Italy saw borrowing costs tick up as it auctioned 5.25 billion euros in debt Monday. Still, Italian yields were well below those of Spain, which also raised money by selling bonds.

Brazil’s economy is lagging behind other BRIC nations, pressured by a drop in demand for its exports. Brazil’s GDP gained just 2.7 percent in 2011, a sharp slowdown from 2010.

The U.K. economy contracted in the first quarter in a slap to proponents of austerity measures and their potential to heal the economy.

Thinking of investing your dollars in the land of wine, cheese and haut couture? Now may not be the best time. France’s presidential elections could usher in a socialist leader whose views threaten to shake up the delicate balance in the eurozone among leaders trying to solve the region’s sovereign debt crisis.

The United Kingdom posted a January budget surplus, but the country still faces difficult economic issues from the euro zone’s debt crisis.

While President Obama’s economic approval rating has gone up in the past week, American consumers seemed to be somewhat less optimistic about the economy itself—well, some American consumers, anyway.

GDP numbers for the first quarter were disappointing and the Department of Labor reported a 10,000 increase in new claims for unemployment insurance in the latest week.

Japan faces the stark reality of the economic stress that comes with reconstruction. Amid its shrinking GDP and weakening currency, however, optimism and expectations for growth find their place in corporate Japan.

Before beginning any relationship, be it romantic or financial, everyone knows you should consider the pros and cons. Let’s take a look at Europe’s largest economy.

With a booming GDP, an improving debt rating and a central bank that is mindful not to choke off growth, Government of India bonds may be an excellent place to stow some spare cash.