Japan's growth surprises, but hold off on the party

Japan's economic growth is doing better than originally expected, but economists say to hold off the celebrations. Gross domestic product grew by an annualized 3.9% in the three months ended March, Japan's Cabinet Office said Monday.

Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest Level Since January

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly last week, suggesting the labor market is expanding at a solid clip even as economic growth has stalled.

Consumers face 'lost decade' as spending squeeze bites

British consumers face another three years of squeezed spending, an influential report suggests, amounting to a "lost decade" for households.

UK to enjoy fastest growth since 2007: British Chambers of Commerce

(Reuters) - Britain's economy looks set to grow at its fastest rate since 2007 this year, but the rapid pace is unlikely to be sustained, the British Chambers of Commerce said on Wednesday after nudging up its growth forecasts for this year and next.

Survey: US Consumer Confidence Near a 7-Year High

U.S. consumer confidence this month reached its highest point in nearly seven years, boosted by strong job gains.

Japan Stays Aggressive on Stimulus

TOKYO — Japan’s central bank decided on Friday to hold steady on its aggressive monetary stimulus program and said the nation’s economy continued to recover moderately.

U.S. factory activity gaining steam as production broadens

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. manufacturing output rose for a fourth straight month in November as production increased almost across the board, in the latest suggestion the economy is gaining steam.

Ireland exits recession as economy grows

The Irish Republic's economy has emerged from recession, according to official figures.

Consumer credit grows, but held back by weak credit card use

(Reuters) - Growth in U.S. consumer credit slowed for the second straight month in July, held back by a decline in a measure of credit card usage that hinted at a mood of caution among consumers.

Recovery from recession: For US businesses, it has been the best in decades

The economic recovery from the recession that officially ended in 2009 has been extremely disappointing for US consumers.

Investors peg hopes on global economic recovery

Signs of a rebound in the US and a return to strong growth in Chiina have seen bets by hedge funds and other major investors on rising commodity prices - a proxy for a global economic recovery - climb sharply, according to figures from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in the US.

Economy posts sluggish growth in fourth quarter

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The economy expanded at a sluggish pace in the fourth quarter although a big gain in business investment and higher exports of services led the government to push up its previous estimate for growth.

US consumer spending up 0.2 percent in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers increased spending modestly in January but cut back on major purchases that signal confidence in the economy.

Bank of England split 6-3 over more bond purchases

LONDON: The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee was split 6-3 on more bond purchases earlier this month, unexpectedly reviving the prospect that the central bank might restart its quantitative easing programme.

Surprise UK retail sales drop fuels triple-dip recession fears

Cuts in consumer purchasing power and a bout of arctic weather combined in January to cut high street spending for a fourth month, fanning fears that Britain is teetering on the brink of an unprecedented triple dip recession.

Analysis: Even brief spending cuts could hit U.S. economy hard

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economy could take a big hit from automatic government spending cuts even if Congress only leaves them in place for a month or two.

Euro-Area Exports Fell in September as Economy Contracted

Euro-area exports fell in September as the region’s economy slipped into a recession for the second time in four years.

Official: China can meet 7.5 percent growth target

BEIJING (AP) — China's sharp economic downturn has ended after trade and consumer spending improved in October but the world's second-largest economy is not ready for a recovery and exporters face tough conditions, officials said Saturday.

US consumer spending rose 0.5 per cent in August

WASHINGTON: Americans boosted their spending in August even though their income barely grew. Much of the spending increase went to pay higher gas prices, which may have forced consumers to cut back elsewhere.

Consumer spending stalls in May, incomes up just 0.2%

WASHINGTON – U.S. consumers spent no more in May than in April after seeing almost no gain in their pay. The lack of growth in consumer spending and wages suggests that a faltering job market is slowing the economy.