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Greek Pro-Bailout Party Regains Lead Over Anti-Bailout Party: Polls

Sat, 26 May 2012 23:51:59 EDT

Greece's conservatives have regained an opinion-poll lead that could foreshadow the formation of a pro-bailout government committed to keeping the country in the euro zone, a batch of new surveys showed on Saturday.

GCC: Can The Arab Gulf States Form A Political And Economic Union To Rival The EU And Shut Out Iran?

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:30:59 EDT

The contemplated union of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain forms only one part of a potentially much wider alliance -- the political, military and economic integration of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprise Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

Serbian tells Putin he will not trade Kosovo for EU

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:14:02 EDT

Serbia is on a "long and uncertain" road to joining the European Union but will not give up its claim to Kosovo for the sake of membership, President-elect Tomislav Nikolic told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Government plans migrant curbs if euro folds - paper

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:21:03 EDT

Britain is drawing up emergency immigration controls to combat any surge in economic migrants from Greece and other European Union countries if the euro collapses, its interior minister said in remarks published on Saturday.

UK plans migrant curbs if euro folds - paper

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:21:02 EDT

Spain's Bankia eyes stake sales after record bailout

Sat, 26 May 2012 08:35:02 EDT

Spain's Bankia on Saturday prepared to sell stakes it holds in companies as part of its clean-up after a state rescue of the real estate-laden bank that has so far cost 23.5 billion euros ($29.40 billion).

Cookie Law Deadline Ends, Majority of UK Online Retailers Yet to Comply

Sat, 26 May 2012 03:25:33 EDT

The UK cookie law is part of the European Union e-privacy directive introduced in 2003.

Bankia Seeks €19bn Rescue, Fears of Spanish Bailout Mount

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:45:46 EDT

Bankia restated its 2011 results putting the loss at €2.98bn against the earlier reported €309m profit.

Bankia, Catalonia pile on Spanish debt worries

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:49:04 EDT

Financial troubles at a big Spanish bank and one of the country's richest regions, Catalonia, piled on problems on Friday for the Madrid government and for investors who question whether it can pay its debts without help from euro zone allies.

Scots begin push to be a nation once again

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:49:01 EDT

With rousing speeches, patriotic music and support from actor Sean Connery, supporters of independence for Scotland launched a campaign on Friday which they hope will lead to the demise of a 305-year-old union with England and the breakup of Britain.

EU Sues Argentina For 'Protectionism' As Trade Row Deepens

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:42:50 EDT

The European Union has filed a suit with the World Trade Organization against Argentina’s import restrictions, raising the dispute between the EU and the South American nation only weeks after Buenos Aires nationalized Spanish oil firm Repsol’s subsidiary in the country.

UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay Calls for Sanctions to be Lifted on Zimbabwe

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:22:08 EDT

United Nations Human Rights chief Navi Pillay urges Western countries to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe and its president, Robert Mugabe.

Persistent Greek fears hobble European equities

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:13:41 EDT

Relentless worries over a possible Greek exit from the euro zone checked European stock markets on Friday after a brief rally following sharp losses earlier in the week, and traders said markets would remain volatile over the coming month.

Bankia set to ask Spain for more than $19 billion

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:21:02 EDT

Spain's Bankia SA is set to ask the state for a more than 15 billion euros ($19 billion) bailout on Friday, marking another rise in the cost of a drawn-out rescue of the country's fourth-biggest bank.

Turkey: PKK Blamed for Suicide Bomb Attack Killing Police Officer in Pinarbasi

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:10:42 EDT

One police officer killed in unprecedented suicide bomb attack in central Turkish province of Kayseri, PKK accused.

After Greece Exits The Euro, What's Next? An Illustrated Guide To 5 Possible Scenarios

Fri, 25 May 2012 05:52:02 EDT

Moving swiftly from the realm of tin foil-hat conspiracy to a bullet point being openly talked about as a fait accompli by international financiers, an exit by Greece from the European common currency dominated conversation this week. But what would actually happen if Greece left the euro?.

India Warns of Potential Ban on EU Airlines over Carbon Tax Dispute

Fri, 25 May 2012 03:55:34 EDT

European airlines may risk an embargo from India's airspace, should Brussels impose sanctions on Indian carriers over carbon emissions. Brussels is facing the heat from several nations, including China, Russia, over an EU carbon emissions trading scheme that called for charging airlines over pollution.

