Factories in Asia and Europe all but stagnated in July, according to business surveys that showed the weakest rates of growth since major industrial powers were struggling through the 2009 recession.
Isolated North Korea said on Monday it had agreed to further dialogue with the United States, and repeated it was willing to resume regional nuclear disarmament talks at an early date, without preconditions.
Honda Motor Co <7267.T> reported an unexpected quarterly profit and raised its annual outlook by more than a third, as Japan's No.3 automaker rebounded quickly from a severe parts shortage caused by the March 11 earthquake.
China's media are curbing combative reporting of a high-speed train disaster after what observers said were orders from the ruling Communist Party's propaganda arm, which on Monday drew fresh scorn from Internet users demanding unfettered news.
China said on Monday that Islamic militants had mounted an attack that left 11 people dead in the restive western region of Xinjiang, which announced a crackdown on "illegal" religious activities at the start of the Muslim fasting month.
Brent crude futures hit a 6-week high on Monday, topping $120 a barrel, due to a relief rally after Washington reached a last-minute deal to escape default.
Gold fell more than 1 percent on Monday after President Barack Obama said lawmakers had reached a deal to cut the country's deficit, which, if approved, would remove the threat of a default on debt that has driven bullion to a record high.
Taiwan's Foxconn Technology Group, known for assembling Apple's iPhones and iPads in its China factories, plans to use 1 million robots within the next three years to replace workers performing some simple procedures, its chairman said.
A new study finds that people who chew their food more take in fewer calories, which may help them control their weight.
Collated medallists after the eighth day of pool competition on day 16 of the world swimming championships in Shanghai on Sunday (* indicates medal winners on Sunday):
Sun Yang's victory in the men's 1500 metres freestyle at the world swimming championships on Sunday may indicate a re-awakening of the country's swimming programme.
China's Sun Yang provided a record-breaking finale to the world swimming championships on Sunday, while Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps set up the potential of a mouth-watering showdown at next year's London Olympics.
China's factory activity slowed down in July and by one measure contracted as manufacturing across much of Asia weakened on signs that global demand is losing momentum.
Honda Motor Co <7267.T> avoided an expected loss and raised its annual profit outlook by more than a third on Monday after it reported a 90 percent fall in quarterly operating profit, as it rebounded quickly from a severe parts shortage.
China pledged to keep to a prudent monetary policy for the rest of the year to combat inflation, which is stubbornly fixed near a three-year high.
China's central bank said it would keep monetary policy prudent for the rest of the year as inflation risks escalating from three-year highs if it takes its foot off the policy brakes.
Honda Motor Co <7267.T> posted a 90 percent fall in quarterly operating profit as a severe parts shortage stemming from the March 11 earthquake slashed output, but avoided an expected loss and raised its annual profit guidance by more than a third.
The auto industry could lead an economic recovery in the United States, according to a recent survey by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES meets with fashion designer and rising star Amy Matto
A deal to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid the first ever U.S. default is "very close," but House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said Sunday there is a chance they may not pass it.
High inflation and soaring real estate prices have thrown thousands of residents into dire straits.
The Senate failed to advance Harry Reid's debt-ceiling plan, but leaders from both sides remained optimistic Sunday a deal can be reached before the Aug. 2 deadline to raise the U.S. debt ceiling.
