Spain's finance minister predicts downturn

MADRID (MarketWatch) -- Spain's newly appointed Economics Minister, Luis de Guindos, said Monday that the country will see negative economic growth in the final quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of the new year, technically putting it back into recession.

2011: Year that changed the world

Even Nostradamus, with all his predictive powers and deep astrological insight, couldn’t have foretold with precision and exactitude the flurry of events that ripped through the world in year 2011 READ MORE...

Will in the Middle

Rome’s influence on Shakespeare, and Shakespeare’s on Verdi.


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Van Gogh - The Life - By Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith - Book Review

A speculative biography suggests that Vincent van Gogh might have been murdered.


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WE, THE DROWNED By Carsten Jensen Translated from the Danish by Charlotte Barslund with Emma Ryder Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 678 pp. $28 When was the last time you relished sitting down with a 678-page Danish novel? "We, the Drowned" might just be too much book to tote to the beach next summer, ...
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Nigeria Terror Group Has al Qaeda Ties, Report Says

Nigeria Terror Group Has al Qaeda Ties, Report Says
'via Blog this'

Iran Feels Heat Over Support for Damascus

Iran Feels Heat Over Support for Damascus - WSJ.com:

'via Blog this'

WFP Investigating ‘Possible Theft of Food’ in Somalia

WFP Investigating ‘Possible Theft of Food’ in Somalia

Syrian Political Upheaval Remains on Cards

Syria Threatens Dissidents Around Globe, U.S. Says

Is Korea on brink of war?

South Korea returns fire on North in disputed waters

Syria Broadens Military Crackdown

Syria Broadens Military Crackdown

Iran Set to Become Nucleur

Iran Claims Progress Speeding Nuclear Program

‪Europe's largest volvano erupts‬‏

‪Europe's largest volvano erupts‬‏ - YouTube

Bank Wields Axe on Jobs

HSBC Announces Job Cuts as Profit Rises

France on Radar Screen for Debt Exposure

It's Not So Far-Fetched To Be Worried About France

‪Kenyan Refugee Camp Hits Capacity‬‏ as Somalia Famine Crisis Grows

US President Barack Obama has said the drought and the resulting famine in the Horn of Africa require a coherent international response.

Europe's Businesses Express Gloom

Europe's Businesses Express Gloom

Spain Targeted for Another Bond Downgrade

Moody's Puts Spain on Downgrade Review

European Business Slides

Europe's Businesses Express Gloom

Iran Viewed as Incubator for al Qaeda

U.S. Sees Alliance Between Iran - WSJ.com

‪Credit Suisse to cut 2,000 jobs‬‏

‪Credit Suisse to cut 2,000 jobs‬‏ - YouTube

‪Striking gold in South Africa‬‏

‪Striking gold in South Africa‬‏ - YouTube

The worst US cities for travel taxes

Travel taxes: The worst US cities for travel taxes | The Economist: "The worst US cities for travel taxes"

‪African Famine Reaches Crisis Point‬‏

‪African famine worsens‬‏ - YouTube

Worldwide Consumer Confidence Index , July 25, 2011 : 609 (+2.3%)

Worldwide Consumer Confidence Index , July 25, 2011 : 609 (Optimistic) | EconomyWatch.com
Poland is this weeks most confident country as the National Bank of Poland reports the country's deficit is 25% lower than expected.

Israel Growth Rate Slows

State of Economy Index growth slows - Globes

Europe's Banks Pose Severe Risk in Sovereign Debt Crisis

Europe's banks: Ignoring the obvious | The Economist

Panic Grips South Africa as Fuel Strikes Continue

Panic Grips South Africa as Fuel Strikes Continue | Economy Watch

‪Power Shortage Hits Japan

‪Power shortage puts Japan on energy diet‬‏ - YouTube

‪Lambert Says Nine Banks Will Fail EU Stress Tests‬‏

‪Lambert Says Nine Banks Will Fail EU Stress Tests‬‏ - YouTube

Countries Most Apt to Accept Bribes

Bribery: Something for your troubles | The Economist

Spanish Deficit Tip of Iceberg

Spain Region Uncovers Larger Deficit

Spiking Italian Bonds May be Next Casualty

Rising Italy bond yields pressure European leaders - MarketWatch

Progress Is Seen in Greece Discussions

Progress Is Seen in Greece Discussions

At Least 40 Killed in Mexico in 24 Hours

At Least 40 Killed in Mexico in 24 Hours

At Least 40 Killed in Mexico in 24 Hours

At Least 40 Killed in Mexico in 24 Hours

Euro seen vulnerable to stress test fears‬‏

YouTube - ‪Inside the News: Euro seen vulnerable to stress test fears‬‏

UK food inflation rapidly rising (07July11)‬‏

YouTube - ‪UK food inflation rapidly rising (07July11)‬‏

Gallo Sees `Imminent Risk' of Disorderly Europe Default‬‏

YouTube - ‪Gallo Sees `Imminent Risk' of Disorderly Europe Default‬‏

Moody's Slashes Portugal Rating to Junk

Moody's Slashes Portugal Rating to Junk - WSJ.com

OECD Inflation Rate Surges

OECD Inflation Rate Surges

Jellinek Says Greek Default Claims Are `Exaggeration'‬‏ But Agrees Possibility Remains

