Germany

The German economy crashed at the end of last year as the crisis in the eurozone spread to the heart of the region.

Workers approaching retirement could be hit by significantly weaker annuity rates as the eurozone's economy enters a technical recession, an adviser group has warned.

Asian and US markets closed lower overnight as the latest economic data emerging from leading economies around the world continued to worry investors.

Billionaire investor George Soros has said the eurozone crisis will only be resolved when Germany "wakes up" and realises it is to blame for introducing a single currency in the first place.

The euro hit a four-month high today against the US dollar after German lawmakers said the country can now approve Europe's rescue fund.

Shares across the globe fell overnight as renewed fears about Germany's likelihood of approving rescue plans plagued investors once again.

EUROZONE

JAPAN

The liquidation of German open-ended real estate funds (GOEREFs) is related to structural rather than fund-specific characteristics, according to Fitch Ratings.

EUROPE