Royal Bank of Scotland posts $3 billion Q3 loss AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Government-controlled Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC on Friday reported a net loss of 1.8 billion pounds ($3 billion) despite an improvement in underlying profits and said lending to small- and medium-sized companies increased 5 percent.
Canada's unemployment rate rises AP (November 06, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent in October from 8.4 percent a month earlier as the economy shed 43,200 jobs, the government said Friday.
Delegates discuss way forward in UN climate talks AP (November 06, 2009) BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - U.N. climate negotiators in Spain are discussing a formula for securing agreement among 192 nations on tackling global warming during a last day of talks before next month's major climate conference in Denmark.
Hannover Re posts 3Q net income of $235 million AP (November 06, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German reinsurance company Hannover Re AG reported net income of euro159 million ($235 million) in the third quarter from a loss a year ago, as a result of an increase in premiums and a one-off profit related to a recent acquisition.
World stocks fall as US jobless rate hits 10.2 pct AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks fell and Wall Street was expected to drop on the open Friday after data showed the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent in October, more than expected, as 190,000 jobs were cut.
China criticizes US over pipe duties AP (November 06, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - China criticized Washington for imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese-made steel pipes and launched a probe Friday of imported U.S. autos, adding to trade tensions two weeks before President Barack Obama visits Beijing.
G20 officials to wrestle over economic imbalances AP (November 06, 2009) ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) - Finance officials from rich and developing countries face difficult negotiations over how to even out the imbalances weighing on the world economy as they gather Friday for a summit at a seaside hotel in Scotland.
Senator: No stimulus money for US-China wind farm AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic senator is calling on the Obama administration to reject an expected request for economic stimulus money for a $1.5 billion West Texas wind energy project.
BoE adds 25 billion pounds to monetary expansion AP (November 05, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The Bank of England said Thursday it will pour another 25 billion pounds ($41 billion) into the economy to get Britain out of recession as it kept its main interest rate at a record low of 0.5 percent.
Eurozone retail sales drop in Sept AP (November 05, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - Retail sales in the 16 countries that use the euro dropped by 0.7 percent in September, European Union statistics showed Thursday, evidence the economic recovery will be slow and bumpy.
Statoil partners with China in Gulf of Mexico AP (November 05, 2009) OSLO (AP) - Norwegian oil company Statoil ASA agreed last month to sell part of its interests in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, a company spokesman said Thursday.
Deutsche Telekom Q3 net income up 7 pct AP (November 05, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - Deutsche Telekom AG reported third-quarter net income rose 7 percent as it remained focused on controlling costs and developing key markets in the U.S., Britain and Poland.
Opel workers across Germany protest GM move AP (November 05, 2009) RUESSELSHEIM, Germany (AP) - Fearing widespread layoffs, thousands of Opel workers walked off the job across Germany on Thursday to protest General Motors Co.'s decision to abandon the unit's sale to new owners.
World stocks down ahead of European rate decisions AP (November 05, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets fell Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cautioned about the wider economic impact of rising unemployment. Investors awaited interest rate decisions in Europe later in the day.
European, British central banks leave rates alone AP (November 05, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - The European Central Bank and the Bank of England kept interest rates at record lows Thursday as their economies struggle to emerge from recession.
EU agrees on new Internet user rights AP (November 05, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - EU lawmakers and governments agreed on new rights for Internet users Thursday, aiming to protect them from arbitrary crackdowns on those who illegally download music and movies on the Internet.
Asia stocks rise as China growth forecast upgraded AP (November 04, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - Asian stocks recovered Wednesday after two days of losses as the World Bank raised its growth forecast for China's economy and stronger commodities prices lifted the region's powerhouse resource companies. European markets were higher.
Earnings cheer boosts European stocks ahead of Fed AP (November 04, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets recovered Wednesday, helped by upbeat earnings reports across the region ahead of the latest economic update from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Palestinians seek Gaza war crimes justice AP (November 04, 2009) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Palestinians on Wednesday warned Israel they will seek justice for war crimes allegedly committed during last winter's Gaza conflict in the U.N. Security Council and through the International Criminal Court.
