Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, recently called for additional action as Europe continues to grapple with debt and the U.S. struggles with an impending fiscal crisis. Lagarde claimed that the world economy is faring worse than even the more pessimistic expectations. Though the European Central Bank and European governments have taken several… Continue Reading
The International Monetary Fund projects slow global growth as the euro zone’s situation worsens and other economies remain threatened. It states that the world economy will grow a total of 3.3% this year. This is the slowest since the recession in 2009. “A key issue is whether the global economy is just hitting another bout… Continue Reading
Faced with a deadline set by regulators, the ING Groep NV is searching for buyers for its Southeast Asian and part of its Japanese insurance businesses. Already bidding for the Japanese arm of the business is Manulife Financial Corp. Their interest in purchasing the Japanese operation is as part of a larger deal for ING… Continue Reading
As the euro zone’s debt crisis worsens, the European Central Bank has been forced to push its workers far beyond their regular workload. Now, it has revealed its plans to increase its staff in order to prevent a burn-out. The announcement comes shortly after the union’s staff survey which showed that bank employees have been… Continue Reading
Despite Germany’s stalwart growth, the euro zone’s economy stuttered in the second quarter. According to Reuters.com, the region “contracted by 0.2% on the quarter.” Meanwhile, “Germany eked out growth of 0.3%, marginally beating forecasts, but its forward-looking ZEW sentiment index slid for a fourth month running, undercutting even the lowest estimate in a Reuters poll.”… Continue Reading
In a world of hesitant consumers and inconsistent business, Facebook has become a very important tool. According to recent reports, companies who use Facebook have significantly more interaction with customers, positive feedback, networking opportunities and increased sales. In general, small businesses are growing fonder of social media tools and have come to rely on their… Continue Reading
Throughout the economic concerns and debt crises, Germany has always managed to keep its head above water, and sometimes thrive, despite the area’s hardships. Not anymore. In 2011, German exports increased dramatically while employment levels improved, wages rose and real estate climbed to altogether new heights. Near-balance of the federal budget and other positive signs… Continue Reading
Spain’s gaping economic crisis has pushed stock markets down this week triggering a fresh wave of doubt concerning the Eurozone’s progress and recovery. The Washington Post explains that Spain’s unemployment rate, currently higher than that of the U.S. during the Great Depression, has contributed to the economy’s downfall. “Spain announced that its economy shrank by… Continue Reading
Former Greek finance minister and head of the Socialist party Evangelos Venizelos said on Tuesday that it will be “almost impossible” for Greece to cut back spending by €11.5 billion ($14.1 billion) over the coming two years, the amount its rescue creditors demanded as part of the bailout deal. Venizelos made his statement in a… Continue Reading
A recent statement by the IMF claims that the world is perched precariously on the backs of the U.S. and European economies. Global growth will remain stunted until they improve. According to their website, Europe’s persistent crisis has hindered global economic recovery into the second quarter. Predictions from the World Economic Outlook say global economy… Continue Reading