Jobless Claims in U.S. Fall to Lowest Level Since July 2008

Initial U.S. jobless claims fell last week to the lowest level since July 2008, a sign that the labor market is improving heading into 2011.

U.K. Home Prices to Drop Next Year as Government Spending Cuts Take Effect

U.K. home prices will fall next year, extending a decline that began in the third quarter, as mortgage restrictions and government spending cuts discourage buyers, a Bloomberg News survey showed.

U.S. Consumer Spending May Prompt Acceleration in Mergers

U.S. consumers put the brakes on dealmaking in 2010. They may be the accelerator next year.

Italian Business Confidence Advances to 34-Month High on Economic Outlook

Italian business confidence rose for a third month to the highest in almost three years as executives shared consumers’ optimism about the economic recovery.

China Manufacturing Growth Slows as Policy Tightened

China’s manufacturing growth slowed for the first time in five months in December as the government tightened monetary policy and chased energy- efficiency and pollution targets, a survey indicated.

Mobius Sees China Stock Rebound as Central Bank Keeps Inflation in Check

China’s stocks, the worst-performing equities market among major developing countries this year, are poised to rebound in 2011 as the government keeps inflation under control, according to investor Mark Mobius.

Material IPOs May Reach Record in 2011 as Investors Bet on Metals Demand

Global initial public offerings by mining and basic material companies may reach a record next year, after the biggest gain of any industry in 2010, as China and India drive up metal prices and attract investors.

U.K. Mid-Sized Companies Find Financing Is Easier to Obtain, BIS Reports

Mid-sized U.K. companies found finance easier to get this year as the demand outlook for their goods and services improved, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said.

Pimco Says U.S. Will Keep Reserve-Currency Status

The dollar will keep its reserve status in 2011 because China and Europe aren’t developed enough for their currencies to replace it, said Pacific Investment Management Co., which runs the world’s biggest bond fund.

South Korea's Factory Output, Current-Account Surplus Signal Higher Rates

South Korea’s industrial production increased for the 17th straight month and the current account may post a $29 billion surplus this year, supporting the case for the central bank to increase borrowing costs again.

Shanghai Traders Pushing $1,600 Gold Thwart China Closing Silicosis Mines

Yu Zudong rides an orange truck rattling down Xiaoqinling mountain in central China, past a landscape pockmarked with gold caves and the garbage-strewn tent homes of workers.