IMF: Outlook for world economy is brighter, though still modest by historical standards

WASHINGTON (AP) — The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its outlook for the global economy this year, saying the world appears headed for a “soft landing” — reining in inflation without much economic pain and producing steady if modest growth. The IMF now envisions...

China's economy grew 5.3% in first quarter, beating expectations, though weak spots remain

HONG KONG (AP) — China’s economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter of the year with help from policies and stronger demand, though signs of weakness in the troubled housing market persisted. The world’s second-largest economy expanded at a 5.3% annual pace in...

China's economy grew at 5.3% in the first quarter, beating estimates with help from policies and better demand

US consumer sentiment falls slightly as outlook for inflation worsens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumer sentiment about the U.S. economy has ticked down but remains near a recent high, with Americans' outlook largely unchanged this year. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday in a preliminary version, slipped to 77.9 this...

China's exports tumble 7.5% in March and imports also fall as demand slows

HONG KONG (AP) — China’s exports contracted in March after growing in the first two months of the year, underscoring the uneven nature of the country's recovery from the pandemic. Customs data released Friday show exports declined 7.5% in March from a year earlier, while imports...

Stock market today: Asia stocks are mostly lower after Wall St rebound led by Big Tech

HONG KONG (AP) — Asia stocks were mostly lower on Friday after gains for Big Tech shares helped U.S. stock indexes claw back much of their slide from the day before. U.S. futures and oil prices were higher. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index was up 0.4% at 39,609.60,...

U.S. stocks soar above global markets, giving investors solid path for growth

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. markets are far outpacing their global counterparts in 2024, continuing a decade-long trend of strong growth compared with the rest of the world. The S&P 500 is up 10% for the year, compared to just 4% for developed markets outside the U.S. Since 2019 the...

As world's central banks wrestle with when to cut rates, Europe signals it's ready to move

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank signalled Thursday it could cut interest rates at its next meeting in June, a big step as the rich world's central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, wrestle with how soon declining inflation will let them lower credit costs for business...

Switzerland lays out new 'too big to fail' rules in wake of Credit Suisse banking turmoil last year

GENEVA (AP) — The Swiss government Wednesday announced steps to bolster its “too big to fail” rules aimed at avoiding potentially disastrous fallout from banking sector turmoil after woes last year at Credit Suisse before it was taken over by rival UBS. Finance Minister Karin...

Thai prime minister unveils details of a $13.7 billion digital money handout plan

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday revealed details of his government’s plan to stimulate the economy by giving digital cash handouts of 10,000 baht ($275) to an estimated 50 million Thais for spending at their local businesses. Srettha said at...