Pensions staff axed after exodus from annuities

The troubled pensions provider Just Retirement yesterday admitted it will be forced to cut jobs across its 800-strong workforce due to radical reforms in March’s Budget.

IMF's Lagarde calls for more ECB stimulus: paper

(Reuters) - Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has repeated calls for more stimulus from the European Central Bank to keep at bay the risk of persistently low inflation in the euro zone.

Italy's Renzi says to use EU presidency to push for budget flexibility pact

FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - Italy will propose offering European Union member states that undertake structural reform more flexibility on budget rules when Rome assumes the presidency of the 28-member bloc later this year, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Friday.

Double ratings boost for Portuguese economy

Lisbon (AFP) - The Portuguese economy has received a double boost as ratings agency Moody's raised its debt rating one notch to Ba2, hours after fellow agency Standard & Poor's upgraded the country's credit outlook.

Lithuanian President Cites Russia Threat in Election Race

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite used the last debate before for the May 11 election to focus on Russia’s expansionism, which is fueling concern in the Baltic countries.