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Billions at stake as Russia backs Syria

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:09:58 EST

Russia's controversial stance in the Syrian crisis has left many wondering what Moscow stands to gain by backing the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Greece must do 'whatever it takes'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:15:28 EST

The Greek government faces a crucial test this weekend as the nation's parliament is set to vote Sunday on austerity reforms needed to qualify for a second bailout.

Emerging markets have their mojo back

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:35:49 EST

Stocks are soaring this year. Everywhere. And if you think the rally has been big in the U.S., just check out emerging markets.

Greece reaches deal on austerity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:22:17 EST

Greek leaders finally agreed to a series of austerity measures, the first step toward securing a €130 billion bailout that Greece so desperately needs.

Chinese inflation rate picks up

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:21:24 EST

China's inflation rate rose in January, which may dash hopes that the country's central bank will soon take more action to support economic growth there.

My big fat Greek speculative rally

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:29:34 EST

Stop me if you've heard this before. Greece is close to getting another bailout from the European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank, the so-called troika.

Greece facing 'dramatic dilemma'

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:24:37 EST

Greek political leaders were meeting Wednesday to hammer out an agreement on austerity reforms as the nation scrambles to avoid a default.

No euro freeze, just squeeze

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:06:16 EST

Dean Popplewell is OANDA's chief currency strategist. This commentary first appeared in OANDA's MarketPulse FX blog.

Glencore, Xstrata tie-up would create $90 billion giant

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:49:31 EST

In a huge consolidation of the international mining industry, Swiss company Glencore International has agreed to acquire rival Xstrata for $61.9 billion in stock, according to a joint statement.

China: Fast food nation. Too fast economy?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:48:23 EST

Is China's economy heading for a hard or soft landing? Well, it looks like Chinese consumers can't get enough of Diet Coke and the Colonel's famous secret recipe. That may be good news.

Greece on the brink

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:05:01 EST

Officials in Greece were under pressure Monday to agree on the terms of a new bailout package, as the threat of a default hangs over the country.

What's next for Europe?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:53:05 EST

To form a strong fiscal union and return confidence to the euro, eurozone members must be willing to give up some degree of control of their national budgets to a central European authority.

U.S. charges oldest Swiss bank in tax fraud case

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:35:58 EST

The Justice Department charged Switzerland's oldest bank Thursday with helping American taxpayers hide more than $1.2 billion from the Internal Revenue Service. The case marks the first time an overseas bank has been charged in the U.S. for aiding tax evasion.

Spain's big fix will enrage many workers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:49:34 EST

Exclusive: Spain's economy minister Luis de Guindos shares the details of a reform package that could help get the country's economy back on track, but it will not go over well with many workers.

Investing overseas: Find the right balance

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:17:16 EST

Whoever said that the world can be a scary place sure wasn't kidding. Consider a few of the frighteningly noteworthy events of the past year: Europe's economy slipped into a debt-induced coma; the euro went from being a potential global store of value to a currency on the brink of extinction; and growth in overheated markets like China and Brazil started to slow, prompting a nosedive in their equity prices.

Place your bets on Facebook's IPO -- literally

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:49:28 EST

Facebook has finally filed for an IPO, but it likely won't start trading for months. For those who can't wait to gamble on the stock market, bookies are accepting bets.

Europe's debt crisis: Where things stand

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:52:08 EST

After wreaking havoc in global financial markets last year, the debt crisis in Europe has entered a complicated new phase in 2012.

Chrysler: From bankruptcy to profit in 2 years

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:38 EST

Chrysler Group reported its first annual profit since 2005 Wednesday, capping a comeback a little more than two years after a federal bailout, a bankruptcy filing and a takeover by Italian automaker Fiat.

China manufacturing gives off mixed signals

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:42:03 EST

The Chinese government said Wednesday that manufacturing in the world's second-largest economy expanded slightly in January, while a report from a leading bank indicated contraction in the sector for the third straight month.

NYSE-Frankfurt stock exchange merger blocked

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:40:26 EST

The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange said Wednesday that it plans to end its proposed merger with the parent of the Frankfurt exchange, after European officials blocked the deal.