Stories for March 5th 2004

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Key ECB interest rates remain unchanged

The governing council of the European Central Bank, meeting in Frankfurt, decided this Thursday to keep the basic exchange rate unchanged at 2%, despite calls for reduced rates from political leaders in Germany and France.

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Bank of England keeps rates on hold at 4%

The Bank of England decided to keep United Kingdom interest rates on hold at 4%. Last February in an attempt to cool consumer spending and the housing market the bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted to increase rates to 4% from 3,75%.

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

IMF chief next president of Germany

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Horst Koehler was officially presented this Thursday as the Conservative opposition candidate for president of Germany which almost ensures his access to becoming head of state next May 23.

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Lowest inflation since February 1939 in Chile

The consumer price index during February in Chile experienced no change, similarly during the last twelve months, recording the lowest twelve months inflation since February 1939 (-1,1%). Compared to December 2003 the index actually dropped 0,2%, according to the National Statistics Office.

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Champion Maurice's hat trick; Ross Road clearway will remain; Proposal for flight talks rejected?;
Inquest adjourned; Cruise visits this week.

Friday, March 5th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

“Malvinas”, Kirchner's turf in spite of Bielsa

The Falkland Islands issue will depend directly from President Nestor Kirchner through a “Malvinas Institute” of imminent creation, according to the Buenos Aires daily Ambito Financiero (AF).