UK economy shrinks by 0.2 pct in 4th quarter (AP)

LONDON – Britain’s economy shrank by 0.2 percent in the last three months of 2011, official data showed Wednesday, a worse than expected result that raises fears of a recession and could see the Bank of England push for more monetary stimulus.

German business confidence up more than expected (AP)

FRANKFURT, Germany – Germany’s much watched Ifo index of business optimism rose for the third month in a row in a positive sign for the largest economy in the eurozone. The January reading of 108.3 was up from 107.2 in December and exceeded market expectations for around 107.5. It’s a positive sign for the largest economy in the eurozone.

If you raise the price, they’ll still come (AP)
NEW YORK – The way Americans are chomping Big Macs, lacing up pricey sneakers and gulping peppermint mochas in this economy, you'd think they're taking advantage of big holiday ... Arabs plan to freeze Syria economic ties: document (Reuters)
CAIRO (Reuters) – Arab states plan to cut commercial ties with Syria's government and freeze its assets as they step up pressure to end months of political violence in ... Greece may miss 2012 selloff target due to EU crisis (Reuters)
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece may miss its target for privatization revenues next year because of the worsening economic climate in Europe, the head of the agency responsible for selling ... For vets returning to US, green energy jobs await (AP)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ben Noland served in the U.S. Visit link: For vets returning to US, green energy jobs await (AP)