Borrowing to Replenish Depleted Pensions

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Facing a shortfall of more than $50 billion in his state’s pensions, and with no simple solution at hand, Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania is proposing to issue $3 billion in bonds, despite the role that such bonds have already played in the fiscal woes of other places.

Kuroda Faces Opposition Even After BOJ Extended Price Target

Even the Bank of Japan’s recently extended timeframe for achieving its inflation target may be too optimistic, according to some members of the BOJ’s policy board.

Sharp fall in government borrowing in April

The Chancellor received a huge lift to his deficit-cutting ambitions today as VAT and income tax takings in April swelled the Treasury's coffers by more than expected.

Yellen: 1st rate hike likely by year end if economy improves

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said Friday she expects to begin raising interest rates later this year — if the job market improves and the Fed is confident inflation will climb closer toward its target rate.

Gaza economy 'on verge of collapse', with world's highest unemployment

The economy of Gaza – assailed by war, poor governance and a joint Israeli-Egyptian blockade – has reached the “verge of collapse” with the coastal strip suffering the highest rate of unemployment in the world.

Japan unveils $110 billion plan to fund Asia infrastructure, eye on AIIB

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan unveiled a plan on Thursday to provide $110 billion in aid for Asian infrastructure projects, as China prepares to launch a new institutional lender that is seen as encroaching on the regional financial clout of Tokyo and its ally Washington.

The ECB's in a Tight Spot Over Greece

European Central Bank policy makers will discuss Greek bank aid on Wednesday in a chore that is getting more uncomfortable every week.

Housing Starts in U.S. Surge to Seven-Year High as Weather Warms

New residential construction in the U.S. surged in April to the highest level in more than seven years, indicating the industry has moved beyond a weather-related soft patch to regain strength.

GDP and BOJ: All eyes on Japan this week

A flurry of economic data, alongside a central bank decision in Japan, will likely hog the spotlight in Asia this week.

Greece Aid Accord Looks Elusive as Tsipras Sticks to Red Lines

An agreement between Greece and its international creditors to unblock financing and avert a default looked elusive after Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he won’t strike a deal at any cost.

France and China aim to win developing markets: Fabius

France and China are interested in expanding their cooperation to win markets in Africa or Asia, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said today as he confirmed Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Paris.

Varoufakis refuses any bailout plan that would send Greece into ‘death spiral’

Greece’s embattled finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, stepped up his war of words with eurozone policymakers on Thursday, saying he wished his country still had the drachma, and would not sign up to any bailout plan that would send his country into a “death spiral”.

Gold futures score highest settlement in 3 months

Gold futures rose for a third straight session on Thursday, settling at their highest since mid-February on continued support from recent weakness in the U.S. dollar, as traders assessed the latest economic data for hints on the metal’s investment appeal.

China clears last muni bond hurdle

Chinese authorities have removed the last hurdles on a massive local government debt swap that should also jump start the growth of a market-driven municipal bond market.

European Stocks Slide Amid Greek Aid Talks as Bonds Deepen Rout

European stocks fell for the first time in four days as investors watched developments in Greek bailout talks and euro-area government bonds slid.

Bank of England holds interest rates at record low

The Bank of England has left interest rates on hold at their record low, as widely expected, and financial markets are now looking to Governor Mark Carney’s appearance on Wednesday for more clues on when borrowing costs will rise.

Euro zone set to report solid growth, for a change

LONDON (Reuters) - With optimism building that the United States is already recovering smartly from another horrible start to the year, focus will shift this week to reports that may show the euro zone is finally shaking off half a decade of torpor.

China consumer inflation rises to 1.5% in April: govt

Consumer inflation in China rose to 1.5 per cent in April, authorities said Saturday, potentially easing concerns over deflation in the world's second-largest economy but below market forecasts.

Shares and pound surge on election outcome

UK shares and the pound have jumped after the Conservatives won a parliamentary majority in the election. The FTSE 100 rose 2.32% to 7,046.82, with shares in banks and energy companies seeing big gains.

US Federal Reserve chair highlights concerns over ultra-low interest rates

Janet Yellen, chair of the US Federal Reserve, has highlighted the risks of ultra-low interest rates for financial stability, warning investors that share valuations are “quite high”.