China Tamps Down Europe Aid FearsChinese Premier Wen Jiabao sought to assuage concerns over Chinese investment in Europe, saying China has no intention to "buy" the continent.
Rösler Opposes ECB Write-Down on GreeceGermany's economy minister rejected demands to involve the ECB directly in efforts to reduce Greece's debt as international pressure is growing on the central bank to accept a haircut on its huge cache of Greek bonds.
Greece Bailout Talks Bode Ill for LisbonAs Greek debt-restructuring talks showed more signs of delay, the plodding negotiations have been bad news for Portugal's creditors, who fear they also may be force-fed tough terms.
Interest-Rate Probe WidensRegulators in Switzerland and the U.K. stepped up pressure on Swiss and foreign banks, extending a probe into alleged manipulation of interest rates and disclosing possible action against UBS in a trading scandal.
Moscow Curbs Supplies of Gas Across EuropeRussian natural-gas supplies to Europe were curtailed for a third straight day Friday as particularly cold winter weather increased Russia's domestic demand.
Xstrata Talks Merger With GlencoreIn a world ravenous for natural resources, two of the world's most powerful raw-materials companies are in talks to combine into an $80 billion colossus that would play a powerful role in an industry that supplies auto makers, chocolatiers and power companies.
Euro-Zone Data Give Differing OutlooksEuro-zone private-sector activity returned to modest growth in January, but a fall in consumer spending in the run-up to Christmas added to doubts over the region's longer-term prospects.
U.S. Charges Swiss Bank in Tax CaseSwiss private bank Wegelin was indicted on charges that it facilitated tax fraud by U.S. taxpayers, the Justice Department said.
EU Biofuel Debate IntensifiesAs European production of biofuels increases to comply with clean-energy laws, a tough debate has begun in the EU on whether biofuels really are better for the climate than conventional fuels.
Russian Literati Plot Activist RoleA well-known Russian writer has been thrust into a tumultuous struggle over the future of the country and its longtime ruler, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Beijing May Boost Support for Euro ZonePremier Wen said China is considering deeper involvement in the euro zone's bailout funds, the strongest indication that China may help alleviate Europe's crisis, but he fell short of offering firm commitments.
Spain Details New Bank CleanupSpain's new two-year plan to clean up its banks will require them to set aside $65.8 billion to cover losses from souring loans as part of an effort to improve the flow of credit to the economy.
Greek Parties Plan Talks on CutsGreece's prime minister has set crucial talks with leaders of the three parties backing his interim government to try to build a solid consensus for further cutbacks and reforms, a condition set by Greece's official lenders for further aid.
Crisis Dents Deutsche Bank ProfitThe German lender's profit slumped in the fourth quarter as its investment-banking division took a beating from the euro-zone crisis.
EU Banks: Give Us Leeway on AssetsRegulators are considering loosening rules that require lenders to maintain deep pools of ultrasafe assets to protect them in a crisis.
Spanish Unemployment SoarsSpain's jobless claims shot up 4% in January from December to 4.59 million, a sign that the euro zone's fourth-largest economy is still shedding jobs at a record rate.
Irish Weigh Up Referendum RisksIrish voters have developed a habit of rejecting European Union treaties, but should they do so again, the consequences could be dire.
Putin, in Campaign Mode, Proposes VTB BuybackRussian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin courted the financial community, pledging to fight corruption and curtail bureaucracy—and unveiled a surprise proposal to buy small investors out of a disastrous 2007 IPO of state-owned bank VTB at the offering price.
Shell Stays Course Amid VolatilityShell reported lackluster fourth-quarter results and warned of economic volatility ahead, but its top executives remained bullish about its growth prospects, reiterating their commitment to ambitious spending plans.
U.K. Police Probe '09 Email HackingU.K. police are investigating, at a politician's request, a 2009 email-hacking incident at News Corp.'s Times of London.
Turkey to Seek Life Sentence for GeneralTurkish prosecutors said they would seek life without parole for Gen. Ilker Basbug, Turkey's top soldier until 2010 and the highest-ranking officer arrested to date in a group of court cases alleging a terrorist plot to topple the government.
Unilever Sees Small Profit RiseUnilever posted a rise in full-year net profit, but cautioned that the outlook remains difficult in mature economies, where shoppers' disposable income is under pressure.
AstraZeneca to Cut 7,300 JobsAstraZeneca announced it will eliminate another 7,300 jobs, bringing its total cuts over the past five years to nearly 30,000.
VW to Bolster Southeast Asia PresenceVolkswagen has jumped on an opportunity to beef up its presence in Southeast Asia after its cooperation partner in Malaysia took a controlling stake in Proton, the country's national car maker.
Investment Gains Boost Munich ReMunich Re said fourth-quarter after-tax profit, including minorities, rose 31%, helped by a higher contribution from investments which more than offset claims costs from one of the insurance sector's costliest years.
Swiss Watch Exports Hit Record HighSwiss watch exports surged to a record in 2011, with booming Asian demand helping the sector overcome the impact of the strong Swiss franc.
BBVA Swings to Loss on U.S. ChargeSpain's Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria swung to a fourth-quarter loss after taking a €1 billion charge on its U.S. operations and setting aside more cash to cover bad loans.
Electrolux Warns Mature Markets to Stay WeakSwedish home appliance maker Electrolux said its mature markets will remain weak during the first half of 2012 as the firm reported a drop in fourth-quarter profit.
Xstrata's Davis Would Be CEO of Combined CompanyXstrata and Glencore are discussing a plan that would put Xstrata CEO Mick Davis in charge of the combined entity, and Glencore Chief Executive Ivan Glasenberg would serve as deputy CEO.
Spanish Bond Yields FallSpain's treasury benefited from market confidence, raising slightly more than its planned amount of cash via a government bond sale at lower borrowing costs.
Petroplus Gets More Interest for RefineriesPrivate equity group Goldsmith said it is interested in buying all five refineries owned by Petroplus, which filed for insolvency last month after banks pulled its credit lines.
HSBC to Shut U.S. Fund-Administration UnitHSBC will close its fund-administration business in the U.S. and shift it to Ireland in one of the global bank's latest moves to control costs and refocus its business.
Irish Central Bank Slashes Growth OutlookThe Irish Central Bank cut its growth outlook, saying that slowing demand for the country's exports and weak consumer spending will weigh on the Irish economy.
Greece's Hazardous Road to RestructuringStephen Fidler: On the face of it, the Greek government and representatives of bondholders are close to an agreement that they like to describe as voluntary. In fact, a range of debt-restructuring outcomes is still possible—from the truly voluntary to the truly chaotic.
Home Shortage in London to WorsenLondon looks likely to experience a drought of new housing over the next few years, as construction of homes amid fears of renewed recession and a dearth of mortgage finance, a report from property consultant suggests.
Euro Worries Derails Catalonia DealA Spanish property deal between Catalonia's regional government and foreign money managers collapsed, in part because of disagreements over terms linked to a potential breakup of the euro, a senior government official said.
