United States

Thursday, February 12th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
US federal budget 2009 shortfall could reach one trillion

The US budget deficit widened more than economists forecast in January as spending soared and corporate tax receipts shrank, putting the Treasury on course for a record annual shortfall of more than one trillion USD.
Wednesday, February 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Geithner unveils 1.5 trillion bail-out plan and toxic fund

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has unveiled a comprehensive bank bail-out plan worth at least 1.5 trillion US dollars. Under the plan, the size of a key Federal Reserve lending program will be expanded to 1 trillion from 200 billion.
Tuesday, February 10th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
China's January car sales overtake US, leading world market

China car sales topped the US for the first time last January totalling 735,500, a 14% drop, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said on Tuesday in an e-mailed statement today. That compares with a 37% plunge to 656,693 in the US, the world's largest auto market last year.
Tuesday, February 10th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Now Congress two houses must match Obama stimulus plan

The US Senate has passed an economic stimulus plan expected to cost some 838 billion US dollars. The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 61-37 to approve the measure, with few Republicans opting to back it.
Tuesday, February 10th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
UK bank bosses told Parliament they are “profoundly sorry”

Former bosses at bailed-out banks Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and HBOS have said they are “profoundly sorry” and admitted they under-estimated the extent of the financial crisis.
Monday, February 9th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Bilateral trade talks between EU and each Andean country

Delegates from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru begin Monday in Bogotá the first round of negotiations to reach a trade agreement with the European Union which should be completed by mid year.
Friday, February 6th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
US lost 598.000 jobs during January; unemployment, 7.6%

The US unemployment rate rose to 7.6% in January, up from 7.2% in December, according to official figures released on Friday. The rise puts the unemployment rate at the highest level since 1992.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
US Senate softens controversial “Buy American” clause

The US Senate has voted to soften a controversial “Buy American” clause in an economic recovery package, after warnings it might spark a trade war. The clause had sought to ensure only US iron, steel and manufactured goods were used in projects funded by the bill.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
“Buy American” adds protectionism fears to global crisis

United States President Barack Obama has said he wants to avoid economic stimulus measures that would signal protectionism or spark a trade war. Mr Obama was responding to international criticism of a “Buy American” clause in the 800 billion US dollars economic recovery package.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Fed extends currency swap lines to Brazil and Mexico

The extension of a US Federal Reserve currency swap line to Brazil shows confidence in South America's largest economy, Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles said on Tuesday.