Swiss risk deflation if euro crisis worsens: Jordan

GENEVA/ZURICH (Reuters) - The Swiss National Bank fears that an escalation of the euro zone's debt crisis could prompt deflation, Thomas Jordan said in his first speech since becoming interim chairman of the central bank, stressing his determination to keep a lid on the franc.

UK's Hague: Euro-Zone Debt Crisis Biggest Threat To UK

LONDON – The ongoing sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone is the biggest threat to U.K. prosperity, U.K. foreign minister William Hague said Monday.

Greece crisis talks over EU bailout to resume

Party leaders in Greece's governing coalition are to resume crisis talks on backing a 130bn-euro (£108bn; $171bn) European Union rescue plan.

Markets warm to European debt, Portugal pressure eases

(Reuters) - Cautious optimism that the euro zone crisis may be turning a corner fuelled demand for European government debt on Wednesday, easing pressure on Portugal, seen as the most vulnerable country after Greece.

Monti Says Overhauling Italy’s Firing Rules Can’t Be ‘Taboo’

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Italy’s rigid firing rules can hurt economic growth and changing them to make it easier for companies to shed workers can’t be “taboo,” Prime Minister Mario Monti said.