The US labour market leaped forward in January, capping the greatest three-month jobs gain in 17 years and delivering the biggest wage increase since 2008.

COMMODITY prices are expected to continue to rise this year but oil may prove to be the exception, according to international analysts.

Experts are warning that economic activity in the longest US recession in 25 years could plunge as much as 6% this quarter – the largest decline since 1982.

WORLD finance chiefs meeting in Washington this week will express satisfaction with a rebounding global economy, but also highlight risks from surging oil prices, turmoil in Iraq and other factors.