Stories for June 2016

Thursday, June 30th 2016 - 06:40 UTC
Argentine economy grows 0.5% in first quarter: fishing and transport compensate fall in agriculture and construction

Argentina's economy grew 0.5% in the first quarter the government said on Wednesday, adding that it saw activity leveling out this year before accelerating in 2017. The year-on-year result, published by the newly revamped Indec statistics agency, followed analysts' forecasts for a 1.3% contraction for the January through March period.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 11:22 UTC
“Welcome to Hell”, Rio police and firefighters tell arriving passengers

There was a nasty surprise awaiting passengers in the arrivals hall at Rio De Janeiro's Galeao International Airport on Monday. Along with the relatives carrying flowers and taxi drivers waiting with name boards there were lines of off-duty police with banners that had a far more ominous message: “Welcome to Hell”.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 11:04 UTC
US economy grows faster in the first quarter helped by stronger export sales

The US economy grew faster than previously estimated in the first quarter of the year, according to official figures. The Commerce Department said gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual pace of 1.1% in the quarter, up from an earlier estimate of 0.8%. The upwards revision was helped by stronger export sales.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 06:21 UTC
Brexit Labor KO: Corbyn defies crushing no confidence vote but rebels doubt they can win a ballot of members

A defiant Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK's opposition, has said he will “not betray” Labour members by resigning, despite three-quarters of the party’s MPs voting against him in a no confidence motion. Just 40 MPs voted to back Corbyn in the secret ballot, far short of the number needed to fill a complete frontbench.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 05:37 UTC
'Squaring' single market access and free movement with immigration, emerges as the post Breixt challenge

Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday in Brussels that the rest of the EU wants to have the “closest possible” relationship with the UK after Brexit. After discussing the vote to leave with other EU leaders, he said trade and security co-operation would be vital whatever the shape of future links.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 05:23 UTC
Argentina cuts rate reference for eight weeks running as double/digit inflation eases

Argentina's double-digit inflation has shown signs of easing this month, the central bank said on Tuesday as it cut its 35-day reference rate for the eighth week in a row. As part of its effort to get Latin America's No. 3 economy out of the doldrums while containing consumer prices, the bank sliced 75 basis points off the interest rate to 30.75%.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 05:12 UTC
Pacific Alliance, under Chilean presidency will speed closer links with Mercosur

The Pacific Alliance under the helm of Chile, beginning next July first will reach out for closer links with Mercosur, particularly since Argentina's decision to join the block as an observer. “The Argentine decision to join the Pacific Alliance as an observer fully harmonizes with Chile's strategy of making both blocks converge”, according to Andres Rebolledo, head of Chile's Directorate of International Economic Relations.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 05:04 UTC
Brazil inflation should reach Central bank target by second half of 2018

Brazil's inflation will again miss the government target next year, but will be getting much closer at 4.7%, the Central Bank said on Tuesday. For this year, inflation is forecast at 6.9%, well off the 4.5% target. However, even that represents relief for Latin America's largest economy, but sickly economy where annual inflation hit 9.32% in May.
Wednesday, June 29th 2016 - 04:57 UTC
Investors suing Petrobras argue top executives knew of the massive bribery scheme

Investors suing Petrobras to recoup billions of dollars in losses argued on Tuesday that the arrests and plea deals of top company executives prove that it knew of a massive bribery and political kickback scheme. Lawyers for the investors asked U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan to rule, ahead of a trial set for Sept. 19, on claims that the company violated U.S. securities laws, according to a court filing.
Tuesday, June 28th 2016 - 08:32 UTC
Cameron attends his last European Council summit: next PM will negotiate Brexit

UK Prime Minister David Cameron is to face leaders of other EU states for the first time since the referendum vote for Brexit, as he travels on Tuesday to Brussels for what is likely to be his last European Council summit as prime minister. He is expected to use the potentially awkward meeting to urge the other 27 leaders and EU institutions to take a “constructive” approach to negotiations over a new relationship with the UK.