Stories for 2012

Thursday, August 9th 2012 - 06:29 UTC
Venezuelan currency overvalued by 83% according to the Big Mac index

The Big Mac index computed by The Economist showed that the Venezuelan Bolivar is the most overvalued currency worldwide with respect to the US dollar, reflecting the imbalance of the Venezuelan economy.
Thursday, August 9th 2012 - 06:18 UTC
Seventeen nations in military exercise for the protection of the Panama Canal

This year’s PANAMAX exercise kicked off on Monday involving representatives from 17 hemispheric countries with the purpose of practicing methods of protecting the safe passage of commercial traffic through the Panama Canal while ensuring its neutrality and respecting national sovereignty.
Thursday, August 9th 2012 - 06:08 UTC
New Zealand launches program for high quality marbled beef off grass

The New Zealand government announced last week it will be supporting a program to produce high-quality marbled beef off grass, by combining specific high-marbling genetics with the country’s strengths in pastoral agriculture, according to Joe Burke from the Meat Division of Bord Bia-Irish Food Board.
Thursday, August 9th 2012 - 01:34 UTC
Falklands’ oil explorer says deal with US company is “not politically motivated”

The Chief Executive of Falkland Oil and Gas Ltd, FOGL, has said that its farm out agreement with Texas based US firm Noble Energy is not “politically motivated”, according to a report by the Daily Telegraph.
Thursday, August 9th 2012 - 01:02 UTC
Argentina warns US and EU markets on oil exploration activities in the Falklands

Argentina’s National Securities Commission, CNV, officially communicated leading international stock exchanges in the US and Europe that hydrocarbons companies operating in the Argentine continental shelf in the area of the disputed Falklands/Malvinas Islands are involved in “illicit and clandestine” activities.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 21:38 UTC
Can the Olympics re-brand Britain?

By Andrew Hammond (*) With London 2012 proving a once-in-a-generation global showcase for Britain, a key uncertainty nonetheless remains over whether a substantial, meaningful legacy can be secured in future years from hosting the games. Given that the official public cost of the Olympics is some 9.3 billion pounds (a figure Parliament believes is nearer 11 billion pounds, and Sky News estimates to be a staggering 24 billion pounds) this is a key question, especially as Britain languishes in a double dip recession.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 19:41 UTC
In carefully worded statement British bank rejects money laundering claims by US regulator

As British bank denies accusations it hid 250 billion dollars in transactions with Iranian banks, its share price falls sharply. Standard Chartered has rejected a US regulator's claim that it hid 250 billion dollars in transactions with Iranian banks in violation of US sanctions.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:58 UTC
Chaos in Buenos Aires City as subway service strike enters sixth day

Chaos in Buenos Aires City traffic as the 600.000 daily subway commuters were again left on Wednesday with no service for the fifth day running and no prospects of a solution in sight as a mediation effort with striking workers collapsed.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:46 UTC
Organized pickets in Andalusia raid supermarkets for food to distribute among the needy

Pickets of unemployed and union members in the south of Spain took over supermarkets and took food produce which they then delivered to social organizations and needy families to protest and warn of the consequences of the tough measures implemented by the government.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:36 UTC
Brazilian Federal Police on strike; delays at airports and border crossings

The strike declared by the Brazilian Federal Police on Tuesday is beginning to cause difficulties at international airports, delaying the crossing of visitors to neighbouring countries and some organized pickets have been marching in front of federal government offices.