http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8648970.stm
The investigation team includes American, Australian, Swedish and British experts, in part, to ensure that its conclusions are seen as free from South Korean political influence.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Greek Debt Yields Fall; German Comments Support
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36842485
Late on Wednesday, German chancellor Angela Merkel said negotiations between the Greek government, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union for the aid package must be accelerated.
Late on Wednesday, German chancellor Angela Merkel said negotiations between the Greek government, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union for the aid package must be accelerated.
Revaluing Yuan Not the Only Rebalancing Solution: IMF
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36838975
China's yuan remains undervalued, but increased currency flexibility is just part of a range of policies needed for rebalancing in Asia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday.
China's yuan remains undervalued, but increased currency flexibility is just part of a range of policies needed for rebalancing in Asia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday.
Merkel Tested as Escalating Greek Crisis Hurts Euro
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/world/europe/29germany.html
For months Mrs. Merkel played for time, talking tough on Greek debt and the need for Athens to institute strict austerity measures while hoping to stave off a bailout decision that many believe is inevitable until after voters in North Rhine-Westphalia go to the polls.
But some analysts say that the German people’s desire for stability, and particularly a stable currency, will ultimately outweigh their distaste at bailing out the Greeks.
Gerd Langguth, professor of political science at the University of Bonn, said the political fallout from joining in the rescue of Greece, including on the election in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, would be less than many had predicted.
“The people in Germany know that if this operation doesn’t work, the whole euro would be damaged and this is damage for Germany,” he said.
For months Mrs. Merkel played for time, talking tough on Greek debt and the need for Athens to institute strict austerity measures while hoping to stave off a bailout decision that many believe is inevitable until after voters in North Rhine-Westphalia go to the polls.
But some analysts say that the German people’s desire for stability, and particularly a stable currency, will ultimately outweigh their distaste at bailing out the Greeks.
Gerd Langguth, professor of political science at the University of Bonn, said the political fallout from joining in the rescue of Greece, including on the election in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, would be less than many had predicted.
“The people in Germany know that if this operation doesn’t work, the whole euro would be damaged and this is damage for Germany,” he said.
An official funeral is due to be held for 46 South Korean sailors who died when their warship sank last month.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8650091.stm
In the lead up to Thursday's mass funeral, thousands of mourners had been lining up at altars across the country to honour the lost sailors.
In the lead up to Thursday's mass funeral, thousands of mourners had been lining up at altars across the country to honour the lost sailors.
Euro Near 1-Year Low on Concern Europe’s Debt Crisis Will Widen
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aI1Q.RhW.85U&pos=2
The yen and dollar strengthened against most major currencies after Standard & Poor’s reduced Spain’s credit rating yesterday and signaled the 16-nation region’s debt problems are spreading.
The yen and dollar strengthened against most major currencies after Standard & Poor’s reduced Spain’s credit rating yesterday and signaled the 16-nation region’s debt problems are spreading.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Won ‘Mispricing’ Against Yen Attracts BlueGold’s Jen (Update2)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601110&sid=aTFQh7STV0r4
April 28 (Bloomberg) -- Buying the South Korean won and the Indian rupee against the yen is the best way to profit from Asia’s diverging economic growth prospects, according to BlueGold Capital Management LLP and Credit Agricole SA.
April 28 (Bloomberg) -- Buying the South Korean won and the Indian rupee against the yen is the best way to profit from Asia’s diverging economic growth prospects, according to BlueGold Capital Management LLP and Credit Agricole SA.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Portugal Suffering Greek Contagion Pressures EU Bonds (Update1)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=anJnPqMexHGM&pos=4
Portugal’s credit default swaps show investors rank its debt as the world’s eighth-riskiest, worse than for Lebanon and Guatemala.
Portugal’s credit default swaps show investors rank its debt as the world’s eighth-riskiest, worse than for Lebanon and Guatemala.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Iran could have missiles for US strike in five years
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/7614419/Iran-could-have-missiles-for-US-strike-in-five-years.html
The finding is significant as Washington gears its foreign policy to a mixture of regional threats and the chances of it being attacked itself. It carefully watches the development of North Korea's similar long-range missiles, which is approaching a level where America's western seaboard could be directly targeted.
The finding is significant as Washington gears its foreign policy to a mixture of regional threats and the chances of it being attacked itself. It carefully watches the development of North Korea's similar long-range missiles, which is approaching a level where America's western seaboard could be directly targeted.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
DPJ Seeks Bank of Japan Inflation Targets in Election Platform
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-20/dpj-seeks-bank-of-japan-inflation-targets-in-election-platform.html
DPJ lawmaker Akihiro Ohata, who heads the group compiling the manifesto, said he agreed with colleagues who called for a stronger commitment from the central bank to fight persistent falling prices. Finance Minister Naoto Kan yesterday said the government and the BOJ should work toward pushing inflation as high as 2 percent.
