Category: Other
Fed avoids rate hike as oil bubble pauses
WASHINGTON, August 5, 2008 (AFP) – The Federal Reserve, in a widely predicted move, kept its main interest rate unchanged at 2.0 percent Tuesday citing concerns about sputtering economic growth and inflationary pressures. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rocketed 331 points to close at 11,615.77 as investors cheered the announcement, although tumbling oil prices also […]
Maldives heads for democracy amid political intrigue
August 06, 2008 (LBO) – Maldives is set to ratify a new constitution this week which will bring multi-party democracy the Indian Ocean tourist paradise, but the archipelago’s politics are already tainted with allegations of bribery amid fears of a constitutional crisis.Under that, an Elections Commission must be formed within 30 days, a Supreme Court […]
Intel reveals design for fast, efficient future chips
SAN FRANCISCO, August 4, 2008 (AFP) – Intel on Monday revealed details of a new generation of chips designed for video game lovers, multi-taskers, and people that want power-sipping computers adapted to increasingly mobile lifestyles.The world’s largest chip maker provided a glimpse of “multi-core” computer processing technology codenamed “Larrabee” that it plans to showcase next […]
Australian central bank leaves rates on hold as credit demand slows
SYDNEY, August 5, 2008 (AFP) – Australia’s central bank left interest rates unchanged Tuesday at a 12-year high of 7.25 percent and indicated borrowing costs could fall amid signs of an economic slowdown. “They’re clearly signaling the next move is down,” Oster said. The central bank said it still expected inflation to remain relatively high […]
Bangladesh eyes trade pacts with Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan after Doha collapse
DHAKA, 2008 (AFP) – Bangladesh is pursuing bilateral free trade deals with three neighbouring countries following the collapse of World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks for a global agreement, an official said Monday. If successful, the WTO’s so-called Doha round of talks would have reaped huge financial benefits for Bangladesh, giving the impoverished country a massive […]
Scores of Australians duped by Olympic ticket scam: reports
SYDNEY, August 4, 2008 (AFP) – Scores of Australians have been caught in an alleged global scam believed to have conned people worldwide into buying non-existent tickets to the Beijing Olympics, reports said Monday. The Sydney Morning Herald said one Brisbane man had spent 46,000 dollars (42,876 US) for tickets which never arrived while a […]
‘s takeover of Chinese steelmaker on hold: company
BEIJING, August 4, 2008 (AFP) – China Oriental said Monday a takeover of the firm by ArcelorMittal had stalled after Chinese regulators failed to give the green light to the proposed deal in the strategically key steel sector.China’s anti-trust regulator failed to approve the deal for ArcelorMittal to take a stake of more than 70 […]
S Korea unveils plans to become regional oil storage hub
SEOUL, August 4, 2008 (AFP) – South Korea, the world’s fifth largest crude importer, Monday announced plans for a regional oil storage hub to create new business opportunities and ensure energy security.Existing bunker facilities at the southern ports of Yeosu and Ulsan will be expanded to hold a combined 28 million barrels, said the Vice […]
Murdoch plans six new Indian regional TV channels
MUMBAI, August 4, 2008 (AFP) – Media mogul Rupert Murdoch on Monday announced plans to launch six new regional television channels in India, where the media is expanding at a frenetic pace.Murdoch has a strong television presence in Asia’s third-largest economy through leading broadcaster Star, a wholly owned subsidiary of the tycoon’s News Corp. “The […]
” to be housed in Bangladesh: Sri Lanka official
Aug 04, 2008 (LBO) – A South Asian ‘food bank’ to counter rising prices and perceived ‘shortages’ would be housed in Bangladesh, a Sri Lankan official said at the conclusion of a meeting of an eight nation regional grouping in Colombo.The food bank will have contributions from each country according to the size of its […]
Thousands of workers strike in inflation-battered Vietnam
HANOI, August 3, 2008 (AFP) – Thousands of workers have gone on strike in Vietnam, demanding higher wages to match the rising cost of living after inflation surged 27 percent year-on-year in July, media reported Saturday. Nearly 5,000 labourers downed tools from Friday at the Kingmaker footwear plant in the Vietnam-Singapore industrial zone in southern […]
Japan Inc suffers 15 percent profit fall in April-June: report
TOKYO, August 3, 2008 (AFP) – The pre-tax profit of major Japanese companies fell 15 percent year on year in the April-June quarter, weighed down by the US economic slowdown and price hikes, a survey showed on Sunday.The survey was conducted by the Nikkei business daily, covering 685 companies that had reported their quarterly earnings […]