Hit like ton of BRICS: 2013 tough year for emerging markets
Only recently hailed as the saviours of the world economy, emerging markets had a tough year in 2013, hit by slow growth, market instability and social unrest that have worried investors -- though some analysts say the fear is overblown.
US jobless rate drops to five-year low
The US jobless rate fell sharply to 7.0 percent in November, a five-year low, raising the odds Friday that the Federal Reserve could soon cut its huge stimulus program.
07 December 2013
WTO pact in doubt after Latin America objections
Negotiations on a global trade deal teetered on the brink of collapse Saturday as Latin American countries objected to the removal of a reference to the US embargo on Cuba, the WTO said.
07 December 2013
Make-or-break WTO meeting goes down to the wire
Commerce ministers engaged in an eleventh-hour flurry of diplomacy on Friday, hoping to save a WTO package amid stark warnings that failure could permanently cripple the global trade body.
Rio Tinto to suspend alumina production at Gove
Mining giant Rio Tinto said Friday it will suspend alumina production at its Gove refinery in northern Australia because it is no longer a viable business.