Economy

Monday, December 4th 2017 - 14:29 UTC
Despite a poor November, Brazilian trade surplus is 43% higher year to year

Brazil's trade balance posted a US$ 3.546 billion surplus in November, 31.8% lower than the US$ 5.201 billion in October and 25.4% down from November 2016, according to government data.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 08:56 UTC
Hard Brexit puts at risk the Good Friday Agreement, Tony Blair tells BBC

The Good Friday Agreement is “at risk because of Brexit” after the UK leaves the EU, former prime minister Tony Blair has told the BBC. UK and Irish membership of the EU was “central” to the 1998 deal, he told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend. Free movement on the border had been key to reaching an agreement, he said.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:33 UTC
US Congress begins work on major tax reform compromise bill

United States House and Senate lawmakers return to Capitol Hill on Monday to begin working on a major tax cut compromise bill -- just two days after GOP senators narrowly approved their chamber’s plan on a 51-to-49 vote. The House, which has a larger Republican majority, approved its version last month.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:27 UTC
Tusk warns UK on post-Brexit offer: “if unacceptable for Ireland, is also unacceptable for EU”

The EU will refuse Britain’s demand for talks on a post-Brexit transition and future trade pact if Ireland is not satisfied with London’s offer on border arrangements with Northern Ireland, European Council President Donald Tusk said this weekend.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:11 UTC
UK cabinet minister tells hardliners: “it's Brexit or no Brexit; Support PM May”

There will be no Brexit at all unless Theresa May is supported, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt warned saying it was not about a choice between “this Brexit and that Brexit”. He was speaking as leading Brexit campaigners issued demands for Mrs May before agreeing any payments to the EU, including ending the European court's jurisdiction the moment the UK leaves.
Saturday, December 2nd 2017 - 09:45 UTC
Argentina climbs one level in Moody's rating, but still below investment grade

Argentina’s credit rating was raised one level by Moody’s Investors Service as President Mauricio Macri’s macroeconomic reform policies seem to have started to take hold, bolstering optimism about the nation’s long-term prospects.
Saturday, December 2nd 2017 - 09:25 UTC
Uruguay estimates that 2017/18 could be a turning point after several poor cruise seasons

After several seasons of negative growth, 2017/18 looks to be the turning point, with 165 calls, up 15, and 300.000 visitors in Uruguay, (Montevideo and Punta del Este) anticipated Tourism minister Liliam Kechichian during the symbolic launching of the season in Montevideo.
Friday, December 1st 2017 - 18:40 UTC
Europe in a divided vote renews the glyphosate license for another five years

European countries have voted to renew the license of glyphosate, a widely used weed killer at the centre of environmental concerns. The proposal at the EU Commission's Appeal Committee got 18 votes in favor and nine against, with one abstention, ending months of deadlock.
Friday, December 1st 2017 - 18:38 UTC
Brazilian crucial pension reform bill needs 308 votes, but is still 46 short

Brazil’s lower house Speaker Rodrigo Maia said on Monday he will try to pass a fiscally crucial pension reform bill this year in the chamber, but he told reporters he would only put the measure to the vote if it has enough support.
Friday, December 1st 2017 - 07:38 UTC
Falklands expecting a “pretty good” 2017/2018 cruise season

Despite the cancellation of two planned ship visits in November, Falkland Islands agencies are optimistic about the prospects for the 2017/18 cruise season. Carli Sudder of Sulivan Shipping Ltd told Penguin News she thought the season was looking “pretty good” with some new ships like Silver Muse (capacity 590) and the return of others like Island Sky (capacity 114).