Stories for April 11th 2011

Monday, April 11th 2011 - 23:50 UTC
FT forecasts Spain will be next in seeking financial assistance

The mix of high external indebtedness, the fragility of the financial sector and the probability of further declines in asset prices increase the probability of a funding squeeze at some point means that “Spain will be the next country to seek financial assistance from the EU and the International Monetary Fund”, argues one of the Financial Times respected columnists.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 22:32 UTC
Barcelona in unofficial referendum votes for independence from Spain

The citizens of the Spanish city of Barcelona voted on Sunday by more than 90% in favor of independence for the province of Catalonia from the central government in Madrid.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 21:09 UTC
Brazil aware its relation with China raises the risk of “Dutch Disease”

President Rousseff arrived in Beijing Monday to begin a state visit to China that will incorporate Thursday’s summit of BRIC leaders. However Ms Rousseff’s trip to China is symbolically important since it is her first overseas visit outside Latin America and underlines the growing importance of the Brazil/China relationship, points out Capital Economics.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 21:04 UTC
IMF optimistic report but warnings about overheating in emerging economies

The global economic recovery is gaining strength, with world growth projected at about 4½ percent in both 2011 and 2012, but unemployment remains high, and risks of overheating are building in emerging market economies, the IMF said in its latest forecast.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 20:52 UTC
January’s gas rates conflict in Punta Arenas takes its toll: governor resigns

Governor Liliana Kusanovic, from the extreme south Chilean Magallanes region has resigned alleging the need to care for family affairs and denying any link with January’s gas prices strike which paralyzed the region for a week. Ms Kusanovic’s resignation, which belongs to the ruling coalition, was accepted and made public Monday.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 20:34 UTC
Crime and violence cost Central American countries 8% of GDP, says World Bank

Growing crime and violence in Central America not only have an immediate human and social toll but they also pose a tremendous threat to development potential in the region since it is estimated that these sources of instability cost 8% of GDP, once health, institutional, private security, and material expenses are accounted for.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 20:04 UTC
U2 current worldwide tour nets 558m; beats Rolling Stones record

U2's current worldwide 360° tour has become the highest grossing in history, beating the record previously set by The Rolling Stones between the years 2005-2007, reported Live Nation Entertainment.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 19:49 UTC
China plans to invest 10 billion USD in soy production and processing in Brazil

China plans to invest ten billion US dollars in the production, storage and transport of soybeans in Brazil to ensure the supply of the commodity of which it is the world’s main importer, according to press reports in Beijing.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 19:42 UTC
EU agriculture ministers meet to address current trade talks with Mercosur

European Union Agriculture ministers will be meeting this week in Luxembourg to discuss the current trade negotiations with Mercosur, according to European Commission sources.
Monday, April 11th 2011 - 13:23 UTC
Falklands names Islander new Mineral Resources Director, beginning 2012

The Falkland Islands has nominated an Islander as new Director of Mineral Resources who will be taking over from Phyl Rendell when she retires as the end of the year, announced the government of the Islands.