Saturday, January 24, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 24 January, 2009
BRAZILIAN AMPUTEE MODEL DIES FROM DEADLY ILLNESS
Brazilian model Mariana Bridi da Costa, whose hands and feet
were amputated in a bid to save her from a little-known illness,
has died. "Unfortunately Mari couldn't
resist any longer," Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss
World Brazil, said .
EXPERTS SKEPTICAL ON GITMO DETAINEE REPORT
Security experts are questioning information released by the
Pentagon last week, saying 61 former detainees from its
detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may have returned to
terrorist activities.
MUSHARRAF: U.S. TREATS PAKISTAN 'UNEQUALLY'
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said his country is
being treated "unequally" to other countries, despite being a
staunch U.S. ally in its war on terror. The interview took place
amid reports of U.S. drones striking militant targets in
Pakistan days after the start of the Obama administration, a
continuation of a Bush policy that Musharraf warned against.
CLINTON REACHES OUT TO U.S. ALLIES
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has phoned a slew of leaders
since taking office on Thursday, reaching out to key allies in
the Middle East, Asia and Europe as the Obama administration
reviews foreign policies.
OBAMA CHANGES FOREIGN ABORTION-FUNDING POLICY
President Obama will issue an executive order Friday afternoon
reversing a controversial abortion-related policy from the past
three Republican administrations, a senior administration
official said.
TWO CHILDREN KILLED BY MAN WITH 'PAINTED' FACE
A stabbing at a nursery school outside Brussels, Belgium, on
Friday left two children and one adult dead, the Belgian
Interior Ministry said. Another three children were rushed to
hospital in a critical condition, according to reports.
FREED GITMO DETAINEE 'WENT TO AL QAEDA'
A Saudi national released from U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, in September 2007 is believed to be a key leader in al
Qaeda's operations in Yemen, according to a U.S.
counterterrorism official. "He is one of a handful of al Qaeda
deputies in Yemen," the official said. "He is one of the top
terrorists."
U.N. MULLED HALTING SOMALI FOOD AID
The United Nations considered suspending delivery of food to
areas of Somalia after the recent killings of two aid workers,
said a spokesman for the organization's World Food Program.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
BRITISH ECONOMY NOW OFFICIALLY IN RECESSION
The British economy is officially in a recession, according to
statistics released Friday. The British gross domestic product
declined by 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, the
British government announced. That followed a decline of 0.5
percent in the third quarter.
BOLIVIA NATIONALIZES BP SUBSIDIARY
Bolivian President Evo Morales nationalized the Chaco petroleum
company Friday, taking over the British Petroleum subsidiary
with the military on standby.
GEITHNER HEADS TO FULL SENATE VOTE
A U.S. Senate panel recommended the full Senate confirm Tim
Geithner as the next Treasury secretary, but five Republican
senators opposed going forward, including the committee's
ranking member.
Friday, January 23, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 24 January, 2009
MUSHARRAF: U.S. TREATS PAKISTAN 'UNEQUALLY'
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said his country is
being treated "unequally" to other countries, despite being a
staunch U.S. ally in its war on terror. The interview took place
amid reports of U.S. drones striking militant targets in
Pakistan days after the start of the Obama administration, a
continuation of a Bush policy that Musharraf warned against.
OBAMA REVERSES FOREIGN FAMILY-AID POLICY
President Obama will issue an executive order Friday afternoon
reversing a controversial abortion-related policy from the past
three Republican administrations, a senior administration
official said.
VIDEO SHOWS ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK PLANE CRASH
Video captured seconds after US Airways Flight 1549 ditched into
New York's Hudson River shows several passengers run onto the
plane's wings while at least two evacuees dive into the frigid
water. All 155 crew and passengers on the plane survived the
incident, which has been called "Miracle on the Hudson."
DOCTORS AMPUTATE MODEL'S HANDS, FEET
The family of a 20-year-old Brazilian model who is fighting for
her life after having her hands and feet amputated have urged
her supporters around the world to keep praying for their
daughter. Mariana Bridi da Costa fell ill in December and is now
on life support. "Mariana is (a) warrior and will win this
battle," her family said in a message on her Web site.
MAN WITH 'PAINTED' FACE KILLS CHILDREN AT NURSERY
A stabbing at a nursery school outside Brussels, Belgium, on
Friday left two children and one adult dead, the Belgian
Interior Ministry said. Another three children were rushed to
hospital in a critical condition, according to reports.
