United States

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.
Wednesday, January 28th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Partisan support for US economy recovery plan flags

US President Barack Obama has called for urgent action on his 825 billion US dollars economic recovery plan, saying the American people expect it. Republican lawmakers are increasingly vocal in opposing the bill, complaining it is too expensive and unworkable.
Wednesday, January 28th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Fed pledges to keep exceptional “low interest rates”

The United States Federal Reserve pledged to keep interest rates at “exceptionally low levels,” and use “all available tools” to promote the resumption of sustainable economic growth, as it warned that the outlook for the world's largest economy has weakened further in recent weeks.