France, Germany seek to finesse growth vs rigor divide

(Reuters) - The finance ministers of France and Germany sought on Thursday to play down differences over the euro zone's economic policy mix, saying budgetary rigor and growth were not incompatible.

With Banks Skittish, Europe's Private Equity Firms Look Elsewhere

LONDON - As the sovereign debt crisis has slammed Europe, Cinven has had to get creative to finance buyouts.

Former Russian Minister Warns of Economic Ebb

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Vladimir V. Putin was all swagger last week at the annual economic forum here, effectively wagging a finger at Europe over its fiscal problems and keeping the chief executives of some of the world’s most powerful oil companies waiting for hours in a hallway until he finally met with them.

Funds load up on cash as euro fears intensify: Reuters Poll

LONDON (Reuters) - Global investors, fearful of the escalating euro zone sovereign debt crisis and slowing world economy, retreated sharply from equities in May and held more cash than at any stage since the crisis erupted in early 2010, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday.