Stories for 2011

Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 20:15 UTC
US banks offered deals over improper-mortgage practices, says FT

Big US banks in talks with state prosecutors to settle claims of improper mortgage practices have been offered a deal that may limit their legal liabilities in return for a multibillion-dollar payment, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 20:11 UTC
UN warn austerity measures and deficit cuts is pushing the world towards disaster

The pursuit of austerity measures and deficit cuts is pushing the world economy towards disaster in a misguided attempt to please global financial markets, the annual report of the United Nations economic think-tank UNCTAD said on Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 20:08 UTC
Swiss central bank puts a cap to the Franc to combat massive overvaluation

The Swiss central bank announced Tuesday a ceiling on the currency by setting an exchange rate minimum against the Euro. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) boldest move states that the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the Euro must not drop below 1.20 Euros. And if it does, the Swiss bank is prepared to enforce the minimum by selling francs and buying up euros “in unlimited quantities.”
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 16:37 UTC
International Literacy Day: 793 million adults can neither read nor write

This year’s International Literacy Day, celebrated world-wide on 8 September, will focus on the link between literacy and peace.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 11:09 UTC
‘Happy Feet’, the penguin beached in NZ released to return to Antarctica

‘Happy Feet’, the lost Emperor penguin who became a worldwide celebrity after he washed up on a New Zealand beach was released back into the Southern Ocean on Sunday to begin a long swim home to Antarctica.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 06:34 UTC
Colombia’s new defence minister is President Santos closest aide

Colombia’s new defence minister vowed on Monday a forceful response to illegal armed groups and more innovation in confronting guerrillas and drug barons in the country.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 06:31 UTC
A China/Mercosur trade agreement would be “something extraordinary”

A free trade agreement, (FTA), between China and Mercosur could be “something extraordinary”, said Argentine Foreign Affairs minister Hector Timerman who next Thursday begins a political and business mission in Beijing.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 06:28 UTC
European markets plunge on renewed Euro fears and lack of confidence

World shares fell Tuesday morning and the Euro came under pressure following a huge sell-off in Europe as renewed Euro zone debt woes added to already weak confidence in the global economy.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 06:24 UTC
Colombia’s largest retailer launches stock sale to fund expansion in Uruguay

Colombia's largest retailer Almacenes Exito SA launched a 2.5 trillion peso (1.4 billion dollars) stock sale for local and foreign investors Monday, the proceeds of which will be used to expand into Uruguay and elsewhere.
Tuesday, September 6th 2011 - 06:21 UTC
Latam stocks down; the Real slides to 1.65 dollars

Latin American stocks fell on Monday as fears of a recession in Europe and the United States mixed with anxiety about the health of global banks to drive indexes below support levels, suggesting more losses.