EU extends Oracle/Sun review deadline until Jan 27 AP (November 20, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union regulators said Friday that they have extended until Jan. 27 a deadline to wrap up their antitrust review of Oracle Corp.'s planned $7.4 billion takeover of Sun Microsystems Inc.
LDK Solar completes sale of stake in Chinese plant AP (November 20, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - LDK Solar Co. Ltd., a Chinese maker of parts for solar cells, on Friday said it completed the sale of a 15 percent ownership stake in a polysilicon plant in China for about $219 million.
European markets push higher ahead of Trichet AP (November 20, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose Friday despite a drop in Asia as investors recouped some of the previous day's hefty losses ahead of a key speech from European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet.
GM to release plan for European units in December AP (November 20, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - General Motors Co. said it expects to release a full restructuring plan for its Opel and Vauxhall operations in mid December, but did not specify the amount of cuts to capacity and jobs it would seek.
China raises nonresidential electricity rates AP (November 20, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China raised electricity rates for businesses and industries Friday, part of a long-term effort to adjust prices to reflect costs and promote energy saving as the country struggles to meet soaring demand.
US recovery seen outpacing Europe in 2010 AP (November 19, 2009) PARIS (AP) - The world's rich and developed economies will grow faster next year, but recovery will remain modest, with the U.S. and Japan outpacing Europe, a Paris-based watchdog said Thursday as it raised its forecasts.
Singapore economy expands for 2nd straight quarter AP (November 19, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore said its economy would expand as little as 3 percent in 2010, well below the high growth rates of past years because of a sluggish recovery in the U.S. and other developed countries.
Infineon 4Q net income rises to $21 million AP (November 19, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German chipmaker Infineon Technologies AG said Thursday its fourth quarter net income rose sharply from a large loss a year ago as the company saw cost reductions help its results.
Recovery in developed economies gathering pace AP (November 19, 2009) PARIS (AP) - Recovery in developed economies will accelerate next year due to "substantial improvements" in financial markets and fast-growing Asian countries, but is likely to remain fragile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday as it doubled its 2010 growth forecast.
World stocks lower amid valuation concerns AP (November 19, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stocks fell Thursday and Wall Street was expected to open lower amid mounting doubts about the pace of the global economic recovery and ahead of more earnings reports from U.S. retailers.
Asian stocks mixed amid US weakness; Europe down AP (November 19, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stock markets turned in a mixed performance Thursday as signs of weakness in the U.S. economy aggravated worries about the strength of the global recovery. European markets fell in early trade.
Petition seeks release of 3 hikers held in Iran AP (November 18, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The families of three American hikers detained in Iran have filed a petition with the Iranian mission to the United Nations.
Microsoft told to stop some Windows sales in China AP (November 18, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - A Beijing court has ordered Microsoft Corp. to stop selling some versions of its Windows operating system in China in a licensing dispute with a local supplier.
World stocks up modestly after US housing data AP (November 18, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks were higher and Wall Street was expected to edge up on the open Wednesday as tame U.S. inflation data and a sharp fall in housing starts cemented expectations that U.S. interest rates will not be raised any time soon.
Toll bridge over Thames up for sale in Britain AP (November 18, 2009) LONDON (AP) - A toll bridge built in 1769 across the River Thames will be auctioned next month, offering buyers a tax-free investment with a bit of historic charm.
Delta, SkyTeam offer $1 billion to Japan Airlines AP (November 18, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Delta Air Lines and its alliance partners said Wednesday they are making a billion dollar offer to lure loss-making Japan Airlines from its affiliation with American Airlines.
World stocks in modest pullback from Monday gains AP (November 17, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European and Asian stock markets fell modestly Tuesday, a day after a stronger than anticipated rebound in U.S. retail sales helped many of the world's major indexes rise to their highest levels this year.
Foreign demand rises for long-term US assets AP (November 17, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Foreign demand for long-term U.S. financial assets rose in September as China and other countries boosted their holdings of Treasury securities.