“The government will present numerical targets for beating deflation and prepare an environment so that the Bank of Japan can autonomously and boldly take monetary policies and secure coordination between the two,” the draft said. The party’s “manifesto” will be completed in late May before parliamentary upper house elections slated for July.
A group of 130 DPJ lawmakers last week proposed an inflation target of more than 2 percent and for the yen to weaken to around 120 per dollar.
DPJ lawmaker Akihiro Ohata, who heads the group compiling the manifesto, said he agreed with colleagues who called for a stronger commitment from the central bank to fight persistent falling prices. Finance Minister Naoto Kan yesterday said the government and the BOJ should work toward pushing inflation as high as 2 percent.
“The government will present numerical targets for beating deflation and prepare an environment so that the Bank of Japan can autonomously and boldly take monetary policies and secure coordination between the two,” the draft said. The party’s “manifesto” will be completed in late May before parliamentary upper house elections slated for July.
A group of 130 DPJ lawmakers last week proposed an inflation target of more than 2 percent and for the yen to weaken to around 120 per dollar.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
German April ZEW index jumps more than expected
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/german-april-zew-index-jumps-more-than-expected-2010-04-20
German Investor Confidence May Post First Gain in Seven Months
US summons Syrian diplomat over missile transfers to Hezbollah
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7102380.ece
With Iranian support, Hezbollah has replenished its arsenal beyond levels it had in 2006, according to a Pentagon report on Iran’s military sent to Congress and made public on Monday.
With Iranian support, Hezbollah has replenished its arsenal beyond levels it had in 2006, according to a Pentagon report on Iran’s military sent to Congress and made public on Monday.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Recovery Tilting to V-Shape as Profits Prompts Growth Revision
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aSDDLls1h3LA&pos=11
April 19 (Bloomberg) -- Surging profits are prompting economists to revise their estimates for growth, tilting the recovery more in the direction of a V-shape as businesses from Intel Corp. to JPMorgan Chase & Co. boost spending.
Aussie Drive to Parity Derailed by Yuan, Rate Outlook (Update2)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601010&sid=abm4uZnTI4z0
The currency is “fully priced,” said Scott Ainsbury, a New York-based money manager who helps invest about $9 billion at FX Concepts Inc., the world’s biggest foreign-exchange hedge fund. “It’s probably time to lighten up,” he said. The Aussie may weaken about 3 percent before rising by year-end.
The currency is “fully priced,” said Scott Ainsbury, a New York-based money manager who helps invest about $9 billion at FX Concepts Inc., the world’s biggest foreign-exchange hedge fund. “It’s probably time to lighten up,” he said. The Aussie may weaken about 3 percent before rising by year-end.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
S Korean ship blast finding
http://www.theage.com.au/world/s-korean-ship-blast-finding-20100416-skhl.html
An external blast appears to have caused the sinking of a South Korean warship near the disputed North Korean border three weeks ago, a chief investigator says.
An external blast appears to have caused the sinking of a South Korean warship near the disputed North Korean border three weeks ago, a chief investigator says.
31 bodies recovered as part of South Korean ship is raised
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=69376
The 1,200-ton Cheonan ripped in half and sank on the night of March 26 while on a routine patrol. Fifty-eight crew members were rescued that night, leaving 46 missing. Two bodies were recovered before Thursday, when 31 more were found, leaving the number of missing at 13.
The 1,200-ton Cheonan ripped in half and sank on the night of March 26 while on a routine patrol. Fifty-eight crew members were rescued that night, leaving 46 missing. Two bodies were recovered before Thursday, when 31 more were found, leaving the number of missing at 13.
China earthquake: death toll could reach 10,000
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7597627/China-earthquake-death-toll-could-reach-10000.html
The death toll from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit western China's remote Tibetan plateau will rise dramatically and could reach 10,000, locals said on Friday.
However, monks at Jiegu monastery said at least 1,000 corpses had arrived at their temple alone, and that four other monasteries had each collected a similar number.
The death toll from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit western China's remote Tibetan plateau will rise dramatically and could reach 10,000, locals said on Friday.
However, monks at Jiegu monastery said at least 1,000 corpses had arrived at their temple alone, and that four other monasteries had each collected a similar number.
