CHINA

Gold prices settled moderately lower Wednesday after a string of European developments during the trading session boosted investor hope that the continent's sovereign debt crisis is finally getting the attention it requires.

The head of the World Bank said Wednesday the world had entered a new economic danger zone and that Europe, Japan and the United States all need to make hard decisions to avoid dragging down the global economy.

The head of the World Bank said Wednesday the world had entered a new economic danger zone and that Europe, Japan and the United States all need to make hard decisions to avoid dragging down the global economy.

The United States gave Libya's new rulers a very visible show of support on Wednesday when a senior envoy visited the capital and praised their efforts to assert control of armed groups three weeks after Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown.

It's a scenario that many Americans, if not most, probably do not want to hear about: the United States enters an era called a new normal slow-growth economy -- perhaps for as long as a decade. What are the factors likely to cause it? And is there anything that can prevent it?

Gold extended its losses Wednesday after Italian lawmakers approved a major austerity program, the latest in a string of signs that Europe's debt crises may be finally getting the attention they deserve.

The head of the World Bank said the world had entered a new economic danger zone and that Europe, Japan and the United States all need to make hard decisions to avoid dragging down the global economy.

Shares of China-focused Silvercorp Metals slipped again on Wednesday, a day after more short-sellers publicized a string of allegations against the company.

iPhone 5 Release Date: Orange CEO Spills Out Date as Mid-October

Gold prices fell Wednesday as stock markets in Europe posted gains from European Commission plans to push euro zone bonds and China's premier expressed support for struggling European countries.

An axe-wielding farmer in China attacked and killed six people on Wednesday morning, including two young students and four adults. The man is said to have mental health problems, and may have suffered from schizophrenia.

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday after the head of the European Commission said it will present options for joint euro zone bonds, a tool that might help resolve the region's debt crisis.

During every presidential campaign season, a number of underdog candidates decide to run for the White House – most of whom have no hopes of ever getting elected.

The number of people living in poverty last year has increased to 46.2 million as per a report by the U.S government which is the highest in the last 50 years.

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday, recovering from earlier losses, after the head of the European Commission said it will present options for joint euro zone bonds, a tool that might help resolve the region's debt crisis.

China's Foreign Ministry urged U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday not to resort to excuses for trade protectionism after U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid pushed for legislation aimed at forcing China to loosen controls on its currency.

China will keep monetary policy tight to contain inflation while forging ahead with structural reforms and boosting consumption to sustain long-term economic growth, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday.

Moody's Investors Service cut the credit ratings of France's Credit Agricole SA and Societe Generale on Wednesday, citing their exposure to Greece's debt, a fresh blow to euro area leaders struggling to restore confidence in the region.

Sentiment at Asia's top companies fell in the third quarter, hitting its lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2009 as doubts about the strength of the global economy weighed, a Reuters survey showed.

Bank of Japan board member Ryuzo Miyao said on Wednesday the country's economy may get less support than initially expected from overseas demand as the recovery in the U.S. and European economies loses steam.

Suzuki Motor will likely locate a planned new $1.3 billion passenger car factory in Gujarat, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Wednesday.