EU election casts shadow over euro zone as ECB meeting approaches

(Reuters) - Investors this week will be watching the results of elections that could deal a blow to political parties that are key to reform efforts in the European Union and could also fan instability in Ukraine.

German Economy Contracted at End of 2012

FRANKFURT — The German economy shrunk the most in three years during the last quarter of 2012, as exports fell and companies invested less in new equipment, according to official figures published Thursday.

Glimmers of Hope Fail to Lift European Markets

LONDON — European industrial production rebounded unexpectedly in May, according to data released Thursday, and Italy’s short-term borrowing costs dropped, providing glimmers of hope that have been rare lately in the euro zone.

G20 to press Europe for lasting crisis fix

LOS CABOS, Mexico (Reuters) - World leaders were set to pile pressure on Europe at a G20 summit on Monday to outline a lasting strategy to save the euro currency after a victory for pro-bailout parties in a Greek election failed to calm financial markets.

G8 Leaders to Weigh Euro Crisis, Food Security

Global economic recovery and food security are expected to be major topics at this weekend’s G8 summit.Leaders will gather at a short, scaled-down version of their annual meeting at Camp David in Maryland.

Greek leaders labour to agree on new premier

ATHENS: Greek party leaders laboured on Tuesday to agree on a new prime minister, with the rest of the nation and the EU clamouring for an immediate deal on a unity coalition to save the country's finances and end the chaos threatening the euro.

US and Europe in the Same Boat

S&P's downgrade of US credit brought the country's debt problem to the forefront, but the US is not alone; the euro crisis is flaring up again along with concerns over European banks.

For the first time in US history, the US credit rating was downgraded on August 5. Coming on the heels of the steepest stock-market drop since the 2008 financial crisis, it was a big blow to an already fragile financial system.