Global economy & markets

The look ahead: US, G20 could focus on euro-zone recovery

The European crisis, and how the US stimulates its economy, could be a focal point of a two-day G20 summit, which starts Monday in Mexico. US President Barack Obama has been pushing European leaders to work to resolve the crisis, citing stimulus programmes that the US government used in 2009.

Execs less optimistic about hiring, US economy, AICPA survey shows

Hiring plans for the second quarter of 2012 fell from the previous quarter, and optimism about the U.S. economy declined, according to the AICPA’s Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey. Four of the 10 sectors represented in the report expect staffing levels to decrease over the next 12 months.

New oil shock

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights the risk of an oil price shock as one of the two key threats to global economic recovery this year, alongside the risk of a euro-zone meltdown.

Entrepreneur brings attitude to economic discussion

When panellists at the American Institute of CPAs’ spring Council meeting in Washington were asked how to fix the economy, business leaders and politicians talked about familiar themes: balancing the federal budget and avoiding deficit spending. They said complex regulations are crippling some businesses.

The look ahead: European leaders to discuss bank bonuses

European Union lawmakers are poised to negotiate details of a proposed law that would ban banks from paying bonuses stemming from profits tied to cheap European Central Bank loans as part of a broader overhaul of proposed banking rules. And in the US, a long-awaited decision is expected on the handling of private company accounting standards.

Lack of experience flavours investors’ perceptions of Africa

Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Many of its countries have less corruption, are easier to do business with, and are more democratic than several fast-developing nations in Europe and Asia. But dated perceptions still keep many investors away, according to an Ernst & Young report.

Economic optimism continues to rise among US manufacturers

More US manufacturers expect to hire more, profit more and invest more in the year ahead. Meanwhile, they’re less worried about barriers to growth such as taxes and new regulations. Also, while some manufacturers remain uncertain about the global economy, others are showing gains in sales abroad.
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