France's economy minister stumbles on 35-hour-week, againFrance's divisive economy minister has once again made waves among Socialists by criticising the country's sacrosanct 35-hour week just as the ruling party gathers for its annual conference.
Kazakh currency falls 23 percent after switch to free-floatEnergy-rich Kazakhstan announced it was abandoning its currency band for a free-floating exchange rate, in a move that triggered a 23-percent fall in the value of the tenge against the US dollar.
20 August 2015
Greece repays 3.4 bn euros to European Central Bank: sourceGreece has repaid 3.4 billion euros ($3.79 billion) due to the European Central Bank, a source close to the Greek government said after the launch of a massive new reforms-for-bailout deal.
New devaluation in Kazakhstan?Kazakhstani banks raise dollar-tenge exchange rate. People fear another devaluation of the currency. The Kazakh National Bank is silent.
19 August 2015
Japan economy's contraction a blow for 'Abenomics'Japan's economy contracted last quarter, boosting speculation the central bank will be forced to unleash more stimulus as Tokyo's "Abenomics" growth blitz stumbles.
China's long march to currency reform takes a step forwardChina's currency devaluation is a step in the long march to a more open regime for the yuan, analysts say, but authorities will need to further loosen their controls to promote long-term growth.
Pension reform in Kazakhstan raises questionsKazakhstan is moving forward with its new pension system. However, some are concerned it will mean lower revenues for the state budget and more money in the shadow economy.