Bloomberg The French government boosted its budget-deficit forecast, amid global economic headwinds and a drag on finances from President Emmanuel Macron’s stimulus in response to the Yellow Vest protests. The finance ministry cut the 2020 growth forecast to 1.3 percent from 1.4 percent previously and raised its budget deficit target to 2.2 percent of economic output from the 2.1 percent ...

Bloomberg Polish employer groups are voicing alarm over government plans to nearly double the minimum wage and hike social security fees, saying that businesses and the wider economy will face major risks from fast-rising costs. Seeking to further boost its poll-leading standings ahead of next month’s general election, Poland’s ruling party has pledged to raise the minimum wage by 78 ...

Bloomberg Taiwan has signalled to US officials that it will move swiftly to complete the purchase of 66 new F-16 fighters once congressional foreign relations committees complete their review this month, according to a State Department official. The department formally notified Congress on August 20 that it approved the sale, which includes munitions, defensive electronics and a top-of-the line fire-control ...