US GDP grew 2.6% in Q4

Economic growth in the United States grew faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter of last year helped by stronger consumer spending, the U.S. Commerce Department said on Thursday.

Mexico economy hampered by U.S., weather in first quarter: Carstens

(Reuters) - Mexico's economic growth in the first quarter of the year is being affected by slower growth in the United States and by poor weather, Mexico Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens said on Friday.

Japan prices rise for ninth month ahead of tax increase

Consumer prices in Japan increased by 1.3% in February compared with the same period last year, marking the ninth month in a row of gains.

Bank of England readies tools to rein in risky mortgage lending

(Reuters) - The Bank of England urged banks on Thursday to consider the risk of future spikes in interest rates when they approve mortgages, and prepared tools to rein back potentially dangerous lending.

European leaders ask Obama to allow increased exports of US shale gas

European leaders on Wednesday asked Barack Obama to share the US's shale gas bonanza with Europe by facilitating gas exports to help counter the stranglehold Russia has on the continent's energy needs.

Americans still worried about their financial future

Most Americans believe that the Great Recession is over, according to MONEY magazine's new national survey.But a Great Insecurity seems to have emerged in its wake.

German economy makes solid start to 2014: finance ministry

(Reuters) - The German economy got off to a solid start in the first quarter and the data point towards a broad upturn, the Finance Ministry said in its monthly report for March released on Tuesday.

China Expands Bank Financing With Preferred Stock Trial

China issued rules for a trial program allowing companies to sell preferred stock, expanding financing options for the nation’s banks as they seek to address tougher capital requirements.

Housing market 'momentum' continues

Property sales rose sharply in February compared with a year ago, while rental costs started to go up again, figures have suggested.

Blow for Scottish nationalists as BAE says split would destroy jobs

The defence giant BAE Systems has finally warned that Scottish independence could threaten thousands of jobs north of the border, after months of refusing to comment on September's vote.

Bank Rossiya Becomes First Russian Lender Under U.S. Sanctions

OAO Bank Rossiya, a St. Petersburg-based lender owned by associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, became the first financial institution to face U.S. sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Inflation in U.S. Shows Little Pickup as Fed Meets: Economy

The cost of living in the U.S. was little changed in February, showing inflation remains well below the Federal Reserve’s goal as policy makers meet to decide on the path of interest rates.

US consumer price growth remains weak

US consumer prices were little changed in February, indicating that inflation continues to remain tame. The consumer price index rose 0.1%, from a month earlier. That matched the increase seen in January.

In doubling yuan trading band, China aggravates foreign investor concerns

(Reuters) - The Chinese central bank's decision to relax its grip on the yuan has been welcomed as a sign of financial liberalization, but it is aggravating concerns among foreign executives and investors about their exposure to China in the near term.

British economic recovery incomplete, warns Osborne

London (AFP) - Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne warned Sunday that Britain's economic recovery was on course but far from completion as he prepared to deliver his annual budget this week.

Mexico central bank seen holding rates steady next week: Reuters poll

(Reuters) - Mexico's central bank is expected to hold its main interest rate steady next Friday and policymakers are likely to brush off higher inflation as they look to support an economic recovery, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

Japan February exports seen accelerating; trade gap to narrow

(Reuters) - Japan's export growth is forecast to have accelerated in February as shipments recovered from a Lunar New Year slowdown, which along with slower import growth is expected see the trade deficit narrow from record levels, a Reuters poll shows.

Mark Zuckerberg 'confused and frustrated' by US spying

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has said he has called President Barack Obama to "express frustration" over US digital surveillance.

Libya's parliament ejects 'failed' prime minister

Ali Zeidan has been criticized, opposed, and even briefly kidnapped since taking office as interim prime minister in October 2012.

Poland Says German Reliance on Russian Gas Threatens Europe

WARSAW -- Germany's reliance on Russian natural gas poses a threat to European sovereignty, Polish Prime Minister Doland Tusk warned Monday amid rising East-West tensions over Ukraine.

Italy must wait to see if reform efforts affect budget goals: minister

(Reuters) - Italy will have to wait to judge whether planned structural reforms will affect its ability to meet strict European Union budget limits, Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said on Monday.

Japan fourth-quarter GDP revised down to +0.2 percent quarter on quarter

(Reuters) - Japan's economy grew 0.2 percent in October-December from the previous quarter, government data showed on Monday, revised down from a preliminary 0.3 percent expansion due to slower growth in capital spending and private consumption.

US economy adds 175,000 jobs in February

The US economy added 175,000 new jobs in February, but the unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.7%.

Heavier sanctions on Russia could backfire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Underlying talk about taking harsh punitive measures against Russia for its military incursion into Ukraine are economic complications and worries that sanctions levied against Moscow could backfire on the U.S. and Europe.

European Central Bank keeps interest rates at 0.25%

The European Central Bank (ECB) has kept its benchmark interest rate at its record low of 0.25%. The bank slightly raised its forecast for growth to 1.2% in 2014, but dropped its inflation estimate.

UK energy security at risk as gas imports surge - Centrica

Britain must find new sources of energy fast as the quantity of imported natural gas is expected to increase at a much faster rate than the government had previously expected, the chief executive of Centrica has warned.

Ukraine crisis sends wheat and corn prices soaring

Wheat and corn prices have risen sharply in response to the crisis in Ukraine, which is one of the world's biggest exporters of both crops.

Buffett says economy continues to grow steadily

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett says the economy continues the steady improvement that began in fall of 2009 and he remains optimistic despite Russia's advance into Ukraine.

Lew Says Ukraine’s Leaders Ready to Tackle ‘Market Reforms’

Ukraine is ready to undertake “urgently needed market reforms” to help restore financial stability and strengthen its economy, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said today after several conversations with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

US economy grew 2.4% in fourth quarter

Washington (AFP) - The US economy grew more slowly late last year than previously thought, but there was enough vigor that the Federal Reserve will likely continue reducing its stimulus program, analysts said.

Ukrainian currency hits 10-year low

Ukraine's currency, the hryvnia, has fallen to a new low of 10 to the US dollar. The currency's decline reflects political upheavals and longer-term persistent economic weakness.