(Reuters) - Activity in China's factory sector contracted in December
for the first time in seven months, the latest in a string of weak
economic indicators that will intensify calls for more stimulus measures
to head off a hard landing. SEE MORE Crude oil jumped the most in two weeks on signs output may contract from
two nations accounting for about 9 percent of OPEC production. Prices
remain near a five-year low, and the United Arab Emirates said the
12-nation group won’t rein in production in response to the slump. SEE MORE The Finance Ministry on December 4 increased the maximum preferential
import duty on oil and petrol by 10 to 15 percent to touch 40 percent. SEE MORE The total outstanding loans of Viet Nam-based credit institutions
increased by 10.22 per cent in the first 11 months of 2014 over that of
end-2013. SEE MORE VietNamNet Bridge – The sharp falls in oil prices have not benefited the
national economy, with the exception of Petrolimex, the petroleum
importer and distributor. SEE MORE