Russian economy shrinks 2% as sanctions bite - Medvedev

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Russia's economy shrank by 2% in the first three months of this year, the first contraction since 2009.

U.S. consumer sentiment at 14-month high in September

(Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment rose in September to its highest in more than a year on more upbeat views on the domestic economy in the coming year, a survey released on Friday showed.

Geopolitical conflicts weighing on German economy

(Reuters) - The German economy remains on track for expansion but geopolitical conflicts and weakness elsewhere in the euro zone are weighing on growth, the economy ministry said in its monthly report on Wednesday.

U.S. consumer sentiment slips in June

(Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment fell in June as views by consumers with the lowest incomes soured, a survey released on Friday showed.

Shift in policy: China plans to reduce state's role in the economy

SHANGHAI: The Chinese government is planning for private businesses and market forces to play a larger role in its economy, in a major policy shift intended to improve living conditions for the middle class and to make China an even stronger competitor on the global stage.

China premier says little room for policy stimulus - media

BEIJING: China has limited room to use government spending and policy stimulus to boost its economy, China Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying on Wednesday, dashing hopes among some investors that Beijing may take steps to foster growth.