Given the parlous state of Europe’s economy, it’s hard to imagine that the investments of the region’s banks are among the safest in the world. Yet that is precisely what they would have regulators and investors believe. The banks’ safety has come into the spotlight as European officials — including German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and European Commission financial-services …

  When smoking costs more, more people quit. That’s why higher cigarette taxes are almost always good policy, for smokers and the public health, too. There’s a catch, though — and it’s one that voters in four states should keep in mind as they consider ballot initiatives next month to raise cigarette taxes: Sin taxes work only if they’re high …

  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated tirades have raised a wave of worry for the United States. The firebrand leader recently remarked that his country would “separate” from the US. Later, however, he clarified his comment and said he did not plan to sever the nation’s seven-decade alliance with America. For some time now, Duterte has been cozying up to …