Topic: The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc

As fears about Europe's future worsen, the Dow closes down

Fearing a financial rupture in Europe, investors around the world fled from risk Wednesday. They punished stocks and the euro, and the yield on a benchmark US bond hit its lowest point since World War II. The Dow closed down 161 points to land at 12419.

Is US a model for austerity-wary Europe?

Despite its sluggishness, the US economy is growing while Europe's is contracting. A rising number of policymakers blame Europe's austerity moves.

A banker's punishment: Sir Fred Goodwin is now just Fred

Fred Goodwin, the former head of the Royal Bank of Scotland, was stripped of his knighthood for his role in the bank's 2008 crisis. But it's not clear hefty bonuses will get similar treatment.

Scotland talks independence – but can it afford it?

With a vote on Scotland's independence from the UK becoming more inevitable, Scots want to know how an independent Scotland would pay its bills.

Downgrade of France's credit rating dashes uplifting week for eurozone

Unexpectedly successful bond auctions for Spain and Italy and additional lending from the European Central Bank generated speculation about a turnaround  – until S&P announced it had downgraded France.

Global markets drop sharply on US, Europe outlook

Global markets reflect worry about rising interest rates for eurozone's weakest nations and possibility of a US recession. Among global markets to tumble most: Germany, down 5.3 percent and France, down 4.7 percent.

Faulty mortgage loans catch up with 17 big banks

Faulty mortgage loans were a major contributor to the recession and now a US regulator is suing 17 big banks for their role in those faulty loans.

US sues biggest banks over risky mortgages

Government lawsuit claims 17 banks, including Bank of America, Citigroup, and JP Morgan, misrepresented the value of $196 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities when it sold them to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Futures market tumbles after S&P downgrade of US

Futures market for US stock fell on Monday after the US credit rating was reduced from AAA to AA+ on Friday. For the Dow, the futures market fell 200 points, S&P 500 futures fell 24 points, and Nasdaq futures fell 44 points.

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.

A reeling bond market has EU members pushing for Ireland bailout

An Ireland bailout is possible after government bonds tumbled in recent weeks. The country is under pressure to accept a $100 billion bailout that could prove a bitter pill for the former 'Celtic Tiger.'

Britain's government-owned banks: Sell, but not too fast

The British government should wait on Santander bank's public offering, then sell Lloyds. RBS is more problematic.

Liverpool FC sale to Red Sox ownership goes through

Liverpool FC was owned by Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Jr., a pair of American businessmen. Hicks and Gillett, Jr. claim they were forced to sell Liverpool FC to Boston Red Sox owner John Henry by the Royal Bank of Scotland and the club's board of directors.

Hacker's extradition for cyber heist: sign US is gaining in cyber crime fight

US investigators may be gaining ground in the fight against international cyber crime. Recent extradition of an alleged hacker from Estonia is latest victory in prosecuting such cases.

Were EU bank stress tests too weak?

In time, it will become clearer whether these stress tests bring financial stability or whether, as appears more likely, the market discounts them.

Q&A: Why China has become the Middle East's favorite customer

China’s stake in the Middle East is growing. It buys more oil and sells more goods in the region than any other country, including the US. So why did Beijing vote in favor of Iran sanctions?

Europe puts limits on banker bonuses

The European Parliament passed a bill today that would cap and defer financial traders' and bankers' bonuses, giving Europe the toughest regimes in the world. The caps are a backlash against the global financial meltdown, and the bonuses that followed.

Does LIBOR spike spell trouble for EU banks?

Given all the political confusion and the massive financial deficits that many EU countries have piled up, renewed fears about the banking sector are no surprise.

In Greek debt crisis, collapse is better than bailout

European leaders' rescue plan is not only the wrong solution for the Greek debt crisis, it's too expensive.

What the you didn't hear in the economy debate

The housing market is said to be turning around in the UK and the US, but in the economy debate few are looking at the future of higher taxes, higher interest rates, and difficult mortgages.

How to invest in the government-based economy

As the government takes over more of the economy with healthcare reform, where's an investor to turn? Gold.

Can the lobbying industry be reformed?

There is little incentive for politicians to reform the lobbying industry when they are the ones to profit from it.

British bank privatization? Yes, but not yet.

Contrary to reports, the British government would raise nowhere near £70 billion by selling its stakes in banks.

UK bonus tax proposal: Three reasons it won't happen in US