Economy

Monday, February 5th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur helps Bolivia combat FAM outbreaks

Several Mercosur members have offered Bolivia to “unite efforts” and help control “as soon as possible” the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Bolivia declared last week a “state of emergency” following the confirmation of outbreaks in three counties in Santa Cruz province.
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian negotiator pessimistic about Doha round conclusion

Brazil's chief negotiator at the Doha Round of trade talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO) accused United States of moving “countercurrent” regarding the liberalization of global agricultural trade and expressed uncertainty that negotiations can conclude this year.
Thursday, February 1st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
IMF “shape up” policy includes selling gold reserves

A report by a Committee of Eminent Persons advised the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday to sell 400 tons of its gold reserves as part of a new strategy to set the Fund's finances on a sustainable basis.
Thursday, February 1st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina last year exported less honey but got higher revenue

Argentina, which is constantly challenging China as the world's largest honey exporter, last year exported 99,000 tonnes of honey for 146 million, a decline of six percent in volume but an increase of 15 percent in revene reflecting higher prices for the product.
Thursday, February 1st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina shuts border to Bolivian meat

Argentina has suspended the import of all meat products from Bolivia in response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, Senasa, the agricultural health and quality service, announced Tuesday.
Thursday, February 1st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine pension fund reform proposal gets mixed marks

A proposal by the Argentine government to allow some 11 million people to migrate from the private AFJPs pension funds to the state-run scheme has won widespread praise for the sake of freedom of choice, but also criticism, with observers telling MercoPress that it has been timed ahead of the October's presidential vote, aimed at “funding” the government even a step towards re-estatization.
Wednesday, January 31st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Fed leaves rates unchanged; “inflation likely to moderate”

The United States Federal Reserve left Wednesday interest rates unchanged at 5.25% for the fifth time running based on “firmer economic growth” with the economy “likely to expand at a moderate pace over coming quarters”.
Monday, January 29th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Poll reveals that Europeans are not happy with the Euro

A majority of people in France, Germany, Spain and Italy feel the euro has hurt their economies, according to a poll published Monday in the Financial Times. The FT-Harris survey found more than half of citizens questioned in the big euro zone countries said they preferred their former currency.
Saturday, January 27th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Lula calls on rich countries to advance global trade reforms

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made on Friday an impassioned plea to rich countries to assume their responsibilities in long-struggling global free trade talks helping to achieve a quick agreement.
Friday, January 26th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Chile banking industry “The most profitable in the world”

Chilean banks were among the most profitable in the world in 2006, with profits of 18.56 percent in 2006, according to recent figures developed by Chile's Bank and Financial Institution Supervisory Board (SBIF).