FREED GITMO DETAINEE 'WENT TO AL QAEDA'
A Saudi national released from U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, in September 2007 is believed to be a key leader in al
Qaeda's operations in Yemen, according to a U.S.
counterterrorism official. "He is one of a handful of al Qaeda
deputies in Yemen," the official said. "He is one of the top
terrorists."
POPE LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Pope Benedict XVI launched his own channel on YouTube Friday in
an effort to use new technology to reach a younger audience.
UK ECONOMY IN RECESSION
The British economy is officially in a recession, according to
GDP numbers released Friday.
--------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
BOLIVIA NATIONALIZES BP SUBSIDIARY
Bolivian President Evo Morales nationalized the Chaco petroleum
company Friday, taking over the British Petroleum subsidiary
with the military on standby.
GEITHNER HEADS TO FULL SENATE VOTE
A U.S. Senate panel recommended the full Senate confirm Tim
Geithner as the next Treasury secretary, but five Republican
senators opposed going forward, including the committee's
ranking member.
INDIA BANS IMPORT OF CHINESE TOYS
India Friday announced it has banned import of Chinese toys for
six months.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 23 January, 2009
HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL STUDY GETS GREEN LIGHT
U.S. regulators have cleared the way for the first human trials
of human embryonic stem-cell research, authorizing researchers
to test whether the cells are safe to use in spinal injury
patients, the company behind the trials announced Friday.
CONGO REBEL LEADER NKUNDA ARRESTED
Rwandan authorities arrested Congolese rebel leader Laurent
Nkunda early Friday, Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of
Communications Mende Omalanga siad. Nkunda has been leading
one side of a conflict in eastern Congo, which is effectively an
extension of the Rwandan genocide of the early 1990s.
RIVAL FACTIONS IN GAZA TRADE ACCUSATIONS
In the wake of an Israeli offensive, Gaza's ruling party, Hamas,
is accusing rival Palestinian faction Fatah of spying for
Israel. In return, some are accusing Hamas of "punishment
shootings" against suspects.
JAPAN LAUNCHES SATELLITE TO EYE GREENHOUSE GAS
The Japanese space agency launched a satellite Friday that will
measure greenhouse gases from the earth's orbit.
INDIAN PM SINGH TO HAVE HEART SURGERY
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will have heart surgery in
a New Delhi hospital this weekend, his office announced Friday.
NORTH KOREA'S KIM MEETS CHINESE ENVOY
A Chinese official met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il in
Pyongyang on Friday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
KILLER DECAPITATES STUDENT, U.S. POLICE SAY
A female graduate student at Virginia Tech was killed Wednesday
night when a man she knew attacked her with a knife and
decapitated her, a school spokesman said.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
GEITHNER HEADS TO FULL SENATE VOTE
A U.S. Senate panel recommended the full Senate confirm Tim
Geithner as the next Treasury secretary, but five Republican
senators opposed going forward, including the committee's
ranking member.
SINGAPORE ANNOUNCES $13.6B STIMULUS
Citing "a time of grave economic crisis," Singapore Finance
Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam proposed a a $20.5 billion (U.S.
$13.6 billion) "resilience package" to parliament, as the
city-state deals with its deepest recession in its history.
Breaking News
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il meets a Chinese envoy in Pyongyang,
China's state-run Xinhua news agency reports.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 23 January, 2009
DOWNTURN SPURS HUGE CHINESE NEW YEAR MOVE
On the eve of Chinese New Year holidays, millions of migrant
workers are leaving the cities and returning to their homes in
the vast Chinese countryside. But not all will be celebrating as the
global economic downturn hits home.
TWO PEACEMAKERS GET KEY OBAMA JOBS
Two proven peacemakers have accepted key jobs in U.S. President
Barack Obama's diplomatic corps. Richard Holbrooke, who helped
end war in Bosnia, was made special envoy for Pakistan and
Afghanistan, and George Mitchell, who played a key role in
bringing peace to Northern Ireland, is the special envoy to the
Mideast.
OBAMA SIGNS ORDER TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY
U.S. President Barack Obama issues four executive orders to
demonstrate a clean break from the Bush administration on the
war on terror, including one requiring that the U.S. military
detention facility at Guantanamo Bay be closed within a year.
