Santander plans to challenge a court ruling it must pay Andrea Orcel 68 million euros ($77 million) for changing its mind over making him CEO, though lawyers say the bank has a slim chance of clawing back much in a battle that has damaged its reputation.

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday three new taxes in the 27-nation bloc that over the coming decades would bring cash to repay the joint borrowing of all EU governments for the 800 billion euro recovery fund.

U.S. stock index futures struggled for direction on Wednesday, cooling off after a day-earlier rally, as worries lingered about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus and its impact on global economic recovery.

Palladium is set for one last rally next year as a revival in the auto sector boosts demand for the metal used in engine exhausts, before the rise of electric vehicles that don't use the metal sends prices into long-term decline.

Chinese property giant Evergrande said on Wednesday it would "actively engage" with its creditors following its recent missed debt repayments.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Oil prices were steady on Wednesday as fears of tight supply were offset by COVID-19 concerns after Singapore suspended quarantine-free travel and Australia renewed its vaccination push due to a surge in Omicron variant cases.