Economy

Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bank of England leaves interest rates on hold at 5%

The Bank of England decided on Thursday to keep interest rates on hold at 5% as it struggles to deal with a slowing economy and spiraling inflation. Many reports have shown the economy heading for a significant slowdown or even a recession.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Euro zone rates unchanged; forecast of “weak mid.2008”

The European Central Bank (ECB) has kept its interest rate benchmark unchanged at 4.25% amid signs of slowing economic growth. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said growth in the 15-nation bloc had been “particularly weak” in mid-2008.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazilian inflation eases in July helped by lower food prices

The Consumer Prices Index in Brazil slowed down to 0.53% in July from 0.74% the previous month, according to a release from the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute, IBGE.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UK banks perform poorly and anticipate tougher times ahead

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has posted a pre-tax loss of £691m during the first six months of 2008, the second-biggest loss in UK banking history.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine bond spreads at their highest since 2005

Argentina's government bond spreads', which gauge investors' aversion to risk, widened sharply on Friday as confidence in the economic outlook and the political management of the country began to be questioned.
Thursday, August 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
IMF predicts UK will breach fiscal rules and debt ceiling

The IMF predicted the UK would grow by 1.4% in 2008 and 1.1% in 2009, down from the 1.8% for 2008 and 1.7% for 2009 that it predicted in July.
Thursday, August 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Congress estimates US budget deficit of 400 billion

The United States budget deficit is expected to reach 400 billion US dollars in 2008, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay's strong exchange rate favors most trade partners

Uruguay's exchange rate which has a significant influence for the country's exports has advanced strongly against virtually all of its trade partners with the exception of Brazil.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Peru: highest regional economic growth prospects in 2008/09

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reported that Peru's growth expectations rose from 7.8 to 8.3% in 2008, placing Peru as the country with the highest growth rate in the region.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Inflation and reliable statistics take front stage in Argentina

The controversy surrounding Argentina's Statistics Office, Indec, has been aired by some of the closest allies of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration who are also questioning the reliability of the reports, particularly those regarding inflation.