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.

Forex Forecasts: Euro’s Relief Rally Depends on Crisis Ease in 2013

The Euro has put in for a remarkable trend shift through the second half of 2012, but its bullish ambitions should not be considered a clear trend.

Spain rules out Irish-style bailout

MADRID: Spain on Wednesday ruled out any Irish-style bailout for the recession-hit, jobs-starved economy, but said it was still undecided about seeking intervention by the European Central Bank to bring down its debt financing costs.

Germany's austerity plans will beggar Europe

Has the eurozone crisis ended? Many politicians in Europe, including France's president François Hollande, seem to think so.

Italy's Monti opens door to seeking new term

ROME (Reuters) - Two days after stepping down, Mario Monti announced on Sunday he would consider seeking a second term as Italian prime minister if approached by allies committed to backing his austere brand of reforms.