Stories for April 18th 2018

Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 18:19 UTC
IMF warning on global debt and financial stability: US and China targeted

The International Monetary Fund says that high global debt is a concern. In a new report, the IMF says governments should use the current strong economic growth to strengthen their finances. The organization also says that risks to global financial stability have increased.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 18:16 UTC
Brazilian ex presidential candidate charged with passive corruption and obstruction of justice

Justices from the First Panel of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) voted, on Tuesday (17), accepting the charges filed by the Prosecutor General's Office against senator Aécio Neves (PSDB-MG), and former presidential candidate, accused of passive corruption and obstruction of justice.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 18:12 UTC
CIA chief meets Kim Jong Un to work out details of summit with Trump

United States Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week, U.S President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after media reported on Pompeo's recent secret mission to the North to prepare for the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 09:07 UTC
Brazil wants rules for internet data flows and takes the case to the WTO

Brazil is pushing for the establishment of rules around Internet data flows and has presented a document on the subject to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to stress the urgency of starting a more objective debate. Amid concerns over Facebook's use of tracking users with pixels, Brazil joins the Netherlands, France, and EC in legal moves.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 08:58 UTC
UK and US alert about “malicious cyber activity” by Russia

Britain and the US have issued a formal alert about “malicious cyber activity” by Russia amid warnings that relations with Moscow have hit an all-time low. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) combined with the FBI and the US Department of Homeland Security to issue an unprecedented joint “technical alert” setting out the threat across the public and private sectors.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 08:51 UTC
NAFTA round of negotiations expected to resume this week

The ministers leading the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could meet again on Thursday in Washington as they push for quick progress, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo advanced. Guajardo said he had spoken to Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Monday and would talk to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to see about agreeing a trilateral meeting in Washington on Thursday.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 08:44 UTC
Chilean president Piñera learns from past mistakes: free technical education

Chile’s President Sebastian Piñera proposed a bill to boost free technical education, days ahead of a planned student march in Santiago, the first such protest since he took office a month ago.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 08:38 UTC
Chinese economy expands at an annual rate of 6.8% in the first quarter, says Beijing

China's economy grew at an annual pace of 6.8% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, according to official data, beating forecasts for the period. The growth figures for January to March were also above Beijing's 2018 annual growth target of “around 6.5%”
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 08:32 UTC
China opens its car manufacturing and market to foreign ownership

China will allow full foreign ownership of car firms by 2022 in a move that could open up the world's biggest car market. The plans will change rules that require global carmakers to work through state-owned partners. The US says this forces them to share technology with potential competitors.
Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - 07:56 UTC
IMF semi-annual report warns of choppy waters ahead: protectionism and trade wars

While the world economy continues to show broad-based momentum, a new report released on Tuesday by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is warning that there may be choppy seas ahead, caused by increasing protectionism or tit-for-tat trade wars.