global economy

Eurozone Joblessness Rises to a Record 12%

Unemployment across the 17 European Union countries that use the euro has struck 12 percent for the first time since the currency was launched in 1999, official figures show.

Top 10 Business Stories of 2012

This would be the year when the global economy finally regained its vigor. At least that's what many had hoped. It didn't happen. So what were the top ten business stories of 2012?

Wall Street Plays a Risky Game, Again

Taking note of the Dow's progress, The Wall Street Journal recently called its performance "eerie ... calm ... too quiet." Indeed, if things keep going at the rate they have been going so far, we're on track for the stock markets to gain more than 50% this year. Dow 18,000, anyone?

Now Creating Jobs in America: Emerging Markets

Beware of the constant metaphors used to frame the world economy as if it were a war or zero-sum competition. Investors should remember that economies cooperate as much as they compete on the world stage. The current U.S. manufacturing boom is a case study.

Will the Economic Recovery Slide on $90 Oil?

As crude prices keep inching upward, the threat to both the U.S. and global economy is clear. While OPEC says don't blame us, the Interational Energy Agencys says: "This is a wake-up call to the oil-consuming countries and to the oil producers."

Why Japan Is Rushing to Aid Europe: It's All About China

World markets got a boost this week from Japan's pledge to help overly indebted EU nations. What's behind Japan's move? Sure, the spirit of global cooperation is part of it. But much more significant is Tokyo's need to keep pace with Beijing in the influence game.

Is the Global Economy
Rolling Over?

The recent tremors in the markets may have deep roots. As investors are becoming aware, there is growing evidence that the economy is slowing down in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Here's a look at some of the key data.

China Considers How to Keep Food Prices Down

As investors sell on fears that China might raise interest rates, the country's top economic official says a plan to rein in double-digit growth in food prices is coming soon.

Baltic Dry Index Points to Slower Global Demand

Investors perplexed by the market's anxiety over slower global economic growth should look no farther than the Baltic Dry Index, a closely watched measure of worldwide industrial demand that has fallen a whopping 50% since May.

Economy Could Cast a Shadow on Solar Energy

President Obama's $2 billion booster shot for solar is surely good news for the green energy sector. But it may not be enough to counter the drag of a global economic stall that many see coming. Because when other energy prices fall, solar investment tends to dry up.

Why China Can't Cool Its Overheated Real Estate Boom

China's central government is fighting hard to put the brakes on its white-hot real estate market before a catastrophic bust hits. But Beijing's efforts to check speculation are failing because of who is busy fueling it: China's local governments.

Europe's Debt Crisis Fix Could Lead to a Double-Dip Recession

Contrary to jittery investors' fears, the euro is likely to survive. But its slide in value amid the eurozone's current debt crises points to a big danger: The actions Europe is likely to take to solve those debt problems may induce another continent-wide recession.

Despite All the Fear, a Return to Normal

The Fed's surprise move to raise its discount rate is just the latest event that unnerved investors. But a closer look at what's happening in the U.S., China and Europe suggests that after years of economic crisis, things are starting to work the way they're supposed to again.

Will U.S. Markets Keep Sliding on Greece?

Here's hoping traders return from their long weekend too relaxed, refreshed or hungover to make any sudden moves. Heaven knows the equity markets have been volatile enough lately. And with sovereign-debt fears likely to weigh on traders' minds in the days ahead, don't be surprised if the market keeps trembling.

Global Jitters Push Stocks Mostly Lower in a Volatile Day

"Stocks fluctuate" is the old saw, and Friday's market action was a case in point. After dropping as much as 160 points, the Dow closed down 45. Also, while it may have felt worse, stocks posted gains for the week, snapping a string of four losing weeks in a row.