YouTube - ‪Jellinek Says Greek Default Claims Are `Exaggeration' But Agrees Possibility Remains‬‏

Moody's Gives Banks Greek Debt Warning

Moody's Gives Banks Greek Debt Warning

Greece Argues Against `Selective Default'‬‏

YouTube - ‪Venizelos Says Greece Must Avoid `Selective Default'‬‏

Moody's Warns on China Debt

Moody's Warns That China's Latest Bank Re-Capitalizations Were Smoke And Mirrors

NY Times Poll: 89% of Americans view homeownership as important part of the American dream

Calculated Risk: NY Times Poll: 89% of Americans view homeownership as important part of the American dream

South African Mines Risk Nationalization

Eyewitness News: Cosatu discusses resolution to back mine nationalisation

Locations Where Farmland Markets Are Booming

A Quick Tour Of The World's Booming Farmland Markets

Deutsche Bank Writes A Eulogy For The Euro

Basically, Deutsche Bank Just Wrote The Eulogy For The Euro

Canada's Reserve Bank Adopts Novel Approach to Housing Boom

Understanding the Credit Crunch: Canada's Reserve Bank Adopts Novel Approach to Housing Boom

North Melbourne Becomes Target for Gang Warfare

YouTube - North Melbourne residents fear gangland war

Easiest Place in the World to Buy a Gun Officially

YouTube - Lawrence O'Donnell Interviews Mayor Bloomberg On Selling Guns To Terrorists

Syrian Offer for Conciliation Fails to Gain Traction

Damascus Meeting Shows Syrian Opposition Split

Greek Clashes Turns Violent Over Austerity

Greece Struck Down by Strike

Intense Training Can Contribute Towards Healthy Heart

To Heal a Heart, Train Harder

Surprising Causes of Male Infertility

Surprising Causes of Male Infertility

France to Spend $1.5 Billion on Nuclear Safety

France to Spend $1.5 Billion on Nuclear Safety - WSJ.com

Increase in Diabetes is Major Health Threatmist

Diabetes: Sugar rush | The Economist

France to Boost Work on Nuclear Safety

France to Boost Work on Nuclear Safety

Top Nuclear Regulator Tours Nuclear Plan Caught in Floodwaterst

YouTube - Top Nuclear Regulator Tours Nebraska Nuclear Plant

Euro-Zone Crisis Most 'Material Threat' to U.K.

Euro-Zone Crisis Most 'Material Threat' to U.K.

New Home Sales Expected to Lag

Home Sales: Distressing gap between new and existing home sales

Hundreds More Syrians Flee to Turkey

Hundreds More Syrians Flee to Turkey

Growth Worries Weigh on Investor Sentiment

YouTube - Inside the News: Growth Worries Weigh on Investor Sentiment

The 15 Countries That Are Buried Under The Most Debt

The 15 Countries That Are Buried Under The Most Debt

Portuguese and Irish Bond Take a Bath

Portuguese And Irish Bonds: Short Term Debt Reaches All Time Historical Highs

Saudi Suggests 'Squeezing' Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions

Saudi Suggests 'Squeezing' Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions

Longsdon Says European Banks Can Absorb Short-Term Risk

YouTube - Longsdon Says European Banks Can Absorb Short-Term Risk

Ash Cloud Continues to Ground Australian Flights

Ash Cloud Continues to Ground Australian Flights - volcanoes expose airline industry to operational risks and high costs

Double-Dip Risk Worries Investors

Video - Hugh Johnson Says Double-Dip Risk Worries Investors, numbers will be key, market is beginning to price in serious decline, and this is reflected in junk bond market

Roubini: 'Perfect Storm' Threatens Global Economy

Video - Irrespective of the outccome of Roubini's predictions, the risks that Roubini defines are real. Statistically, although it is unlikely that all possibilities will be realized, risks are weighted to at least one or some of the predictions coming to fruition.

Greenspan Says Greece Default ‘Almost Certain,’ May Trigger U.S. Recession

Greenspan Says Greece Default ‘Almost Certain,’ May Trigger U.S. Recession

EU Eyes Regulation

Sarkozy Develops New Fetish

Geographical Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

How Long Will You Live? Check the Map and the Mirror.

Concern That U.K. Austerity Will Follow Greece Reprials

U.K. Public-Sector Workers to Strike

Contagion ECB's Top Risk

Contagion ECB's Leading Concern

Will Greece Issue Junk Bonds?

Greece Gets Yet Another Downgrade - are bonds according to markets perceptions at junk grade yet?

Hezbollah Establishes Stronger Foothold In Lebanon

Lebanon Forms Government -the new government is heavily tilted toward political groups backed by Syria and Iran, indicating that greater antagonism towards Israel can be expected. Question of country's war plans must be revisited.

Boost to Upward Pressure on Yuan

China inflation hits 34-month high in May, rate rise seen which may imply a stronger currency

Which countries have had most, and least, GDP growth per person since 2001?