Germany fumes over GM ditching Opel sale to Magna AP (November 04, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - Germany's politicians fumed with anger and Opel workers cancelled cost concessions and readied walkouts after General Motors Co. abandoned the sale of its European subsidiary to parts maker Magna International and Russian bank Sberbank.
Poor countries see troubling rise in breast cancer AP (November 03, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Nurses were training women in rural Mexico to examine their breasts for cancer when one raised her hand to object. If she lost her breast, Harvard public health specialist Felicia Knaul recalls the woman saying, "My man would leave me" - and with him, the family's income.
Irish Supreme Court upholds men-only golf club AP (November 03, 2009) DUBLIN (AP) - A premier Dublin golf club can continue to bar women from membership, the Irish Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in a discrimination case inspired by similar protests against men-only clubs in the United States.
Bank HSBC cutting 1,700 UK jobs AP (November 03, 2009) LONDON (AP) - HSBC Holdings PLC says it is cutting 1,700 positions from its British work force.
Australia lifts interest rate to 3.5 percent AP (November 03, 2009) SYDNEY (AP) - Australia's central bank raised its key interest rate Tuesday by a quarter percentage point for the second month in a row, declaring the global downturn over and warning that inflation was set to rise.
EU lifts 2010 growth forecast AP (November 03, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Commission on Tuesday predicted that the EU and eurozone will grow in 2010 at a modest rate of 0.7 percent as the economy moves from a sharp recession to a hesitant and fragile recovery.
World markets fall as US recovery doubts linger AP (November 03, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - World stock markets were lower Tuesday despite improvement in U.S. manufacturing as doubts lingered about the durability of a rebound in the world's largest economy.
Dow names CFO Merszei to overseas posts AP (November 03, 2009) MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) - Dow Chemical Co. on Tuesday said chief financial officer Geoffery Merszei will leave that post and take on the roles of president of Dow Europe, Middle East and Africa, chairman of Dow Europe and executive vice president of The Dow Chemical Co.
IMF sells gold to India's central bank AP (November 03, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The International Monetary Fund has sold 200 metric tons of gold worth $6.7 billion to India's central bank as part of an effort to shore up IMF finances and increase low-cost lending to developing countries.
New Boston Scientific stent approved in Europe AP (November 02, 2009) NATICK, Mass. (AP) - Medical device maker Boston Scientific said Monday it received European marketing approval for its latest drug-coated stent technology, which prevents blocked arteries.
British Airways Christmas strike threat looms AP (November 02, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The Unite union said Monday it will announce the results of a planned ballot of British Airways PLC cabin crew for strike action in mid-December, raising the prospect of a walkout over the busy Christmas period.
ElBaradei asks Iran for quick response on nukes AP (November 02, 2009) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The head of the U.N. nuclear agency has urged Iran to clarify its response to a proposal that would have Tehran ship most of its nuclear material abroad for processing.
Iran grants Swiss access to detained US hikers AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Iranian authorities this week allowed a Swiss diplomat a second visit with three detained American hikers arrested for illegal entry near the Iraq border in late July, the State Department said Friday.
Obama lifts ban on US entry for those with HIV AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama said Friday the U.S. will overturn a 22-year-old travel and immigration ban against people with HIV early next year. The order will be finalized on Monday, Obama said, completing a process begun during the Bush administration.
Reports: Cyberattacks traced to NKorea AP (October 30, 2009) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The North Korean government was the source of high-profile cyberattacks in July that caused Web outages in South Korea and the United States, news reports said Friday.
Dutch court nixes teenager's round-the-world sail AP (October 30, 2009) UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) - A Dutch court ruled Friday that 14-year-old Laura Dekker was still too inexperienced to be allowed to set off on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
European stocks flat ahead of US GDP data AP (October 29, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets traded flat on Thursday as investors awaited quarterly growth data from the U.S. later in the day for insight into the state of the world's biggest economy.
Plans to rebuild damaged CCTV building under way AP (October 29, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The chief architect for the landmark new headquarters for China's powerful state broadcaster said the part of the complex that burned in a massive fire earlier this year can be repaired and does not need to be torn down.
