Stories for August 12th 2015

Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 15:18 UTC
China's devaluation triggers fears of a new round of currency wars

China's shock 2% devaluation of the Yuan pushed the dollar higher and raised the prospect of a new round of currency wars, just as Greece reached a new deal to contain its debt crisis. Stocks fell in Asia and Europe as investors worried about the implications of a move designed to support China's slowing economy and exports.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 09:10 UTC
CARICOM tells Venezuela it supports Guyana's integrity in territorial dispute

Venezuela’s vice-president Jorge Arreaza recently heard directly from CARICOM chairman, Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, that the regional grouping is backing Guyana in the territorial dispute between the two South American neighbors. Stuart met last Friday with Arreaza who was visiting the island as part of a regional tour to discuss Venezuela’s territorial and maritime claims in the region.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 08:53 UTC
Gibraltar a ‘fundamental objective' of Spanish foreign policy with ample funds to support it

Pushing Spain’s claim over the sovereignty of Gibraltar is “a fundamental objective” for Spanish foreign policy, according to budget plans presented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Madrid this week.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 08:39 UTC
“A step forward for Haitian democracy”, OAS describes Sunday's vote

Despite incidents of violence at some polling stations, the first round of legislative elections in Haiti which took place on Sunday, has been described as “a step forward for Haitian democracy” by the Organization of American States (OAS).
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 08:25 UTC
Sargassum bloom are ruining Caribbean beaches and tourism season

The picture-perfect beaches and turquoise waters that people expect on their visits to the Caribbean are increasingly being fouled by mats of decaying seaweed that attract biting sand fleas and smell like rotten eggs.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 08:06 UTC
Brazil's subsalt could hold enough petroleum to supply the world five years

Brazil's Subsalt Polygon, the offshore area that has already yielded some of the world's largest recent oil finds, may hold enough undiscovered petroleum and gas to supply the world's current oil needs for more than five years, researchers said.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 07:51 UTC
Wednesday’s China shockwave: Yuan devalued 1.6%; IMF support, US Treasury cautious

Chinese shares were lower on Wednesday as its central bank again devalued the yuan, following Tuesday's record cut. The People's Bank of China fixed the daily guiding rate for the currency down 1.6% to 6.3306 against the dollar.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 07:30 UTC
Moody's tough on Brazil but also confident on a mid term growth rebound

Moody’s Investors Service cut Brazil’s credit rating to near-junk status on Tuesday but said the country’s coveted investment grade status is safe for now, proving some relief to investors and the government of President Dilma Rousseff.
Wednesday, August 12th 2015 - 07:21 UTC
Parlasur bench: after seven attempts first election win for Malvinas affairs desk head Filmus

Daniel Filmus, head of the Malvinas Affairs Desk in the Argentine ministry of foreign affairs can expect to become a member of Mercosur Parliament, or Parlasur, in the coming October general election, following on a repeat of the Argentine primaries' results of last Sunday.