Millions of Americans see food stamp cuts
The US Congress on Friday allowed an estimated $5 billion cut to a federal food stamps program to take effect, slashing the social safety net for the poor, elderly and disabled.
China manufacturing index hits 18-month high: govt
Chinese manufacturing grew at its strongest pace in 18 months in October, figures showed Friday, but government and independent analysts warned underlying data suggest economic weaknesses remain.
Toxic US corporate culture unchanged: TARP watchdog
Five years after the US financial crisis forced the massive government TARP bailout, the US corporate culture remains toxic and breeding crime.
Oil-rich Kuwait warns welfare state unsustainable
Oil-rich Kuwait said Monday that the generous cradle-to-grave welfare system provided to its 1.2 million citizens was "unsustainable" and it was time for change.
Sandy clean-up 'enormous' one year on
A year after Hurricane Sandy, the United States still faces an enormous task to repair $60 billion worth of damage and improve resiliency before the next cyclone.
Australia inflation jumps, dashes rate cut hopes
Australian inflation rose by a stronger-than-expected 1.2 percent in the July-September period compared to the previous quarter.
Future of inefficient Kazakhstan's free economic zones to be decided
The future of the ineffective free economic zones in Kazakhstan will be decided on by the year end.
Famous American economist Jeremy Rifkin to hold master-class in Astana
Jeremy Rifkin, a famous American economist, will hold a master-class in Astana next week.
Japan gives muted welcome to US debt fix
Japan's finance minister on Friday gave a muted welcome to the US debt deal, but hinted at the need for a more permanent solution to the warring in Washington.
Congress pulls US back from brink, averts default
The United States was spared the ignominy of a disastrous debt default Wednesday when Congress passed a bill extending the nation's borrowing authority and ending a two-week government shutdown.
Political chaos pushes US up against debt deadline
A day of political disarray Tuesday pushed America to within hours of a debt default deadline, but two veteran senators chased a last-gasp deal to stave off a sudden shock to the global economy.
Conflicts, energy top agenda as Hollande visits S.Africa
French leader Francois Hollande arrived in South Africa Monday for a two-day state visit in which he is set to push for greater cooperation on African crises with the continental powerhouse.
Britain to ease China visa restrictions
Britain is to make it easier for Chinese nationals to obtain visas in an effort to boost business between the two countries.
G20 seeks 'urgent action' from US on budget impasse
Finance chiefs of the G20 on Friday called for Washington to quickly resolve the political paralysis over its budget and debt ceiling.
US to reopen Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon
US national parks and monuments including the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon are to reopen despite the federal shutdown, after states agreed to fund them temporarily.
World Bank to cut costs, bureaucracy: Kim
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim on Friday announced a program to slash costs and reduce bureaucracy at the huge development organization that is expected to result in significant layoffs.
US political deadlock threatens world economy: OECD
Failure to raise the US borrowing ceiling due to political deadlock could force most of the leading industrial democracies into recession.
Dubai property bounces but stirs fears of new bubble
Dubai's property sector is making a strong comeback five years after prices in the emirate nosedived, but a surge in demand and bouncing prices have triggered calls to remember the crisis.
'Pitiful' US infighting threatens world: Chinese media
Chinese state media hit out at US lawmakers Thursday, a week ahead of a potential US default, urging them to "stop manufacturing crises" that threaten the global economy.
Obama's 'missed opportunity' as China flexes muscles
Most Asia-Pacific leaders, themselves blooded in political trench warfare, sympathise with US President Barack Obama's unwillingness to desert his Washington fox-hole.