GE in Chinese aerospace, energy, railroad ventures AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - General Electric Co. said Tuesday it is forming joint ventures with major Chinese groups that operate aerospace, energy and rail businesses.
IRS settles with 14,700 over foreign accounts AP (November 17, 2009) MIAMI (AP) - The Internal Revenue Service says more than 14,700 U.S. taxpayers with offshore accounts in 70 foreign countries have come forward to settle their tax debts.
Dubai Airshow: Boeing wins first orders for 737s AP (November 17, 2009) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Boeing scored its first aircraft orders at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday, getting requests for a total of 11 737-800 jetliners from two Algerian airlines.
Swiss unveil criteria for UBS tax disclosure to US AP (November 17, 2009) BERN, Switzerland (AP) - American clients who hid more than 1 million Swiss francs in undeclared bank accounts with UBS AG between 2001 and 2008 could have their details turned over to the U.S. government, Swiss officials said Tuesday.
Feds: Kuwaiti company conspired to defraud US AP (November 17, 2009) ATLANTA (AP) - The chief food supplier for the U.S. military in Kuwait and Iraq inflated prices and defrauded the U.S. government for multibillion-dollar contracts to feed American troops, federal prosecutors said Monday.
IMF chief urges China to let yuan rise AP (November 17, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The chief of the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Beijing should let its currency rise as a stronger yuan would help China's development and ease global imbalances.
World stocks buoyant ahead of US retail sales data AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets advanced Monday after figures confirmed that Japan, the world's second biggest economy, was growing strongly and ahead of key U.S. retail sales data.
Phoenix announced as new home of Chinese solar biz AP (November 16, 2009) PHOENIX (AP) - A Chinese-owned manufacturer of solar panels plans to build a 100,000 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area.
Japan 3Q GDP surprises with 4.8 percent growth AP (November 16, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Japan's economy flexed more muscle than expected in the third quarter, as rekindled demand at home and abroad fueled its largest expansion in more than two years.
Pro-Cuba embargo money flows to lawmakers AP (November 16, 2009) MIAMI (AP) - Supporters of tough U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government have given more than $10 million to congressional campaigns over the last seven years, according to a study released late Sunday night by a group supporting campaign finance reform.
Eurozone consumer prices down 0.1 percent in Oct AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Consumer prices in the 16 countries that use the euro fell by 0.1 percent in the year to October, official figures confirmed Monday.
World stocks remain higher after US retail sales AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets continued to trade higher Monday after figures showed U.S. retail sales rose strongly in October, but largely due to a big rebound in auto sales.
World markets subdued as S&P heads for 1,100 AP (November 12, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose modestly Thursday as investor optimism was dented by a subdued performance in Asia. Wall Street was expected to retreat after the Standard & Poor's 500 index failed to close above 1,100 the day before.
Eurozone industrial output up modest 0.3 percent AP (November 12, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Industrial production in the 16 countries that use the euro increased a modest 0.3 percent in September from the month before, reinforcing expectations that growth figures on Friday will show the recession in the single currency over.
APEC ministers plot ways to sustain recovery AP (November 12, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Asia-Pacific nations pledged Thursday to embrace more flexible exchange rates and stable growth strategies as economies start to scale back their stimulus spending after the global downturn.
Australian jobs surge; jobless rate at 5.8 percent AP (November 12, 2009) CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia reported Thursday an unexpected surge in jobs last month in the latest sign the country's economy was accelerating quicker than expected out of the global downturn.
Bank of Korea keeps key rate at record low AP (November 12, 2009) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea's central bank left its key interest rate at a record low for the ninth straight month Thursday, pledging to maintain low borrowing rates to help extend a recovery in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Geithner encouraged by moves in Japan, China AP (November 11, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Wednesday he's encouraged by efforts in Japan and China to spur domestic demand instead of relying so heavily on American consumers - a shift that will contribute to more stable global growth.