FREED GITMO PRISONER CONSIDERS LAWSUIT
Saad Muhammad Iqbal is a free man after serving more than six
years at the U.S. military's detention facility in Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba -- without any charge.
AFGHAN GIRLS MAIMED BY ACID STILL WANT SCHOOL
Shivering in pain and calling for her mother, Shamsia's hands
shake uncontrollably, her eyes swollen shut and her skin peeling
from terrible acid burns. But the 19-year-old's resolve is
undimmed: she and other victims of Taliban acid attacks in
Kandahar will not prevent them from being educated.
U.S. ENVOY SEES DANGERS IN ABRUPT IRAQ PULLOUT
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq on Thursday warned against an abrupt
American military departure from Iraq, saying "a precipitous
withdrawal runs some very severe risks."
OSCAR NOMINATIONS SPRING A FEW SURPRISES
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" leads all films --
including the early favorite "Slumdog Millionaire" -- at the
nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards, picking up 13.
The film about a man who ages backwards earns Brad Pitt a best
actor nomination while his wife Angelina Jolie also wins a best
actress nod for her role in "Changeling."
ECONOMIC CRISIS DOMINATES DAVOS AGENDA
Heads of state, influential politicians, business leaders and
global powerbrokers will gather in the Swiss Alps next week for
the World Economic Forum -- with the perilous state of the
planet's financial system set to top this year's agenda.
---------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
CHINA'S ECONOMY SLOWS
China's economic growth slumped to 9 percent for 2008, according
to numbers released by the government Thursday -- in line with
expectations, but still the slowest rate the nation has seen in
seven years.
CHINA MILK CASE YIELDS DEATH, LIFE SENTENCES
A Chinese court sentenced one man to death and another to life
in prison for their roles in the country's tainted milk scandal,
which killed at least six infants and sickened nearly 300,000
others.
SONY SAYS LOSSES COULD HIT $2.9B
Electronics manufacturer Sony announced Thursday that it will
close out the year in the red -- the first time in 14 years that
the company will report an operating loss.
Breaking News: Obama orders Gitmo closed within a year
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has signed orders to close
the Guantanamo Bay detention center, review military trials of
suspects and ban the harshest interrogation methods. The moves
significantly change how the United States will prosecute and question
al-Qaeda, Taliban or other foreign fighters who pose a threat to
Americans.
Breaking News Thu., January 22, 2009
Senate Committee Approves Timothy Geithner for Treasury Secretary.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 22 January, 2009
DEATH SENTENCES IN CHINA TAINTED MILK SCANDAL
A court sentenced the former board chairwoman and general
manager of dairy firm Sanlu Group, to life in prison for her
role in a tainted milk scandal that killed at least six infants
and sickened 300,000 others. Three men received death sentences
for their roles in the case, which put a global spotlight on
China food safety.
OBAMA TAPS ENVOYS FOR MIDDLE EAST, IRAN
The Obama administration has asked former U.S. Senator George
Mitchell to be a special envoy to the Middle East, sources close
to the administration and diplomats said.
PAKISTAN ARRESTS LONDON BOMBINGS SUSPECT
Pakistan has arrested a suspected al Qaeda militant who
intelligence officials say is tied to the London subway bombings
in 2005, authorities there said Thursday.
SONY FORECASTS OPERATING LOSS
Electronics manufacturer Sony announced Thursday that it will
close out the year in the red -- the first time in 14 years that
the company will report an operating loss.
PASSENGERS FEEL LIKE 'HOSTAGES' DURING 16-HOUR ORDEAL
Some passengers on a diverted Aeromexico flight finally reached
their destination in Seattle, Washington, on Wednesday after
spending 16 hours in limbo.
OBAMA RETAKES OATH AFTER INAUGURATION MISTAKE
President Obama retook his oath of office Wednesday after Chief
Justice John Roberts flubbed while delivering it at Tuesday's
inauguration.
OFFICIALS: OBAMA SET TO ORDER GITMO CLOSED
The Obama administration is drafting executive orders calling
for the closure of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, two
administration officials said. The revelation coincided with a
judge's decision on Wednesday to halt the September 11 terrorism
cases at the behest of U.S. President Barack Obama.