Friday, April 16, 2010
China earthquake death toll rises to nearly 800
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/16/china-earthquake-death-toll-800
"Only seven or eight of the monks are left alive. All the rest have gone missing. The rescuers either can't find them or found their bodies," Danzeng Qiujiang, a senior cleric at the neighbouring Xiuma monastery, told reporters.
"Only seven or eight of the monks are left alive. All the rest have gone missing. The rescuers either can't find them or found their bodies," Danzeng Qiujiang, a senior cleric at the neighbouring Xiuma monastery, told reporters.
South Korea Says Ship Sank After ‘External Explosion’
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/world/asia/16korea.html
The result of the investigations, especially if North Korea were found guilty, could have tremendous implications not only for inter-Korean relations but also for international efforts to coax North Korea back to nuclear disarmament talks.
The result of the investigations, especially if North Korea were found guilty, could have tremendous implications not only for inter-Korean relations but also for international efforts to coax North Korea back to nuclear disarmament talks.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Singapore’s Revaluation May Spur China, South Korea (Update2)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aue8O9unyNUo&pos=7
Singapore’s currency revaluation may prompt policy makers in China, Indonesia and South Korea to start withdrawing monetary stimulus as economic growth in the region outpaces the rest of the world.
Singapore’s currency revaluation may prompt policy makers in China, Indonesia and South Korea to start withdrawing monetary stimulus as economic growth in the region outpaces the rest of the world.
WRAPUP 2-US retail sales up, economic recovery seen intact
* Retail sales rise strongly, autos give a boost
Eurozone industrial output beats forecasts
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/23baa2cc-47ad-11df-a4a6-00144feab49a.html
Output in the economy rose 0.9 per cent compared to January, against forecasts of no growth following several months of expansion, according to the European Commission’s statistical arm. Compared to February 2009, production is up 4.1 per cent – the most in two years.
Output in the economy rose 0.9 per cent compared to January, against forecasts of no growth following several months of expansion, according to the European Commission’s statistical arm. Compared to February 2009, production is up 4.1 per cent – the most in two years.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
China earthquake kills hundreds in Qinghai
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7589664/China-earthquake-kills-hundreds-in-Qinghai.html
More than 400 people were killed and 10,000 injured when a series of strong earthquakes struck the mountainous Tibetan Plateau in south-west China, collapsing schools, offices and thousands of mud-wall houses
More than 400 people were killed and 10,000 injured when a series of strong earthquakes struck the mountainous Tibetan Plateau in south-west China, collapsing schools, offices and thousands of mud-wall houses
President Obama warns against threat of nuclear terrorism
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35727.html
"I believe strongly that the problems of the 21st century cannot be solved by any one nation acting in isolation — they must be solved by all of us coming together," Obama declared.
Obama called for concrete actions, and not just rhetoric, from the countries at the summit. Those nations attending were required to make a significant, specific promise to advance the meeting's goal. White House officials are already hailing Chile's return of nuclear materials to the U.S., Canada's promise to return similar materials and Ukraine's pledge to get rid of all highly enriched uranium on its soil.
"I believe strongly that the problems of the 21st century cannot be solved by any one nation acting in isolation — they must be solved by all of us coming together," Obama declared.
Obama called for concrete actions, and not just rhetoric, from the countries at the summit. Those nations attending were required to make a significant, specific promise to advance the meeting's goal. White House officials are already hailing Chile's return of nuclear materials to the U.S., Canada's promise to return similar materials and Ukraine's pledge to get rid of all highly enriched uranium on its soil.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
UPDATE 1-Japan ruling party panel says seeks 120 yen per dlr
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE63C06620100413?type=usDollarRpt
he lawmakers also urged the central bank to carry out drastic monetary easing until deflation is completely beaten, a move that is likely to add pressure on the BOJ to do more to end price falls.
They said the government needs to set an annual consumer inflation target of over 2 percent, and that the BOJ should try to achieve the target through its own policy measures.
he lawmakers also urged the central bank to carry out drastic monetary easing until deflation is completely beaten, a move that is likely to add pressure on the BOJ to do more to end price falls.
They said the government needs to set an annual consumer inflation target of over 2 percent, and that the BOJ should try to achieve the target through its own policy measures.
Conservatives Pledge Urgent Steps to Cut U.K. Deficit (Update2)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a9asm6cRwqjQ&pos=9
The pledge on the economy was the first in a 119-page document in which the Conservatives also promised voters a greater say in how government services are run, calling for a “collective” effort to bring about “change.”
