Strong unions and labor laws have kept struggling carmakers from cutting plants in Germany, but that may be about to change.

Europe has officially slipped back into recession. Growth in Germany — widely considered to have a relatively healthy economy — has slowed as well.

Millions of workers went on strike across Europe today in protest against public spending cuts. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, car factories and ports have been shut, and rail services disrupted.

Germany stores $80 billion in gold in New York. Some in Germany are clamoring to inspect it and possibly bring it back to Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in Greece today for her first visit since the European debt crisis began. Greeks aren't laying out the welcome mat though, as masses come out to protest against German-led austerity.

In Europe, the latest signals are that Spain will not take a bailout in the immediate term. China's economic growth is slowing as investment takes a back seat to consumer spending.

Whispers and nameless sources this morning are signaling Spain is preparing to ask the European Central Bank for a sovereign bailout causing bond and equity markets in Europe to zig and zag throughout the day.

A German high court rejected a petition to block Germany's participation in the eurozone rescue fund. What does that mean for Europe going forward?

Marketplace's Stephen Beard says September is going to hold some big questions. Will the European Central Bank put together its rescue plan? Will Greece get its next chunk of money to allow it to stay in the euro?