Bank of Japan makes rare rate cut

The Bank of Japan has cut its main interest rate from 0.5% to 0.3% - its first reduction for seven years.

The move followed a global wave of rate cuts to contain the financial crisis. Japan has the lowest interest rates in the developed world.
Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index briefly inched up following the news, but it ended the day down 5%.
On Thursday, Japan announced a five trillion yen ($51bn; £31bn) economic package to boost its flagging economi.