Stories for May 2008

Wednesday, May 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US food prices in April soar at fastest rate in 18 years

United States food prices jumped at the fastest pace for 18 years in April, but consumer price inflation still eased. Consumer prices increased 0.2% in the month, down from March's figure of 0.3%, even though food costs jumped by 0.9%, according to Labor Department figures.
Wednesday, May 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Tough competition and fuel prices knock Iberia red

Spanish airline Iberia reported a loss in the first quarter of the year compared with a 12.9 million Euro net profit last year. Soaring fuel prices and stiff competition forced the company to a loss of 441.000 Euros.
Wednesday, May 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Kirchners double conciliatory tone challenges farmers

A double message on Wednesday from the Argentine government forced a new scenario for the ongoing conflict with the striking farmers who have been protesting since early March against the taxing system.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Officials optimistic following EC inspection mission

Uruguay last week successfully passed inspections undertaken by the Food and Veterinary Office Follow-up Mission of the European Commission's (EC) DG SANCO agency, governmental sources announced.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
French banks take their toll from the subprime crisis

France's biggest retail bank Credit Agricole, is contemplating asking shareholders for an estimated 9.1 billion US dollars to help its financial position after further subprime losses. The move comes after more write-downs at its Calyon investment banking unit as a result of the credit squeeze.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Heathrow T5 fiasco becomes managers mincing machine

The London Heathrow airport boss who oversaw the opening of Terminal 5 is to leave his job, the airport's owner has said. Mark Bullock had “chosen to leave” his job as the airport's managing director because of a change to management roles, according to Spanish-owned BAA.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Cordoba and Santa Fe provinces support farmers' claims

Argentine striking farmers confirmed on Monday a powerful supporter in their conflict with the President Kirchner administrations over the grains and oil seeds export taxes controversy.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Inflation “rapidly raveling” Kirchner's economic model

Former Argentine Economy minister Roberto Lavagna and considered the architect of the spectacular recovery of the Argentine economy following the 2001/02 melting and default said that former president Nestor Kirchner “does not understand economics” and his economic model is “rapidly raveling”.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
East Falklands vulnerable to climate change sea level rise

The low lying land of Lafonia on East Falklands and other offshore islands will be vulnerable to a rise in sea level, as a result of climate change, according to newly released paper 'Falkland Islands State of the Environment 2008'.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Erupting volcano imperils two million sheep in Patagonia

Two million sheep in the Argentine Patagonia province of Chubut are suffering the consequences of the ash blanket spewed by the eruption of the volcano Chaiten in neighboring Chile according to primary estimates from local authorities.