Stories for 2009

Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
More snow storms cause transport havoc in frozen UK

More snow has fallen across a frozen UK amid warnings that some councils face dwindling salt supplies to help keep traffic moving. Travellers have faced fresh delays as up to five inches of snow fell in some parts with south Wales, western England, the Midlands and counties to the north of London worst hit.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina's Jan. car production plunges 54%; exports 60%

Argentina's car production plunged 54.6% in January compared to the same month last year, the Automakers' Chamber (ADEFA) reported yesterday

The number of cars manufactured in the country totalled 18,720, down from 41,228 in January 2008.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Mining giant BHP Billiton half year profits fall 25%

Global mining giant BHP Billiton, which also has interests in the Falkland Islands oil industry, has seen its half-year profits fall by a quarter, saying it had been hit by “a rapid deterioration in market conditions”.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Bankers bonus and perks cap controversy reaches UK

UK Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has told the Royal Bank of Scotland that it risks alienating ordinary people if it gave its traders and bosses “exorbitant” bonuses.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina's unions challenge wage policy in election year

Argentina's powerful trade unions are stepping up calls for salary increases despite an economic slowdown and since it is election year they could win double-digit hikes to offset inflation.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Euro bank says no to “zero rates”; benchmark 2%

The European Central Bank kept interest rates on hold at 2% on Thursday but said it may resume cutting, although zero rates were not “appropriate” for the Euro zone at the moment.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil Senate denies delaying Venezuela's Mercosur membership

The recently nominated president of the Brazilian Senate Jose Sarney vehemently rejected on Tuesday claims he was intent in further delaying approval for Venezuela's incorporation to Mercosur.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Darling raps bankers; demands change of “financial culture”

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling criticised on Tuesday bank chiefs for failing to flag up the financial difficulties they faced at an earlier stage. Darling said some had wrongly given the impression that the problems afflicting Northern Rock were isolated and would not affect themselves.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
“Buy American” adds protectionism fears to global crisis

United States President Barack Obama has said he wants to avoid economic stimulus measures that would signal protectionism or spark a trade war. Mr Obama was responding to international criticism of a “Buy American” clause in the 800 billion US dollars economic recovery package.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Fed extends currency swap lines to Brazil and Mexico

The extension of a US Federal Reserve currency swap line to Brazil shows confidence in South America's largest economy, Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles said on Tuesday.