Global stocks eke out gains, euro falls

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:35:02 EDT

Global stocks eked out gains on Thursday while the euro fell as data suggested Europe's debt woes were spreading and worsening a global economic slowdown, adding to investor concerns about Greece's possible exit from the euro zone.

Scots' push for Britain breakup begins in earnest

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:14:03 EDT

Supporters of independence for Scotland will launch on Friday what they say is the biggest grassroots campaign in Scottish history, a move that could result in the demise of a 305-year-old union with England and the breakup of Britain.

Make Friends with Companion Diagnostics to Bolster Your Biotech Portfolio: Stephen Brozak

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:56:02 EDT

Hitting just the right target and engineering cells to perform certain tasks will unlock the deep secrets of biology and change the entire paradigm of medicine, says WBB Securities President and Managing Partner Stephen Brozak.

Stocks eke out gains, euro falls

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:49:03 EDT

Is Germany Next? Investors Flee Madrid's CDS For Berlin

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:37:06 EDT

Investors are increasingly making a "flight to quality" as they pull out of credit-default swaps hedges on Europe's primary index as well as the markets for periphery nations like Spain, a trend which indicates higher expectations that periphery nations are unable to repay their debts and a lack of confidence in the political will of the economic union.

Oil up as Iran talks extended, eyes weak data

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:59:15 EDT

Crude oil futures rose on Thursday, rebounding from the previous session's slump as investors fretted again about potential disruptions to Mideast oil supplies after talks between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program ended in Baghdad without an agreement.

South Korea Market Outlook

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:51:16 EDT

South Korean shares rose Thursday as local institutions snapped up stocks on views that local stocks were undervalued that offset lingering concerns over the possible exit of Greece from the EuroZone.

Europe, slowing growth hurt stocks, euro

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:42:02 EDT

Global stocks and the euro fell on Thursday as data suggested Europe's debt woes were spreading and worsening a global economic slowdown, adding to investor concerns about Greece's possible departure from the euro zone.

Iran Agrees To Resume Nuclear Talks Next Month In Moscow

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:35:52 EDT

The talks between the permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany (P5+1) ended in Baghdad after two days of tough negotiations surrounding Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program, which Iran had threatened to walk out of following the P5+1's refusal to scale back economic sanctions.

Call My Bluff: Greece Dares EU As It Edges Closer To 'Drachmageddon'

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:56:25 EDT

Greece, a country that accounts for less than 2 percent of the union's GDP, continues to wreak havoc among EU leaders as they plead and threaten the Mediterranean basket case to abide by a harsh medicine of tax rises, welfare cuts and liberalization.

Bargain hunters let Britain's FTSE recoup losses

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:49:04 EDT

Britain's benchmark share index recovered on Thursday from stinging losses during the previous session as bargain hunters snapped up beaten-down financial and commodities stocks, although traders said any rally could prove short-lived.

Four men, five weeks - a plan for Europe's future

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:07 EDT

European Union leaders have given the bloc's four most powerful officials a little over a month to come up with a clearer template for euro zone integration, a pitch to persuade voters and markets that the euro has staying power.

EU Court Rejects MasterCard Claim That Fees Benefit Cardholders

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EDT

MasterCard Inc. (NYSE: MA) said Thursday it will appeal a decision by Europe's second-highest court rejecting the credit card company's argument against an EU ban on cross-border card fees, Reuters reported.

The Energy Report - Europe's Lehman Moment

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:38:49 EDT

The way the futures markets have been acting, one might wonder if a Greek exit from the Euro Zone will be Europe's version of the Lehman bankruptcy. When fears run high that Greece may take a hike, the markets go into deflationary mode.

Europe's slump deepens, U.S., China lose momentum

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:04 EDT

The shadows over the global economy darkened this month as the euro zone's private sector contracted, U.S. manufacturing growth slowed and China's once-booming factories faltered, surveys showed on Thursday.

EU court to rule on $1.1 billion Microsoft fine on June 27

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:49:02 EDT

Europe's second-highest court will rule on June 27 whether EU regulators were justified in fining Microsoft 899 million euros ($1.1 billion) four years ago for failing to comply with an antitrust ruling intended to make business easier for its rivals.

