Issues in Depth

  A construction worker carries a bucket of paint as he walks among high-rise apartment blocks in Xiangfan, Hubei province December 8, 2010.  Credit: Reuters/Stringer
Analysis:

China's property clampdown

Chinese housing prices are on track to dip early next year, with tighter monetary policy and rising inventories combining to take some air out of a market that some fear could yet swell into a bubble.  Full Article 

A worker adjusts the valve of an oil pipe at West Qurna oilfield in Iraq's southern province of Basra November 28, 2010. REUTERS/Atef Hassan

The hottest commodity of 2011

As oil prices continue to climb, the bankers who specialize in energy will be in high demand in the coming year, says Breakingviews' Rob Cox.  Commentary 

A house is seen decorated with Christmas lights in the borough of Queens in New York December 22, 2010. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
the day ahead:

No joy seen for housing prices

The Case-Shiller housing price index is scheduled to be released Tuesday, with most experts interviewed by Reuters predicting a modest decline in November prices.   Video 

Children wearing Santa Claus hats pose for a photograph as they celebrate the upcoming Christmas Day at a kindergarten in Hefei, Anhui province December 23, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer

China's Christmas gift to Europe

Beijing has offered to buy Portugese debt to help keep Europe afloat. What does this mean for China's future world role? Reuters' George Chen explains.  Full Article 

Photo

Goodbye, tax refund loans?

H&R Block, the U.S.'s largest tax preparer, said that its contract with HSBC to provide tax-rebate loans had been canceled, in the wake of increasing regulatory scrutiny of high-interest, high-profit consumer loans.   Full Article 

One of the 168 bottles salvaged from a 200-year-old shipwreck near the waters of Aland Islands is displayed in Mariehamn November 17, 2010. REUTERS/Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva

Italy winning the bubbly war

Wine experts project that Italy will this year produce more bottles of sparkling wine than the famed French Champagne. What makes Italian bubbly more attractive?  Full Article