International

Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Unemployment in Spain soars to 12 year high, 11.3%

The number of unemployed people in Spain in October reached a 12-year high of 11.3%, according to the Labour Ministry, the highest level in Europe.
Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
PM Brown tells banks lower rates must benefit consumers

The Bank of England slashed interest rates to a 53-year low in a dramatic attempt to rescue the UK economy from deep recession. The 1.5 percentage points cut by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday is the biggest single move since March 1981 and brings rates to levels not seen since 1955.
Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
ECB admits further rate cuts; claims of “too little, too late”

The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 50 basis points to 3.25% on Thursday and signalled another reduction was possible next month, as inflation pressures ease and the Euro zone faces its first recession.
Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
IMF: support efforts “take time”; fiscal stimulus needed

The International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook (WEO) says prospects for global growth have deteriorated over the past month and will slow from 5% in 2007 to 3.75% this year and just over 2% in 2009.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Dramatic drop in maritime transport of commodities, says UNCTAD

A United Nations report released Tuesday shows that international seaborne trade surged to record levels last year but has since declined because of the financial crisis, jeopardizing the health of many developing countries, especially those that depend on commodities.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Pascal Lamy wants a second term as head of WTO

The World Trade Organization's French director-general Pascal Lamy will seek another four-year term heading the body that sets rules for global commerce.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China, Taiwan sign landmark trade and transport agreements

China and Taiwan signed this week landmark agreements to improve direct trade and transport links, following the highest-level Chinese visit in decades. The agreements are set to triple the number of weekly direct passenger flights and allow cargo shipments between ports in China and Taiwan. They also aim to improve the postal service and food safety.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UN Uruguayan forces instructed to open fire in Goma defence

Uruguayan peace keeping forces are under instructions from United Nations to protect the Congolese city of Goma, which is threatened by advancing rebels led by Laurent Nkunda, according to statements from Alain Le Roy, head of UN peace keeping operations.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Africa celebrates Obama; public holiday in Kenya

Kenya has declared Thursday a public holiday to celebrate the election of Barack Obama to the US presidency. Mr Obama's father was from Kenya and his victory has prompted jubilation across the country.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Historic high level talks between Taiwan and Beijing in Taipei

Taiwan and China held their first high-level talks in Taipei in 60 years on Tuesday, with communications, transport and food safety high in the agenda.