'Slumdog' kids' truancy threatens their trust fund AP (October 29, 2009) MUMBAI, India (AP) - The two child stars of "Slumdog Millionaire" are at risk of losing their monthly stipend and their trust fund if they don't attend school more regularly, a trustee for the fund said Thursday.
UN climate chief doubts full treaty this year AP (October 29, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - Reaching a final global warming treaty will be impossible this year, but the political ingredients of a deal must be settled at a conference in December, the U.N.'s top climate official said Wednesday.
Canwest says National Post might fold AP (October 29, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's beleaguered media giant Canwest Global Communications says it will shut down the unprofitable National Post newspaper if its operations are not transferred to a different holding company by Friday.
Report: Official says dealers could teach farmers AP (October 29, 2009) MEXICO CITY (AP) - A Mexican agriculture official has caused a stir by reportedly suggesting that Mexican farmers could learn a thing or two from drug traffickers.
China confirms probe of US auto imports AP (October 29, 2009) HANGZHOU, China (AP) - China's commerce minister says Beijing is carrying out a probe of some imports of American-made autos.
Asian stocks slide on gloomy US news AP (October 29, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Asian stock markets fell for a third day Thursday after signs of weakness in the U.S. housing market added to fears about the health of the global economic recovery. European shares were mixed.
China to lift swine flu-inspired ban on US pork AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Chinese officials have agreed to lift the ban on U.S. pork imports they imposed last spring out of fear of swine flu.
US official: Homemade bombs pose worldwide threat AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The use of homemade bombs extends well beyond Afghanistan and Iraq, making the weapons a global problem that requires an international solution, a senior U.S. military official said Thursday.
World markets fall after weak US consumer report AP (October 28, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Global stock markets dropped Wednesday as more signs American consumers were struggling undermined hopes for a stronger turnaround in the world's largest economy.
Japan's automakers set production records in China AP (October 28, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Japanese automakers are experiencing a production boom in China with Toyota, Honda and Nissan setting records for September - the latest signs of an emerging recovery for Japan's auto industry.
Ford: China's Geely preferred bidder for Volvo AP (October 28, 2009) DETROIT (AP) - Ford Motor Co. has picked a consortium led by China's Geely Group as the preferred bidder to buy its Swedish Volvo Cars unit, the U.S. automaker said Wednesday.
China, US's Harsco sign construction joint venture AP (October 28, 2009) HANGZHOU, China (AP) - Top U.S. trade officials visiting China for high level talks on nuts-and-bolts economic issues oversaw the signing Wednesday of a joint venture between major Chinese and U.
Ecuador to Europe: Pay us not to drill in Amazon AP (October 27, 2009) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's president is in London this week to promote a unique proposal: pay his country $3 billion not to drill for oil in a pristine Amazon reserve.
EU approves Pepsi bottlers merger AP (October 27, 2009) LUXEMBOURG (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved the proposed takeover by PepsiCo Inc. of its two top bottling companies for $7.8 billion.
Families of US hikers held in Iran release video AP (October 27, 2009) BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - The families of three Americans being held in Iran plan to release video footage that they say proves the three were simply on vacation and had no underhand intentions when they strayed across the border.
Dubai port firm says trade starting to stabilize AP (October 27, 2009) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Cargo handler DP World says trade volumes appear to be stabilizing after suffering their worst slump in decades because of the economic downturn.
Canadian Pacific Railway profit rises on gains AP (October 27, 2009) CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. says its profit rose 14.5 percent in the third quarter as gains on asset sales more than offset the impact of a steep drop in revenue.
Europe gains after BP earns beat forecasts AP (October 27, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European markets were pushed higher by oil stocks Tuesday after BP's third-quarter results beat analysts' expectations. Asian indexes closed lower, following losses on Wall Street the previous day amid fears that equities have become overvalued.
Chinese paper accuses Google of hampering searches AP (October 27, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Google Inc. faces a new controversy in China after a Web site run by the Communist Party's main newspaper accused the U.S. search giant of trying to keep Internet users away following its reports on a copyright dispute.
