United States
United StatesUS/UK combined Chiefs of Staff Committee meet as a group for the first time since 1948
Britain's most senior military chiefs met with their US counterparts as a group, bringing them together as a Combined Chiefs of Staff Committee for the first time since 1948. This time, the Chiefs were not discussing current or prospective operations but instead met to discuss the strategic challenges the UK and US militaries may face in the future.
US economy fourth quarter report positive, but still sluggish
The US economy grew at a faster than expected 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Department of Commerce has said. The annualised figure was better than an earlier estimate of 0.1% growth, reflecting increased investments in plant and equipment.
Setback in New York court for Argentina’s strategy in its battle with bond holdouts
A US court in New York on Tuesday rejected Argentina's request for a full-court rehearing of an appeal it lodged as it struggles to shake off holders of 1.3 billion dollars in defaulted bonds.
Bernanke defends low-interest rates arguing they help to boost the global economy
Ben Bernanke has defended the continuing low-interest-rate policies of the US Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe, saying they are helping to boost the global economy. The Fed governor's comments come after some analysts have voiced concern that such low rates are cutting the value of currencies of advanced nations.
Bernanke de-personalizes his job: the Fed a ‘terrific team’ and ‘no single person is essential’
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted speaking to President Barack Obama about his future and that he feels no personal responsibility to stay at the helm until the Fed winds down its unprecedented policies to stimulate the US economy.
US congress agrees on ‘fiscal warfare’ truth until budget debate next October
Congress has comfortably passed a large spending bill to keep the US government running until the end of September and avert a temporary shutdown. President Barack Obama must now sign the bill, which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 318-109.
Chinese leadership pledges new relationship with US and demands respect for ‘core interests’
Chinese President Xi Jinping told US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in Beijing on Tuesday that he wants to build a new type of relationship with Washington centred on core interests.
Falklands: US formal position unchanged but describes the referendum as ‘democratic’
The US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that Washington’s formal position regarding the Falklands/Malvinas despite the democratic referendum results, “has not changed: we recognize de facto UK administration of the Islands, but we take no position on sovereignty claims”.
Europe ready to talk with the US to create the world’s largest free trade agreement
The European Commission agreed Tuesday negotiating guidelines for talks with the United States on the world's biggest Free Trade Agreement, stressing a pragmatic approach to even sensitive subjects.
US jobs market picks up in February but budget dispute with Congress looms
Hiring in the US has gathered momentum after government figures showed that the economy created 236.000 jobs in February. The figure was much higher than analysts had expected, and more than the 157,000 jobs created in January.
