World economy on recovery road, but weak inflation threatens
A much better year lies in store for most of the world's major developed economies, although weak inflation will persist, complicating central banks' ability to get interest rates back to normal, Reuters polls forecast on Thursday.
No reason for 'irrational inflationary fears'
The president of Germany's Bundesbank said on Thursday there was no reason for "irrational inflationary fears" and dismissed suggestions of a danger of the euro zone falling into deflation, echoing the European Central Bank's outlook.
Russia steps up military lifeline to Syria's Assad
In recent weeks Russia has stepped up supplies of military gear to Syria, including armored vehicles, drones and guided bombs, boosting President Bashar al-Assad just as rebel infighting has weakened the insurgency against him, sources with knowledge of the deliveries say.
Iran has $100 billion abroad, can draw $4.2 billion
Iran has about $100 billion in foreign exchange assets around the world, of which it will be able to draw $4.2 billion under last year's nuclear agreement with six world powers, a senior U.S. administration official said on Friday.
China's Hebei closes more than 8,000 polluting firms in 2013
China shut down 8,347 heavily polluting companies last year in northern Hebei province, which has the worst air in the country, state news agency Xinhua said on Thursday, as the government moves to tackle a problem that has been a source of discontent.
French companies, unions question Hollande's new vision
French business raised doubts on Wednesday over Socialist President Francois Hollande's plan for public spending cuts and structural reform to revive the euro zone's second largest economy.
Russia rouble float may hurt investors now but help in long run
Russia's move towards a flexible rouble exchange rate may well prove a boon for the struggling economy, but foreign stock and bond investors should brace for short-term losses as the currency finds a new level.
China urges IMF to give more power to emerging markets
China called on the IMF on Wednesday to stick to a commitment to give emerging markets more power at the world body after U.S. lawmakers set back historic reforms that would give developing countries a greater say.
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