Stories for 2023

Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:48 UTC
In a display of firmness, the Fed increases the key interest rate by a quarter point

Despite concerns of a possible recession and increased banking turmoil, the U.S. Federal Reserve extended its year-long fight against high inflation on Wednesday by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:45 UTC
Brazil central bank keeps rate unchanged despite Lula's government complaints, “the highest in the world”

The Brazilian Central kept interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive policy meeting on Wednesday, increasing concern and criticism from the government of president Lula da Silva. The bank's rate-setting committee, Copom, maintained its Selic benchmark interest rate at 13.75%. The decision, which defied intense pressure from the government of Lula da Silva, matched the expectations of analysts.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:35 UTC
China's pork industry again faces an outbreak of African swine fever

A surge in African swine fever infections in China is set to reduce hog output later this year, farm managers and analysts said this week, pushing up prices in the world’s top pork consumer as demand recovers.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:30 UTC
Brazil confident China's beef market is recovering, but at lower prices

The price of beef (fresh, chilled or frozen) exported by Brazil mainly to China in the first week of February maintained the downward trend of the last eight months, but, according to analysts, the trend now is for prices to recover in the rest of the year, although to levels lower than those observed in June.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:29 UTC
New team of prosecutors to investigate former Paraguayan President Cartes

A new team of prosecutors created this week by Attorney General Emiliano Rolón will investigate former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes for alleged false statements in the Pandora Papers inquiry and for his involvement in the operations of the Venezuelan-Iranian Boeing 747-300 freighter and its 18 crew members.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:20 UTC
With prices continuing to rise, Bank of England expected to increase the basic rate to 4,25%

Following a surprise rise in UK consumer prices, the Bank of England is expected to increase interest rates for an 11th consecutive. Analysts think an increase in the Bank rate from 4% to 4.25% is the most likely outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee Thursday meeting later.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:16 UTC
Brazil's Food Purchase Program re-launched

Brazil's government Wednesday re-launched the Food Purchase Program (PAA) that used to exist in President Luiz Inàcio Lula Da Silva's previous administrations. The new format will focus on expanding production from minority groups and land reform measures, Agencia Brasil reported.
Thursday, March 23rd 2023 - 10:14 UTC
Brazil: Minister Haddad not happy about Selic rate remaining unchanged

Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad found the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom)'s decision to leave the basic Selic interest rate unchanged at 13.75% per year “very worrisome,” particularly because new increases were not ruled out for the near future, Agencia Brasil reported.
Wednesday, March 22nd 2023 - 10:55 UTC
Uruguayan Supreme Court gives thumbs down to Pepín

Uruguay's Supreme Court Tuesday voted against granting refugee status to former Macrist lobbyist Fabián “Pepín” Rodríguez Simón, who is staying in Montevideo to avoid an arrest warrant from Buenos Aires claiming political persecution and parliamentary immunity as a member of Parlasur.
Wednesday, March 22nd 2023 - 10:37 UTC
“Party-gate”, Boris Johnson acknowledges he provided false information to Parliament, but not “intentionally”

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that he provided false information to Parliament about government parties that were held in violation of COVID-19 restrictions. However, Johnson insisted that he did not “intentionally mislead” Parliament about the parties.