POLITICS & POLICY

Politics Thwarting Possible Gains in the Euro Zone

Events in Greece during the past two days may have spoiled the efforts of EU leaders who have been working very hard to resolve the crisis that has put most parts of Europe on the brink of economic collapse.

Prices of Chinese Rare Earths Fall

Rare earth minerals have suddenly flooded in the Chinese market, forcing a major plummet in prices, days after the China federal government announced the implementation and issuance of specialized invoices for its rare earth minerals sector.

Global Market Overview - 11/04/2011

Global markets extended their gains overnight, as Greece dropped voting on its financial rescue and the European Central Bank unexpectedly cut interest rates. Markets cheered the news and gains were posted across the board. The ECB surprised the markets with a 25 basis point rate cut to 1.25% to bolster economies reeling from the debt crisis. New ECB President Mario Draghi made it clear that the euro area is at risk of relapsing into a mild recession.
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Why China Can't, or Won't, Bail Out Europe

Of all the emerging economies, China is in the best position to assist the ailing nations in the Euro zone due to its abundant financial reserves. However, it has all the right reasons not to do so in the near term.

Australian Stock Market Report - Afternoon 11/03/2011

The Australian sharemarket lost ground today for the fourth consecutive day, with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) down 0.3 pct or 13.8 pts to 4237.5. Almost all sectors lost ground, with the financials and energy stocks the biggest drag on trade.

Australia Pledges more Support for IMF at G20

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has committed to double her government’s support for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when she meets with Group of 20 (G-20) leaders in Cannes.

Babies Using Shampoo Brand with Toxic Substances Face Cancer Risks

Environmental and health groups are campaigning aggressively for a boycott of Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo and other company products after it confirmed that the baby shampoo with toxic chemicals are still being sold in countries like the U.S., Australia Canada, China and Indonesia.

China Power, China Coal Enter $784 million Joint Venture

In a bid to address China's electric power shortages, China Power International Development Ltd. and China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. have announced a $784 million joint venture to build and operate coal-fired plants in the northern province of Shanxi.

China Slaps 10% Oil, Gas Resource Taxes Nationwide

In a bid to conserve energy and resources, limit environmental damage and boost revenues of local governments, China has started implementing this month an extended regional sales-based tax on domestic sales of crude oil and natural gas. In the near term, the said sales tax will also be slapped on coking coal and rare earths.

Greek Referendum Plan: Euro Zone’s Nightmare?

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou’s hasty decision to call for a referendum on the Euro zone bailout package has caused adverse effects ranging from the fall of stock markets all over the world to fears of a global downturn.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 11/03/2011

Local stocks are coming under selling pressure in early trade, despite optimism returning on Wall Street and in Europe. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 20.4pts or 0.5pct to 4230.9 at lunchtime in the East.

Australia, Top 6 in Foreign Bribery Index

Australia has been listed as the sixth among 28 big economies that bribes public officials on overseas business meets, according to a survey by the Transparency International titled 2011 Bribe Payers Index (BPI).

18,000 Aussies Sign Online Petition Against Shark Slay

An online petition sponsored by SupportOurSharks.com is currently gathering signatures to protest the decision of Western Australian government to allow the hunting of a shark that killed its the third victim in the state. As of Nov. 2, the petition has gathered close to 18,000 signatures.

Global Market Overview - 11/03/2011

U.S. stocks bounced back after a sharp two-day selloff, as investors took hope in the Federal Reserve's pledge to support the economy and looked ahead to a meeting of world leaders in Cannes. In a reflection of recent volatility, the blue-chip Dow gained 219 points in morning trading before slashing those gains in half by the afternoon.

Australian Stock Market Report - Morning 11/03/2011

The ADP Employment Survey showed that the US private sector added 110,000 jobs in October. The result was ahead of forecasts and all the job gains came from small and medium sized businesses. In addition September job gains were revised higher from 91,000 to 116,000.

The Euro Zone Crisis: A Grave Concern for World Leaders

A week after member-nations of the European Union opted to support an extended fund to bail out problematic Euro zone economies, pressing developments are taking place that have been the cause of concern for countries all over the globe.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 11/02/2011

The local share market is being heavily sold off at lunchtime in the East, after US and European share markets tumbled overnight on fears the European bailout package could be jeopardised. Greece's Prime Minister unexpectedly called for a public referendum on the package, causing investors around the globe to sell out of equities on fears the Greek public won't accept it. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 63.5pts or 1.5pct to 4233.7.

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