March 13, 2012
UK trade gap less than expected in January
The UK's trade deficit was less than expected in January, thanks to strong exports of cars to the US, China and Russia, official figures have shown. The deficit on seasonally adjusted trade in goods and services was £1.8bn in the first month of…
March 12, 2012
China reports large trade deficit as imports surge
China posted its largest trade deficit in at least a decade in February, after imports of commodities jumped as companies built up supplies. The deficit was $31.5bn (£20bn) after imports rose 39.6% from a year earlier and exports rose 18.4%, the…
March 12, 2012
Greece and Spain top agenda at Eurogroup meeting
Finance ministers from eurozone nations are to meet on Monday to discuss giving Greece's second bailout final approval. The Eurogroup, which includes eurozone finance ministers, the president of the European Central Bank and European Commission…
March 12, 2012
US economy adds 227,000 jobs in February
The US economy created 227,000 jobs in February, while the unemployment rate stayed at 8.3%, the lowest level in nearly three years. The Labor Department report also showed that job-creation figures in December and January were even stronger than…
March 12, 2012
Eurozone shows ‘tentative’ signs of recovery
The eurozone is showing "tentative" signs of recovery, according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD researches economics for the 30 nations that make up its membership. For the…
March 12, 2012
Aviation plea to leaders over EU price on carbon
Seven European aviation firms have written to governments complaining about the inclusion of airlines in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The signatories, which include Airbus, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, argue the move threatens…
February 29, 2012
US creates task force to target unfair trade practices
US President Barack Obama has created a new trade task force to investigate and crack down on unfair practices by American trading partners. The move comes amid concerns that unfair trading practices, especially by China, were harming US…
February 29, 2012
Elpida plunges 98% after bankruptcy protection filing
Shares of Elpida have plunged on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) after investors dumped stock after firm filed for bankruptcy protection. The company shares dipped as much as 98% to 5 yen. The TSE has said that it will delist Elpida from 28 March.…
February 29, 2012
Portugal passes latest bailout review
Portugal has passed the latest review of its continuing spending cuts and economic reforms, the country's Finance Minister Vitor Gaspar has said. It paves the way for the government to receive the next 14bn euros ($19bn; £12bn) round of bailout…
February 29, 2012
Markets rise on increase in US consumer confidence
Markets rose slightly on yesterday in volatile trading as an upbeat US consumer confidence indicator offset worries over Ireland's decision to hold a referendum on the plan to tie the 17 euro countries closer together. A forecast-busting consumer…