Topic: BNP Paribas SA

European markets tumble as investors fear Italian default

Investors in Europe have set their sights on Italy, speculating that if a Greek bailout isn't approved and Athens defaults on its government debt, Italy is next.

Why Italy may need a bailout, too

With high debt and falling stocks, Italy appears to be the next European economy on the brink. Investors and European officials are now sounding alarm bells.

Does Greece owe you? How the Greece crisis affects US money market funds

American exposure to the Greece crisis is high in certain areas. Half the assets in the 10 biggest money market funds are invested in European banks, which hold a lot of Greece's debt.

Even your money-market fund could be hit by Greek default

Nearly half of US mutual fund assets are invested in European banks, some of which face big losses in case of a Greek default. Banks could see their ratings downgraded after a Greek default.

Stock markets take a battering

Stock markets in Asia, Europe fall sharply after US stock markets plunge and Greek debt worries rise. Futures point to rebound in the US.

Gold rises as US interest rates stay down

Gold rises, along with the euro and Australian dollar, after the S&P downgraded its outlook on the US. Gold rises above $1,500 and silver is trading above $44.

Five African stories you may have missed during Egypt's revolt

Street protests in Gabon, a punishing stalemate in Ivory Coast, a coming election in Uganda: there is plenty of news even as Africans remain glued to the Egypt revolt. Some of it may affect the price of your next steaming cup of cocoa.

Spain acts tough on debt, but investors say 'situation could still get ugly'

Spain has slashed government spending amid a stagnant economy and 20 percent unemployment. But investors aren't yet fully convinced that Europe's fifth largest economy is out of the woods.

UK slashes budget: Feels “like an amputation”

Like the US, the UK is massively in debt and running huge annual budget deficits. Unlike the US, the UK decided to act, slashing spending programs in a new program of 'austerity.'

Home prices rise in over a dozen US cities during June

Home prices rose in 17 of 20 US metropolitan areas during the month of June, according to the most recent S&P/Case-Schiller monthly price index.

African nations see pros to managing oil wealth without transparency

Some African countries say the path to success lies in putting oil revenues into sovereign wealth funds that operate outside public scrutiny.

Sarkozy's summer of scandals: Is the French president in trouble?

A French prosecutor is now investigating whether Liliane Bettencourt, heiress of the L’Oréal fortune, gave some $190,000 in illegal campaign contributions to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Europe's debt woes weigh on stock markets again

European stock markets fell again and the American stock market opened lower over European worries on Monday.

Greek debt crisis ignites a gold rush

Governments around the world are throwing money at the looming European financial crisis. Not only is this not a debt solution but may have international implications.

When does a tennis fan slip over the line into a fanatic?

An avid tennis fan weighs whether his fascination is sliding into delectable obsession.

How lending Greece a hand could get Germany kicked out of the Euro

Germany may be in trouble for trying to help Greece work through its debt restructuring. Worst case scenario? Germany may be ousted from the Euro.

After Fed's rate hike, 'double dippers' emerge and see their shadows

France tries to rein in $85,000 bonuses

French President Nicolas Sarkozy seeks international front to reduce global banking bonuses ahead of next month's G-20 meeting.

Wall Street woes: why world's investors sit on sidelines

Job No. 1 for central bankers: restore confidence in markets.

Electoral reform tops concerns as Italy seeks new government

As economic woes mount, Italians want to make it more difficult for members of small coalitions to topple a government.