World Bank warns unemployment threatens US economy AP (November 11, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Stubbornly high joblessness threatens to trigger loan defaults and drag on consumption next year, hobbling a U.S. economy struggling to rebound from recession, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said Wednesday.
Emirates mulls more Airbus A380s despite delays AP (November 11, 2009) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Emirates airline, the biggest buyer of the "superjumbo" Airbus A380, said Wednesday it is considering increasing its order for the double-decker plane despite delays on existing orders.
World stocks gain amid positive China, Japan data AP (November 11, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Asian stock markets were mostly higher Wednesday after figures from China and Japan showed the region's two biggest economies were on track to recovering from the global downturn. European shares also traded higher.
Lights back in Brazil after outage hits up to 60M AP (November 11, 2009) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil emerged early Wednesday from a widespread power outage that plunged as many as 60 million people in at least nine states into darkness for hours, prompting security fears and concern from residents about a
APEC ministers agree economic crisis far from over AP (November 11, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Asia-Pacific ministers warned Wednesday that signs of recovery in the global economy are merely a respite, and future growth hinges on freer trade and improved social safety nets in Asia.
China industrial output,retail sales up in October AP (November 11, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The slump in China's exports eased last month as industrial output and retail sales rose sharply, the government said Wednesday, showing that recovery in the world's third-largest economy was firmly on track.
Credit Agricole helps European stocks rise AP (November 11, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose sharply Wednesday and Wall Street was expected to rise on the open, helped by strong earnings from French bank Credit Agricole SA and a surprise increase in British employment levels.
Colombia seizes $19M in forged US bills in 2009 AP (November 11, 2009) BOGOTA (AP) - Colombian authorities say they have seized $19 million in forged U.S. currency so far this year, five times the amount confiscated last year.
Taiwan: No quid pro quo for lifting US beef ban AP (November 11, 2009) TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan's president says the island has not received anything in exchange for lifting a long-standing ban on the imports of certain U.S. beef cuts.
World stocks pause after Dow hits 2009 high AP (November 10, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European and U.S. stock markets took a breather Tuesday after a big rally in the previous session had pushed the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest level this year.
Merkel presses GM for Opel concept AP (November 10, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed General Motors Co. on Tuesday to present a "reliable concept" for the future of its European unit Opel, adding that GM should produce most of the funding.
WHO: Glaxo vaccine donation shipping thru May AP (November 10, 2009) GENEVA (AP) - The World Health Organization says it expects GlaxoSmithKline to complete shipping donations of swine flu vaccine to poor countries by May 2010.
German investor confidence falls in November AP (November 10, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German investor confidence fell in November from the previous month, a leading German survey showed Tuesday, reflecting doubts about the sustainability of economic recovery.
EU nations back new bankers' pay, capital rules AP (November 10, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union countries on Tuesday backed new financial oversight rules for bankers' pay and for how much extra capital banks should set aside to cover high-risk investments.
Somali pirates demand $3M for ship with 18 crew AP (November 10, 2009) MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Pirates have hijacked a Panamanian-flagged ship with 18 crew off the east coast of Africa, the latest in an increasing number of attacks, a Somali businessman said Tuesday.
Iraqi Cabinet approves Exxon Mobil-Shell oil deal AP (November 10, 2009) BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's prime minister says his Cabinet has approved a deal with a consortium led by U.S.-based Exxon Mobil to develop a prized oil field in the country's south.
Asia stocks track US higher; Europe narrowly mixed AP (November 10, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Asian stocks extended their gains Tuesday after Wall Street touched its highest level for 2009 amid optimism low interest rates would continue to power this year's rally in global markets. European shares were narrowly mixed.
Top editor leaves China's boldest news magazine AP (November 09, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The founder and editor-in-chief of a Chinese magazine known for pushing boundaries with the country's censors and chasing stories that could embarrass the government resigned Monday amid friction with her publisher, colleagues and the magazine said.
