China’s economic growth surges but inflation low

China’s economic growth surges but inflation low China’s economic growth surged to 11.9% in the first quarter, possibly giving Beijing room to allow its currency to rise, but analysts warned it faces growing pressure to cut back stimulus and keep the world’s third-largest economy from overheating. The strong performance reported Thursday might allow a loosening […]

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Coming Soon to Your Town: Fake ‘Madoff’ Auctions?

Ads for “Bernie Madoff Auction” sales have been popping up around the country in recent weeks, getting the word out in such places as Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, S.C., by placing big stickers on the front page of local newspapers. The ads begin: “Due to losses caused by Bernie Madoff” and then detail such treasures as original art by Peter Max, Salvador Dali and Norman Rockwell — as well as Rolex watches and “other flashy items” — that are to be sold to “recover losses from Ponzi scheme.” Trouble is, it’s hard to tell whether any of the merchandise at these auctions was owned by Madoff or those he ruined or if the ads are just a dubious way to drum up traffic for run-of-the-mill estate sales.

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IMF warns of further recession risks

Banks round the world have still to reveal about half of their likely losses resulting from the financial and economic crisis, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, warning that there was still a “significant” risk of another downward lurch in the global recession. The IMF described credit risks as remaining “elevated” even though financial conditions have improved significantly since spring.

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Schleck wins as Contador extends Tour lead

Alberto Contador has moved closer to his second Tour de France victory in three years after finishing second to Luxembourg’s Frank Schleck in the gruelling 169.5km 17th stage of the race from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand. Contador, Schleck and the Saxo Bank rider’s younger brother Andy, broke clear of their rivals on the ascent of the Col de Romme, the third of four category one Alpine climbs on the day, to cross the line two minutes and 18 seconds clear of Italian Vincenzo Nibali and seven-times Tour winner Lance Armstrong. The result means Armstrong slips from second to fourth place overall as his Astana teammate Contador now leads Andy Schleck by two minutes and 26 seconds in the overall classification, with Frank Schleck a further 59 seconds back in third

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Paying for College: What to Do When Your 529 Is Tanking

Buoyed by a run of good news in the stock market, I recently decided to check the balance in my son’s 529 college savings account for the first time in many months. To my dismay, the account was still down some 40% from a year ago, far below the amount my husband and I had originally invested. Given the extent of the losses, I couldn’t help but wonder: would it make sense to just ditch this thing?

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