Economy

Friday, February 23rd 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil could begin to relax its strict monetary policy

Brazil has named a strong critic of the country's Central Bank strict (and controversial) monetary policy as representative before the International Monetary Fund, IMF, according to a release from the Finance Ministry.
Thursday, February 22nd 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela offers financial support to Ecuador

Venezuela has set aside 500 million US dollars for cooperation with Ecuador although how the financing would be extended has still not been decided, said Thursday Venezuelan Finance minister Rodrigo Cabezas.
Wednesday, February 21st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Japan doubles interest rates signaling end of deflation

Japan's central bank doubled interest rates to 0.5% on Thursday following signs of steady growth in the economy and indicating the end of deflation that has plagued the country for years.
Wednesday, February 21st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US inflation surprises with 0.2% increase in January

United States consumer prices increased 0.2% in January pushed by rising medical and food costs despite a fall in energy prices, reports the US Department of Labor
Wednesday, February 21st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela's Chavez grants Kirchner more financial support

Argentina and Venezuela signed Wednesday several agreements establishing ever closer cooperation and financial links including a joint issue of a 1.5 billion US dollars Bond of the South.
Sunday, February 18th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Peru intent on austerity, to auction a “frivolity symbol”

The Peruvian government has decided to auction the presidential aircraft as part of its austerity policy announced cabinet chief Jorge del Castillo. Earlier in the week President Alan García described the aircraft as a “frivolity symbol”.
Sunday, February 18th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
“Good” but no so good season for Punta Arenas hotels

The number of hotel bookings and passengers this season in Punta Arenas has not been homogeneous according to a survey among the main hotels and published in the local La Prensa Austral.
Sunday, February 18th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Eight thousand bus drivers threaten to paralyze Santiago

The possible strike comes only a week after the new transit system was inaugurated and caused widespread confusion and public outrage after getting off to a slow start. Fenattrans president Sergio Cifuentes said the union was protesting the government for not responding to seven requests that the union sent to the government on January 8.
Sunday, February 18th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Inflation and shortages expose Chavez jittery economics

Faced with accelerated inflation and shortages of basic foods Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez signed decrees against speculation and hoarding which enables authorities to take over businesses that produce or retail food, if they refuse to sell or are in violation of regulated prices.
Saturday, February 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US calls on India and China to help boost global trade

Emerging economies such as India and China bear special responsibility to lower trade and investment barriers to help global expansion, said on Friday a senior U.S. Treasury Department official.