Tax evasion: EU-Switzerland sign deal 'to end banking secrecy'

The EU and Switzerland have signed an agreement that is intended to clamp down on tax evasion, the European Commission has said.

G-7 Finance Officials to Discuss Loose Monetary Policy Risks

Financial chiefs from the Group of Seven nations will discuss policies to achieve sustainable economic growth and fight potential risks from the present loose monetary policy, a German official said Tuesday.

PM must guarantee minimum defence spending, says former RAF head

David Cameron must repair the damage to UK security by guaranteeing a minimum level of defence spending, the former head of the RAF has said.

Greece's Varoufakis admits to taping Eurogroup meeting

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis on Sunday admitted he had recorded a euro zone finance ministers meeting and criticized media for reporting "lies and innuendos" on what transpired at that April 24 Eurogroup gathering.

Futures turn lower on inflation data; Yellen speech eyed

U.S. stock index futures indicated a flat to slightly lower open for Friday after inflation data and ahead of a speech by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Greece: Risk Of Capital Controls ‘Substantial’

While Greece has enough money to get through the end of the month, the risk of capital controls remains “substantial,” says Teneo Intelligence.

Global Inflation Mystery Risks Making Central Bankers Bystanders

Janet Yellen’s Federal Reserve is “reasonably confident” it can drive up consumer prices. Mario Draghi says his European Central Bank’s stimulus has already “proven so far to be potent.”

EU rules German minimum wage law on foreign truckers is illegal

A German law ordering foreign truck drivers be paid the German minimum wage for any hours spent driving across the country is illegal, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

China's new home prices fall for eighth month

The price of new homes in China fell for the eighth consecutive month in April, showing the property sector continues to be a major drag on the world's second-largest economy.

Europe's low interest rates a headache for corporate pensions

Frankfurt (AFP) - Historically low interest rates in the euro area are becoming an increasing headache for companies forced to set aside billions in extra cash to meet their pension obligations to employees.

Greece pays public sector wages to avert fresh economic crisis

Greece avoided another financial crisis by paying about €500m (£360m) in wages to public sector workers, but suffered another downgrade of its credit rating.

China to invest $50bn in Brazil infrastructure

China is planning to invest up to $50bn (£32bn) in Brazil for new infrastructure projects. The deal is due to be signed by banks from both countries during a visit by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Brazil next week.

Russia Seizes on Rally to Build Reserves After $120 Billion Drop

The ruble’s world-beating rally is enabling Russia to do something it wouldn’t have thought possible a few months ago: Rebuild currency reserves that slumped $120 billion in less than a year.

Australia's budget offers small businesses a boost

Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey has delivered the country's budget, promising to help small businesses and ensure parents can join the workforce.

Euro Area Hits Cruising Speed as ECB Stimulus Adds to Momentum

The euro-area economy probably grew at the fastest pace in almost two years in the first quarter, underpinned by the start of the European Central Bank’s largest-ever stimulus program.

EU Said to Welcome Greek Progress While Seeking More Work

Euro-area finance ministers welcomed the progress Greece has made on meeting the terms of its bailout program while demanding more work before funds can be released, according to two officials.

Canada joblessness steady in April at 6.8 percent

Ottawa (AFP) - Canada's unemployment rate held steady at 6.8 percent in April for the third straight month, despite the loss of 19,700 jobs, the national statistics agency said Friday.

David Cameron's next big battle - the EU referendum and a possible Brexit

As the City of London celebrates a Conservative victory, it must also face a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Wage increases in focus ahead of retail earnings

Labor expenses will be a key focus during retailers' earnings conference calls in the coming weeks, with many companies under pressure to boost workers' wages at a time when low U.S. unemployment levels have given workers more leverage.

Dollar’s Rise Lifts Imports and Widens Trade Gap

A roof-raising trade gap in March highlighted concerns that the rise of the dollar against other currencies was weakening the economy, chipping away at the ability of American manufacturers to compete abroad while encouraging more imports to fill retailers’ shelves.