While you were sleeping More signs of weakness

Thu, 30 Aug 2012

By Margreet Dietz Aug 31 (BusinessDesk) - Stocks on both sides of the Atlantic fell amid further signs of economic struggle in Japan and Europe and as hopes for an immediate boost from the US Federal Reserve fade. Data showed retail sales in Japan posted a larger-than-expected drop in July from a year earlier, while economic confidence in the euro zone decreased more than forecast. The latest US reports, while not as dire, were mixed again. Consumer spending increased 0.4 percent in July, Commerce Department figures showed. Claims for jobles...

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