Japanese economy to keep growing despite global instability

Japan's economy will keep growing, though global financial markets remain volatile following the US housing slump, central bank Governor Toshihiko Fukui said.

Crude passes the $85 mark

Crude oil rose to a record above $85 a barrel as tensions on the Turkey-Iraq border increased concern that supplies may be threatened as global stockpiles decline.

Can they get any sort of satisfaction?

The signature song of the Rolling Stones (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction may become the unofficial anthem of the 13-country euro-area.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Germans pay dearly as Swiss stay at home

Sales are down at Kuecuek Coekelekci's kebab stand in Jestetten, Germany. The reason: Many of his customers from neighboring Switzerland are nowhere to be found.

Stocks on the up across Asia

Asian stocks extended gains yesterday, with Australian, Singapore and South Korean markets setting new records, while the yen lost ground to the dollar and euro after the Bank of Japan kept interest rates on hold.

New Chrysler deal echoes GM pact

Chrysler LLC and the United Auto Workers ended a six-hour strike after agreeing on a contract that echoes last month's historic accord on retiree health care between the union and General Motors Corp.

Biz people

Fisher to take helm at ABN

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

'Housing crisis unlikely to hit Saint-Gobain'

A collapse in the US housing market is so far having a limited impact on Saint-Gobain's activity, the head of the world's biggest building materials group said, confirming the group's financial targets.

King reluctant to cut interest rates

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King suggested he's reluctant to cut interest rates to shield lenders from increased credit costs and predicted more "turmoil" in financial markets.