Faltering Germany casts cloud over fragile euro zone

(Reuters) - Germany's faltering economy has cast further doubt over the euro zone's prospects for recovery this year, with no other big country strong enough to pick up the slack. Since late last year, the 18 countries using the euro have been climbing steadily out of a two-year recession.

Euro-Zone Retail Sales Rose in April

Retail sales across the 18 countries that share the euro rose for the fourth straight month in April, and at the fastest year-to-year pace since early 2007.

Euro-Area Economic Confidence Increases More Than Forecast

Euro-area economic confidence increased more than economists forecast in December, buoying up policy makers as they grapple with the legacy of the currency bloc’s longest recession.

Euro-Zone Business Activity, Retail Sales Rising

The euro zone's return to economic growth appears to be firming, with surveys of purchasing managers showing a sharp pickup in business activity and fresh numbers on retail sales indicating consumer spending is on the rise.

Euro zone crisis batters holiday sales prospects

(Reuters) - Shoppers in euro zone nations battered by years of recession and crisis are on the hunt for bargains, delaying their purchases until the last minute, or simply not buying at all as post-Christmas sales get underway.

U.K. Seen Shrinking This Quarter Amid Triple-Dip Risk: Economy

Britain’s economy may shrink this quarter and the risk has increased that the country will succumb to its first triple-dip recession since records began almost six decades ago, according to a survey of economists.

UK retail sales post surprise rise in July

British retailers reported an unexpected rise in sales in July, and much higher sales than previously thought in June, data showed on Thursday, boosting hopes that the UK's recession may not be as deep as feared.