Economy

Wednesday, August 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Food prices in the UK soared 13.7% in the last twelve months

UK's annual rate of inflation rose to 4.4% in July, its highest level since records began in 1997. The 0.6% rise was also the biggest monthly change since records began and took the figure to more than twice the government's target.
Wednesday, August 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Mercosur concerned with growing surge of Chinese imports

Argentina and Brazil have established a standing consultation round to monitor the strong increase in Chinese imports which is causing concern in both countries manufacturing sectors, according to Brazilian sources.
Tuesday, August 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Official July inflation further impairs Cristina's image

Argentina's Statistics and Census Office, Indec, announced Monday that July consumer prices index reached 0.4%, below analysts' forecasts and market estimates, further deteriorating the credibility of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration.
Tuesday, August 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World program to protect bees and help crop production

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that it will implement a new initiative to better protect bees, bats, birds and others that are essential to global crop production and biodiversity.
Tuesday, August 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay plans to regulate area dedicated to soy

The Uruguayan government is planning to implement a program of permit-requests for the sowing of soybeans the coming season as part of a plan for the conservation of the soil sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Tuesday, August 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Kirchners' Argentina debt rating drops to Paraguay level

Argentina's foreign debt rating was cut Monday by Standard & Poor's from B+ to B, five levels below investment grade and in line with countries such as Jamaica and Paraguay. Concerns over slower economic growth, lower tax revenue and mounting investor mistrust in inflation data which erodes confidence in the government have been decisive for the new rating.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina to buy 2008/98 bonds to help calm markets

The Argentine government announced the purchase of 2008 and 2009 bonds, --plus interest payments in advance-- in an effort to ease markets which have shown great anxiety over the political situation and economic slowdown of Argentina, particularly last week.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
High food prices turn Chileans to alternative markets

With food prices rising, a greater number of Santiago households appear to be turning to alternative food markets.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Euro slides beneath 1.50 US dollars as economy weakens

The Euro slid beneath the 1.50 US dollar Monday to 1.4966 amid concern over the Euro zone economic outlook and confidence that the European Central Bank won't raise interest rates anytime soon.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Fastest wholesale inflation expansion in China since 1996

China's main measure of wholesale inflation accelerated in July to its fastest since 1996, adding to headaches for the government as it tries to rein in surging consumer prices, according to data reported Monday.