Stories for August 2015

Thursday, August 20th 2015 - 06:38 UTC
Fed approaching interest rate hike but 'reasonable confidence' still short

An improving job market edged the US Federal Reserve closer to an interest rate hike at its July meeting even as policymakers continued to express broad concerns about lagging inflation and the weak state of the world economy, according to minutes released on Wednesday.
Thursday, August 20th 2015 - 06:32 UTC
Brazil in recession, according to the Central Bank's economic activity index

Economic activity in Brazil fell more quickly than expected in June, central bank data showed on Wednesday, adding to evidence that the once-booming economy is suffering a painful recession. The Brazilian central bank's IBC-Br economic activity index fell 0.58% in June from the prior month, the bank said in a report released on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:46 UTC
Extra funds for decommissioning Galician vessels and reduce fishing effort

Funds for decommissioning fishing vessels during 2015 have increased by 12.9 million Euros to 23.2m Euros, according to what was reported by the Xunta of Galicia (north-west Spain) Ministry of Rural and Marine Affairs.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:30 UTC
US approves a libido-enhancing drug for women, to be marketed as “Addyi”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a libido-enhancing drug for women that has been dubbed “Female Viagra”. Flibanserin, a drug produced by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, recently passed an FDA advisory committee meeting.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:22 UTC
FARC have requested to meet Francis and want the Church to join the peace process in Havana

Representatives of Colombia's largest guerrilla movement have asked to meet Pope Francis in Cuba in September and have requested the Catholic Church name a permanent delegate to their peace negotiations with the government.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:02 UTC
American Airlines charters to Cuba from Los Angeles next December

American Airlines which has operated charter flights to Cuba since 1991, said on Tuesday that it plans to begin charter services between Los Angeles and Havana on Dec. 12. But by that time, the U.S. and Cuban governments may be ready to allow scheduled airline flights between the two countries, a practice not allowed for more than a half-century.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 06:51 UTC
Sargassum seaweed, 'greatest single threat to the Caribbean tourism industry'

It would take at least US$120 million and more than 100,000 people to clean up the Sargassum seaweed that has created “an international crisis” and “the greatest single threat” to the Caribbean, according to Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Sir Hilary Beckles.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 06:30 UTC
Scotland, Canada, Chile and Norway committed to a sustainable aquaculture industry

Scotland, Canada, Chile and Norway will work together to promote and grow the aquaculture industry sustainably. The four countries are the world's main exporters of farmed salmon.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 06:22 UTC
China stocks continue sell-off on Wednesday after plunging 6% on Tuesday

China stocks continued their sell-off on Wednesday following a 6% plunge in the previous session. The benchmark Shanghai Composite opened down 2.7% at 3,646.75 points on Wednesday before sliding further to register a 5% loss by mid-morning. The index closed down 6.1% at 3,749.12 points on Tuesday, its biggest daily decline since July 27.
Tuesday, August 18th 2015 - 15:15 UTC
Chung wants to clean FIFA; accuses Blatter-Platini of father-son relation

Honorary FIFA vice president Chung Mong-Joon says he will clean the sport of football if elected president of FIFA. Chung blames the previous president Sepp Blatter for the recent corruption scandals which have cast shadows over the sport and its organizing body.