Some key context for different macro concepts:

Innovation, R&D and growth (in the future):


Rolls Royce developing hybrid technology for trains




Nice, up to date analysis of Germany's trade surplus:


Germany's trade surplus is a bigger problem than Greece




China & growth (or not); it eased again today, but this looks at recent experience:


China preps QE-lite




The dollar and other exchange rates - excellent article about the "games" being played as countries try to gain an export advantage via weak currencies:


The dollar joins the currency wars




What about trade agreements? This article looks at the benefits, and stumbling blocks, of the TPP for Pacific rim Latam:


Will the TPP help Latin America?




Last on this list is an article on the ECB's role in the Greek crisis; this harks back to the Royal Academy lecture given by Willem Buiter, which promoted the idea that central banks now hold the balance of power. Have a look at this video on the impact of a Greek exit (looming ever closer), then skim-read the article to get a sense of the role of CBs in a modern economy:


Who is the real villain in the Greek drama?