Today's Headlines

Portuguese and Greek concerns weigh on world stocks

27.1.12 (Reuters) LONDON ­– World stocks fell from a 5-1/2 month high on Friday as gains spurred by the Federal Reserve's pledge of low interest rates gave way to concerns about Portugal, seen as the next domino in the euro zone crisis, and uncertainty over Greek debt talks.

US growth expectations cemented by spending

27.1.12 (Telegraph) – Economists forecast that figures released on Friday will show US GDP expanded at a 3% annual rate in the fourth quarter, up from 1.8% in the third. Consumer spending is expected to have held up well in the fourth quarter despite a blitz of discouraging news from Europe.

Egypt says to seek extra $1 bln to support budget

26.1.12 (Reuters) CAIRO – Egypt said on Thursday it would ask the World Bank for a $500 million loan and another $500 million loan from the African Development Bank to help it fill a budget gap widened by a year of political turmoil.