United States

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.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Salary cap and perks disclosure for US bailed out companies

US President Barack Obama announced Wednesday his government will impose a salary cap of 500,000 US dollars for senior executives at companies receiving federal economic bailout funds.
Friday, January 30th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Topsy-turvy: US economy contracts 3.8%, below forecast

The US economy shrank at an annual rate of 3.8% in the last quarter of 2008, according to the latest report from the US Commerce Department. This is the worst performance of the US economy since 1982.
Thursday, January 29th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Record losses in Ford but “no need” for government aid

US carmaker Ford reported this week the biggest full-year loss in its history, but said it still was not going to ask for government loans. Ford said its net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was 5.9 billion dollars, and 14.6 billion for the whole year.