Church of Scientology convicted of fraud in France AP (October 27, 2009) PARIS (AP) - A Paris court convicted the Church of Scientology of fraud and fined it more than euro600,000 ($900,000) on Tuesday but stopped short of banning the group as prosecutors had demanded.
Markets rise on SKorea growth; oil earns awaited AP (October 26, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European markets rose modestly Monday as investors looked ahead to oil company earnings later in the week. Asian markets rose as South Korea's fastest growth in over seven years underscored the region's strengthening economic recovery.
ING to split itself, issue $11.3B of shares AP (October 26, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - European services giant ING Groep NV said Monday it will split itself in two, spinning off its insurance arm to simplify its business and issuing euro7.5 billion ($11.3 billion) in new shares to repay state bailout money.
US safety chief says China helping on drywall AP (October 26, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - China is helping American officials investigate reports of contaminated Chinese drywall after thousands of American homeowners complained the building material made them sick or damaged their houses, a top U.S. safety official said Monday.
Dollar decline continues: New 14-month low vs euro AP (October 26, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The dollar hit a fresh 14-month low against the euro as a regional Chinese central bank researcher argued for diversification of the country's reserves away from the greenback, while a strong economic report from South Korea sparked an equities rally and dulled the buck's safe-haven luster.
World markets gain as earnings spur recovery hopes AP (October 23, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - World stock markets rose Friday, spurred by another batch of optimistic quarterly reports from major companies in the U.S. and Asia even as worries remained that this year's rally has overshot reality.
Taiwan lifts ban on US beef in bone AP (October 23, 2009) TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan says it will lift a ban on imports of a range of U.S. "beef in bone" products including Porterhouse steak.
Fla. insurer renews policy despite Chinese drywall AP (October 23, 2009) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Florida's public insurance company reversed course this week and said it will cover a couple's Gulf Coast retirement home, after previously telling the homeowners their policy wouldn't be renewed because of the home's tainted Chinese drywall.
EU approves Merck, Schering-Plough tie-up AP (October 23, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union on Friday approved the proposed tie-up of U.S. drug makers Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. which would create the second-biggest global producer of prescription medicines.
UK economy remains in recession AP (October 23, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The British economy shrank 0.4 percent in the third quarter, surprising forecasters and dashing hopes the country would follow France and Germany out of recession.
Sarkozy's son wins board post after scandal AP (October 23, 2009) PARIS (AP) - President Nicolas Sarkozy's son was elected to the board of the organization that runs France's most important business district on Friday after a dramatic withdrawal of his bid for the top spot amid fierce assusations of favoritism.
German business confidence rises in October AP (October 23, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German business confidence rose for a seventh consecutive month in October as Europe's largest economy showed more signs of recovery and firms' outlook for exports improved, a survey found Friday.
Serbia seen as hub for Russian gas in Europe AP (October 22, 2009) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Serbia will become a major hub for distribution of Russian natural gas to Europe thanks to the storage and transport capacities of the planned South Stream pipeline, the general manager of Serbia' state energy company said Thursday.
World markets drop on China growth worrries AP (October 22, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets fell sharply Thursday as investor optimism was dented by a broker downgrade of U.S. bank Wells Fargo and concerns about future Chinese economic growth.
3M's 3Q weaker but Asia provides surprising boost AP (October 22, 2009) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - 3M Co., which makes everything from Post-It Notes to insect repellent, said Thursday strong sales of health care products in flu-wary Asia helped lift earnings beyond analyst expectations in the third quarter.
Russia drops $22.5 bln lawsuit against US bank AP (October 22, 2009) MOSCOW (AP) - Russia dropped a $22.5 billion lawsuit Thursday against Bank of New York Mellon after the company agreed to pay $14 million to settle a decade-old money-laundering case involving one of its former executives.
China's growth accelerates to 8.9 percent in 3Q AP (October 22, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China's economy expanded 8.9 percent in the third quarter, pumped up by easy credit and massive government spending that have ensured a recovery while the U.S., Japan and Europe continue to flounder.
Chinese group says Google violating copyrights AP (October 21, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - A Chinese group is accusing search engine powerhouse Google of illegally copying Chinese-language works for its digital library, adding to disquiet about a project to scan millions of books.
