Australia trade deficit doubles on commodity prices

Australia's trade deficit more than doubled to A$2.26bn (£1.2b; $1.96bn) in September, data showed.

Japan's economy shrinks more than initial estimates

Japan's economy contracted by 7.1% in the three months to June, more than initial estimates, and revised from 6.8% reported in August.

UK retailers had strongest quarter in more than 10 years from April to June

Britain's retailers enjoyed the strongest quarter in more than a decade between April and June, but consumers were less willing to spend towards the end of the period, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Canadian auto sales nudge higher in March

(Reuters) - Canadian auto sales inched just 0.2 percent higher in March from a year earlier, figures on Tuesday showed, but an independent auto industry analyst said the modest increase masked a solid performance during severe winter weather, especially in comparison with the record sales of March 2013.

Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Unexpectedly Falls on Outlook

Consumer confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in March to a four-month low, indicating household spending may be slow to pick up from a weather-related setback earlier this year.

Three-month low in U.S. jobless claims offers hope for labor market

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits hit a three-month low last week, suggesting some strength in a labor market that has been hobbled by severe weather.

China's manufacturing, services sectors diverge in February

(Reuters) - China's services sector regained some momentum in February but its manufacturing sector struggled, separate surveys showed on Monday, with the divergence adding to the difficulty in assessing the strength of the economy at the start of 2014.

Growth figure likely to bolster recovery hopes

Britain's recovery is expected to have held up over the final months of 2013, helping the economy to clock up its strongest annual growth for six years.

Pound Strengthens Versus Euro as Retail Sales Surge; Gilts Rise

The pound strengthened against the euro this week as a government report showed U.K. retail sales grew at a record pace for a December, adding to optimism the recovery is gaining momentum.

China Growth Seen Slowing as Momentum Weakens

China’s factory output and investment growth probably weakened in December, adding to signs the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum as analysts forecast 2014 expansion at the lowest in 24 years.

American Consumers in 2013 Most Upbeat Since Before Recession

American consumers in 2013 were more upbeat than at any time in the previous six years as views on the economy, finances and the buying climate improved.

Canadian Consumers Entering 2014 Confident on Jobs Outlook

Canadian consumers are heading into 2014 with more confidence than a year ago, buoyed by optimism that jobs are more secure and real-estate prices will rise, according to the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index.

Christmas shopper numbers hit by bad weather

Bad weather and more online shopping has seen fewer shoppers hitting the UK High Street in the run up to Christmas this year, according to new figures.

Inflation tame, but Fed may still trim bond buying

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumer prices were flat in November, but the lack of inflation pressures in the economy will probably not stop the Federal Reserve from scaling back its bond-buying program soon.

Draghi Says Europe No Japan as Crisis Spurs Price Cuts

Henar Fuentes held out the white cardigan sweater as if she wanted nothing more in the world. It was on sale for 8.45 euros ($11.44) at a Madrid boutique just a few minutes’ walk from the Puerta del Sol.

China's service sector growth hits one-year high

China's service sector grew at its fastest pace in a year in October, the latest sign of a recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

Euro-Area Consumer Confidence Rises More Than Estimated

Euro-area consumer confidence increased more than economists estimated in August, as the economy of the 17-nation currency bloc gathers strength after a record-long recession.

New Data Suggest a Pause in China’s Slowdown

HONG KONG — China’s economy faces major structural challenges in the coming years, but for now, the slowdown of the recent past may have bottomed out.

Treasurys rise on signs of slowdown in Europe

Traders bid up U.S. Treasury debt Friday after economic data from Europe stirred fears of a global slowdown and boosted demand for the ultra-safe investments.