Greek economy grows in second quarter, helped by consumer spending

ATHENS, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Greece's economy grew 0.9 percent in the second quarter, compared with previous flash estimate of 0.8 percent earlier this month, helped by consumer spending and net exports, data showed on Friday.

UK interest rate rises - waiting for lift-off

With prominent members of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) – not least the governor – lining up in recent weeks to talk up the prospect of rate rises at some point in the coming months, this week’s meeting has already sparked another burst of speculation about when the first hike in eight years will happen.

Europe not at risk of full-blown deflation: ECB's Constancio

FLORENCE Italy (Reuters) - Europe is not at risk of sliding into "full deflation" but the current rate of inflation is dangerously low, European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio said on Saturday.

Government’s deficit target still off course despite strong October

The chancellor’s plan to cut the deficit this year still looks out of reach as he prepares to deliver the autumn statment next month, despite a surprise improvement in the public finances in October.

Moody's says uncertain Greece could fund itself after bailout

Nov 15 (Reuters) - Moody's said there was doubt that Greece would be in a position to finance itself without any assistance after its international bailout ends later this year, a senior executive at the rating agency told a Greek newspaper.

Why Excessively Low Inflation Can Damage Economies

In explaining its surprise move Friday to inject more stimulus into the financial system, the Bank of Japan cited one main factor: Prices that are too low.

Biggest fall in UK shopping since 2008

The weakest underlying performance by high street and online stores since the depth of the 2008-09 recession provided fresh evidence on Tuesday of a slowdown in the economy.

ECB's Noyer says fears of EU recession did not arise at IMF meeting

(Reuters) - European Central Bank Governing Council member Christian Noyer said he did not hear anyone express fears that the European Union will fall into a recession at the International Monetary Fund's fall meeting.

Banks boost equity, loan provisions in H1 ahead of ECB tests

(Reuters) - Attempts by the euro zone's 20 largest banks to anticipate the outcome of European Central Bank stress tests continued in earnest in the first half, as lenders boosted equity levels and set aside more money for bad loans.

Russia Risks Recession as Oil Drop Seen Squeezing Budget

The easing of tensions in Ukraine will offer little respite to Russia as the lowest oil prices in more than two years threaten to tilt the $2 trillion economy toward recession, according to a Bloomberg survey of analysts.

Consumer Comfort in U.S. Falls to Lowest Since Early June

Consumer confidence fell last week to an almost four-month low as Americans’ views of the economy and their finances deteriorated.

Australia’s Hockey Says No Way G-20 Will Soften GDP Goal

Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said there was “no way” Group of 20 nations would soften their commitment to increasing gross domestic product by an additional 2 percent.

Self-employment in UK at highest level since records began

Britain's deepest postwar recession has led to record numbers of self-employed people, who are earning lower wages and working longer hours than other workers, a study suggests.

Italy crashes back into shock recession as Spain recovers

Italy has unexpectedly slipped into its third recession since the global financial crisis, underlining the ongoing economic agonies of the eurozone’s third largest economy.

Italy approves economic package amid scepticism, recession

(Reuters) - Italy has pushed through a package of support measures for the economy that offers some help to businesses, but pressure is rising on Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to take more significant steps to pull the country out of recession.

Italy falls back into recession

Italy's economy has fallen back into recession, latest official figures show, after contracting for two quarters in a row.

George Osborne is right not to be smug over GDP numbers

George Osborne's response to news that Britain has finally recovered all the ground lost in the recession of 2008 and 2009 was notably for its lack of crowing.

Young hit hardest by recession, says IFS

Young people were hit far harder by the recession than older generations, a report has found. People aged 22-30 saw their household incomes fall by 13% between 2007 and 2013, while those between 31 and 59 saw a 7% drop, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Jobs, factory data point to strengthening economy

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week and factory activity in the mid-Atlantic region accelerated in June, more evidence the economy was strengthening after a disastrous first quarter.

U.S. Economic Recovery Looks Distant as Growth Lingers

WASHINGTON — Recessions are always painful, but the Great Recession that ran from late 2007 to the middle of 2009 may have inflicted a new kind of pain: an era of slower growth.