CHINA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWS TO 9 PERCENT
China's economic growth slumped to 9 percent for 2008, according
to numbers released by the government -- the slowest rate the
nation has seen in seven years. Tens of thousands of Chinese
factories have closed, and millions are looking for jobs.
-------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
GEITHNER VOWS BOLDNESS ON ECONOMY
U.S. Treasury Secretary-designate Tim Geithner, appearing at his
confirmation hearing, called for bold action to blunt the
economic downturn and promised to tighten the terms for
companies getting federal financial help.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 22 January, 2009
CLINTON CONFIRMED AS U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE
The U.S. Senate has approved the nomination of Hillary Clinton
as secretary of state by a vote of 94-2. Republican John Cornyn
had delayed the vote by a day after wanting more time to discuss
the foundation run by her husband, former U.S. President Bill
Clinton.
OBAMA SIGNS IN 'NEW ERA OF OPENNESS'
U.S. President Barack Obama is calling for "a new era of
openness in our country." On his first full day in the job he
signed executive orders setting ethics guidelines for his staff,
and earlier he suspended prosecutions of prisoners at Guantanamo
Bay.
OFFICIALS: OBAMA SET TO ORDER GITMO CLOSED
In one of his first acts in office, President Obama has ordered
the U.S. government to suspend prosecutions of prisoners at
Guantanamo Bay for 120 days, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
REPORT: CASTRO WATCHED OBAMA INAUGURATION
Fidel Castro told Argentina's president Wednesday that he
watched U.S. President Obama's inauguration on TV, apparently
belying widespread speculation that the former Cuban leader had
suffered a major relapse or died, Argentina's official news
agency said.
NEW JOB LOSSES HIGHLIGHT GLOBAL TURMOIL
The scope of economic problems sweeping the world was
highlighted Wednesday with stock markets taking new hits and
thousands more job losses being announced.
PILOT ACCUSED OF FAKING DEATH INDICTED
A man suspected of trying to fake his death by parachuting from
a plane before it crashed has been indicted on charges of
willfully damaging an aircraft and triggering a Coast Guard
rescue attempt.
POLL: AMERICANS SEE NO END TO RECESSION
A new national poll suggests that a majority of Americans think
it will take the country two years or longer to recover from the
current recession.
IRAN DECLARES BBC PERSIAN TV ILLEGAL
The activities of the week-old BBC Persian TV channel are
illegal, a top Iranian official said Wednesday, the
semi-official Fars news agency reported.
--------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
MINING GIANT BHP BILLITON CUTS 6,000 JOBS
BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, said Wednesday
it will cut about 6,000 jobs due to the deteriorating outlook in
the global nickel market.
EX-KGB BILLIONAIRE BUYS UK NEWSPAPER
A Russian billionaire and former KGB agent is buying a
controlling stake in the venerable Evening Standard, the London
newspaper announced Wednesday.
CELL PHONE GIANT ERICSSON CUTS 5,000 JOBS
Swedish-based telecommunications company Ericsson announced
Wednesday it is cutting 5,000 jobs as part of cost-reducing
measures.
Breaking News Wed., January 21, 2009
Senate Confirms Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State [4:32 p.m. ET]
Breaking News Wed., January 21, 2009
President Obama To Sign Executive Order Thursday to Close Gitmo Within
a Year [4:20 p.m. ET]
Obama freezes salaries of senior White House staff, tightens lobbying rules
Obama freezes salaries of senior White House staff, tightens lobbying rules
1/21/2009 1:25:28 PM EDT
Breaking News Wed., January 21, 2009
President Obama Puts Freeze on Salaries of W.H. Employees Making More
Than 100K [1:26 p.m. ET]
Treasury pick Geithner, calling for 'most forceful course,' tells Senate Obama rescue plan is critical, vows to reform bank bailout.
Treasury pick Geithner, calling for 'most forceful course,' tells
Senate Obama rescue plan is critical, vows to reform bank bailout.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 21 January, 2009
OBAMA ORDERS HALT TO GUANTANAMO TRIALS
In one of his first acts in office President Obama has ordered
the U.S. government to suspend prosecutions of prisoners at
Guantanamo Bay for 120 days, military officials said Tuesday.
Obama has vowed to close the naval prison at the U.S. base.
While his order does not go that far, it will stop the
prosecutions of 21 detainees facing war crimes charges.
