
No break for re-elected President Barack Obama. In the midst of what should be a honeymoon victory Fitch Ratings agency called on the newly appointed head of state to quickly secure agreement on avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' and raising the debt ceiling, to retain its AAA status.

Global meat production rose to 297 million tons in 2011, an increase of 0.8% over 2010 levels, and is projected to reach 302 million tons by the end of 2012, according to new research conducted by the Worldwatch Institute.

While the mantle of the world largest beef exporting nation has traditionally been a three-way race between Australia, Brazil and the US, 2012 has seen India race ahead of the pack, with expectations for Indian beef exports to grow again in 2013.

Working on experience gained from the relocation of thousands of tons of equipment from Aberdeen to the Falkland Islands for the round of exploratory drilling started in 2010 has helped a Scottish company launch a software program set to revolutionize the oil and gas industry.

“Crystal Serenity” became the first cruise vessel licensed to operate and exploit casinos in Chilean waters, reported this week the country’s Casino Games Commission, SCJ. However the ruling also points out that the company authorized to operate the on board casinos must suspend gambling during docking and departure and while sailing inside the three miles.

Mexican economist Alejandro Werner was named on Tuesday to the position of IMF Director, Western Hemisphere Department. His appointment will become effective early in January 2013. Mr. Werner succeeds Mr. Nicolas Eyzáguirre, who resigned effective July 26, 2012.

South America’s crop prospects deteriorated because of excessive rainfall in Argentina and dry conditions in central Brazil, according to Oil World. Argentina’s estimated 55/56 million tons soybean crop could drop anywhere from 3 6o 6 million tons because of delays in sowing caused by torrential rains and flooding.

Argentina’s real estate sector is already feeling the negative consequences of the ‘dollar-clamp’ implemented by the government of President Cristina Fernandez a year ago, and in 2013 the effect could have an even greater impact for the construction industry.

Argentina will use all legal means to defend its position against a US court ruling that would force the country to repay creditors who sued to collect on defaulted Argentine bonds, Economy Minister Hernan Lorenzino reiterated in Mexico.

The Uruguayan government confirmed on Monday a raft of measures to attract Argentine tourists and compensate the restrictions in Argentina to purchase foreign currency (dollar-clamp) and the 15% retention fund for credit or debit cards operations outside the country.