Alstom profits fell 28%
Alstom profits fell 28% to €556 million euros ($774 million) for the full year to March 2014, underscoring its case for a General Electric...
Alibaba giant IPO announced
The long-awaited Alibaba giant IPO (initial public offering) has been announced as China’s leading e-commerce company files documents in the US. Analysts predict possibly...
US March trade deficit declined
The US March trade deficit declined to $40.4 billion, compared to $41.9 billion in February. Exports in March totaled $193.9 billion, the second highest...
AstraZeneca promises sales increases, later
AstraZeneca promises sales increases to more than $45 billion within the next nine years as exciting new medications come onto the market, compared to...
Bayer buys Merck’s consumer business
In a move to expand into the non-prescription medicines market, Bayer buys Merck’s consumer business for $14.2 billion. Merck’s consumer healthcare division, which includes...
Barclays Q1 2014 profits fell 5%
Barclays first quarter profits fell 5% to £1.69 billion after a 28% decline in investment bank income. The UK’s third largest bank had warned...
Better Life Index released by the OECD
According to the OECD’s Better Life Index, the Danes want to be happy, Australians strive for work-life balance, while the Japanese are most concerned...
EU GDP growth forecast 1.6% for 2014
The European Commission’s EU GDP growth forecast has been increased to 1.6% for the 26-nation trading bloc for 2014 from 1.5% in February. Real...
Asia-Pacific economic rebound
The Asia-Pacific economic rebound is gaining traction, according to the latest APEC Economic Trends Analysis report. However, the authors warn that higher production efficiency...
China bans British cheese imports, after inspecting non-exporting dairy
China bans British cheese imports after food inspectors said hygiene standards in one dairy was not up to standard. UK cheese makers wonder whether...