A buildup in inventories kept the U.S. economy afloat in the first quarter despite the weakest consumer spending since 2001 and reduced business investment, a government report on Wednesday showed.

Canada's economy expanded in April for the first time in three months, led by a rebound in the manufacturing sector, easing concerns that the country was heading into a recession.

Risk is an essential part of decision making. The June issue of Report on Business magazine, available on Friday, May 30, features 28 pages of people and companies that have jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King may have to write four letters of explanation to the Chancellor as the inflation rate stays well above target into 2009, Britain's biggest business lobby group warned, as it slashed its forecast for UK economic growth

Business confidence has fallen to the lowest level since 1994 while general business conditions were at the lowest level for five years, the latest Commonwealth Bank – ACCI Business Expectations Survey has revealed.