Who knew? The world economy seen in best shape for 18 months

The fiscal cliff has risen to the top of investor concerns ahead of Europe’s debt crisis, the weak recovery and China’s slowdown. Read this explainer on its economic impact, the most likely scenarios, the biggest political obstacles, and the companies most impacted.

Brazil’s magic island attracts more affluent buyers but prices are reasonable

Known as the Island of Magic, the affluent southern Brazilian city of Florianópolis (Floripa) has seen some steep house price rises in recent years.

Canadian homes are getting more affordable

TORONTO — Royal Bank says the cost of home ownership became more affordable in the most recent quarter due to a modest decline in home prices and gains in Canadian household incomes.

What Is the "Fiscal Cliff"?

The 'fiscal cliff' may sound like the name of an exercise retreat on a mountain top in Southern California, but the reality is not so pretty.

Obama needs to take the housing recovery forward

US President Barack Obama must lead phase two of the country’s residential real estate recovery by collaborating with the industry to reduce regulatory uncertainty, it is claimed.

First time buyers in the UK are worried about finance and finding the right property

Some 25% of those who intend to buy a home in the UK in the next 12 months will be doing so for the first time, still well adrift of the 40% level traditionally seen prior to the credit crunch, research reveals.

Greece's 'Monster' Debt Problem Haunts Europe

Euro zone finance ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday won't make a final decision on aid for Greece, despite Athens passing a new austerity budget. But one former European Central Bank (ECB) official has told CNBC that Europe must give Athens more time.

China’s economic recovery picks up the pace

China’s incoming leadership team has been given a small respite from the country’s economic pressures, with statisticians reporting a further dip in inflation last month and creeping increases in other measures of the country’s economic health.

Stocks are tanking on Fiscal Cliff worries after U.S. vote

NEW YORK — World shares and the euro fell on Wednesday as investors worried that the deep fiscal challenge facing President Barack Obama after his re-election could lead to a new recession.

Homebuilding to slow in Canada: CMHC

TORONTO — The pace of homebuilding in Canada will continue to moderate in the last quarter of 2012 and into 2013, while existing home sales should hold steady and prices climb at or just below the inflation rate, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp says.

Romney or Obama: Who is better for Canada?

By the time new President Barack Obama made his first foreign trip in February, 2009, receiving a hero’s welcome on Parliament Hill, Stephen Harper had responded to Mr. Obama’s pledges on climate change by proposing a continental cap-and-trade system.

Toronto condo projects on hold as sales plunge

National Post/Tyler AndersonToronto condo king Brad Lamb said Thursday developers are facing a decision about whether to mothball a project by turning their development site into a parking lot or small office building.

Canadian government debt has risen much faster than household debt since 2008

Chastising Canadian households for their high levels of debt is a favored past time of economists and policymakers in this country. But a new report from BMO Capital Markets argues that more of the chastising should be focused at government debt.