German exports up 3.8 percent in September AP (November 09, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German exports rose 3.8 percent on the month in September, official data showed Monday, a performance that beat economists' expectations and underlined an improving outlook for Europe's biggest economy.
Dollar down again as G20 backs ongoing stimulus AP (November 09, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The euro pushed back up above $1.50 Monday after finance ministers from the Group of 20 rich and developing countries steered clear from addressing the weakness of the U.S. currency against most of its competitors at a meeting over the weekend.
Somali pirates hit oil tanker in long-range attack AP (November 09, 2009) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The European Union Naval Force says Somali pirates have launched an attack on an oil tanker farther out at sea than any previous assault.
Allianz makes Q3 net profit of euro1.32 billion AP (November 09, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German insurer Allianz SE said Monday it posted a net profit in the third quarter from a loss a year ago due to improved revenue in life and health insurance and financial services.
Obama confronts an Asia reshaped by China's rise AP (November 09, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Days after coming to power in September, Japan's new prime minister broached forming a new East Asian trading bloc with rival China - one that would exclude the United States.
BMW October sales up 2 pct; Audi up 0.4 pct AP (November 09, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German carmakers BMW AG and Audi AG said Monday their October sales improved as the global downturn showed signs of waning and demand for luxury cars improved.
World markets get G-20 boost while dollar slides AP (November 09, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets rose Monday and the dollar fell sharply against the euro after the Group of 20 rich and developing countries agreed to maintain their stimulus measures as long as economies remained weak.
Foreign sales keep McDonald's above water in Oct. AP (November 09, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - McDonald's Corp., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Monday that monthly sales growth edged down in October in the U.S., only the third time the monthly figures hasn't climbed in 6 1/2 years.
China October auto sales up 72 percent on stimulus AP (November 09, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Powered by tax cuts and stimulus spending, China's October auto sales soared 72 percent from a year earlier, outpacing U.S. sales for another month, according to data reported Monday.
Gazprom's profits cut in half in first half 2009 AP (November 09, 2009) MOSCOW (AP) - Russian gas company Gazprom saw profit cut in half in the first six months of the year as the cost of natural gas it buys from Central Asia soared and demand plummetted in Europe.
World stocks fall as US jobless rate hits 10.2 pct AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks fell and Wall Street was expected to drop on the open Friday after data showed the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent in October, more than expected, as 190,000 jobs were cut.
China criticizes US over pipe duties AP (November 06, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - China criticized Washington for imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese-made steel pipes and launched a probe Friday of imported U.S. autos, adding to trade tensions two weeks before President Barack Obama visits Beijing.
Canada's unemployment rate rises AP (November 06, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent in October from 8.4 percent a month earlier as the economy shed 43,200 jobs, the government said Friday.
G20 officials to wrestle over economic imbalances AP (November 06, 2009) ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) - Finance officials from rich and developing countries face difficult negotiations over how to even out the imbalances weighing on the world economy as they gather Friday for a summit at a seaside hotel in Scotland.
Delegates discuss way forward in UN climate talks AP (November 06, 2009) BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - U.N. climate negotiators in Spain are discussing a formula for securing agreement among 192 nations on tackling global warming during a last day of talks before next month's major climate conference in Denmark.
Royal Bank of Scotland posts $3 billion Q3 loss AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Government-controlled Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC on Friday reported a net loss of 1.8 billion pounds ($3 billion) despite an improvement in underlying profits and said lending to small- and medium-sized companies increased 5 percent.
Hannover Re posts 3Q net income of $235 million AP (November 06, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - German reinsurance company Hannover Re AG reported net income of euro159 million ($235 million) in the third quarter from a loss a year ago, as a result of an increase in premiums and a one-off profit related to a recent acquisition.
Senator: No stimulus money for US-China wind farm AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic senator is calling on the Obama administration to reject an expected request for economic stimulus money for a $1.5 billion West Texas wind energy project.
