Stories for March 2008

Friday, March 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Fed bails out leading Wall Street bank: who's next?

One of the United States leading investment banks, Bear Stearns received on Friday emergency funding, in a move that raises fears that one of Wall Street's biggest names is on the verge of collapsing.
Friday, March 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine grain, beef farmers extend protest; diary joins

Argentine farmers protesting higher grain and oilseeds export taxes have decided to extend their two days strike until next Wednesday because there has been “no signals or reply from the government” to their request to meeting authorities. Dairy farmers announced they were joining the strike.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
A dolphin saves two stranded whales in New Zealand beach

A dolphin has come to the rescue of two whales which had become stranded on a beach in New Zealand. Conservation officer Malcolm Smith told the BBC that he and a group of other people had tried in vain for an hour and a half to get the whales to sea.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Petrobras diversifies LNG provision; signs accord with Shell

Brazil's government managed oil corporation Petrobras and Shell have signed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) “firm” supply agreement to furnish the Pecém (Ceará) and Baía de Guanabara (Rio de Janeiro) re-gasification terminals.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Oil and Euro deny the Central bankers' revival plan a chance

Oil prices which reached 110.20 US dollars a barrel and the Euro which hit a new record high of 1.55 US dollars seem to have reduced the central banks concerted effort to a mere one day good intention.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazilian package to boost exports and prop the ailing dollar

Brazil levied a new tax on foreign capital and announced tax breaks for exporters Wednesday in an effort to slow the Brazilian Real's gains against the US dollar which has appreciated 62% against the greenback in three years.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US tightens smog forming ozone pollution controls

The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced this week it was tightening the amount of smog-forming ozone that will be allowed, declaring that the air in hundreds of U.S. counties is too dirty to breathe. But the new lower level, 75 parts per billion (from 80 parts per billion), still is significantly higher than what the agency's scientific advisers had urged.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Fears of overheating as Brazilian economy grows 5.4% in 2007

Brazil's economy expanded a greater-than-expected 6.2% in the fourth quarter, the fastest year-on-year quarterly expansion since June 2004, helping the overall 2007 expansion to reach 5.4%, boosted by consumer spending and business investment.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Foreign investment in Chile doubles to 15 billion in 2007

The Chile Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) reported Wednesday that foreign investment in Chile almost doubled to 15 billion US dollars in 2007. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) grew almost 94%, compared to 2006.
Thursday, March 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
London the best city but also the most expensive & dirtiest

London was voted the best European city to visit by international travelers in a TripAdvisor survey, despite also being voted the most expensive and dirtiest. In a poll of 1,100 travelers worldwide, London retained its place as the number one city in Europe for nightlife and was also voted the best in Europe for public parks.