GLOBAL ECONOMY-Euro zone business stays strong, China mending

LONDON/BEIJING, May 22 (Reuters) - Private business activity in the euro zone grew at just under its fastest pace in three years this month, while contraction in China's vast manufacturing sector slowed to its weakest pace this year, surveys showed on Thursday.

Interest rate hikes would hit British car industry: UK Hyundai CEO

(Reuters) - A series of even small rises in British interest rates would be a big blow to the country's car industry, the CEO of Hyundai UK (005380.KS) told Reuters on Thursday.

Ireland’s Rating Raised by Moody’s as Debt Burden Eases

Ireland’s rating was raised for the second time in less than six months by Moody’s Investors Service as the economy stabilizes and concern that the euro-region may be under threat eases.

Euro zone first-quarter growth disappoints, puts pressure on ECB to act

(Reuters) - The euro zone economy grew much less than expected at the start of the year and inflation remained locked in the 'danger zone' below 1 percent, increasing pressure on the European Central Bank to ease monetary policy at its next meeting in June.

Greece denies plan for retroactive tax on foreign bondholders

(Reuters) - Greece's government on Thursday denied it had instituted a retroactive tax on foreign holders of Greek bonds, and revoked a tax document that spooked investors and sent yields to near two-month highs.