International

• Thursday, June 21st 2018 - 08:03 UTC

  IMF Executive Board approves US$50bn Stand-By Arrangement for Argentina

  

  The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved on Wednesday a three-year Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Argentina amounting to US$50 billion (equivalent to SDR 35.379 billion, or about 1,110 percent of Argentina’s quota in the IMF).

• Thursday, June 21st 2018 - 07:46 UTC

  Siemens UK claims current Brexit scenario “very difficult...we don't know what we are planning for”

  

  United Kingdom should remain in the customs union after Brexit unless there is a proper alternative, the boss of Siemens UK has said. Jürgen Maier, chief executive of the German firm's UK operations, told Reuters contingency planning for Brexit was “very difficult” as “we don't know... what we are planning for”.

• Thursday, June 21st 2018 - 07:27 UTC

  “A crucial step” for Theresa May: Parliament passes EU Withdrawal Bill

  

  Theresa May has welcomed the passing of the Brexit bill through Parliament as “a crucial step” in delivering a “smooth and orderly Brexit”. Peers accepted the amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill sent to them from the House of Commons, meaning the bill now goes for Royal Assent, becoming law.

• Thursday, June 21st 2018 - 06:55 UTC

  A good one for Macri: MSCI decides to reclassify Argentina as an emerging market

  

  Index provider MSCI said on Wednesday it will reclassify Argentina as an emerging market and begin including Saudi Arabia in that classification, sharply broadening the investor base for both countries in a move that could be supportive of their equity markets. The decisions will be effective beginning in mid-2019.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 22:50 UTC

  Internet Blackout against student cheating in Algeria

  

  Algerian authorities shot down the internet access for two hours on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of high school diploma exams, the first in a series of internet blackouts to stop students cheating, AFP journalists in Algiers reports.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 09:12 UTC

  Kim in China underlines “friendship, unity and cooperation” with Beijing

  

  Kim Jong Un declared North Korea's unstinting “friendship, unity and cooperation” with Beijing during his third visit to China this year, in a show of loyalty to his main ally following a landmark summit with US President Donald Trump.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 08:50 UTC

  Cuba actively promotes foreign investment to prop the economy

  

  The Cuban government opened on Monday the 3rd Edition of International Convention and Exhibition of Cuban Industry (CubaIndustria 2018), seeking to attract foreign investors to revitalize the country's economy.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 08:31 UTC

  Global Index decides on Wednesday if it includes Argentina and Saudi Arabia

  

  Global index compiler MSCI is considering including Argentina and Saudi Arabia in its emerging market indexes at a review of its widely-tracked benchmark on Wednesday, and could potentially announce candidates that may join its indexes in future.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 08:24 UTC

  Brexit bill (and Theresa May) face crucial vote in a divided House

  

  Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans were rejected by parliament’s upper chamber on Monday, setting up a confrontation with pro-EU MPs later this week which will test her ability to lead a minority government.

• Wednesday, June 20th 2018 - 08:10 UTC

  Emotional tribute of Dutch Queen Maxima to her deceased younger sister

  

  Argentine born Dutch Queen Maxima on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to her beloved late younger sister, who was found dead earlier this month in Buenos Aires in a suspected suicide. In a rare public and personal speech – her first public appearance since the death – the queen thanked all those who have sent letters and messages following the death earlier this month of Inés Zorreguieta, her younger sister.