MICHELLE OBAMA CASTS SPELL WITH IVORY GOWN
Michelle Obama dazzled on the dance floor Tuesday night at the
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, wearing an elegant,
one-shouldered ivory gown created for her by 26-year-old
designer, Jason Wu.
WORLD (MOSTLY) CELEBRATES
Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th U.S. President has been
accompanied by celebrations around the world.
SCHNEIDER: TONE OF SPEECH RIGHT FOR THE TIMES
President Obama's inaugural address was cooler, more measured
and reassuring than that of other presidents making it, perhaps,
the right speech for the times.
OBAMA SPEECH DRAWS ON SURPRISING SOURCES
Barack Obama, who shot from obscurity to fame based on a single
speech and then captured the White House in a campaign marked by
soaring rhetoric, delivered a restrained, sober inaugural
address Tuesday.
FIRST COUPLE WALTZ THROUGH 10 INAUGURAL BALLS
Stefanie Hurst isn't worried about someone else wearing the same
black-and-cream-colored Oleg Cassini gown that she plans to wear
to one of the official presidential inaugural balls in
Washington. She just worries about whether her frock will arrive
in time for her to wear it.
TED KENNEDY COLLAPSES AT INAUGURAL LUNCH
Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, collapsed Tuesday
afternoon during a luncheon held for President Barack Obama in
the Capitol's Statuary Hall, a senator told CNN's Dana Bash.
COMMENTARY: OBAMA THE KIND OF HERO WE NEED
President Barack Obama, our newly inaugurated 44th president,
showed the millions watching around the world and the freezing
millions there in person on the Mall why he won the election --
and why so many believe he can lead us in these troubled times.
----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
ASIAN MARKETS SINK ON ECONOMIC WORRIES
Asian markets posted wide-ranging losses, with Tokyo's Nikkei,
Seoul's KOSPI and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropping 2 percent or
more, as investors looked beyond U.S. President Barack Obama's
historic inauguration to the battered economy he inherits.
MINING GIANT BHP BILLITON CUTS 6,000 JOBS
BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, said Wednesday
it will cut about 6,000 jobs due to the deteriorating outlook in
the global nickel market.
SINGAPORE ECONOMY TO SHRINK IN 2009
Singapore's economy is likely to shrink in 2009 more than the
government had forecast earlier this month, according to the
Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 21 January, 2009
OBAMA: A NEW WAY FORWARD
Barack Obama uses his inaugural speech as 44th president to
deliver a hopeful but sobering assessment of what America can
become. The first African-American promised "a new way forward
based on mutual interest" to Muslims. To terrorists, he warned:
"You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
WORLD (MOSTLY) CELEBRATES OBAMA'S DAY
Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th U.S. President has been
accompanied by celebrations around the world.
TED KENNEDY COLLAPSES AT INAUGURAL LUNCH
Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, collapsed Tuesday
afternoon during a luncheon held for President Barack Obama in
the Capitol's Statuary Hall, a senator siad.
OBAMA PRAISED BY WORLD LEADERS
Members of the international community have welcomed Barack
Obama becoming the 44th President of the United States -- and
the first African-American to take leadership of his country.
OBAMA PROMISES BOLD ACTION ON ECONOMY
President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural address is one of the
most anticipated speeches in decades, with many expecting his
words to be chiseled into marble some day.
CHANGE WAS QUICK AT WHITE HOUSE WEB SITE
In keeping with the theme that swept President Obama into the
Oval Office, change has come to the official White House Web
site.
107-YEAR-OLD: HOPED IT WOULD HAPPEN IN MY TIME
Ann Nixon Cooper craned her neck and leaned her head forward. On
the television set across the room, Barack Obama moved forward
and put his hand on the Bible.
COMMENTARY: OBAMA THE KIND OF HERO WE NEED
President Barack Obama, our newly inaugurated 44th president,
showed the millions watching around the world and the freezing
millions there in person on the Mall why he won the election --
and why so many believe he can lead us in these troubled times.
-------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
OBAMA SPENDING PLAN WORRIES U.S. MARKETS
U.S. markets slipped Tuesday on banking concerns and as traders
also faced up to expected rises in government debt. With the
government deficit already exceeding $1 trillion, the rescue
plan that Obama has been touting will mean the government
auctioning off a tremendous volume of debt -- which makes
government bonds unattractive.
