Finally, in Berlin they argue that Germany's strong industrial basis is an asset not just for Germany, but for the whole of the euro area.

ECONOMIST: European politics

Andy notes in his most recent report that value-added for larger industrial firms and fixed asset investment rose at a pace consistent with 8 to 8.5 percent GDP growth.

FORBES: The Final Press Conference Of NPC 2012

His desire to dump NBC on Comcast made it clear that his entertainment division is not a core asset and the industrial giant is eager to get out of show business.

FORBES: Mergers And Acquisitions

Fixed asset investment was up as was industrial production and retail sales, although these numbers disappointed.

FORBES: China Tries to Rescue the Economy, Depositors May Say "No"

China's Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.2% after news that industrial production for April and urban fixed-asset investment for the January-to-April period didn't rise as much as expected.

WSJ: Blue Chips Decline

Industrial production, retail sales and fixed-asset investment were all up in November, while new home prices rose in 53 out of 70 major cities in China in November, from the previous month.

BBC: A worker at a factory in China

While asset sales in the company's industrial unit are possible, Parent said large-scale divestitures are not likely.

FORBES: Textron Takes Off On Rating Rise