Lots of economic policy debates end up going like this: First, one economist or policy wonk will propose a government intervention — a minimum wage increase, a tax on sugar or subsidies for solar electricity. Another person, usually someone of a more free-market bent, will demand to know exactly which market failure justifies the intervention. A market failure, in ...

  DUBAI / Reuters Egypt’s stock market rose strongly on Tuesday but foreign funds were net sellers for a second time since the Egyptian pound was floated on Nov. 3. Gulf markets diverged with Saudi petrochemical shares hit by weak oil prices. The Egyptian blue chip index added 1.8 percent to 13,015 points, a fresh all-time closing high, but trading ...

  Bloomberg Asian stocks rose as gains in a gauge of health-care shares offset declines in energy companies after oil sank. Japan equities fell as as a stronger yen dimmed prospects for exporters. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained 0.2% as of 4:40 p.m. in Hong Kong as 7 of 11 industry groups rose. The measure’s advance has been muted ...