Economy

• Saturday, September 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Rich countries slowdown threatens emerging economies

  While developing countries' economies are forecasted to expand by 6% this year that growth could potentially be checked by the slowdown in wealthier nations, according to a new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

• Friday, September 5th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  US economy “weak, soft or subdued”, says Federal Reserve

  

  The US economy is facing slow growth and higher prices, according to the most recent survey by the Federal Reserve. Economic activity was “weak, soft or subdued” across the country, said the Fed's latest Beige Book report.

• Thursday, September 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Inflation/growth dilemma leaves UK rates on hold at 5%

  

  The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided on Thursday to keep interest rates on hold at 5% for a fifth month as it struggles to deal with a slowing economy and soaring inflation.

• Thursday, September 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazil export beef ton average price soars 50% in 12 months

  

  During January to August 2008, Brazilian beef exports fell 22% year-on-year to 711,716 tonnes swt, while revenue was up 18% as average export prices increased 50% to 3818 US dollars ton swt.

• Thursday, September 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile's inflation seems to have peaked and begins to yield

  Chile's August Consumer Prices Index, CPI, increased 0.9% accumulating 6.5% in the first eight months of the year and 9.3% in the last twelve months (down from 9.5% in July/June), according to the latest release from the National Statistics Institute, INE.

• Thursday, September 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  ECB admits inflation and low growth prospects will persist

  

  With annual inflation rates likely to remain “well above levels consistent with stability” and the latest data confirming the “weakening of real GDP growth in mid 2008”, the European Central Bank, ECB, has left interest rates unchanged at 4.25%.

• Thursday, September 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Lamy confirms global trade talks posted to resume next week

  The Doha round global trade negotiations will resume “at senior official level” next Tuesday announced World Trade Organization Director General Pascal Lamy on Thursday in Oslo.

• Wednesday, September 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Venezuela private sector: inflation will reach 35% this year

  

  Venezuela's business chambers, Fedecamaras warned that inflation this year will reach 33 to 35%, several points ahead of the latest government estimate, caused mainly because of insufficient production and supply.

• Wednesday, September 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Airlines posted to loose USD 9.3 billion in 2008/09

  

  The global airline industry is expected to post losses of 5.2 billion US dollars this year and another 4.1 billion in 2009, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This year's losses are based on an average crude oil price of 113 US dollars per barrel and 140 US dollars for jet fuel.

• Wednesday, September 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  IMF agrees voluntary conduct code for sovereign funds

  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed a voluntary code of conduct with sovereign wealth funds (SWF). The deal with 26 countries that run investment funds will be put to the IMF members at its October meeting.