First Shots Are Fired in Global ‘Currency War’
Japan has set the stage for a potential global currency war, announcing plans to create money and buy bonds as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks to stimulate the moribund growth pace.  

World Bank cuts growth outlook as advanced nations drag
A frustratingly slow economic recovery in developed nations is holding back the global economy, the World Bank said on Tuesday, as it sharply cut its outlook for world growth in 2013.  

As Germany Prepares To Repatriate Its Gold, We Hope They Have Learned From The “Monetary Sins Of The Past”
The Bundesbank has broken away from its “all is well” posturing exhibited as recently as three months ago, and in a dramatic reversal of its diplomatic position, has demanded repatriation of some of its NY Fed and all of its Paris-domiciled gold.  

Bundesbank to pull gold from New York and Paris in watershed moment

Fitch may downgrade U.S. credit rating
The United States could lose its top credit rating for the second time from a leading credit agency if there’s a delay in raising the country’s debt ceiling, Fitch Ratings warned Tuesday. Congress has to increase the country’s debt limit, which effectively rules how much debt the U.S. can have, by March 1 or face a potential default.