INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND

German Chancellor Merkel attends the session of the Bundestag lower house of parliament in Berlin

German MPs back euro crisis powers, Merkel support unclear

Germany's parliament approved new powers for the euro zone's crisis fund on Thursday but it was not clear if Angela Merkel got enough votes from her coalition to silence rebels worried about funding a series of bailouts of countries like Greece.

Greece Faces Auditor Verdict, Fresh Aid at Stake

An employee of the Finance Ministry scuffles with riot police at the ministry's entrance in Athens during a protest against the government's austerity measures
International auditors return to Athens on Thursday to deliver a verdict on whether Greece's tougher austerity measures qualify for aid to avert a default that would plunge the country into bankruptcy.
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A teller counts euro banknotes inside a National Bank of Greece branch in Athens

Banks Prepare for Greek default, want EU help

Bankers are bracing for a Greek default, and their best hope is that Europe can erect firewalls around the banking system strong enough and soon enough to prevent it from spreading to other euro-zone countries.
U.S. Stock Market

U.S. Stocks: Is the Dow’s Pullback a Buying Opportunity?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is on track to record a weekly decline of more than 800 points -- its worst weekly swoon in two years. But the important question for the typical investor is, 'Where's the Dow likely to head in the next six months?'
Bank of Canada says Greece exit not the cure

Inflation jumps as rate pressure seen muted

Canada's annual inflation rate climbed to a higher-than-expected 3.1 percent in August, but analysts said on Wednesday this was unlikely to worry the Bank of Canada, which is more concerned about problems in Europe and the United States.
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Canada commercial loans rise, signaling expansion

Canadian commercial lending rose in the second quarter, PayNet Inc said on Wednesday, in a report that showed smaller businesses we're expanding even as economic storm clouds gather in Europe and the United States.
Eurozone

Europe Crisis Raises Banks Risk by $410 Billion: IMF

Europe's debt crisis has increased the risk exposure of banks in the region by 300 billion euros ($410 billion) and they need to recapitalize to ensure they can weather potential losses, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.
Greece's Finance Minister Venizelos waits for documents to be handed to him as he leaves a parliament session in Athens

Greece to Outline More Austerity to Secure Loan

The Greek cabinet was expected to outline major public sector layoffs, more spending cuts and tax increases on Wednesday to secure a bailout installment crucial to avoid running out of money next month.
Bernanke makes remarks at the start of a conference on systemic risk, at the Federal Reserve in Washington

Fed Looks Set to Ease Policy as U.S. Outlook Dims

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday looks set to launch a fresh effort to invigorate the faltering U.S. recovery, embarking on what could be the first in a series of incremental steps to foster stronger growth.
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Asian Markets Stable, Awaiting Fed Action

Asian stocks drifted slightly lower Wednesday and the euro clawed back lost ground as investors waited for the end of a Federal Reserve policy meeting that may act to stimulate the U.S. economy.
Greece's PM Papandreou addresses the audience at the International Trade fair of Thessaloniki in northern Greece

Greece to Front-Load Austerity, Troika to Return

Greece pledged to bring forward painful austerity measures on Tuesday, convincing international lenders to return to Athens early next week for talks that it hopes will secure the aid it needs to avert bankruptcy.
Worker at Austrian gold bullion plant

Gold Jumps over $1,800 on Expectations of Fed Action

Gold prices rose over the $1,800 mark Tuesday on expectations that the Federal Reserve will decide this week on further steps to stimulate the economy and fresh evidence that the economy needs some stimulation.
Bank of Canda sees growth resuming

Bank of Canda sees growth resuming

Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney expects the Canadian economy to grow through the rest of this year and signaled on Tuesday he stands ready to use a variety of tools and policy options to ensure stability.
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Swiss Conservatives Seek Ban on Central Bank Gold Sales

Members of the conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP) want a law to prevent the country's central bank -- currently struggling to tame a super-strong Swiss franc -- from selling its gold reserves, according to a proposal published on Tuesday.
French writer Tristane Banon leaves the office of her lawyer David Koubbi in Paris

Strauss-Kahn's French Accuser Plans Civil Suit

Tristane Banon -- the French writer who has accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault -- said she will sue the former-banker if French authorities decide not to open a criminal trial.
Anne Sinclair, DSK’s Wife

The Strauss-Kahn Interview: France's Reaction and 5 Take-Aways

Dominique Strauss-Kahn spoke publicly for the first time since returning to France. During an interview on French television station TF1 on Sunday night, the former head of the International Monetary Fund expressed his infinite regret over his affair with hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo in May.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange

U.S. Stock Index Futures Signal Sharp Losses

Stock index futures pointed to a sharply lower open on Wall Street on Monday, as renewed fears of a Greek debt default prompt investors to book some of last week's gains and turn to safer assets such as gold.

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