China, US factory data improves but global risks remain

NEW YORK: China's vast manufacturing sector grew in early December and US factories were having their best month since April, surveys showed on Friday, adding to hopes that the world's top two economies were on the mend.

Chinese industrial upswing cheers markets

LONDON (AP) — News that manufacturing activity in China, the world's second largest economy, grew for the first time in 13 months helped push global stocks higher on Monday.

Asia stocks fall as talks on US budget deal stall

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stocks tumbled Thursday as hopes began to fade for a quick agreement among U.S. leaders to avoid a "fiscal cliff" that could derail the world's biggest economy.