Economy

Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“Financial bubble” of the last 25 years coming to an end

Billionaire investor George Soros has given his gloomiest assessment of the state of the US and world economies. Speaking with BBC business editor Robert Peston Soros said that the “acute phase” of the credit crunch may be over but effects on the real economy are yet to be felt.
Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US bails out AIG with 85 billion USD; takes 80% stake

In a bid to save financial markets and economy from further turmoil the United States government agreed Tuesday evening to provide an 85 billion US dollars emergency loan to rescue the huge insurer AIG.
Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Barclays interested in other Lehman Brothers assets and staff

Barclays PLC said Wednesday it may pick up some of Lehman Brothers assets and employees in Europe and Asia, on top of the British bank's deal to acquire key US operations from the failed investment bank.
Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UK sponsors consolidation of Lloyds TSB and HBOS

British bank HBOS confirmed it is in advanced talks with Lloyds TSB about creating a United Kingdom retail banking giant worth £30 billion. The UK government has also said it will overrule any concerns that competition authorities may raise, BBC Business Editor Robert Peston said.
Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World malnourished soar to 925 million with global food crisis

The way out of the global food crisis, which has plunged at least 75 million more humans into hunger and poverty, lies in increased agricultural production, FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf told Italy's Parliament on Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US current account deficit increased 4.3% in second Q

United States current account trade deficit increased by 4.3% to 183.1 billion US dollars in the second quarter of this year, up from 175.6 billion in the first quarter, the US Commerce Department reported Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Citibank report warns Uruguay about higher inflation risks

Uruguay's fiscal deficit will be double the government's targets for 2008 and 2009 “increasing risks” for the coming year (which happens to be an electoral year). Clearly “expansive” monetary and fiscal policies together with mounting pressure for higher salaries and an “overheated economy” will sustain “strong” inflationary pressures this year and in 2009.
Tuesday, September 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uncertainties and “rough spots” ahead for world markets

Leading Asian markets plunged in the aftermath of the collapse of one of the US top investment banks, Lehman Brothers. Shares in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan were down by 4 to 6%, having been shut on Monday for a bank holiday.
Tuesday, September 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
IMF chief predicts end of independent investment banks

The global financial crisis is not over and more banks could close, possibly leading to the disappearance of independent investment houses, IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn told reporters in Cairo.
Tuesday, September 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Fed rate unchanged; injects 70 billion to boost liquidity

The United States Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 2% on Tuesday arguing slower economic growth but also warning about an inflation outlook “highly uncertain”.