International

Saturday, October 17th 2009 - 10:27 UTC
US criticizes China’s Yuan “rigidity” and reserves accumulation

The US Treasury has criticised China for what it described as the lack of flexibility of the Chinese currency, the Yuan. It also criticised the rapid build-up of China's foreign exchange reserves in a report to the US Congress.
Saturday, October 17th 2009 - 10:26 UTC
UK Revenue looking into tax affaire of 27 Members of Parliament

The tax affairs of 27 British Members of Parliament are being investigated following inspections of their taxpayer-funded expenses payouts, it has emerged. It follows a warning from the head of HM Revenue and Customs Dave Hartnett in July that politicians would be placed under increased scrutiny in the wake of the exposure of their claims.
Friday, October 16th 2009 - 09:13 UTC
Hong Kong apartment establishes new record price: 57 million USD

A wealthy Chinese buyer has snapped up a luxury Hong Kong apartment for 57 million US dollars, thought to be a record price. The five-bedroom home is believed to be Asia's most expensive property - with each sq foot costing 9,200 USD.
Friday, October 16th 2009 - 06:57 UTC
South Georgia toothfish fishery recertified with flying colours

The South Georgia toothfish fishery has been recertified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery following its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) re-assessment, reports the September edition of the South Georgia Newsletter.
Friday, October 16th 2009 - 06:51 UTC
Spanish mayor calls for “extraordinary relations” with the Gibraltar government

Spain’s La Linea (*) new Mayor Alejandro Sanchez wants to have “extraordinary relations with the Gibraltar Government, the opposition and the rest of the Rock’s political class,” he said to the Gibraltar Chronicle, minutes after his election.
Friday, October 16th 2009 - 04:33 UTC
Overwhelming support for Brazil as member of the UN Security Council

Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria were elected Thursday to non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. They will serve two-year terms starting January 1 and will participate in decisions ranging from deploying U.N. peacekeepers to imposing sanctions.
Thursday, October 15th 2009 - 12:13 UTC
India and Argentina sign nuclear cooperation and trade agreements

India and Argentina signed a civil nuclear pact and nine other agreements to help boost bilateral trade and investment. Argentine President, Ms Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, on a state visit to India, signed the agreements after extensive discussions with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Thursday, October 15th 2009 - 12:08 UTC
Arctic ocean an “open sea” free of ice within a decade

The Arctic Ocean will be an “open sea” almost entirely free from ice within a decade, newly-released data has indicated. Ice cover during the summer months will have entirely disappeared within 20 years, but most of the decrease will happen before 2020, leaving the Arctic Ocean clear for marine transport.
Thursday, October 15th 2009 - 12:03 UTC
Dow Jones closest at its highest since October 2008: 10.015

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has topped the 10,000 mark for the first time in a year. World markets were boosted by the news that US bank JP Morgan Chase reported a better-than-expected profit in the July-to-September quarter. The Dow closed up 144.8 at 10,015.86, its highest since October 2008.
Thursday, October 15th 2009 - 11:58 UTC
Bovespa index at new high, having advanced 76% so far this year

Brazil's Bovespa stocks index and currency, the Real, extended recent rallies Wednesday to end at fresh highs not seen in more than a year. The main Sao Paulo stocks index ended 2.4% higher at a 16-month high of 66,201 points.