Future Focus: Global economy

US home sales fell in April, as tight credit hindered buyers

The home sales report also found that the median price for sales of previously owned homes was $163,700 – some 5 percent below the median price a year ago.

Strauss-Kahn resignation: Who are his potential successors?

The International Monetary Fund’s managing director has traditionally been a European male, often a Frenchman. But with Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s resignation amid sexual assault charges, the job is available. A woman is among the leading candidates, and contenders from emerging markets may vie for the top spot. Here’s a look at the possibilities.

Upwardly mobile in Brazil: Pedicures as a path from Rio slum to a mortgage

How one woman in Brazil used her high school education as a way out of poverty. Already, universal education has boosted half the Brazilian population into the middle class.

With Strauss-Kahn out, could a non-European snag IMF post?

Lobbying has intensified for Dominique Strauss-Kahn's old job. Emerging economies may vie for the IMF's top spot.

Why Estonia may be Europe's model country

The world's first cyberstate embraced austerity without whining even though its Soviet-era memories are still fresh.

Shipping companies: Europe investigates price fixing

Shipping companies were visited Monday by European Commission officials looking for evidence of price fixing. US exporters, importers with similar complaints against the shipping companies are watching closely.

American anger at gas prices fueled by rising household energy costs

Americans are spending 12 percent of their disposable income on energy costs – up from 7.7 percent in 2002, a new study says. Gas prices are the biggest part of the equation.

For Indians, the climb into the middle class is a family affair

But affluence – like a separate bedroom for the kids and a good education – could change the culture.

The Monitor's View: In the fast lane to the middle class

A world with more middle class than poor by 2022 may be a challenge to social values. A rising middle-class materialism needs a spiritual response.

Microfinance works, even without a Hollywood ending

Contrary to the hype, microfinance doesn't help everyone – and microfinance loans sometimes go for personal needs, not a business. But that's OK.

Opinion: Why the era of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll is about to go global

As prosperity becomes the global norm, expect a sea change in social values. 'Survival' values are waning and 'self-expression' values are gaining.

Surging BRIC middle classes are eclipsing global poverty

By 2022, those living in poverty will be a minority for the first time, as the global middle class – particularly from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations – surges. Does new affluence signal shifting global power?

Global middle class: More money, more pollution?

As the developing world becomes more middle class, will traditional frugality trump the pollution that goes along with more consumption?

Defining 'middle class'

Is it a flush toilet? A cell phone? A shiny car in the garage? Experts use different factors to define the middle class.

Restless in Russia

American photographer and visiting professor Victoria Crayhon finds a rising generation that’s impatient to see the world beyond Vladivostok, Russia, and find better jobs and opportunities.

Japan's debt earthquake is rumbling

US-China meeting comes as China faces its own problems, too

With all the talk of debt and unemployment in the US, the US-China economic meeting this week seems to suggest an America in eclipse. The truth, however, is more complex.

Gold prices off their highs. Time to jump in?

Gold prices tumbled 6 percent after hitting a new record in late April. Investors who sense trouble ahead expect gold prices to surge higher. But other precious metals are poised to rise if the recovery strengthens.

Gender inequality costs Asia $47 billion annually

Gender inequality in Asia exerts a substantial economic drag, according to the International Labor Organization. Improved education, job training is needed.

Dollar falling. Invest here.

To profit from the falling dollar, you can invest in multinational companies or mutual funds that invest abroad. But the most direct way to bet against the dollar is through currency funds.

Can Adam Smith save your marriage? Four steps of 'Spousonomics'

Every marriage is a little business. "Economics is about how to allocate scarce resources," says Paula Szuchman, coauthor with Jenny Anderson of "Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes." "That's what married people are trying to do, given that they have limited resources – time, money, patience." Marriage experts and even economists aren't ready to replace Dear Abby with Adam Smith. "Marriage is more than an economic transaction." says Raymond Fisman, a Columbia University economist. Still, he's a fan of the book. Test these four economic principles on your marriage:

Smartphones help Girl Scouts sell cookies

Smartphones with an attachment for swiping credit cards help a Girl Scout troop in Ohio sell cookies to customers who don't want to pay cash

Japan, Libya crises won't derail recovery, unless...

A longer-than-anticipated shutdown of Japan's factories – or the spread of fighting in Libya to major oil producers – could stop a fragile economic recovery in the developed world.

Pakistan allots land to women in an effort to end a cycle of debt

Some 5,800 peasants in Sindh province are set to receive farmland previously designated as government-owned flood runoff. By the end of March, some 92,000 acres will be allotted to women only.

What Obama missed by skipping Panama in Latin America tour

Panama is investing $20 billion to boost itself as a global hub. President Ricardo Martinelli's vision provides a glimpse of the US's newest trade partner as a bilateral free trade agreement works its way through Washington.