Stories for March 2007

Wednesday, March 14th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Mortgage applications in the US on the rise, reports MBA

United States mortgage applications rose last week with both new purchases and re-financings driven up by the lowest long-term home loan rates since early December, according to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Wednesday, March 14th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Wall Street bounces back but volatility remains in markets

Wall Street shares rebounded Wednesday after a stocks sell-off in Europe prompted by continued concerns about the US economy and mortgage industry. Asian markets were also volatile reflecting similar sensitivity.
Wednesday, March 14th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Congress awaits Bush and his pledges to Latinamerican leaders

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon won a pledge on Wednesday from President George W. Bush to push for a U.S. immigration bill after a meeting that Calderon said may signal a new stage in the two countries' relations.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Guatemala surprises Bush with immigration, deportation issue

Immigration, drug trafficking, bio-fuels and insecurity dominated talks in Guatemala between President Bush and his counterpart Oscar Berger. Bush spent Monday in Guatemala before flying to Merida, Mexico the last leg of his five countries trip to the region.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chile's 2006 tourism investment hits 2.1 billion US dollars

Figures recently released by Chile's National Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (CNC) show tourism investment in 2006 to be the highest in five years. Investment last year reached 2.1 billion US dollars, up 4.7% over 2005.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
China promises “gradual reform” to counter record surplus

China will pursue gradual reform in the foreign exchange market this year and will aim to keep the currency basically stable, the People's Bank of China said on Monday. The central bank also said that while it was willing to accelerate financial reforms it needed more time to reduce its trade surplus.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Hard talk and contentious agenda awaits Bush in Mexico

President George W. Bush arrived in the Mexico's Yucatán capital of Mérida late Monday on the last leg of his five-nation Latin American tour. He is set to meet President Felipe Calderón Tuesday to talk trade, migration and security, all highly controversial issues for the neighboring countries.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
“US our main individual partner”, but Mercosur is priority

Brazilian president Lula da Silva strongly defended close relations with United States and agreements on developing bio-fuels, but also underlined that Mercosur remains a top priority for Brazil.
Tuesday, March 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Bush promises comprehensive immigration reform bill

United States President George W Bush has pledged to reform controversial immigration laws during a two-day visit to Mexico but his host President Felipe Calderón strongly criticized US plans to build a border fence of 1.200 kilometers.
Mr Bush made the announcement on Tuesday at the start of talks with Mexico's Calderon, on the final leg of his seven-day tour of Latin America
Monday, March 12th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Lapel insignias for Falkland Islands' war veterans

Veterans badges are to be awarded to servicemen and women who fought in the Falklands War, the Government will announce this week reported The Daily Telegraph.