International

Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
“Smaller China and India” makes IMF lower 2007 global growth

The International Monetary Fund said this week it had lowered its 2007 global growth estimate by one-half percentage point after recent data showed economies of China and India were smaller than previously thought.
Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China to freeze basics and energy ahead of Lunar New Year

China will introduce partial price freezes on basic commodities such as gas and oil and crack down on profiteering, hoarding and other activities fuelling inflation, the government announced on Wednesday. Government officials are concerned about prices next month when the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
World Bank forecasts modest global growth of 3.3% in 2008

The global economy is expected to slow to a modest 3.3% growth in 2008, but things could worsen if United States slips into recession, the World Bank said this week in a report on “Global Economic Prospects 2008”.
Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cheapest car for $2,500; targets Indian families

Tata Motors Ltd., India's largest truckmaker, unveiled the country's cheapest car, pricing it at 100,000 rupees ($2,500) as it aims to convince the nation's 45 million motorcycle riders to trade up to four wheels.
Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Wall Street bank job for Tony Blair, will continue Mideast role

Tony Blair is to take a job with a major Wall Street bank which is likely to earn him around £500,000 a year. The former Prime Minister will work part-time providing political and strategic advice to JP Morgan in the first of a number of similar positions in the private sector.
Thursday, January 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Antarctic Airbus returns from first flight

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has arrived in Antarctica on the historic first passenger flight linking the white continent with Australia.
Wednesday, January 9th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Possible alternative 2008 “Dakar Rally” in central Europe

Dakar Rally organizers are considering a race through central Europe this spring to replace the event that was cancelled due to security concerns, the head of the Czech KM Racing Team said on Monday to French sources.
Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Central bankers' dilemma: liquidity or inflation risks

European Central Bank (ECB) chief Jean-Claude Trichet is “very satisfied” with central banks' coordinated action to help banks hit by the credit crunch. The US Federal Reserve, the ECB and central banks from the UK, Canada and Switzerland injected billions to calm money markets in December.
Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Australia to begin sea-air surveillance of Japanese whalers

Australia will begin sea- and air-based surveillance of Japan's whaling fleet this week foreign affairs minister Stephen Smith announced this week. Australia's center-left Labor government anticipated it would step up action to block Japan from its annual whale hunt, including sending a surveillance plane and a customs ship to gather evidence for a possible international legal challenge.
Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Believe it or not: Brits richer than US citizens in 2008

United Kingdom living standards are set to overtake those in the United States this year for the first time since the 19th century, research has claimed. The UK's GDP is expected to rise to £23,500 per person during 2008, £250 more than the £23,250 GDP per head predicted for Americans, according to Oxford Economics.