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.

Mortgage rise will plunge a million homeowners into 'perilous debt'

More than a million homeowners will be at risk of defaulting on their mortgages and losing their properties in the wake of even a small rise in interest rates, a bombshell analysis reveals.

U.S. bank watchdogs to consider Volcker rule tweak

WASHINGTON: U.S. bank regulators said on Friday they would consider allowing banks to hold on to certain complex securities despite a new rule limiting risky investments.

Japan December manufacturing PMI at highest in more than 7 years

TOKYO: Japanese manufacturing activity expanded in December at the fastest clip in more than seven years as firms added workers at the quickest pace in over six years to help meet growing backlogs of unfilled orders, a survey showed on Friday.

Britain 'will be Europe's top economy by 2030'

A rising population, a low-tax regime and insulation from the worst of the eurozone's problems leave Britain on course to overtake Germany as Europe's biggest economy within the next two decades, according to a study released on Thursday.

EU bans arms exports to Central African Republic

(Reuters) - The European Union on Monday banned the export of arms and the sending of mercenaries to Central African Republic, which is racked by sectarian violence.

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.