GDP growth: Hares and tortoises | The Economist with chart

Belgium Functioning Without Government

Belgium Nears One Year Without Government Due to Impasse

Austerity Expected to Undermine Strength of Sterling

Sterling Has Become Even Riskier Bet

U.S. Facing `Cyber-Insurgency' by Hackers

Video - Kellerman Says U.S. Facing `Cyber-Insurgency' by Hackers. Weakness in internet security is a risk that has been identified by security experts for some time. What action are agencies taking to reduce exposure?

Austerity vs. Stimulus: Where are the risks weighted?

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, "England and America are two countries separated by a common language." Today, one might describe these two financial empires as "two nations divided by a common crisis."

Syria in Throws of Civil War

Syrian Army Retakes Restive Town

Hamas and Fatah Reconciliation in Jeopardy

Hamas Rejects Fayyad as Prime Minister Nominee

Europe's Recovery at Risk

Merkel: Europe Crisis Could Endanger German Recovery

Broader Unemployment Rates, by State

Broader Unemployment Rates, by State - Unemployment nationwide was 9.1% in May, but topped 20% in some states.

Regulatory Uncertainty Remains Economy's Hidden Card

Video- Kelly Says `Regulatory Uncertainty' Concerns Investors - U.S. positioned to be leading global regulator in extent of regulation, relative to business activity

Syrian Army Descends on Town

Syrian Army Descends on Town

Report Slams U.S. Nuclear Regulator For Misleading Information

Report Slams U.S. Nuclear Regulator » Government & Energy News

Active Hurricane 2011 Season Predicted

Video - Hurricane Expert on '11 Season, Global Warming

Job on Wall Street with Highest Risk of Dismissal

Most Dangerous Job on Wall Street?

Dollar Weakens Against Euro as ECB Tinkers with Solution

Dollar loses more ground to euro on ECB hopes Currencies

Inflation Numbers Questioned

Fool's Trap: Measuring Inflation

Risks Lean Towards Closure in Greek Bailout Deal

Greece Creditors Must Give €30 Billion to Bailout - WSJ.com

Regulation Posing Risk for Big Investment Firms

Cohan Says Goldman Scrutiny Is Not Ending `Anytime Soon' - Video

Portugal's Bailout at Risk

Portugal's Sócrates Seeks Election Upset - A close election may complicate bailout package for Portugal

Iran Poised for Political Revolution

Pressure Rises on Iran Leader From Parliament, Protesters

Europe's Debt Crisis Spreads

Europe's Crisis Stirs Unrest on Its Eastern Edge

Why Risks are Weighted Towards a Strong Euro

In light of the debt crisis that is sweeping Europe, practitioners are questioning the future of the Euro and the impact that a rocky Europe will have on currencies. This is an outline of the argument that suggests that the Euro will remain strong.

Top 10 Politicians With Highest Risk Exposure to Charges of Corruption

Top 10 Corrupt Politicians of 2010 | Economy Watch

25 Top Cities with Highest Risk to Obesity (U.S.)

25 of the top "fattest" cities and 25 of top "fittest" cities - New York City cracks "fattest" cities list (survey conducted in 2009, however unlikely that there are signifigant changes)

Chances of Resolving Irish Debt Crisis Weighted

Irish Minister Says Another Bailout May Be Necessary By 2013

Risk Exposure in Germany to Nuclear Event Reduced

Germany to Shut Down Nuclear Plants - Difficult to Access Cost-Benfits

Currency Moves Indicative of Market Perceived Risk

Dollar Falls Versus Major Counterparts, Victim of Flight to Safety; Kiwi Approaches Record

Leading South African Trade Union Cosatu Predicts Uprising

‘SA may have another 1976 uprising’ - The Mercury

Top 10 Cities in U.S. with Highest Crime Risk

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America

Mexico City Establishes itself as War Zone Capital

Hundreds Flee Gun Battle in Mexican State

Risk of a Stronger Euro Reduced

Trichet Signals ECB Rate Rise Isn't Imminent

Risk of Saudi-Iran Conflict Stengthens

Saudi Bid to Curb Iran Worries U.S.

Countries With Lowest Risk of Inflation

Tracking the Link Between CDS Spreads and Interest Rates is 

Invaluable in Establishing Country's Prospects for Inflation

Top 10 Cities with Highest Unemployment Risk

Unemployment benefits continue to be a major source of income, in an economy that is struggling to recovery. The point of location of an unemployed person, may impact the severity of a recessionary experience and effect the way that an electorate will ultimately cast its vote in forthcoming elections. However, many of the cities that provide the lowest levels of unemployment benefits, are situated in areas of high economic activity, suggesting that employment seekers may wish to sacrifice unemployment benefits for the opportunity of success in job hunting.

Top 15 Countries with Highest Risk of Exposure to Corruption

Corruption remains a significant factor in commercial transactions

Exposure of Aviation Industry to Volcano Risk Significant

Volcanic activity in Iceland presents a major threat 
to profitability in the aviation industry