Though there are pockets of optimism in various regions and countries, the overall tone of PWC's Global CEO Survey for 2015 is a pessimistic one.

Global trade is slowing down, according to a study by the World Bank, hit by shifting trade patterns, low interest rates and soft commodity prices. 

There was a record number of mergers and acquisitions in the medical device industry in 2014, according to a report by consulting firm, GlobalData.

FDI inflows into western Europe's business services sector has followed a downward trend between 2012 and 2014.

The latest International Trade Monitor survey by Western Union Business Solutions finds an increase in confidence among UK-based small and medium-sized businesses, which will see them increasingly look at opportunities abroad.

An annual report by international tax advisory network, Taxand, highlights a number of significant changes that have transformed the global tax landscape.

UK-based investment into the Australian software and IT services sector increased steadily between 2012 and 2014.

The UK's research and development sector has received a massive boost with the announcement that the government has allocated an extra £5.9bn of funding to the sector.

The Infinity Park enterprise zone in Derby has been granted enterprise zone status, which is expected to boost its attractiveness to investors.