German Ifo Sentiment Rises for First Time Since February
German business confidence increased in May for the first time in three months, adding to signs that growth in Europe’s largest economy is gathering pace. The Ifo institute’s business climate... Read more »
Scots Defying Osborne on Union Still Want His Rates: U.K. Credit
Scottish politicians pursuing independence are determined to defy Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne by keeping the pound. They also want his borrowing costs, which are near record lows. “I... Read more »
Russian Retail Sales Probably Grew in April as Unemployment Fell
Russian consumer spending probably continued to recover in April as the labor market improves and wages rise, a sign the biggest part of the economy is helping withstand the sharpest... Read more »
Sweating Bangladesh Surveyor Races to Avoid Next Tragedy
Jeff Holt/Bloomberg Workers leave for their lunch break in a building that houses garment factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Amid an international outcry and promises by retailers to improve worker safety,... Read more »
German Consumer Sentiment to Reach 5-Year High in June, GfK Says
German consumer confidence will jump to the highest in more than 5 1/2 years in June as low unemployment and receding inflation encourage households to spend, GfK AG said. The... Read more »
Taiwan Cuts 2013 GDP Growth Forecast as Global Recovery Falters
Taiwan lowered the economic growth forecast for this year even as it reported a faster expansion in the first quarter than initially estimated. Gross domestic product rose 1.67 percent in... Read more »
Draghi Says Bond-Buying Pledge Helps Transmit Rates
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said his pledge to buy government bonds is helping to ensure that interest-rate cuts reach the parts of the euro-area economy that need them... Read more »
Fisher Says BOE Policy Makers Must Keep Up Economic Stimulus
Bank of England Markets Director Paul Fisher said policy makers must continue to provide support to the British economy as companies and consumers reduce debts and rebuild confidence. “My policy... Read more »
German First-Quarter Growth Damped by Construction, Investment
The German economy’s return to growth in the first quarter was hampered by declines in construction activity and investment as a severe winter and a recession in Europe damped demand.... Read more »
Orban Raises Stakes in EU Budget Fight With Bank Threat
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he’s ready to boost Europe’s highest bank levy further to escape the European Union’s excessive-deficit procedure, risking reopening a dispute with the European Commission... Read more »