Stories for August 2007

Thursday, August 9th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Yuan clash: China threatens with massive sale of US bonds

The Chinese government has begun a concerted campaign of economic threats against the United States, hinting that it may liquidate its vast holding of US treasury bonds if Washington imposes trade sanctions to force a Yuan revaluation.
Thursday, August 9th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Zoellick on WB fund raising tour warns about corruption

World Bank President Robert Zoellick criticized on Thursday corruption in poor countries that receive the bank's loans, echoing the anti-graft stance of his controversial predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz.
Thursday, August 9th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Airbus denies mechanical fault in the Sao Paulo crash

The Airbus that crashed in Sao Paulo last month killing 199 people showed no sign of mechanical fault, a representative for the European aircraft manufacturer told the Brazilian Congress this week.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Official (unconvincing) Argentine July inflation, 0.5%

Fears that the Argentine government appears to be intentionally underreporting inflation in an election year emerged again this week when the scandal plagued Statistics and Census Institute (INDEC), under judicial investigation, announced 0.5% July inflation.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
UK: Foot-and-mouth disease, 'possible sabotage investigated'

Experts are investigating the possibility that the foot-and-mouth outbreak was caused by sabotage linked to the Pirbright laboratory site.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Climate change could intensify hunger risk warns FAO

Climate change could lead to potential food shortages and increase the risk of hunger in developing countries, the head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Big Mac index has Argentina among most expensive countries

According to the Big Mac index from The Economist which measures purchasing power parity, Argentina continues to climb and is rapidly becoming one of the most expensive countries in the world.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Spain asks Argentina for “stable economic relations framework”

Spain's Vice president Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega called on Argentina for “a stable framework of economic relations, essential to generate confidence” among investors. Virtually the same words presidential candidate Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner faced from Spain's main businessmen during her late July visit to Madrid.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
OPEC contrary to increasing crude output in September

Despite calls from consumers for more crude to lower prices from near record highs, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, does not believe it's necessary to raise output when it meets next September 11.
Wednesday, August 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chavez promised quick Mercosur incorporation approval

President Hugo Chávez warned on Wednesday that if Venezuela's entry into Mercosur is not approved ending this year he would have to change his “goals,” though he was careful to add he was not giving any “ultimatum.”