Stories for April 22nd 2009
Uruguay beats global expectations and is set to grow 1.3% this year
The International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook estimates that the Uruguayan economy will expand 1.3% this year and 2% in 2010, following an almost record breaking 8.9% in the fourth quarter of 2008.
IMF forecasts Argentina to contract 1.5% in 2009 and expand 0.7% in 2010
Argentina’s economy is forecasted to contract 1.5% in 2009 and will resume growth in 2010 but at a very modest 0.7%, according to the International Monetary Fund’s April World Economic Outlook (WEO).
Credit crunch losses in the range of 4 trillion USD warns IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned credit crunch losses could reach 4 trillion US dollars, damaging the financial system for years to come. It further warns that even if urgent action is taken to clean up the banking system, the process will be “slow and painful”, delaying economic recovery. Banks may need 1.7 trillion in additional capital, the IMF forecasts.
Three cases of rare newly-born with dengue in north Argentina
Two children were born with dengue in the northern Argentine province of Salta, more precisely in the town of Orán after their mothers caught the mosquito transmitted disease in the last week of pregnancy, according to what was reported.
Mystery of sunken gold cargo in South Atlantic remains locked
Another mysterious chapter for the sunken trawler “Polar Mist” and its cargo of 9.5 tons of gold, which was to be rescued this week from the South Atlantic sea shelf but had to be cancelled following seamen’ s union demands for a participation in the recovery.
Water levels in the world’s main rivers is declining, say meteorologists
Water levels in some of the world's most important rivers have declined significantly over the past 50 years, US researchers say. They say the reduced flows are linked to climate change and will have a major impact as the human population grows.
Criminal probe into sudden death of 21 polo horses in Florida
A criminal probe has been opened into the death of 21 polo horses that died over the weekend during preparations for a match of the sport’s top championship in Wellington, Florida. An investigation has first to determine whether they died from a toxin, a virus, drugs reaction, a contagious disease or a combination of any of the open options.
Venezuela’s main opposition leader in Peru seeking asylum
Peru’s Foreign Affairs minister José Antonio García Belaúnde, confirmed on Tuesday that Manuel Rosales, the mayor of Maracaibo, and one of the leaders of the Venezuelan opposition, is in Lima, capital of Peru supposedly seeking asymlum.
Protectionism debate heats up among Argentine manufacturers
Argentine manufacturers are openly divided over “protectionist practices” to face the current global slowdown. While a member of the board of the powerful Argentine Industrial Union, UIA argued that Argentina is ignoring the lessons of the 1929 crisis, other organizations claim ensuring domestic industry and employment must be priorities.
