GDP

German and French economies contract 0.6% and 0.3% respectively in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Disappointing data from Germany, France and Japan also put investors on edge as pace of global recovery questioned.

Japanese economy contracts for third successive quarter, underlining need for further policy-easing measures.

Nikkei extends gains as Bank of Japan keeps asset purchasing and interest rates unchanged.

Bank of England insists UK economy on track to a "slow and sustained" recovery from financial crisis.

Sri Lanka has decided not to pursue new loan programme with IMF as it increased foreign reserves significantly.

Markets subdued on lack of major economic drivers and public holiday in much of Asia.

China is one of the biggest bilateral trading partners for several countries in Asia and Africa.

Asian stocks post mixed performance amid eurozone concerns.

Reserve Bank of Australia slashes growth forecasts on grounds of investment weakness, labour market and currency strength.

Incoming governor Carney tells Treasury Select Committee he will be open-minded in debate over UK's monetary policy framework.

Indian economy suffers from large fiscal and current account deficits along with high inflation rates.

Chancellor should be prepared to spend public money, says OECD.

NIESR cites poor prospects for the eurozone and slower growth in domestic economy are reasons for the gloomy outlook.

Britain will avoid a widely forecast triple-dip recession as business confidence soars in the first quarter of 2013, according to a report by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

UK SMEs report declining orders in three months to January, but expect business to pick up over next three months.

China's ongoing economic recovery backed by services sector.

Asian stocks advanced this week with the Japanese market climbing on weak yen amid stimulus optimism.

Markets open mixed as Chinese manufacturing figures disappoint ahead of US non-farm payroll data.

Economists widely in support of China's ongoing economic recovery despite decline in official January manufacturing PMI.

More policies like The Funding for Lending Scheme could provide a genuine boost to Britain, says Shane Croucher.

The Philippines posts better-than-expected annual growth helped by strong domestic demand and government spending.

Markets open lower as traders consider the surprise weakness in US fourth-quarter GDP.

Semiconductor industry and transport component manufacturers are major growth drivers on back of weakening yen.

Surprise GDP decline triggered by limited restocking and government cuts to defence spending.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to unveil new stimulus measures but vows to stick to budget cut pledges.

Markets little changed as traders await Fed's policy announcement and initial US GDP estimates.

Retail sales rose 0.4 percent in the month down from the 1.2 percent gain in November, underscoring weak consumer sentiments.

Positive US quarterly performance and indicators cheer markets, but traders remain cautious ahead of the Fed's policy meet.

European Free Trade Association Court Says Iceland's plan to gradually repay savers is within EU law.