Faltering Germany casts cloud over fragile euro zone

(Reuters) - Germany's faltering economy has cast further doubt over the euro zone's prospects for recovery this year, with no other big country strong enough to pick up the slack. Since late last year, the 18 countries using the euro have been climbing steadily out of a two-year recession.

ECB’s Draghi calls for rules on economic reforms

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on Wednesday called for a new set of rules for euro-zone members that would apply to economic reforms and be analogous to the standards that govern borrowing by governments.

Monthly house prices for June drop 0.6%, Halifax reports

House prices experienced a bigger monthly fall than analysts had expected in June, knocking £1,100 off the average property value, according to the Halifax.

Italy hits resistance to softer European spending rules

(Reuters) - Italy and its allies will receive no special leeway in meeting EU budget rules, European officials agreed on Tuesday, as Germany resisted attempts to soft-pedal on long-promised spending reforms.

Euro zone Sentix index shows surprise rise in July

(Reuters) - Sentiment in the euro zone showed a surprise improvement in July with investor optimism boosted by the European Central Bank's growth measures and improved expectations for the global economy, according to the Sentix index survey.