Greek vote important step, key issues remain: EU

BRUSSELS: Greece has made an important step in approving tough new austerity measures but must still pass the 2013 budget and key issues remain before it can secure the next debt aid payment, the European Commission said on Thursday.

Angst returns on German recession fears and US fiscal cliff

Stock markets skidded across the world and investors retreated to safe-haven assets on fears that Europe’s festering crisis has spread to Germany and a bitterly-divided Washington may struggle to avert a fiscal crisis.

European Union urges Greece to strike deal with creditors

VIENTIANE: European Union president Herman Van Rompuy urged Greece on Tuesday to reach an agreement with its troika of creditors so that it can receive a new financial lifeline.

UK services sector slows to 22-month low

Growth in the UK services sector grew in October, but the pace has slowed to an almost two-year low, according to "disappointing" official data.

Angela Merkel: eurozone crisis will last at least another five years

The eurozone will take at least another five years to recover from the crippling debt crisis that has hampered even Europe's most powerful economy, according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.