The pledge on the economy was the first in a 119-page document in which the Conservatives also promised voters a greater say in how government services are run, calling for a “collective” effort to bring about “change.”
Ukraine Uranium Agreement Gives Obama First Result From Summit
http://www.bloomberg.com/bb/n/acdDASD7uANI
April 13 (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine’s agreement to relinquish its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium gave President Barack Obama the first concrete result for a summit he convened on securing the world’s atomic material.
April 13 (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine’s agreement to relinquish its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium gave President Barack Obama the first concrete result for a summit he convened on securing the world’s atomic material.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Greek Rescue Plan Could Give Global Markets a Major Boost
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36397547
"The challenge of combining robust economic growth with draconian fiscal adjustment, both essential to reach debt sustainability, remains a formidable one," he wrote.
"The challenge of combining robust economic growth with draconian fiscal adjustment, both essential to reach debt sustainability, remains a formidable one," he wrote.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Twin brother identifies body of Polish president Jaroslaw Kaczynsk
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7094557.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093
Polish Parliament Speaker Bronislaw Komorowski, who became acting president following the crash, addressed his country on television.
"Poland is in mourning, we have suffered a dramatically painful loss," he said.
Polish Parliament Speaker Bronislaw Komorowski, who became acting president following the crash, addressed his country on television.
"Poland is in mourning, we have suffered a dramatically painful loss," he said.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Jarosław Kaczyński zidentyfikował ciała brata i bratowej
http://www.wprost.pl/ar/192015/Jaroslaw-Kaczynski-zidentyfikowal-ciala-brata-i-bratowej/?K=1&KI=202607
Prezes PiS Jarosław Kaczyński, który przybył na miejsce katastrofy samolotu TU-154 do Smoleńska, zidentyfikował zwłoki prezydenta Lecha Kaczyńskiego i jego żony Marii Kaczyńskiej.
Prezes PiS Jarosław Kaczyński, który przybył na miejsce katastrofy samolotu TU-154 do Smoleńska, zidentyfikował zwłoki prezydenta Lecha Kaczyńskiego i jego żony Marii Kaczyńskiej.
La production industrielle reste faible en février
http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2010/04/09/04016-20100409ARTFIG00352-la-production-industrielle-stable-en-fevrier-.php
De décembre à février, la production manufacturière a connu un net rebond par rapport au trois mois précédents, avec une progression de 2,1%. Les économistes de BNP Paribas tablent sur une hausse de 3% de la production industrielle en 2010. L'indicateur avancé PMI des directeurs d'achat laissent augurer d'une progression plus nette de la production industrielle dans les mois à venir.
De décembre à février, la production manufacturière a connu un net rebond par rapport au trois mois précédents, avec une progression de 2,1%. Les économistes de BNP Paribas tablent sur une hausse de 3% de la production industrielle en 2010. L'indicateur avancé PMI des directeurs d'achat laissent augurer d'une progression plus nette de la production industrielle dans les mois à venir.
North-South Divide May Hurt Euro Region More Than Greek Crisis
The euro also has made exports from southern countries “overpriced,” said Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels.
Obama Nuclear Summit to Focus on Smuggled Materials for Weapons
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMVjS5z4UIg4&pos=9
The summit follows Obama’s signing yesterday in Prague of a landmark treaty with Russia to reduce each nation’s nuclear arsenal by about one-third. The accord was signed days after the president announced a shift in U.S. policy to focus more on the threat from extremist groups and nations such as Iran and North Korea rather than confrontation with nuclear powers such as Russia.
Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups “are pursuing the material to build nuclear weapons, and we know that they have the intent to use one,” Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, said on the call. He spoke from Air Force One as Obama returned from Prague.
Nuclear terrorism is the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, Obama said in Prague in April 2009.
The summit follows Obama’s signing yesterday in Prague of a landmark treaty with Russia to reduce each nation’s nuclear arsenal by about one-third. The accord was signed days after the president announced a shift in U.S. policy to focus more on the threat from extremist groups and nations such as Iran and North Korea rather than confrontation with nuclear powers such as Russia.
Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups “are pursuing the material to build nuclear weapons, and we know that they have the intent to use one,” Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, said on the call. He spoke from Air Force One as Obama returned from Prague.
Nuclear terrorism is the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, Obama said in Prague in April 2009.
Week Ahead: Earnings and Economic Reports Tell Tale of Recovery
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36340822
"It's hard for analysts to build the macro picture into their earnings numbers. At the beginning of a recovery, they tend to be too conservative. At the beginning of a recession, they tend to be too optimistic," Keon said. He said the consensus view is for earnings growth of around 30 percent. "My guess is it'll be something better than that."