World stocks lower ahead of more US earnings AP (October 21, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets fell modestly Wednesday after soft U.S. housing data reined in some of the optimism generated by a raft of better-than-expected earnings.
AP NewsBreak: Swiss tipped US to Polanski trip AP (October 20, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Swiss authorities set in motion the arrest of fugitive director Roman Polanski in his decades-old child sex case as he traveled to the country last month, documents obtained by The Associated Press show.
Asian stocks up after US earns; Europe shares down AP (October 20, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Most Asian stock markets climbed Tuesday as a rash of better-than-expected earnings reports from major U.S. companies buttressed confidence in the world economy. European markets were lower.
Guantanamo detainees case reaches Supreme Court AP (October 20, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to decide whether Guantanamo detainees who are considered no threat can be ordered released in the United States - over the objections of the Obama administration and Congress - if the prisoners have nowhere else to go.
Qatar sovereign fund sells part of Barclays stake AP (October 20, 2009) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Barclays shares dropped 5 percent Tuesday after the British bank's largest shareholder, Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, said it was selling a stake worth more than $2 billion.
Canada's central bank leaves rate unchanged AP (October 20, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's central bank is holding its key interest rate at a record low 0.25 percent and reiterating its intention to hold the rate there until the middle of next year.
Toyota pushes into SKorea, home turf of Hyundai AP (October 20, 2009) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Toyota is making a push into South Korea - the home market of international rival Hyundai Motor Co. - introducing four models including the Camry and Prius while downplaying the move as a direct challenge to domestic automakers.
Gates: Disputed US base likely to stay on Okinawa AP (October 20, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Despite political pressure among Tokyo's new leaders to shut down a U.S. Marine base on Okinawa, the top American defense official says he expects the base will remain.
China auto output hits 10 mln units for 1st time AP (October 20, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China's annual auto production surpassed 10 million for the first time on Tuesday, as a new "Liberation" model truck rolled off the assembly line at state-owned First Automobile Works, state media reported.
UK's Brown urges progress on climate pact AP (October 19, 2009) LONDON (AP) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday that failure to strike a new global deal on reducing greenhouse emissions would be catastrophic, and urged other national leaders to personally attend a climate summit in Denmark later this year.
Spanish workers reject Magna offer AP (October 19, 2009) MADRID (AP) - A Spanish labor representative says unions have rejected Magna's latest offer concerning the future of an Opel plant targeted for job cuts and will vote on calling a strike.
Asia stocks higher as US earnings, China data eyed AP (October 19, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stock markets were mostly higher Monday as investors looked to bellwether U.S. companies and China for guideposts to the strength of recovery in two major economies.
Euro finance ministers face strong euro worries AP (October 19, 2009) LUXEMBOURG (AP) - Finance ministers from the 16 nations that use the euro meet for talks late Monday as the shared currency's rise against the dollar hits European exports, endangering the continent's fragile economic recovery.
JAL shares surge on government rescue report AP (October 19, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Shares of Japan Airlines surged nearly 12 percent Monday following a report the government is expediting a rescue for the struggling carrier.
China growth more than 7 pct in January-September AP (October 19, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China's economy expanded more than 7 percent in the first nine months of the year and will certainly surpass the 2009 growth target of 8 percent, a top economic official said Monday.
World stocks rise as US earnings, China data eyed AP (October 19, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stock markets were mostly higher Monday as investors looked to bellwether U.S. companies and China for guideposts to the strength of recovery in two major economies. European stocks also rose.
Dutch DSB bank declared bankrupt AP (October 19, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - A Dutch court declared DSB Bank NV bankrupt on Monday, ending hopes the regional lender, which suffered a run on deposits, might be sold or bailed out.
Foreign demand rises for long-term US assets AP (October 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Foreign demand for long-term U.S. financial assets rose in August even though China trimmed its holdings of Treasury securities.
Some poor nations succeeding in fighting hunger AP (October 16, 2009) BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) - Government fertilizer has made the difference between hunger and plenty for Rodrick Jesitala, a farmer and father of three in southern Malawi.
