Stories for 2017

Thursday, July 20th 2017 - 09:14 UTC
France's Macron overtakes UK in the league table of global “soft power”

The election of Emmanuel Macron as president has helped propel France to the top of a league table of global “soft power”, while Britain’s score has decreased partly as a result of Brexit. But despite losing points for government stability, enterprise and favorability measured in worldwide polls, the UK hung on to second slot, thanks to the US tumbling from first to third following the election of Donald Trump.
Thursday, July 20th 2017 - 07:30 UTC
Falklands' commemorative coin will have to remove “Britannia rules the waves”

The Pobjoy Mint on July 18 announced that a trademark infringement necessitated the firm to remove the word BRITANNIA from the Reverse Proof 2017 .999 fine silver 1-ounce bullion coins minted for the Falkland Islands.
Thursday, July 20th 2017 - 07:18 UTC
Ex Brazilian president assets and bank accounts frozen

The Brazilian central bank has frozen four bank accounts belonging to ex-President Lula da Silva due to his recent conviction on corruption charges, the federal judge who heard his case said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 22:41 UTC
UK and London lose ground as preferred destinations for Chinese millionaires

The UK has slipped down the list of preferred destinations for Chinese millionaires considering moving overseas, a report suggests. While the US remains the favorite place to settle, Canada now ranks second pushing Britain into third spot.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 22:36 UTC
Chinese group takes 60% control over Rio do Janeiro's main airport, Galeao

China's HNA Group linked to the air and travel industry will add Latin America to its investment portfolio through the purchase of a controlling stake in Rio de Janeiro's largest airport, Aeroporto Internacional Antônio Carlos Jobim – Galeão (GIG Airport).
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 15:16 UTC
Mexico digesting major crude discoveries, delays offshore oil auctions

Mexico will delay its next offshore oilfield auctions by a month, giving international bidders more time to evaluate recent major crude discoveries that highlight the potential value of the assets. A new billion-barrel find announced last week “confirms that the Mexican side of the Gulf of Mexico is very prolific,” said Juan Carlos Zepeda, Mexico’s chief oil regulator in an interview.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 15:10 UTC
World Medical Association urges Venezuela to immediately address health situation

The World Medical Association has urged the Venezuelan Government to take immediate action to resolve the country's serious health crisis, which it says has led to increased morbidity, mortality and malnutrition among infants.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 11:05 UTC
UK consumers will no longer suffer surcharges for card payments

British consumers are no longer to be charged extra for paying by debit or credit card, the government has said. From January next year, businesses will not be allowed to add any surcharges for card payments. The worst offenders currently are airlines and food delivery apps, and small businesses which typically add a fee for cards.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 10:57 UTC
Argentina's central bank hikes interest rates to combat high inflation

Argentina's central bank hiked interest rates on its short-term securities on Tuesday in its monthly auction, the second such increase in the past three months as it seeks to soak up pesos and rein in stubbornly high inflation.
Wednesday, July 19th 2017 - 09:18 UTC
Deeper slowdown for UK economy ahead, anticipate business research centers

The UK economy is on course for an even deeper slowdown as consumer spending and business investment take a hit from uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations, new research has found. Britain’s GDP is expected to drop from 1.8% growth last year to 1.5% in 2017 and to 1.4% in 2018, according to PwC’s UK Economic Outlook.