"It's hard for analysts to build the macro picture into their earnings numbers. At the beginning of a recovery, they tend to be too conservative. At the beginning of a recession, they tend to be too optimistic," Keon said. He said the consensus view is for earnings growth of around 30 percent. "My guess is it'll be something better than that."
Friday, April 9, 2010
L'euro bondit face au dollar, espoir d'un sauvetage imminent de la Grèce
http://www.lepoint.fr/bourse/2010-04-09/l-euro-bondit-face-au-dollar-espoir-d-un-sauvetage-imminent-de-la/2037/0/442870
"Les problèmes de la Grèce ont été aggravés par l'abaissement de la note de crédit du pays par l'agence de notation financière Fitch", ce qui a pu renforcer la probabilité de voir le gouvernement grec faire appel à une aide extérieure, ont noté de leur côté les analystes de Daiwa Capital Markets.
Fitch a abaissé de deux crans la note de la dette à long terme de la Grèce, de BBB+ à BBB-, affirmant qu'Athènes n'a désormais d'autre choix que de demander le versement de l'aide financière promise par les Européens.
"Les problèmes de la Grèce ont été aggravés par l'abaissement de la note de crédit du pays par l'agence de notation financière Fitch", ce qui a pu renforcer la probabilité de voir le gouvernement grec faire appel à une aide extérieure, ont noté de leur côté les analystes de Daiwa Capital Markets.
Fitch a abaissé de deux crans la note de la dette à long terme de la Grèce, de BBB+ à BBB-, affirmant qu'Athènes n'a désormais d'autre choix que de demander le versement de l'aide financière promise par les Européens.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Obama’s new nuclear strategy maintains first-strike option
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obamas-new-nuclear-strategy-maintains-first-strike-option/article1525600/
While pledging to ‘reduce the role of nuclear weapons,’ plan also includes loopholes to keep Iran and North Korea on any potential target list
While pledging to ‘reduce the role of nuclear weapons,’ plan also includes loopholes to keep Iran and North Korea on any potential target list
Obama Limits When U.S. Would Use Nuclear Arms
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/world/06arms.html?pagewanted=2
But the president said in an interview that he was carving out an exception for “outliers like Iran and North Korea” that have violated or renounced the main treaty to halt nuclear proliferation.
In the year since Mr. Obama gave a speech in Prague declaring that he would shift the policy of the United States toward the elimination of nuclear weapons, his staff has been meeting — and arguing — over how to turn that commitment into a workable policy, without undermining the credibility of the country’s nuclear deterrent.
But the president said in an interview that he was carving out an exception for “outliers like Iran and North Korea” that have violated or renounced the main treaty to halt nuclear proliferation.
In the year since Mr. Obama gave a speech in Prague declaring that he would shift the policy of the United States toward the elimination of nuclear weapons, his staff has been meeting — and arguing — over how to turn that commitment into a workable policy, without undermining the credibility of the country’s nuclear deterrent.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Jobs Report May Spark Plenty Of Trading—Outside of Stocks
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36137349
March payrolls could be the first monthly report to show real signs of job growth since the recovery began, and the expectations in the stock market have been running high.
The consensus view is that about 185,000 jobs were added in March, but the estimates range from negative numbers to as high as 400,000.
March payrolls could be the first monthly report to show real signs of job growth since the recovery began, and the expectations in the stock market have been running high.
The consensus view is that about 185,000 jobs were added in March, but the estimates range from negative numbers to as high as 400,000.
China Economists Urge Renewed Yuan Rise
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36094023
Lifting the value of the yuan would ultimately benefit China's own growth, by dampening inflationary pressures and making imports relatively cheaper, Huang argued.
"An appropriate appreciation of the renminbi would be to China's own benefit," Huang wrote in the March issue of the International Economic Review, a Chinese-language policy journal.
"This could increase the flexibility of monetary policy, develop financial markets, expand domestic consumption and promote structural adjustment of the economy, helping to keep a balance between inflation and exchange rates," Huang wrote.
Lifting the value of the yuan would ultimately benefit China's own growth, by dampening inflationary pressures and making imports relatively cheaper, Huang argued.
"An appropriate appreciation of the renminbi would be to China's own benefit," Huang wrote in the March issue of the International Economic Review, a Chinese-language policy journal.
"This could increase the flexibility of monetary policy, develop financial markets, expand domestic consumption and promote structural adjustment of the economy, helping to keep a balance between inflation and exchange rates," Huang wrote.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
