Stories for August 1st 2018

Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 20:13 UTC
Fed leaves benchmark interest rate unchanged; core PCE climbs to 2% in second quarter

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday and reaffirmed its plans to continue raising borrowing costs at a gradual pace. The decision to hold rates had been widely expected and came after a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, which dictates monetary policy.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 13:50 UTC
Facebook in Brazil cracks down on misinformation networks ahead of election

Facebook Inc on Wednesday took down a network of pages and accounts used by a right-wing Brazilian activist group, cracking down on what it called a misinformation network ahead of elections in October.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:59 UTC
Change of Chinese import duties impacts on Jaguar Land Rover profits

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reported a loss for the first time in three years after sales slowed in China. The UK's biggest car firm, which is owned by India's Tata Motors, blamed the setback on “multiple challenges”.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:45 UTC
US Judge blocks release of software that allows 3D-print firearms

A US federal judge in Seattle has blocked the release of software that allows consumers to 3D-print firearms. Gun access advocacy group Defense Distributed was due to put downloadable gun blueprints online on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:36 UTC
Theresa May will hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron on Friday

Prime Minister Theresa May is to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Downing Street says. Mrs. May has been invited to Mr. Macron's holiday retreat in the south of France. It comes as the UK government steps up its engagement with counterparts in the EU over Brexit.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:31 UTC
UK government engaged in “sensible precautions” in case of a no-deal Brexit

Downing Street has insisted the UK Government is engaged in “good planning” and taking “sensible precautions” in case there is a no-deal Brexit. Asked if Theresa May would continue to lead the country if her negotiations fail and the UK is plunged into a no-deal scenario, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said she is “fully committed to delivering on the will of the British people”.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:18 UTC
Brazil investigating collusion and price fixing at the fuel pump: largest distributors targeted

Brazil’s three largest fuel distribution companies are under investigation for fixing prices at the pump, police said on Tuesday, reigniting debate over potential collusion among gas station owners in Latin America’s largest oil producer.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:04 UTC
Ortega admits armed and masked paramilitaries were a “volunteer police”

Nicaragua's veteran leader Daniel Ortega defended brutal action by his forces against anti-government protesters, as the United States warned he and his wife were “ultimately responsible” for deaths and rights violations.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 07:51 UTC
Last year was the fifth warmest for UK in over a century

Last year was the fifth warmest for the UK in records dating back more than a century, the Met Office has confirmed. Figures show the UK climate is warming, with average temperatures over the last decade around 0.8C above the 1961 to 1990 average, while the country has also seen 8% more rain and 6% more sunshine.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 07:21 UTC
Europe melting: river water suffocates fish and is too hot to cool nuclear power stations

The heat wave gripping large stretches of Europe has already been blamed for deadly forest fires and crop failures. Now, freshwater fish could be its next victims. Some regions in Germany sweltered as the mercury hit 39C, and the German Meteorological Office said the country’s all-time record of 40.3C could be topped this week.