Draghi Safety Net Becomes Blindfold to Risk as Bonds Soar

Two years since European Central Bank President Mario Draghi’s historic promise to defend his currency bloc, there are signs bond investors are growing too complacent under his protection.

Portugal Q1 jobless rate falls for fourth consecutive quarter

LISBON: Portugal's jobless rate fell for the fourth consecutive quarter in the three months that ended in March, to 15.1 percent from 15.3 percent in the previous quarter, data showed on Friday.

Cyprus to start privatising in two years - Government

(Reuters) - Cyprus approved a roadmap on Thursday to start privatising state companies in two years, a requirement of international lenders who threw the island a 10 billion euro ($13.6 billion)lifeline in March.

Euro Finance Ministers Grant Ireland, Portugal Eased Debt Terms

Euro-area finance ministers agreed to extend maturities on rescue loans to Ireland and Portugal, easing the terms on two recipients of European bailout aid in a show of support for their commitment to austerity.

Likely new Eurogroup head wants to move on from crisis-fighting

(Reuters) - The man likely to head the Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers told his colleagues on Monday he wanted to move on from simply fighting crises and focus on longer-term policies to cement fledgling confidence.

Spain sees jobless total fall in December

The number of people registered unemployed in Spain fell in December, the Labour Ministry has said, a rare glimmer of hope for its recession-hit economy.

Euro-Zone Manufacturing Shrinks in December

Activity among euro-zone manufacturers shrank further in December, a gauge of activity showed Wednesday, as factories across the currency area's biggest economies cut back on their output.

German industrial orders recover in October

BERLIN (AP) — Industrial orders in Germany rebounded strongly in October, growing by 3.9 percent compared with the previous month, sending an unexpectedly hopeful signal about the strength of Europe's biggest economy.

Fitch warns France could be downgraded next year

(Reuters) - Fitch Ratings could strip France of its triple-A credit status next year if the country fails to meet its targets on debt reduction and its economy performs worse than forecast, one of the agency's top sovereign experts warned on Wednesday.

Forget Nobel Peace Prize, EU launches summit warfare

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union may have won the Nobel Peace Prize this year, but to many EU leaders, officials, diplomats and even journalists, it can feel more like a torture chamber.

German economy may stagnate as crisis drags on powerhouse

The German economy could grind to a standstill by the end of the year amid the combined impact of the debt crisis and the global slowdown, the Bundesbank has warned.

Germany should back growth or leave euro: Soros

VIENNA (Reuters) - Germany should leave the euro zone if it is not prepared to take a more decisive lead in helping the euro zone's weaker nations escape a spiral of increasing indebtedness and economic decline, veteran financier George Soros said on Saturday.

Global shares gain on central bank hopes, eyes on ECB

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares crept higher on Monday after weak factory data highlighted the poor health of the global economy, keeping alive talk of fresh stimulus from major central banks.

Euro architect Otmar Issing: Some members could leave

Some members of the eurozone may have to leave the bloc as the debt crisis continues, according to one of the architects of the euro.

Brussels, Berlin tell Europe to stick to austerity

BRUSSELS (AP) — Germany and the European Commission on Tuesday called on EU nations to stick to their promised budget cuts despite mounting voter discontent, but promised some new efforts to boost growth to alleviate economic hardship.

Asian shares fall after European election results

Asian markets have dropped on fears that the eurozone may rein in austerity measures that many see as key to solving the region's debt crisis.

German investor confidence most in 21 months

German investor confidence has risen to the highest level since June 2010.

France can overcome crisis with reforms: Sarkozy

AMBOISE, France (Reuters) - President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Sunday France could overcome its debt crisis as long as it was prepared to pull together to adopt economic reforms, two days after the country lost its prized triple-A credit rating.

Economy ends tough 2011 on a surprising upswing

WASHINGTON—The economy is ending 2011 on a roll.The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks are higher.

Fed sees risks from Europe

(Reuters) - The Federal Reserve on Tuesday pointed to turmoil in Europe as a big risk to the economy, leaving the door open to a further easing of monetary policy even as it noted some improvement in the labor market.