Delhi, as they seek to boost sales in one of the biggest markets in the world, despite the recent slowdown in turnover.

The price of pork in China could soon rival U.S. payrolls as the world's most watched economic indicator.

Barclays Capital released its 2012 price outlook for precious metals Thursday. Despite short-term hurdles, a clouded macro-economic environment against a backdrop of low interest rates and political uncertainties continue to stoke investor appetite for a more diversified and less riskier portfolio.

After more than a month of posturing, Iran said it's ready to restart nuclear talks with the European Union, adding that Turkey would be the best place for a dialog.

NEW YORK - Alcoa Inc , the largest U.S. aluminum producer, could end up posting a fourth-quarter loss due to a dizzying drop in the metal's price in the last six months as the euro zone debt crisis and an economic slowdown in China hurt demand growth.