Stories for January 28th 2012

Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 10:16 UTC
Brazil exceeded budget primary target last year and is optimistic about 2012

Brazil’s central government exceeded its budget target for 2011 by posting a primary surplus (excluding interest payments) of 93.5 billion Reais (53.7 billion dollars) for the year.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 10:11 UTC
Fitch downgrades Italy and Spain ratings; Milan police raid agencies offices

The credit ratings of Italy, Spain and three other Euro-area countries were cut by Fitch Ratings, which said the five nations lack financing flexibility in the face of the regional debt crisis.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 10:02 UTC
Mexico inaugurates Latam’s second supercomputer by size and speed

Mexican scientists inaugurated Latin America's No. 2 supercomputer by size and speed, with the ability to process 24.9 trillion operations per second, authorities said.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 09:56 UTC
Argentina has “phenomenal” tight natural-gas prospects and “explosive output” is forecasted

Exxon Mobil Corp and Americas Petrogas Inc have “phenomenal” tight natural-gas prospects in Argentina and expect “explosive” output growth in 5 years, said Guimar Vaca Coca, managing director of Americas Petrogas.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 09:51 UTC
‘King Leo’makes the cover of this week’s TIME magazine but not in the US

Argentine born Lionel Messi, three-time FIFA player of the year, is on the cover of this week's Time, but only if you buy it in Europe, Asia or the South Pacific. The United States cover is actually devoted to “The Power of Shyness”.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 09:44 UTC
US economy expands 2.8% in fourth quarter but with too much inventory building

The US economy grew at its fastest pace in one and a half years in the fourth quarter of 2011, but a strong rebuilding of stocks by businesses and a slower pace of spending on capital goods hinted at softer growth early this year.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 09:35 UTC
Costa Concordia company offers 11.000 Euros compensation for each passenger

Several of Italy's consumer groups signed an agreement with Costa Cruises to offer about 11,000 Euros to each of the more than 3,000 passengers aboard the Costa Concordia when it hit a rock and capsized near the Italian island of Giglio on January 13, a statement from the consumer groups said.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 07:26 UTC
Maximo Kirchner, the ‘favourite son’ with ever growing influence in her mother’s administration

The French newspaper Le Monde dedicated last week ample coverage to the son of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Maximo Kirchner, 34, who has a growing influence in her mother’s administration given his double condition as ‘favourite son’ and leader of a youth group La Campora which he founded and is moving full steam ahead.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 07:13 UTC
Drought in Argentina and Brazil cuts significantly corn crops’ volumes

Corn advanced heading for the biggest weekly gain in five as concerns that a renewed heat wave in Argentina and south Brazil may damage crops boosted demand for US grain. Soybeans were little changed.
Saturday, January 28th 2012 - 07:09 UTC
UK praises naming of Argentine ambassador to London, calls for “strengthened cooperation”

The British government acknowledged on Friday the naming of the new Argentine ambassador to the United Kingdom, and stated that they hoped the coverage of the long-vacant position will permit “the strengthening of cooperation” between the two countries.