Banks boost lending as economy slowly warms up

After three years of Scrooge-like underwriting following 2008's financial crisis, banks have turned on the spigot, boosting lending at annual rates as high as 8.2% since July, according to Federal Reserve statistics.

Dollar Index Holds Loss Before Confidence, Manufacturing Reports

Dec. 27 (Bloomberg) -- The Dollar Index held losses from last week before U.S. data forecast to show consumer confidence rose to the most since July and regional manufacturing gauges increased, reducing demand for haven assets.

Spain economy shrinks, outlook bleak: minister

Spain's economy will shrink in the last quarter and faces a bleak outlook for the coming months, its new economy minister warned Monday, heightening fears of a fresh recession.

Euro's woes may lead to bargain imports

As the financial crisis worsens in Europe and the euro continues to lose value against the dollar, Nashville could soon see more bargain prices on products such as Italian olive oil, French wine and cheese or even German luxury cars.

Analysis: Germany faces recession risk as crisis hits confidence

BERLIN (Reuters) - After breezing through the euro zone debt crisis for the past two years, Germany's economy could fall into recession as anxious businesses hold off on investment and exports wither.