IMF lowers UK growth forecast for 2013 again

The International Monetary Fund's twice-yearly look at the world economy has lowered its forecasts for most developed economies, including the UK.

IMF to cut US growth forecast amid downbeat retail and confidence data

America's budget wrangling is holding back recovery in the world's largest economy, according to a leaked draft of forecasts from the International Monetary Fund that coincided with data showing a dip in consumer confidence and weaker spending in the nation's shopping malls.

Slowing US consumer spending points to economic slowdown

A modest increase in US consumer spending last month signalled the world's largest economy may struggle to accelerate this quarter.

Roller-coaster ride for global economy

THE past six months have been a roller-coaster ride for the global economy with US growth concerns, inflation worries and the euro-zone debt crisis affecting investor confidence.

Besides these factors, the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear plant crisis in Japan have also dampened sentiment.

While the overall outlook was generally gloomier than last year, some glimmer in the flow of macroeconomic data inevitably would see investors betting that the worst is over.