Economy

Thursday, May 5th 2016 - 16:53 UTC
COSCO's “Andronikos” will make the first ceremonial transit of Expanded Panama Canal

China COSCO Shipping has won the draw for its container vessel Andronikos to make the ceremonial first transit through the Expanded Panama Canal during the waterway's inauguration on Sunday, June 26. The vessel, which has a maximum capacity of 9,400 TEUs, is 48.25 meters in beam and 299.98 meters in length.
Thursday, May 5th 2016 - 12:27 UTC
ECB will stop printing €500 notes in 2018 to help combat money launderers and criminals

The European Central Bank has announced it will stop printing €500 notes in 2018. It says the move is to stop the notes being used by money launderers and criminals. In effect they are easily transportable. A million Euros in €500 notes weighs 2.2 kilograms and can be carried in a laptop bag.
Thursday, May 5th 2016 - 12:09 UTC
European farmers march in Dublin to protest trade negotiations with Mercosur

European farmers took to the streets of Dublin outside the EU Commission offices to highlight the potential “sellout” of the multi-billion-euro beef industry in trade talks with Mercosur. Concerns have been rising over discussions at EU level over the impact a deal with Mercosur would have on Ireland's €2.5bn beef industry, which depends on EU markets for over 90% of its exports.
Thursday, May 5th 2016 - 11:27 UTC
Petrobras sells stakes in Argentina and Chile, part of major divestment plan

Brazil’s state-run oil firm Petrobras said it has concluded the sale of its 67.2% stake in Petrobras Argentina to Argentina’s Pampa Energía for US$ 892 million, according to a securities filing. Petrobras also sold all of Petrobras Chile Distribución to Southern Cross Group for about US$ 490 million as part of its divestment program, the company said.
Thursday, May 5th 2016 - 09:42 UTC
Argentina farm exports soar in first quarter following elimination of taxes and controls

Argentine farm exports rocketed 68% higher in the first quarter compared to the same 2015 period, thanks to new policies that prompted growers to sell stockpiles built up under the previous administration, the government announced.
Wednesday, May 4th 2016 - 08:40 UTC
Argentine unions claim April inflation reached 5% and 40.85% in 12 months

Inflation in Argentina during April reached 5.02% and 40,85% in the last twelve months according to the unions umbrella organization CGT Economic and Social observatory, which was released on Tuesday.
Wednesday, May 4th 2016 - 08:26 UTC
Irish farmers will march against Mercosur deal at the EC offices in Dublin

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) is to protest on Wednesday May 4, in Dublin against the proposed Mercosur and TTIP trade deals. The protest will take place outside the offices of the European Commission in the Irish capital.
Tuesday, May 3rd 2016 - 12:02 UTC
Euro zone economy expands faster than expected in the first quarter

The Euro-zone's economy grew by a faster-than-expected 0.6% in the first three months of the year, according to official statistics. The growth rate in the 19-nation bloc doubled from the 0.3% rate recorded in the previous quarter, and was above analysts' expectations of 0.4%.
Tuesday, May 3rd 2016 - 08:57 UTC
Falklands' Illex squid catches very sparse; Loligo, 'a bit more cheerful'

Falkland Islands' Illex squid catches are still very sparse, now standing at 2,373 tons, “which is obviously very low and does not go far when spread across the 105 vessels in the fishery,” said Director of Natural Resources John Barton, interviewed by Penguin News.
Tuesday, May 3rd 2016 - 06:00 UTC
Venezuela's explosive situation makes Pope Francis send a “personal letter” to Maduro

Pope Francis has sent a “personal letter” to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in which he addresses his concern over the “seriousness” of “the county’s situation”, revealed papal spokesman Federico Lombardi confirmed to journalists this weekend.