Some banks easing lending ahead of stress tests
Some euro zone banks are restricting lending to boost their performance in financial stress tests this year, a member of the European Central Bank's (ECB) governing council said on Friday.
Iran, Russia negotiating big oil-for-goods deal
Iran and Russia are negotiating an oil-for-goods swap worth $1.5 billion a month that would let Iran lift oil exports substantially, in defiance of Western sanctions that helped force Tehran to agree a preliminary deal to end its nuclear program.
Japan aims to register 280 remote islands as national assets
Japan is set to clarify the ownership of 280 remote islands in its territorial waters and register them as national assets, a move that could rile China and South Korea, which are engaged in territorial disputes with Tokyo.
China sets targets for curbing air pollution
China has set new targets for its provinces to reduce air pollution by 5 to 25 percent, state media said late on Tuesday, underscoring the government's concern about a source of public anger.
Euro zone unemployment holds at record high, retail sales rebound
Euro zone retail sales leapt in November even though unemployment remained at a record high, hinting at a pick up in consumer demand that would ease deflation worries and relieve pressure on the ECB to loosen policy.
China takes propaganda war with Japan to United Nations
China took its propaganda war with Japan to the United Nations on Wednesday, questioning Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's motives for visiting a controversial war shrine and calling on him to correct his "erroneous outlook" on history.
Iran, EU to meet on Thursday on nuclear deal-IRNA report
Iran and the European Union will hold a two-day meeting in Geneva on Thursday to discuss implementing a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic state and major powers, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.
Dutch break with EU to open political dialogue with Cuba
The Dutch foreign minister signed an agreement on Tuesday with his Cuban counterpart to engage in political consultations, breaking ranks with the European Union which limits high-level visits and talks with the Communist-run Caribbean island.
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