Europe's top banks cut 80,000 more staff in post-crisis overhaul

(Reuters) - Europe's largest banks cut their staff by another 3.5 percent last year and the prospect of a return to pre-crisis employment levels seems far off, despite the region's fledgling economic recovery.

G20 urges US to ratify IMF reforms by year-end

The G20 pressed the United States on Friday to ratify crucial IMF reforms after four years of waiting, suggesting they would find an alternative if Washington does not deliver by year's end.

Security Council Approves UN Peacekeeping Mission For CAR

Voicing serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation and ongoing human rights abuses in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Security Council on Thursday approved the establishment of a nearly 12,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping operation to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access in the war-torn African country.

China boosts market ties with Hong Kong

China is boosting stock market ties with Hong Kong with new measures allowing cross-border stock investment between Hong Kong and Shanghai.

BOJ unruffled by Japan's weak machinery orders, quells stimulus hopes

(Reuters) - Japan's economy took another knock as a gauge of business investment weakened, but the Bank of Japan remained unperturbed and is expected to release optimistic inflation projections as a swing voter on its board turned more confident about the growth outlook.

Australia consumer sentiment edges higher in April: survey

(Reuters) - A measure of Australian consumer sentiment inched higher for the first time in five months in April as households became more optimistic on the near-term outlook for both the economy and their own finances.

Japan, Australia said to clinch trade deal as U.S.-Tokyo talks heat up

(Reuters) - Japan and Australia clinched a basic trade deal to cut import tariffs, Australian media reported, as U.S. and Japanese officials stepped up efforts to reach a parallel agreement that would re-energize stalled talks on a broader regional pact.