No global meltdown, EU growth outlook unchanged: EU economic chief
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) – Central banks still have more firepower they can use to counter a slowdown in global growth, which does not change the outlook for recovery in the euro zone, European Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Wednes…
Red tape, political risks could stall investment in Iran
DUBAI (Reuters) – A multitude of business regulations — 182,000 by one minister’s count — stands in the way of a rapid flow of foreign investment into Iran after the lifting of nuclear sanctions ended its long isolation from global commerce.
IBM’s gloomy forecast weighs down shares
(Reuters) – International Business Machines Corp’s shares touched a five-year low on Wednesday, a day after the company forecast weak earnings, underscoring challenges in its software business as it transitions to new growth areas.
Staples, Office Depot buy time to fight merger-related lawsuit
(Reuters) – Staples Inc said it would give itself three more months before calling off its proposed $6.3 billion-acquisition of Office Depot Inc , giving the companies time to fight an antitrust lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission.
U.S. housing starts, permits fall in December
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. housing starts and permits fell in December after hefty gains the prior month, adding to a raft of weak data that have raised concerns over the health of the economy.
Big Chipotle investor held steady during stock’s fourth-quarter plunge
BOSTON (Reuters) – Fidelity’s Contrafund, the biggest mutual fund investor in Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, said it had held onto its entire stake during the fourth quarter even as an outbreak of food-borne illness in the restaurant chain pummeled its sh…
AerCap plays down fears of price war over big jets
DUBLIN (Reuters) – The head of one of the world’s biggest aviation fleets played down the risk of a price war over big jets like the Boeing 777 on Tuesday, saying its U.S. manufacturer would rather sacrifice production than risk damaging its own portfo…
VW executive committee member says no alternative to CEO Mueller
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Volkswagen Chief Executive Matthias Mueller’s position is not in danger, a member of the carmaker’s executive committee said after a committee meeting that discussed the CEO’s progress in clearing up its diesel-emissions scandal.
Apple seeks nod to open India stores amid concerns of slowing sales growth
MUMBAI (Reuters) – Apple Inc has applied to set up its own stores in India, one of the world’s fastest growing smartphone markets, as the iPhone-maker looks to tap new opportunities amid worries of slowing growth in its main markets.
Oil slump rocks markets again in equity rout
LONDON (Reuters) – World stocks sank to their lowest levels since 2013 on Wednesday, hit by another tumble in oil to 13-year lows that kept global equities set for one of their worst monthly performances ever.
