NYSE Takeover Faces Touchy Issues1

Economy

U.K. Inflation Rise Pressures BOE 4

U.K. consumer prices rose at double the Bank of England's target rate in January, heightening the pressure on the bank to raise interest rates.

• The Source: The Bank's Inflation Conundrum

Europe Business News

Discontent Over Austerity in Portugal4

Portugal's government, pressured by outsiders to shape up fiscally, now faces growing public protests and political discord over its spending cuts.

• Portugal Finds Europe's Crisis Plan Wanting

Europe News

Draghi Aims to Ease German Doubt5

Bank of Italy Governor Mario Draghi, seen as a leading candidate to become the next head of the European Central Bank, is redoubling his efforts to win the endorsement of Germany, the largest and most-influential member of the 17-member euro zone.

Economy

Snow Damps Euro-Zone Recovery5

Euro-zone growth was slightly weaker than expected in the final quarter of 2010 as Germany was hit by severe winter weather, France's economy failed to accelerate, and Greece and Portugal contracted.

• Germany Shows Solid, but Slower, Growth
• French Economy Fails to Accelerate

Politics

Obama Defends Entitlements Approach7

President Obama defended his budget proposal against criticism that it was too timid, as a bipartisan group of senators moved on their own to address the long-term spending issues the White House budget ducked.

• Obama: Live Within Means | Audio
• Geithner: Entitlements Key to Rein in Debt

Economy

Snowstorms Put Damper on Sales7

U.S. retail sales rose 0.3% in January -- the seventh straight monthly increase. Meanwhile, import prices where higher on rising energy and food costs.

• News Hub: Higher Retail Sales to Boost Markets
• Department Stores Try to Step Up Game
• America Shops: U.S. Retail Sales