Economy

Thursday, February 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
ECB warns about medium term risks to price stability

The European Central Bank, ECB, decided Thursday to keep its key interest rate on hold at 3.5%, but pointed out that “strong vigilance” remains essential to ensure that “risks to price stability over the medium term do not materialize”.
Thursday, February 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Bank of England leaves rates unchanged at 5.25%

The Bank of England left interest rates unchanged at 5.25% following a surprise rise last month. In January, the Bank increased rates from 5.0% to 5.25% in an attempt to curb inflation, which had hit an 11-year high of 3% the month before.
Wednesday, February 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US Fed chief warns about growing economic inequality

United States Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday that while on average economic well-being has increased for US citizens the degree of inequality in economic outcomes has raised as well.
Wednesday, February 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
China, the locomotive for Latinamerican expansion

Latinamerica could experience a trade boom in the next five to ten years if China sustains its current rates of growth said Andres Solimano from the UN Economic Commission for Latinamerica, CEPAL.
Wednesday, February 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela prepares an anti inflation package

Venezuela is preparing a package of measures to contain inflation which begun 2007 with a 2% in January, announced Ricardo Sanguino chairman of the Congressional Finance Committee.
Tuesday, February 6th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Global warming could destroy Chile's economy

Global warming, a phenomenon now confirmed worldwide by scientific journals and international forums, will have devastating effects on the Chilean agricultural industryÃÂ¢€”perhaps the country's most important economic activity. The most threatening problem is the likely appearance of agricultural pests, from which Chile has heretofore been free.
Tuesday, February 6th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
“Imported farm labour” proposal sparks controversy in Chile

Chile's Exporters Association (Asoex) proposed last week the introduction of foreign workers to make up for “a scarcity of labour” in Chile's agricultural workforce. Critics accused Asoex president Ronald Brown of seeking to profit from poorly paid foreign labour on temporary contracts.
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur helps Bolivia combat FAM outbreaks

Several Mercosur members have offered Bolivia to “unite efforts” and help control “as soon as possible” the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Bolivia declared last week a “state of emergency” following the confirmation of outbreaks in three counties in Santa Cruz province.
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian negotiator pessimistic about Doha round conclusion

Brazil's chief negotiator at the Doha Round of trade talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO) accused United States of moving “countercurrent” regarding the liberalization of global agricultural trade and expressed uncertainty that negotiations can conclude this year.
Thursday, February 1st 2007 - 20:00 UTC
IMF “shape up” policy includes selling gold reserves

A report by a Committee of Eminent Persons advised the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday to sell 400 tons of its gold reserves as part of a new strategy to set the Fund's finances on a sustainable basis.