Prolonged German downturn could prompt stimulus rethink

(Reuters) - The last thing the faltering European economy would appear to need right now is a sudden downturn in Germany, hitherto the bloc's pillar of strength.

G20 host Australia urges central banks to avoid 'surprises'

Sydney (AFP) - Australia on Saturday called for better advance notice of policy changes by central banks to avoid shockwaves for emerging economies, at a meeting of G20 finance ministers where rifts over US monetary policy loomed large.