United States
United StatesNew York court agrees to hear bank that supports Argentina in debt restructure case
A New York federal appeals court has agreed to hear from more parties potentially affected by its review of a decision requiring Argentina to pay 1.33 billion dollars to bondholders who did not participate in two debt restructurings.
Dr. Kim Crosbie named Executive Director of Antarctic tour operators
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced on Wednesday a restructuring of its Secretariat, re-establishing the post of Executive Director, with Dr. Kim Crosbie named to the position.
USA and EU make official talks to begin Atlantic free trade alliance
The United States and the European Union agreed on Wednesday to push for the launch by the end of June of talks to create an Atlantic free trade alliance that could be a benchmark for global partners to follow. A free trade deal would be the most ambitious ever attempted, encompassing half the world's economic output and a third of global trade flows.
Obama challenges Congress to ‘take a vote’ on a package of progressive reforms
President Barack Obama pledged in his annual State of the Union speech to revive the sluggish US economy by creating “good, middle-class jobs”. The Democratic president promised “smarter” rather than bigger government for “the many, and not just the few” and called on Congress 'to take a vote' on a package of progressive reforms..
Quick rescue operation for ‘Carnival Triumph’ adrift in the Gulf of Mexico
Carnival cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico with more than 4,200 passengers and crew will be towed to port after a weekend engine fire left it dead in the water, a cruise line official announced. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Vigorous arrived early Monday to aid the stranded ship. The first of two tugboats is expected on the scene by midday, said Greg Magee, commander of the Vigorous.
US government to sue Standard & Poor’s over 2007 mortgage-bonds assessments
Standard & Poor's says it is to be sued by the US government over the credit ratings agency's assessment of mortgage bonds before the financial crisis. The civil lawsuit would focus on S&P high ratings in 2007 for some mortgage-backed securities that later collapsed in value, said the agency.
US Congressman supports Falklands’ referendum: “it is good to test people’s opinion”
Visiting United States Congressman Thomas E Petri expressed approval of the decision of Falkland Islanders to hold a referendum on the political status and future of the Falklands.
Canada and US agree on meat and livestock trade when animal disease outbreaks
Canada and the United States have agreed to maintain livestock and meat trade during animal disease outbreaks using a new system that targets trade bans more precisely by region, Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said this week.
Fed admits ‘temporary pause’ in US economy and confirms stimuli package
The Federal Reserve left in place its monthly 85 billion dollars bond-buying stimulus plan, saying US economic growth had stalled but indicating the pullback was likely temporary.
US economy contracts in fourth quarter, first time since 2009 global recession
The US economy unexpectedly shrank at an annualised rate of 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012, initial official estimates indicate. If confirmed, it would be the first contraction logged by the US economy since the 2009 global recession. The world's largest economy grew 3.1% in July to September.