Stevia: Miracle Sweetener May Have A Sour Note

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:29:19 EDT

The meteoric rise of a natural, healthy alternative to sugar - a holy grail for the food industry - might just be a little too good to be true. In two years stevia, a plant used for centuries by Paraguay's Guarani Indians, has shot to prominence in products by Coca-Cola, Danone and Merisant.

EuroCrisis Update: Possible Outcomes

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:02:32 EDT

The EuroCrisis continues and several possible outcomes have emerged according to Economist Shayne Heffernan. 1. Europe finds the money for a real bail out of Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, for now this seems unlikely. 2.

MasterCard loses card fee challenge, Visa Europe next

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:49:02 EDT

Mastercard lost a challenge to an EU ban on its cross-border card fees in a ruling that puts rival Visa Europe squarely in the sights of the European regulators over its charges.

EU urges Greece to stay in euro, plans for possible exit

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:39:32 EDT

European Union leaders, advised by senior officials to prepare contingency plans in case Greece decides to quit the single currency, urged the country to stay the course on austerity and complete the reforms demanded under its bailout program.

Weaker Euro Zone Economy Sends dollar Higher

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:36:36 EDT

The U.S. dollar climbed to a 20-month high and safe-haven German bonds set record low yields, after data showed Europe's economic woes intensifying as business confidence is undercut by talk of a Greek exit and slow progress in tackling the debt crisis.

Copper up from 4-1/2 Month Low, EU Data Weighs

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:31:42 EDT

Copper firmed a little on Thursday after sinking to a 4-1/2 month low in the previous session but remained under pressure as downbeat data from the European Union raised worries that global economic weakness will hit demand for industrial metals.

Gold Hovers Near $1,560/oz; Greece Woes Feed Caution

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:24:32 EDT

Gold hovered near $1,560 an ounce on Thursday, remaining on shaky ground as worries about Greece and the euro zone continued to dominate market sentiment after a European Union summit yielded few practical steps to manage the debt crisis.

Euro zone slump deepens, China falters

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:21:02 EDT

The shadows being cast over the global economy darkened this month as the euro zone's private sector declined further and China's once-booming factories faltered, business surveys showed on Thursday.

US Stock Futures Point To Lower Opening Thursday

Thu, 24 May 2012 06:15:48 EDT

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a lower opening Thursday ahead of initial jobless claims and durable orders data.

Euro, shares recover but Greece no nearer solution

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:42:02 EDT

The euro hovered above a 22-month low and European shares saw a fragile recovery, as investors braced for data that could reveal the damage wrought on the region's economy by prospects of a Greek exit and a lack of progress in tackling the debt crisis.

Asian Markets Fall As Euro Zone Concerns Persist

Thu, 24 May 2012 01:51:38 EDT

Asian markets fell Thursday on increasing concerns about the debt crisis looming over the euro zone as national leaders were unable to present specific steps to overcome the situation in Europe.

EU Wants Greece to Stay, but Grexit Plans Being Worked Out

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:59:42 EDT

EU leaders ask Greece to commit itself to austerity and stay the course on reforms.

Why Sooner or Later in Europe Someone Will Have to Pay

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:56:32 EDT

Let the recriminations begin! And then the show trials!

Asian Shares Edge Up Despite Worsening Euro Fears

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:56:02 EDT

Asian shares were steady but remained vulnerable on Thursday amid signs European leaders were unable to deliver meaningful measures to resolve the region's deepening debt crisis.

Euro Drops As Leaders Meet; France, Germany Split

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:21:01 EDT

As European leaders struggled to hold the euro zone together at a nighttime summit in Brussels, a widening gap emerged between Germany and France, which are now under new management.

Asia Preview Gold, Silver, Copper and Crude Oil Trade

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:47:30 EDT

Asia looks at Gold, Silver, Copper and Crude Oil Trade. US Gold futures prices finished pit trade sharply lower on Wednesday as the Bulls faded after showing a bit of strength late last week. Precious metals, like other raw commodity markets, were pressured by risk-aversion in the market Wednesday, including Bearish outside markets a sharply higher USD Index and sharply lower Crude Oil prices.

Wall Street finishes flat in late reversal

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:14:03 EDT

Stocks staged a late-day reversal on Wednesday, rallying into the close in another volatile session as a sharp rise in materials shares boosted the S&P 500 and gains in Apple helped lift the Nasdaq.