Consumer spending slowed in October as incomes rose at the fastest pace since March. Meanwhile, jobless claims rose a bit in the latest week and October durable goods orders fell. Go to Source
China’s Output Falls Sharply
A key measure of Chinese manufacturing activity posted its biggest monthly decline since March 2009, raising fears of a hard landing in the world’s second-largest economy. Go to Source
Bond Auction in Germany Rings ‘Alarm’
Weak demand at a German bund auction triggered alarm among some investors, but others noted a number of exceptional factors that had combined to produce the result, including a typical year-end slowdown and strong earlier purchases of the safe-haven government debt. Go to Source
Euro-Zone Activity in Decline
The euro-zone economy seems set for a contraction in the final three months of this year as the turmoil in government bond markets takes its toll on credit availability and consumer and business confidence. Go to Source
EU Puts Forward Euro-Bond Plans
The European Commission proposed options for a common euro-zone bond market, alongside significantly tighter controls over euro-zone members’ budgets. Go to Source
Banks Warm to ECB Dollar Swaps
Banks may soon need to set aside their worry over potential reputational questions and ask the European Central Bank for dollars. Go to Source
Dexia Breakup Hits Snag
Euro-Zone market jitters and competition concerns by European Commission weigh on dismantling of Dexia. Go to Source
Pressure on Merkel Intensifies
The German chancellor faces calls to soften her resistance to euro-zone bonds that would increase investor appeal but also make euro nations liable for each others’ debts. Go to Source
Banks Ponder Euro-Zone Split
A key part of the world’s foreign-exchange trading infrastructure is bracing itself for the possibility of a breakup of the euro zone, the latest sign investor concerns about the Continent’s debt crisis are on the rise. Go to Source
Investors Now See Euro Exit Candidates
The number of investors expecting at least one country to quit the 17-nation euro zone is on the cusp of becoming a majority, and 5% see five nations leaving in 2012, according to a Barclays Capital survey. Go to Source






