International

Thursday, April 10th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Targeting short-term inflation ECB leaves Euro rates on hold

The European Central Bank left interest rates on hold at 4% highlighting concern about accelerating short-term inflation pressures and the acknowledgement of a protracted period of economic uncertainty stemming from the global credit crisis.
Thursday, April 10th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Yuan up 4.3% against US dollar in 2008; 18.3% since Jul 05

The Chinese currency broke this week the psychological benchmark of seven Yuan to the US dollar which could signal a change of policy in Beijing since a stronger currency should help fight inflation and makes food and energy prices cheaper.
Thursday, April 10th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World Bank warns about rising food prices and poverty

World Bank President Robert Zoellick called Thursday for a “New Deal” on global food policy to address hunger and emergency situations in developing countries such as Haiti because of rising food prices.
Wednesday, April 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chile and England have the highest wave energy potential

Chile is the country with the highest wave energy potential in the world, the British engineering consultant Baird & Associates reported last week. According to company officials, wave energy along Chile's coast can satisfy up to 24% of the country's energy demand in summer and 26% in winter.
Wednesday, April 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
IMF forecasts one in four chance of global recession

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the world economy will grow much more slowly in the next two years as a result of the credit crunch. In its latest economic forecast, the IMF says that world economic growth will slow to 3.7% in 2008 and 2009, 1.25% lower than growth in 2007.
Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon: climate change, major threat to human health

Top United Nations officials have warned that global warming and its effects, including a rise in air and sea temperatures and extreme weather patterns endanger not only the planet but also pose a major threat to human health.
Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU divided over maritime safety laws and civil liability

European Union ministers rejected Monday two Brussels maritime safety laws by a large majority. The proposed directives on flag state control and civil liability for ship owners received the support of fewer than seven of the 27 EU member states at a council of ministers meeting in Luxembourg, according to Lloyd's List portal.
Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean Patagonia dams controversy reaches NY Times

Another controversy has erupted in The New York Times involving Chile and a project to build hydroelectric dams in Patagonia, an initiative which is being questioned by international environmentalists groups.
Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chinese banks may now invest in US stocks and funds

Chinese banks may now invest their clients' money in United States stocks and mutual funds, China's banking regulator has said allowing them to diversify their portfolios at a time of increasing market volatility. The decision announced this week is also expected to help ease inflationary pressures in the world's fastest growing economy.
Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Spain to halt economic decline with US style incentive package

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero promised short-term measures and US style incentives to halt an economic decline, especially in the construction sector, over his second term.