Ethical consumerism is on the rise. Do ethical companies really trump the rest? Research suggests they do, and investors want to follow the money.

Spanish fashion chain Zara has expanded rapidly in recent months to overtake US rival Gap and become the world's largest clothing retailer.

Art collectors opened their wallets on Thursday and shelled out $42,6-million at a Valentine's Day charity auction spearheaded by rocker Bono and British artist Damien Hirst to benefit the fight against HIV/Aids in Africa. Spirited bidding and prices far in excess of pre-sale estimates marked "The (Red) Auction" at Sotheby's, where all but one of the 83 contemporary works found buyers.