Why 2013 will be a year of low growth, low returns, lower risk

The upshot for investors may be a calmer year, but possibly one that is less lucrative. It could be quite a contrast from 2012, which featured plenty of drama, notably in the euro zone, but also decent returns courtesy of a 12.5 percent gain in the S&P500 stock index and a similar return from global shares.

China officials see growing global risks in 2013

BEIJING: China faces growing global economic risks in 2013, with the looming fiscal cliff in the United States, Europe's debt crisis and rising trade tensions all threatening growth in the world's second-biggest economy, senior officials warned on Friday.

US economy: GDP growth much weaker than thought

US economic growth is much weaker than first thought, government figures show.

The economy grew at an annualised rate of 1.3% in the second quarter, the Commerce Department said. Economists had forecast growth of 1.8%.