Global prospects brighten - just: The key Ifo Business Climate Index and the GfK's Consumer Confidence Index both rose sharply this month. They reflect a more upbeat mood than when Cyprus was dominating the news. The US is also posting positive data. China's performance poses questions however.

Italy seizes ILVA assets: Italian police have seized over €8bn in assets from the Riva family, owners of the ILVA steel conglomerate. Officials say that's how much they should have invested in improving conditions at their Taranto plant. Instead, cancer rates there are burgeoning as unfiltered chimneys continue pumping dioxins and toxic dust into the air.

Football champions' merchandising boost: Two German teams will be battling for the Champions League cup in London on Saturday. In the run up to the game merchandising sales at finalists Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have increased dramatically. Last season the Bundesliga raked in a new record in revenues - a total of €2bn.

The business of sport: Business opportunities abound at all levels of all sports. The Verseidag company for instance produces energy saving fabrics for stadium roofs. It's a breathable membrane that reflects the sun, lowering temperatures and energy costs.

Trying times for taxis: Germany's Taxi Association says there are too many taxis on the roads. And in the hunt for fares drivers have to share a limited pot. 87% of them are now classed as low wage earners. The government plans a minimum wage for taxi drivers - but that will push fares up as much as 25%.