Economy

Sunday, June 10th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
IMF “proud” of Lula da Silva's handling of Brazilian economy

The International Monetary Fund praised the performance and management of the Brazilian economy during the last few years and forecasted that the strong Brazilian currency, Real, offers more opportunities to open the economy both financially and commercially.
Sunday, June 10th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Almost 14% of Chilean population described as poor or indigent

The latest poll on Socioeconomic characterization of the Chilean population shows that since 1990 the number of Chileans living in “poverty conditions” has dropped to almost half, but still over two million continue to be poor including half a million indigent.
Sunday, June 10th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
US opens its market for fresh blueberries from Uruguay

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced the publication in the Federal Register of the proposed rule for the importation of blueberries from Uruguay to the US.
Friday, June 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Main emerging economies demand greater say in global affairs

The world's five main emerging economies called Thursday for a greater say in the global decision-making process. The leaders of India, China, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa issued the call at a meeting to coordinate their positions ahead of Friday's session with the Group of Eight (G8) in the German resort of Heiligendamm.
Friday, June 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Weak dollars help surprise drop in April US trade deficit

The United States trade deficit fell unexpectedly in April to 58.5 billion US dollars, helped by the weak dollar which makes US exports more competitive and depresses demand for imports.
Thursday, June 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
With inflation under control Brazil lowers basic rate to 12%

Brazil's Central Bank on Wednesday shaved 50 points of the Selic reference interest rate which now stands at 12% a historic low and in line with market expectations.
Thursday, June 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Euro basic interest rate hiked to 4% and further rises hinted

The European Central Bank raised its key interest rate by 25 points to 4% Wednesday and hinted that further hikes could come to tame inflation in a dynamic euro-zone economy.
Thursday, June 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay's May inflation 0.76% and 5.37% in five months

Uruguay's consumer prices index increased 0.76% in May, totaling 5.37% in the first five months of the year and 8.25% in the last twelve months, according to the country's Statistics Institute.
Thursday, June 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Spain needs more immigrants to sustain economic growth

Immigrants who live and work in Spain generated over half of the country's economic growth in the last five years, according to the report “España 2007” from the Encuentro Foundation which estimates that foreigners living in Spain represent 10% of total population, almost 4.5 million people.
Thursday, June 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela and allies after defense bloc and development bank

President Hugo Chavez called for the creation of a common defense pact between Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivia and announced the creation of a development bank to finance joint projects for the four countries.