Security firm G4S back in profit but more work needed

Security firm G4S has reported a pre-tax profit of £85m for the six months to the end of June, compared with a loss of £94m a year earlier.

IMF Cuts 2014 Global Forecast After Slowdowns in China, U.S.

The International Monetary Fund lowered its outlook for global growth this year as expansions weaken from China to the U.S. and military conflicts raise the risk of a surge in oil prices.

Russia's PM says government has funds to honor social spending pledges

(Reuters) - Russia's government has enough resources honor all its social spending pledges although this will not be easy, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was quoted as telling the country's president on Saturday as tensions over Crimea add to Moscow's economic ills.

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.

G20 pledges to add $2 trillion to global economy

The largest global economies have pledged to install policies that will add $2 trillion to the world economy over the next five years.

G-20 ready to take action to underpin global growth: Saccomanni

(Reuters) - Italy's outgoing Economy Minister Fabrizio Saccomanni on Wednesday said market turmoil in emerging markets is a threat to global growth and the world's 20 major economies are ready do what is necessary to underpin output.

Davos 2014: Widening wealth gap 'biggest risk' in 2014

The increasing gap between rich and poor is seen as the biggest risk to global stability, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In its annual report it warned that income disparity is seen as the risk "most likely to to cause serious damage globally in the coming decade".

World currency turbulence hits company earnings

PARIS: Emerging markets have helped rake in a corporate earnings bonanza in recent years, but a sudden plunge in their currencies in mid-2013 due to an expected cut in US stimulus has sorely hit sales and profit.

US government shutdown: Dollar could be the biggest loser

The first US government shutdown in 17 years is stoking speculation that the longer it lasts, the more likely the Federal Reserve will delay reducing its monetary stimulus programme, boosting emerging market currencies at the expense of the dollar.

Middle East stock markets still red hot

Stocks in the Middle East fell sharply Tuesday, as the threat of a U.S. military strike against Syria rattled investors. But the region still is home to several of the top performing markets this year.

Swiss equity haven may lose out as risk appetite rises

LONDON: Signs of an impending retreat from buoyant Swiss stocks may signal the start of a new hunger for risk among investors.

Emerging markets drive investment into Africa: Report

JOHANNESBURG: Foreign direct investment from emerging markets into Africa outpaced that from developed markets in 2012, but the number of new FDI projects into the continent fell 12 percent from the previous year, Ernst & Young said on Monday.

Global economy: reasons to be fearful

Dark, lowering financial and economic clouds are, it seems, rolling in from every direction: the eurozone, the United States, China, and elsewhere. Indeed, the global economy in 2013 could be a very difficult environment in which to find shelter.

S.Africa aims to lift savings, cut budget strain

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa is looking to strengthen its social security system by encouraging a higher savings rate among its highly indebted households, which should help economic growth and reduce the burden on state finances, the Treasury said on Monday.

European industry's dependence grows on the rising wealth of Indians, Brazilians, Russians and Chinese

LONDON: The world's top yoghurt maker Danone now sells half its goods in emerging markets, and from beer to holidays, Europe's consumer industry depends ever more heavily on the rising wealth of Brazilians, Russians, Indians and Chinese.

Global economy to shrink further in 2012: Survey

Nearly half (48%) of the 1258 CEOs polled worldwide believe the global economy will decline even further in the next 12 months, according to PwC’s 15th Annual Global CEO Survey. Just 15% said the global economy will improve during 2012.

Exports could give economy £20bn lift, says CBI report

he government should reorientate the UK economy towards exports, which could add £20bn to the UK economy by 2020, business group the CBI has said.