The European Central Bank (ECB) has today published the results of a thorough year-long examination of the resilience and positions of the 130 largest banks in the euro area as of 31 December 2013. The comprehensive assessment—which consisted of the asset quality review (AQR) and a forward-looking stress test of the banks—found a capital shortfall of €25 billion at 25 banks...

The slowdown of the Chinese economy, as reflected by GDP growth in Q3 2014, is not particularly serious. While there was a slight deceleration, GDP nonetheless increased by 7.3% year-on-year and by 1.9% quarter-on-quarter.

The number of people aged 65 years and above will grow by around 80% to nearly 1 billion over the next 15 years. Meeting the care needs of the elderly will be one of the main challenges facing society. Swiss Re's latest sigma study: How will we care? Finding sustainable long-term care solutions for an ageing world examines how tightening government budgets, changing demographics, low personal means and limited awareness need to be addressed if this challenge is to be met.

Chinese GDP expanded 7.3% year on year in the third quarter, in line with Schroders's forecast but slower than the second quarter reading of 7.5%.

SNL Financial's latest report finds that banks in the Eurozone periphery, particularly Italy, will be severely stretched.