Surge in US construction lifts hopes

The US housing market has given a sudden jolt to what appeared to be a slumping economy.

Home Depot nails it in Q1 as housing rebound emerges

A busy spring pushed Home Depot's first-quarter profit and revenue above Wall Street expectations and the home improvement retailer raised its projections for both in 2015.

Standard Chartered tumult writ large in Mideast amid exits

Nowhere, perhaps, is the turmoil at Standard Chartered Plc more evident than in the Middle East, as an exodus of top managers and exits from regional businesses threaten to undermine the bank's top five position in debt capital markets.

Runners take on China's 'most-testing' marathon

Long-distance running has become big business in China - a fact not lost on Abbott Laboratories, the United States healthcare company, which was one of the main sponsors of this year's 16th Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon, held on Saturday in Tianjin.

Working to preserve the country's rich cultural treasure

Peng Baohong said she felt very sad when she arrived at the famous village of Magu on March 23.

Yao to dedicate more time to helping schools

Former NBA star Yao Ming said he wants to be more than just a philanthropist who raises money. He wants to volunteer more of his time to good causes.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Foreign tech firms launch R&D centers in wider range of cities

Foreign technology companies are moving into second-tier cities and developing research centers after taking advantage of preferential policies.

Easier bond rules may boost investment

The rules for bond issues may be eased to bolster investment as the economy slows.

Greek bailout deal very close, says minister

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said that he expects an agreement with bailout creditors within the next week, which would save the cash-strapped country from fast-approaching bankruptcy.

Swiss franc wins back its status as a safe haven

The Swiss franc is back to being a haven from market turmoil.

Indian shopping giant eyes e-commerce

Ever since Amazon.com Inc and others started shipping items ranging from lingerie to iPads, Shoppers Stop Ltd, India's oldest department chain store, has been under pressure to scale up its online sales.