Stories for July 30th 2015

Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 22:31 UTC
UK Overseas Territories agree on a 'unified front' for December's JMC in London

Leaders of several British Overseas Territories meeting in Bermuda released a joint statement following a Pre-Joint Ministerial Council two-day meeting held last week in Hamilton. The goal of the international gathering was to discuss matters of common interest in order to present a unified front next December at the JMC in London.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 22:28 UTC
For the sixth straight time, Brazil raises interest rate 50 points to 14.25%

Brazil's central bank raised interest rates to 14.25% from 13.75% as expected on Wednesday, delivering another hefty increase to stifle inflationary risks from a sharp depreciation of the local currency. This is the highest rate since October 2006.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 15:55 UTC
Warren Buffett And Elon Musk To Spark A Lithium Boom

The age of electrification across the transportation sector, the solar panel revolution, and Tesla's battery giga-factory are igniting a battle for the cheapest battery. That will transform lithium into a boom-time mineral and the hottest commodity on the energy investor's radar. It has been easy to take lithium for granted.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 09:39 UTC
Brazil's agriculture minister optimistic about a Mercosur/EU trade accord by end of the year

Brazil' minister of agriculture Katia Abreu said she was very optimistic about Mercosur reaching a trade agreement with the European Union, and if there are problems look to Europe, because Mercosur members have almost agreed and finished their proposal.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 09:16 UTC
Kicillof blasts 'speculators' for promoting a run from the Peso to the US dollar

Argentina's economy minister and central bank governor came out strongly to warn the “devaluation club” and speculators in the foreign exchange market who allegedly are pushing the value of the US dollar and sinking the local Peso.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 09:04 UTC
Fed pleased with labor market gains but inflation remains 'soft' distant from 2% target

The United States Federal Reserve on Wednesday decided to leave its benchmark federal funds interest rate unchanged at between 0 percent and 0.25 percent, while it offered an optimistic assessment of the world's biggest economy and hinted that a rate hike remains on the short-term horizon.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 08:43 UTC
Gibraltar protests to Brussels that Spain is again causing disruption and delays at the border

Gibraltar has accused Spain of having chosen once again not to behave as European partners as a result of the latest pedestrian delays at the border. The Gibraltar Office in Brussels was asked to relay information to the European Commission on the latest delays caused by the introduction of an Automated Border Control system on the Spanish side.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 08:30 UTC
Platini confirms bid to replace Blatter and “give FIFA the dignity it deserves”

Michel Platini launched his bid to replace Sepp Blatter at the helm of world football, pledging “to give FIFA back the dignity and the position it deserves”.
On Wednesday he sent a letter to the leaders of FIFA's 209 member associations, some of whom he canvassed for their support at the 2018 World Cup draw in St Petersburg last Saturday.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 08:07 UTC
First cargo ships sail along Egypt's new expanded Suez Canal; official opening in August

The first cargo ships passed through Egypt's New Suez Canal last weekend in a test-run before it opens next month, state media reported, eleven months after the army began constructing the $8 billion canal alongside the existing 145-year-old Suez Canal.
Thursday, July 30th 2015 - 07:48 UTC
Cruise lines agree to equal access for individuals with disabilities

The U.S. Justice Department and Carnival Corp. have reached a comprehensive, landmark settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to advance equal access for individuals with disabilities who travel on cruise ships, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.