Stories for August 18th 2007

Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina plays tariffs to help industry and agriculture

Argentina announced Friday custom duties and tariffs to restrict imports of certain goods that are having a negative impact on its industry. Sectors benefited include tires, bicycles, foot wear, auto parts, leather goods, toys and textiles.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
ECB reiterates commitment to “price and financial stability”

The European Central Bank will do its job to preserve price stability, ECB governing council member and president of Germany's Bundesbank Axel Weber reiterated Friday.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
UK: Foot-and-mouth restrictions eased

Farmers are able to begin moving calving cows again after the Government's foot-and-mouth transport restrictions were eased.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Sub-prime quake: EU will review credit rating industry

The European Commission is planning to review the credit rating industry after suggestions the sector was too slow to warn on the US sub-prime loans crisis, according to The Financial Times.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine economy grows 8.4%; unemployment down to 9.8%

The Argentine economy expanded 8.4% during the first half of 2007 compared to a year ago reported Friday the country's Statistics and Census Office, Indec. President Nestor Kirchner also announced that unemployment in the second quarter of 2007 dropped to 8.5% of active population.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean Catholic Church places income distribution top of the political agenda

The nation-wide debate sparked in Chile by Bishop Alejandro Goic's recent call for an “ethical salary” for the Chilean working class assumed a new dimension this week with the publication the second quarter profits of Chile's large corporations and holding companies. Earnings were up sharply in all sectors, but the nation's minimum wage remains stuck at 180 US dollars per month.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
The Oil Patch Cheers On Hurricane Dean

The price of crude oil is down some 8 percent since August 1. What the oil patch and every oil trader knows, one of the quickest ways to turn around this tumble is the drama of a good old fashioned hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico wending its way toward the Texas and Louisiana coasts. And Shazam! Here comes Hurricane Dean!
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Peru sends soldiers to quake zone

Peruvian soldiers have been deployed to keep order in areas affected by a devastating earthquake, as victims wait for relief supplies to arrive.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Pte. Chávez and his counterpart Uribe to meet

President Hugo Chávez will meet with his Colombian counterpart this month to discuss the Venezuelan leader's offer to help mediate a humanitarian exchange with Colombia's largest rebel group.