Economy

Saturday, July 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Volatility hits regional sovereign bonds risk assessment

Chile's country risk assessment shot this week to its highest level since August 2003 but is still the lowest in Latinamerica. International volatility with investors selling stocks and higher risk bonds and moving into more stable US bonds is seen as the cause behind the events of last week.
Friday, July 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Global stock markets plunge on fears of credit crunch

United States Treasuries surged Thursday in a flight to safety as stocks plunged in the US and Europe on growing fears of a global credit crunch and weaker than expected economic data.
Friday, July 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
US calls on Argentina to honor repudiated sovereign debt

The American Task Force Argentina (ATFA) applauded Wednesday the US Government for formally stating for the first time that the government of Argentina must honor the repudiated sovereign debts owed to international creditors, “including over 20 billion US dollars in default claims by international bondholders” and that these lingering issues “adversely impact Argentina's investment climate”.
Friday, July 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
US economy surprises with strong 3.4% growth in Q2

The United States economy grew faster than expected over the past three months, 3.4% on an annual basis, the best quarterly performance since early 2006. In the previous quarter the economy expanded 0.6%.
Friday, July 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Week ends with global share sell-off fears unabated

Unite States stock markets dropped sharply Friday, extending a global share sell-off amid fears about the effect of higher interest rates on the world economy. There are growing concerns that higher rates will hit corporate profits and takeover deals, and dent consumer spending.
Thursday, July 26th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
US slowdown makes China largest contributor to global growth

The International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for growth in the global economy for this year to 5.2%, up form its April forecast of 4.9%.
Thursday, July 26th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine peso looses ground for third day in a row

The Argentine peso slid for the third day in a row, hitting four-year lows against the US dollar in the range of 3.15/3.20 while the stock market recovered at the end of the day after having lost ground earlier.
Tuesday, July 24th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
EU urges China more surveillance about product safety

The European Union urged China on Monday to be more vigilant about product safety, from toothpaste to pet food, and to provide more information about the measures it takes against manufacturers of fake or shoddy exports.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil after Mercosur waiver to hike tariffs on shoes and textiles

Brazil is considering requesting a waiver from Mercosur with the purpose of hiking the common external tariff (AEC) on shoes and textiles from 20 to 35%, if Uruguay refuses to accept the proposal, reports the Sao Paulo press.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Massive loss of crops in Chile with little or no insurance

Chile's Central valley fruit and vegetable growers were not prepared for this winter's freezing weather in more ways than one. Agriculture authorities reported that only 8% of the crops destroyed by icy weather were insured against the cold.