Greece's gross domestic product shrank slightly less than feared at the end of 2009 and unemployment eased, but the economy looked set to deteriorate as the government imposes major cutbacks. Greece's 240 billion euro economy, about 2.5 percent of the euro zone, shrank at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter of
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With videos of catwalk shows, pictures of glamorous models and a catalog of chic products, luxury brands are creating "digital mirrors" online as they turn to the internet to tap into growing e-commerce demand. The traditional print advert in a glossy magazine is no longer the only way to communicate with the public and fashion
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Global stocks rose to seven week highs on Friday led by bank shares after talks on U.S. banking reform collapsed, while speculation the Bank of Japan may soon ease monetary policy weighed on the yen. Oil held its ground above $82 a barrel, poised for a second consecutive weekly increase on views that energy demand
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Asian stocks edged up on Friday, heading for a fifth straight week of gains, with energy stocks outperforming as oil held above $82 a barrel. The yen dipped, dented by speculation the Bank of Japan could further loosen its monetary policy in the near term, while the dollar eased ahead of what is expected to
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The Head of the Cyprus E.U. Presidency Secretariat, Andreas Moleskis, has expressed confidence that Cyprus is more than capable of rising to the challenge of assuming the EU Presidency. In a welcoming speech at the opening of a seminar on EU Presidency logistics, organized in Nicosia, on Friday, by the Secretariat of Cyprus EU Presidency
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A spike in Chinese inflation weakened equity markets on Thursday, as investors pondered the prospects of interest rate hikes in one of the world's main economic drivers. World stocks as measured by MSCI were down slightly, led by emerging markets and Europe. Japan's Nikkei <.N225> rose nearly 1 percent with interest focused mainly on exporters.
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Britain's leading share index shed 0.3 percent early on Thursday as commodities and financials Editing by Hans Peterssaw recent gains clipped after data rekindled concerns about tighter monetary policy in China. At 0915 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 19.99 points to 5,620.58, having closed 0.7 percent higher on Thursday, a 20 month peak. The
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The storm brewing on OPEC's horizon over future Iraqi oil output could engulf the producer group sooner than it would like. OPEC was unlikely to discuss Iraq at its meeting on March 17 but it may need to do so within a couple of years. "There's only one issue, but it's a big one. It's
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Blatant disregard for oncoming traffic and speed limits will get you into serious trouble on the road, but drivers seeking similar thrills can indulge in a fleet of new racing video games due out soon. Sony Computer Entertainment's (Sony) "Gran Turismo 5" from Polyphony Digital, Activision Blizzard's "Blur" and Disney Interactive Studios' "Split/Second" are heading
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Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Wednesday that "fundamental reform" of the government's role in the housing finance market is needed and it will be next year before proposals are ready for Congress. He told a House of Representatives appropriations subcommittee that principles to guide reform of mortgage finance leaders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,
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