German bank bailout fund posts first ever full-year profit

Germany's state-owned fund for the rescue of ailing lenders (SoFFin) has logged decent earnings as the capital stock of lenders is improving step by step. But taxpayers' risks are still deemed high. more >>

Metal workers enter huge warning strikes

Tens of thousands of metal workers downed tools on Monday in a spat between powerful union IG Metall and employers over pay. It marks the start of what could be a decisive week for the industry as a full-scale strike looms. more >>

Liechtenstein signals willingness to share tax info

The small Alpine European country of Liechtenstein has said it's prepared to negotiate on an automatic exchange of tax-related information with the European Union. However, it said there would be no unconditional deal. more >>

German carmaker BMW eyes new sales record

The Munich-based luxury automaker BMW has said the company is on track for a new record this year. It reported strong figures for April, with sales rising even in the crisis-stricken European market. more >>

Germany launches new job creation drive

Germany and France plan to launch a "New Deal for Europe" against youth unemployment this month, an issue that has topped 50 percent in several countries. It includes credits for companies that create jobs. more >>

China industrial production still below expectations

The latest figures have revealed that China's economy is still struggling to return to growth rates seen a couple of years ago. Slowing exports to Europe and decreasing investments are at the center of current problems. more >>

German Finance Minister wants two-step banking union

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble has warned that rushing to establish a European banking union could backfire if existing treaties in the bloc were violated. He called for a two-step mechanism. more >>

Potato price-fixing costs consumers millions

Several potato processing plants in Germany are being investigated on the suspicion of illegally fixing prices for more than a decade, costing consumers and farmers more than €100 million. more >>

German giants dazzle Dax

In the midst of the eurozone's worst-ever economic crisis, Germany's stock index scaled three successive record highs this week. Business daily Handelsblatt examined some of the top companies driving the impressive figures. more >>

Netto pioneers mobile phone payments

Customers at German discount supermarket Netto will soon be able to pay for their shopping with a mobile phone app, the company said on Friday. Over 4,000 branches are expected to offer the technology. more >>

German exports claw back growth despite weak demand

German exports grew in March, according to latest available figures, indicating that the economy is picking up speed again. However, exporters still have a long way to go to offset the sales slump in recent months. more >>

Sony reports first annual net profit in five years

Electronics giant Sony is back in the black for the first time in five years. A weaker yen has offered hope the Japanese company can again become a market leader after record struggles. more >>

Growth in German tax income to slow in coming years

Germany must slightly lower its planned spending in the years to come as tax experts have calculated slower-than-predicted growth in tax revenue. But authorities are still far from having to tighten their belts. more >>

New WTO chief inherits crisis-plagued body

The World Trade Organization (WTO) threatens to fall into obscurity, as it is proving unable to overcome differences among its members. Its new leader Robert Azevedo needs diplomatic diligence to ensure its survival. more >>

EU imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels

The European Commission has agreed to impose high, anti-dumping tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels. The decision is now up for debate among EU member states. more >>

EU plans to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels

The European Commission has proposed high, anti-dumping tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels. The decision is now up for debate among EU member states. more >>

German cabinet approves European banking supervision

The German government has endorsed a banking supervision scheme which gives more powers to the European Central Bank (ECB) and strengthens shareholders' rights. more >>

Increasing number of Germans unable to live off their jobs

Fresh data from Germany's Federal Employment Agency (BA) has indicated that the number of people unable to make ends meet with their wages is increasing steadily. The state helps out with top-up benefits. more >>

Court: gay and straight tax breaks must match

Gay couples in civil partnerships must have the same tax breaks as married heterosexuals, Germany's top court says, telling the government that if action is not taken, it would intervene directly. more >>

Deutsche Telekom ups profit despite lower revenues

Deutsche Telekom has announced first-quarter results that indicate the German telecommunications giant has increased its profitability. The company also defended a data throttling plan at an internet conference. more >>