China economic growth rate stabilises
Craig TaylorChina’s economy, the world’s second-largest, shows signs of stabilising as 2013’s 7.7% growth rate matches that for 2012. BBC News – Business
Business
Irish debt no longer rated junk
The credit rating agency Moody’s upgrades Ireland’s debt from junk status saying its economy has growth potential. BBC News – Business
Oil giant Shell in profit warning
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell issues a profit warning after it made less money than expected in the final quarter of 2013. BBC News – Business
Home sales ‘highest for six years’
The number of UK homes sold per surveyor has more than doubled since the depth of the housing market downturn, a survey suggests. BBC News – Business
UK inflation rate hits 2% target
The UK’s inflation rate fell to the Bank of England’s target of 2% last month for the first time since November 2009, helped by a slowdown in the increase of fruit prices. BBC News – Business
UK shale plans rapid expansion
The companies at the forefront of the UK’s nascent shale gas industry are planning a “substantial” expansion in the number of drilling sites. BBC News – Business