economy-shrank

Oil edges down; weak China trade data drags

By Osamu Tsukimori TOKYO (Reuters) – Brent and U.S. crude futures edged lower on Monday as the dollar regained ground and as weak Chinese trade data stoked concerns about demand in the world's biggest energy consumer. Both benchmarks jumped more than $3 a barrel on Friday after the United Arab Emirates' energy minister was quoted as saying that OPEC members are ready to cooperate on curbing production. The mood inside OPEC is shifting from mistrust to a growing consensus that a decision must be reached on…

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Oil edges down; weak China trade data drags

economy-shrank

Japan economy shrinks more than expected, highlights lack of policy options

Japan's economy shrank more than expected in the final quarter of last year as consumer spending and exports slumped, adding to headaches for policymakers already wary of damage the financial market rout could inflict on a fragile recovery. The data underscores the challenges premier Shinzo Abe faces in dragging the world's third-largest economy out of stagnation, as exports to emerging markets fail to gain…

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Japan economy shrinks more than expected, highlights lack of policy options