Italy’s renewed political upheaval comes at a bad time for the European Union. The latest turmoil could all too easily become a full-blown economic crisis — one that might not be confined to Italy. There’s no quick way to fix the country’s politics. But the EU can resolve, at least, to avoid making matters worse. The latest alarm follows Deputy ...

Recession fears and volatility are rearing their heads again, which means investors may look for safe havens. One path traditionally leads them towards health care, which has often been relatively insulated when equities are shaky and the economy takes a downward turn. People don’t stop getting sick, and safety net programs smooth consumption. America’s aging population means that spending might ...

Eighteen banks coordinating to calibrate a market-driven rate — cynics could be forgiven for thinking that another Libor-rigging scandal is around the corner in China. Perversely, such an outcome would be a good sign for its financial system. Over the weekend, the People’s Bank of China made the loan prime rate, which banks offer to their best clients, the new ...