BoE adds 25 billion pounds to monetary expansion AP (November 05, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The Bank of England said Thursday it will pour another 25 billion pounds ($41 billion) into the economy to get Britain out of recession as it kept its main interest rate at a record low of 0.5 percent.
Statoil partners with China in Gulf of Mexico AP (November 05, 2009) OSLO (AP) - Norwegian oil company Statoil ASA agreed last month to sell part of its interests in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, a company spokesman said Thursday.
Eurozone retail sales drop in Sept AP (November 05, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - Retail sales in the 16 countries that use the euro dropped by 0.7 percent in September, European Union statistics showed Thursday, evidence the economic recovery will be slow and bumpy.
Deutsche Telekom Q3 net income up 7 pct AP (November 05, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - Deutsche Telekom AG reported third-quarter net income rose 7 percent as it remained focused on controlling costs and developing key markets in the U.S., Britain and Poland.
EU agrees on new Internet user rights AP (November 05, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - EU lawmakers and governments agreed on new rights for Internet users Thursday, aiming to protect them from arbitrary crackdowns on those who illegally download music and movies on the Internet.
Opel workers across Germany protest GM move AP (November 05, 2009) RUESSELSHEIM, Germany (AP) - Fearing widespread layoffs, thousands of Opel workers walked off the job across Germany on Thursday to protest General Motors Co.'s decision to abandon the unit's sale to new owners.
World stocks down ahead of European rate decisions AP (November 05, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets fell Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cautioned about the wider economic impact of rising unemployment. Investors awaited interest rate decisions in Europe later in the day.
European, British central banks leave rates alone AP (November 05, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - The European Central Bank and the Bank of England kept interest rates at record lows Thursday as their economies struggle to emerge from recession.
Asia stocks rise as China growth forecast upgraded AP (November 04, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - Asian stocks recovered Wednesday after two days of losses as the World Bank raised its growth forecast for China's economy and stronger commodities prices lifted the region's powerhouse resource companies. European markets were higher.
Palestinians seek Gaza war crimes justice AP (November 04, 2009) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Palestinians on Wednesday warned Israel they will seek justice for war crimes allegedly committed during last winter's Gaza conflict in the U.N. Security Council and through the International Criminal Court.
Germany fumes over GM ditching Opel sale to Magna AP (November 04, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - Germany's politicians fumed with anger and Opel workers cancelled cost concessions and readied walkouts after General Motors Co. abandoned the sale of its European subsidiary to parts maker Magna International and Russian bank Sberbank.
Earnings cheer boosts European stocks ahead of Fed AP (November 04, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets recovered Wednesday, helped by upbeat earnings reports across the region ahead of the latest economic update from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Australia lifts interest rate to 3.5 percent AP (November 03, 2009) SYDNEY (AP) - Australia's central bank raised its key interest rate Tuesday by a quarter percentage point for the second month in a row, declaring the global downturn over and warning that inflation was set to rise.
Dow names CFO Merszei to overseas posts AP (November 03, 2009) MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) - Dow Chemical Co. on Tuesday said chief financial officer Geoffery Merszei will leave that post and take on the roles of president of Dow Europe, Middle East and Africa, chairman of Dow Europe and executive vice president of The Dow Chemical Co.
Poor countries see troubling rise in breast cancer AP (November 03, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Nurses were training women in rural Mexico to examine their breasts for cancer when one raised her hand to object. If she lost her breast, Harvard public health specialist Felicia Knaul recalls the woman saying, "My man would leave me" - and with him, the family's income.
EU lifts 2010 growth forecast AP (November 03, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Commission on Tuesday predicted that the EU and eurozone will grow in 2010 at a modest rate of 0.7 percent as the economy moves from a sharp recession to a hesitant and fragile recovery.
World markets fall as US recovery doubts linger AP (November 03, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - World stock markets were lower Tuesday despite improvement in U.S. manufacturing as doubts lingered about the durability of a rebound in the world's largest economy.
