Stories for August 2008

Thursday, August 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Congress estimates US budget deficit of 400 billion

The United States budget deficit is expected to reach 400 billion US dollars in 2008, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay's strong exchange rate favors most trade partners

Uruguay's exchange rate which has a significant influence for the country's exports has advanced strongly against virtually all of its trade partners with the exception of Brazil.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine vice president cheered by farmers at agro- show

Argentine vice president Julio Cleto Cobos was cheered and congratulated during his surprise Tuesday visit to Argentina's main agriculture show in the Buenos Aires grounds of Palermo.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Growing violence in Bolivia ahead of Sunday's recall vote

Clashes between striking Bolivian miners and the police which left at least two people dead and dozens injured forced the cancelling of a regional summit with Argentina's Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and host Evo Morales.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine farmers and officials agree after months of strife

Argentine farmers and government representatives described their first meeting on Tuesday afternoon after months of corroding stand off and animosity as open, frank, opportune and positive, words which had been absent for months.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Nigeria replaces Venezuela as US fourth oil supplier

Nigeria surpassed Venezuela as the fourth largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the United States for the first five months of 2008, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela once again Argentina's last resort lender

Venezuela again acted as lender of last resort for Argentina having acquired a billion US dollars in sovereign bonds, at “close to market rates” according to Argentine financial sources.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Peru: highest regional economic growth prospects in 2008/09

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reported that Peru's growth expectations rose from 7.8 to 8.3% in 2008, placing Peru as the country with the highest growth rate in the region.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Inflation and reliable statistics take front stage in Argentina

The controversy surrounding Argentina's Statistics Office, Indec, has been aired by some of the closest allies of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration who are also questioning the reliability of the reports, particularly those regarding inflation.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US mortgage defaults climb and house prices keep sinking

Freddie Mac, which offers funding for a huge proportion of United States mortgages, has posted a quarterly loss amid continued problems in the housing market. As mortgage defaults climb and house prices sink, it made a loss of 821 million US dollars in the three months to the end of June, down from a profit of 729 million.