Stories for October 8th 2009
Bank of England “wait and see policy” leaves QE unchanged at £ 175 billion
The Bank of England voted Thursday to hold interest rates at its 0.5% record low and continue with its £175 billion program to boost the money supply at its latest two-day meeting. The decision was taken despite concerns over the fragility of the UK recovery from recession.
Career diplomat nominated as US ambassador in Montevideo
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate David D. Nelson to the post of United States Ambassador to Uruguay. His nomination has to be approved by Congress.
French Overseas Territories vote in January on degree of autonomy
Two French overseas territories, Martinique and French Guyana will be voting in an autonomy referendum next January 17, although the close relation with France will not be at stake. The announcement was made this week following a meeting of both OT leaders with President Nicholas Sarkozy.
Rockhopper confirms drilling of two wells in Falklands’ waters
Rockhopper Exploration oil and gas company which operates in the North Falkland Basin confirmed this week it was considering various options, including a share sale, to fund drilling activities scheduled to begin this coming austral summer in the South Atlantic
Cuba confirms there is no such thing as a free lunch and ends free meals
Economist Nobel Milton Friedman use to say there is no such thing as a free lunch - but for years the majority of Cubans have been given free meals at state-run workplace canteens.
All time US budget deficit record in 2009, equivalent to 9.9% of GDP
The US budget deficit more than tripled to a record 1.4 trillion US dollars in the fiscal year to 30 September, according to US Congress estimates. Congressional analysts had previously predicted a deficit of 1.6 trillion but revised their latest estimate, which comes after the end of the fiscal year.
“Pink taxis” only for ladies and driven by ladies with GPS
As of this week the Mexican city of Puebla has a fleet of 35 “pink taxis” exclusive for women and driven by ladies, announced the local Communications and Transport Secretariat.
Investors from Brazil, Argentina, Basque province and China flock to Uruguay
Investors from Argentina, Brazil, Spain’s Basque province and China are looking for opportunities in Uruguayan assets given the excellent political stability record of the country and proven reliability of its Judicial branch.
Chile slaps 15% safeguard on Argentine, Uruguayan milk and cheese imports
Chilean dairy farmers on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision to impose safeguards on powder milk (whole and skinned) and Gouda cheese from Argentina and Uruguay.