Bank HSBC cutting 1,700 UK jobs AP (November 03, 2009) LONDON (AP) - HSBC Holdings PLC says it is cutting 1,700 positions from its British work force.
IMF sells gold to India's central bank AP (November 03, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The International Monetary Fund has sold 200 metric tons of gold worth $6.7 billion to India's central bank as part of an effort to shore up IMF finances and increase low-cost lending to developing countries.
Irish Supreme Court upholds men-only golf club AP (November 03, 2009) DUBLIN (AP) - A premier Dublin golf club can continue to bar women from membership, the Irish Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in a discrimination case inspired by similar protests against men-only clubs in the United States.
British Airways Christmas strike threat looms AP (November 02, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The Unite union said Monday it will announce the results of a planned ballot of British Airways PLC cabin crew for strike action in mid-December, raising the prospect of a walkout over the busy Christmas period.
New Boston Scientific stent approved in Europe AP (November 02, 2009) NATICK, Mass. (AP) - Medical device maker Boston Scientific said Monday it received European marketing approval for its latest drug-coated stent technology, which prevents blocked arteries.
ElBaradei asks Iran for quick response on nukes AP (November 02, 2009) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The head of the U.N. nuclear agency has urged Iran to clarify its response to a proposal that would have Tehran ship most of its nuclear material abroad for processing.
Obama lifts ban on US entry for those with HIV AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama said Friday the U.S. will overturn a 22-year-old travel and immigration ban against people with HIV early next year. The order will be finalized on Monday, Obama said, completing a process begun during the Bush administration.
Dutch court nixes teenager's round-the-world sail AP (October 30, 2009) UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) - A Dutch court ruled Friday that 14-year-old Laura Dekker was still too inexperienced to be allowed to set off on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
Iran grants Swiss access to detained US hikers AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Iranian authorities this week allowed a Swiss diplomat a second visit with three detained American hikers arrested for illegal entry near the Iraq border in late July, the State Department said Friday.
Reports: Cyberattacks traced to NKorea AP (October 30, 2009) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The North Korean government was the source of high-profile cyberattacks in July that caused Web outages in South Korea and the United States, news reports said Friday.
'Slumdog' kids' truancy threatens their trust fund AP (October 29, 2009) MUMBAI, India (AP) - The two child stars of "Slumdog Millionaire" are at risk of losing their monthly stipend and their trust fund if they don't attend school more regularly, a trustee for the fund said Thursday.
Canwest says National Post might fold AP (October 29, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's beleaguered media giant Canwest Global Communications says it will shut down the unprofitable National Post newspaper if its operations are not transferred to a different holding company by Friday.
US official: Homemade bombs pose worldwide threat AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The use of homemade bombs extends well beyond Afghanistan and Iraq, making the weapons a global problem that requires an international solution, a senior U.S. military official said Thursday.
UN climate chief doubts full treaty this year AP (October 29, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - Reaching a final global warming treaty will be impossible this year, but the political ingredients of a deal must be settled at a conference in December, the U.N.'s top climate official said Wednesday.
Plans to rebuild damaged CCTV building under way AP (October 29, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - The chief architect for the landmark new headquarters for China's powerful state broadcaster said the part of the complex that burned in a massive fire earlier this year can be repaired and does not need to be torn down.
Asian stocks slide on gloomy US news AP (October 29, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Asian stock markets fell for a third day Thursday after signs of weakness in the U.S. housing market added to fears about the health of the global economic recovery. European shares were mixed.
China to lift swine flu-inspired ban on US pork AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Chinese officials have agreed to lift the ban on U.S. pork imports they imposed last spring out of fear of swine flu.
China confirms probe of US auto imports AP (October 29, 2009) HANGZHOU, China (AP) - China's commerce minister says Beijing is carrying out a probe of some imports of American-made autos.
Report: Official says dealers could teach farmers AP (October 29, 2009) MEXICO CITY (AP) - A Mexican agriculture official has caused a stir by reportedly suggesting that Mexican farmers could learn a thing or two from drug traffickers.