China's trade slump eases in September, loans rise AP (October 14, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China's export slump eased in September as global demand showed signs of recovery and banks stepped up lending to help fuel a turnaround in the world's No. 3 economy.
World stocks up as tanking dollar boosts oil, gold AP (October 14, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Global stock markets rose Wednesday as China's economy showed more signs of recovery and oil prices touched a new high for the year above $75 a barrel.
Dollar loses punch and crude finds momentum AP (October 14, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices on Wednesday soared to new highs for the year because of a weak dollar and the upcoming holiday shopping season that could bring more traffic to the roads.
General Motors aiming to beat China market growth AP (October 14, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - General Motors Co. is aiming to beat the already fast pace of growth in the Chinese market, with sales in 2009 possibly surpassing 1.6 million vehicles, its China President Kevin Wale said Wednesday.
Pan American to buy Aquiline Resources AP (October 14, 2009) VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Canadian miner Pan American Silver Corp. says it has agreed to buy rival Aquiline Resources Inc. in a deal valued at about $608 million.
Next German gov't to cut solar subsidies AP (October 14, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - Germany's next government is considering slashing subsidies to renewable energy industries, particularly solar, an energy expert with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats said Tuesday.
Stocks surge on Intel, JPMorgan reports AP (October 14, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Surprisingly strong earnings reports from Intel and JPMorgan Chase are sending stocks sharply higher in early trading.
Euro industry output rises 0.9 percent in August AP (October 14, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - Industrial output in the 16 nations that use the euro rose 0.9 percent in August from a month earlier, the EU statistics agency said Wednesday, suggesting the region's economy is recovering gradually.
Indian vehicle sales rise 17 percent in September AP (October 13, 2009) MUMBAI, India (AP) - India's auto sales rose 17.1 percent in September from a year earlier to 212,975 vehicles, as holiday buying, easier credit and rising consumer confidence fueled growth in India's auto sector.
German investor confidence slips in October AP (October 13, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German investor confidence dipped in October as mixed economic data suggested Europe's biggest economy will recover only slowly, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday.
China auto sales jump 78 percent in September AP (October 13, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China's vehicle sales vaulted 78 percent in September from a year earlier, widening a lead over the U.S. as the world's top auto market, with sales spurred by tax cuts and government stimulus spending.
Future of top China magazine in doubt after exodus AP (October 13, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The general manager of China's most influential financial magazine and dozens of her staff have resigned, in a possible tussle over editorial control at the path-breaking publication.
GM chief says Opel sale may come this week AP (October 13, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - General Motors could finalize the sale of its German auto unit Opel as early as this week, the U.S. automaker's CEO said Tuesday.
World stock markets mixed ahead of US earnings AP (October 13, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Most Asian stock markets advanced Tuesday, with Tokyo and Hong Kong indexes gaining almost 1 percent, as investors looked to earnings reports from major U.S. companies for insight about the economy. European markets fell.
Macau eyes curbs on its booming gambling industry AP (October 13, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Macau may curb the growth of its booming casino industry with limits on the number of gambling tables and other restrictions, the government said.
Philips profit boosts European markets AP (October 12, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose strongly Monday as investor sentiment was buoyed by better than expected third-quarter profits from Royal Philips Electronics NV at the start of a week when earnings statements around the world will be the main focus of attention.
Energy high on agenda for Putin visit to China AP (October 12, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin landed in China Monday in an effort to bolster energy, political and military ties between the former rival nations turned strategic partners.
Sarkozy's son, 23, ignites uproar over job bid AP (October 12, 2009) PARIS (AP) - President Nicolas Sarkozy's 23-year-old son is angling for a key job overseeing billions of euros in commerce at France's top business district - a job critics say he does not deserve.
Britain sells off public assets to boost finances AP (October 12, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The British government is holding a fire sale of public assets including the undersea Channel rail link to raise 16 billion pounds ($25 billion) as Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned on Monday that the country is "only halfway there" in overcoming the recession.
Singapore economy surges for 2nd straight quarter AP (October 12, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore's economy surged for a second straight quarter, and the government boosted its 2009 growth forecast, as manufacturing cemented the city-state's emergence from recession.