International

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 22:32 UTC

  South Korea leaves basic rate unchanged at 2.75%; inflation running at 4%

  

  South Korea's central bank has left its main interest rate unchanged at 2.75%, bucking a trend that has seen borrowing costs rise across Asia as policymakers try to slow inflation.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 18:51 UTC

  China “not too worried” about India/Brazil’s criticism of Yuan policy

  

  In spite of United States inciting Brazil and India to criticise China's currency policy, Beijing need “not worry too much” because it can defuse the tension through talks, according to Chinese officials.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:59 UTC

  Egyptian military promise constitutional referendum in 2 months

  

  Egyptian pro-democracy activist Wael Ghonim said Monday the country's new military rulers have promised him that a referendum will be held on a revised constitution in two months.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:53 UTC

  China’s trade surplus drops considerably in January ahead of G-20 meeting

  

  China's trade surplus fell to its lowest in nine months in January after imports surged, supporting the government's case ahead of a G20 meeting that it is doing enough to spur domestic demand without speeding up currency appreciation.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:46 UTC

  Germany opposed to ECB buying sovereign bonds from indebted members

  

  Germany's hopes for the next European Central Bank (ECB) chief to be a German have been hit after another possible candidate ruled himself out of the job. Ex-finance minister Peer Steinbrueck said he was not interested in the role as he shared the same views as outgoing Bundesbank President Axel Weber.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:42 UTC

  Russia’s massive privatization drive takes off with sale of stake in main bank

  

  Russia has raised 96 billion roubles (3.3 billion USD) from the sale of a 10% stake in the country's second biggest bank, VTB. The sale marks the start of the government's huge privatisation drive aimed at raising 1 trillion roubles over three years.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:11 UTC

  People in the mood of throwing away despots: who’s next?

  

  By Tanveer Jafri - February 11, 2011 has gone down the pages of history as a day when 82 years old Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, as a result of the people’s anger, had to escape his Presidential palace after 30 years of autocratic rule.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 14:48 UTC

  Rail alternative to the Panama Canal proposed by China to Colombia

  

  A rail alternative to the Panama Canal built by China is being considered by Colombia in a move that would boost trade between Asia and South America. The 220 kilometers 'dry canal' would link Colombia’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail, according to Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 05:55 UTC

  Whaling shipwreck linked to “Moby Dick” discovered offshore Hawai

  

  US marine archaeologists have found the sunken whaling ship belonging to the captain who inspired Herman Melville's classic 19th Century novel, Moby Dick. The remains of the vessel, the Two Brothers was found in shallow waters off Hawaii.

• Monday, February 14th 2011 - 05:48 UTC

  Alleging national security, China plans to review foreign attempts to buy local companies

  

  China is launching a body to review foreign attempts to buy local companies in a move that might add to strains over access to its markets.