European stocks flat ahead of US GDP data AP (October 29, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets traded flat on Thursday as investors awaited quarterly growth data from the U.S. later in the day for insight into the state of the world's biggest economy.
Japan's automakers set production records in China AP (October 28, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Japanese automakers are experiencing a production boom in China with Toyota, Honda and Nissan setting records for September - the latest signs of an emerging recovery for Japan's auto industry.
Ford: China's Geely preferred bidder for Volvo AP (October 28, 2009) DETROIT (AP) - Ford Motor Co. has picked a consortium led by China's Geely Group as the preferred bidder to buy its Swedish Volvo Cars unit, the U.S. automaker said Wednesday.
China, US's Harsco sign construction joint venture AP (October 28, 2009) HANGZHOU, China (AP) - Top U.S. trade officials visiting China for high level talks on nuts-and-bolts economic issues oversaw the signing Wednesday of a joint venture between major Chinese and U.
World markets fall after weak US consumer report AP (October 28, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Global stock markets dropped Wednesday as more signs American consumers were struggling undermined hopes for a stronger turnaround in the world's largest economy.
Canadian Pacific Railway profit rises on gains AP (October 27, 2009) CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. says its profit rose 14.5 percent in the third quarter as gains on asset sales more than offset the impact of a steep drop in revenue.
Families of US hikers held in Iran release video AP (October 27, 2009) BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - The families of three Americans being held in Iran plan to release video footage that they say proves the three were simply on vacation and had no underhand intentions when they strayed across the border.
Church of Scientology convicted of fraud in France AP (October 27, 2009) PARIS (AP) - A Paris court convicted the Church of Scientology of fraud and fined it more than euro600,000 ($900,000) on Tuesday but stopped short of banning the group as prosecutors had demanded.
EU approves Pepsi bottlers merger AP (October 27, 2009) LUXEMBOURG (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved the proposed takeover by PepsiCo Inc. of its two top bottling companies for $7.8 billion.
Ecuador to Europe: Pay us not to drill in Amazon AP (October 27, 2009) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's president is in London this week to promote a unique proposal: pay his country $3 billion not to drill for oil in a pristine Amazon reserve.
Dubai port firm says trade starting to stabilize AP (October 27, 2009) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Cargo handler DP World says trade volumes appear to be stabilizing after suffering their worst slump in decades because of the economic downturn.
Chinese paper accuses Google of hampering searches AP (October 27, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Google Inc. faces a new controversy in China after a Web site run by the Communist Party's main newspaper accused the U.S. search giant of trying to keep Internet users away following its reports on a copyright dispute.
Europe gains after BP earns beat forecasts AP (October 27, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European markets were pushed higher by oil stocks Tuesday after BP's third-quarter results beat analysts' expectations. Asian indexes closed lower, following losses on Wall Street the previous day amid fears that equities have become overvalued.
Dollar decline continues: New 14-month low vs euro AP (October 26, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The dollar hit a fresh 14-month low against the euro as a regional Chinese central bank researcher argued for diversification of the country's reserves away from the greenback, while a strong economic report from South Korea sparked an equities rally and dulled the buck's safe-haven luster.
Markets rise on SKorea growth; oil earns awaited AP (October 26, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European markets rose modestly Monday as investors looked ahead to oil company earnings later in the week. Asian markets rose as South Korea's fastest growth in over seven years underscored the region's strengthening economic recovery.
US safety chief says China helping on drywall AP (October 26, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - China is helping American officials investigate reports of contaminated Chinese drywall after thousands of American homeowners complained the building material made them sick or damaged their houses, a top U.S. safety official said Monday.
ING to split itself, issue $11.3B of shares AP (October 26, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - European services giant ING Groep NV said Monday it will split itself in two, spinning off its insurance arm to simplify its business and issuing euro7.5 billion ($11.3 billion) in new shares to repay state bailout money.