FIAT JOINS FORCES WITH AILING CHRYSLER
Italian car giant Fiat is joining forces with ailing U.S.
automaker Chrysler, the two companies say, in a move that will
give Fiat a large stake in one of the Big Three while supplying
Chrysler with access to new technology.
RUSSIA RESUMES GAS FLOW TO EUROPE
Russian energy giant Gazprom resumes pumping natural gas to
Europe via Ukraine, a Gazprom spokesman tells CNN. The long
dispute over gas payments was resolved after meetings between
Russia and Ukraine, negotiations Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia
Tymoshenko described as "difficult."
Breaking News: Barack Obama sworn in as 44th president
WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama was sworn in Tuesday as the 44th U.S.
president, shattering racial barriers to become the first black leader
of a country gripped by profound economic troubles and at war in two
distant lands.
In his inaugural speech as prepared for delivery, Obama asked
Americans for a renewed commitment to service.
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a
recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to
ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly
accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is
nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character,
than giving our all to a difficult task."
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 20 January, 2009
A CALL FOR UNITY ON EVE OF OBAMA'S MOMENT
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has called former Republican
presidential rival John McCain a hero at a bipartisan dinner and
issued a call for politicians to put an end to partisan
politics. Obama's speech capped a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
filled by appearances on the eve of his presidential
inauguration.
RUSSIA RESUMES GAS FLOW TO EUROPE
Russian energy giant Gazprom resumed pumping natural gas to
Europe via Ukraine on Tuesday, a Gazprom spokesman said.
--------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
ASIA MARKETS SLIDE; EUROPE MAKES GAINS
Asian markets slid Tuesday, as Japanese auto giant Toyota
reshuffled its top ranks in the wake of its first loss as a
public company, with Tokyo's benchmark index ending down more
than 2 percent.
NEW YORK TIMES GETS SLIM BOOST
The New York Times said it was getting $250 million in financing
from companies controlled by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim
Helu, with the money to be used to refinance existing debt.
FUEL DEPOT BLAZE EXTINGUISHED IN JAKARTA
Firefighters extinguished a massive blaze at a fuel depot in the
Indonesian capital Monday morning after a day-long fire burned
hundreds of thousands of gallons of gasoline.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Market Monday, 01/19/2009
| Dow : 8281.22 up 68.73 | S & P : 850.12 up 6.38 |
|
|NASDAQ: 1529.33 up 17.49 | Bond (10Y): 2.33%, 112.28 |
-----------------------
MARKETS:
Wall Street's inauguration rally
Investor euphoria could propel stocks this week, but the longer-term
outlook is less upbeat.
Oil falls on gas deal, Gaza cease-fire
Crude oil eases as Russian gas supply concerns let up, but the
weakening global economy continues to hurt demand.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 19 January, 2009
OBAMA: 'THE DREAM OF OUR FOUNDERS WILL LIVE ON'
Inauguration revelry has begun as thousands of people packed the
National Mall in Washington for a concert featuring big-name
stars. It was nothing but good vibes for Barack Obama -- a
respite for the incoming president who faces huge problems after
he takes office Tuesday.
BODIES DUG FROM RUBBLE DURING GAZA CEASE-FIRE
Palestinians in a Gaza neighborhood are using their hands and
bulldozers to unearth bodies of people killed during an Israeli
attack that happened a week into Israel's three-week Gaza
offensive, reports CNN's Karl Penhaul.
CHURCH ROOF COLLAPSES KILLING WORSHIPPERS
Brazilian firefighters used search dogs to comb the rubble of a
church early Monday after the building's roof collapsed during a
service, killing seven and injuring nearly 100, authorities said
in Sao Paulo said.
UK ANNOUNCES SECOND BANK BAILOUT
The British government Monday announced new plans to help
British banks affected by the global financial crisis, only
months after a previous multi-billion-dollar bank bailout.
WOMAN IS CHINA'S 2ND 2009 BIRD FLU FATALITY
A 27-year-old woman from eastern China has died of bird flu,
Chinese authorities said, making her the second person to die
this year from the deadly virus. Two tests on the woman were
positive for H5N1 avian influenza, said the ministry, which did
not say how she might have contracted the virus.
EX-PRESIDENT PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN GRAFT CASE
Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian pleaded not guilty to
corruption charges Monday during a pre-trial hearing in Taipei.
TAIWAN CITIZENS GET SHOPPING VOUCHERS
More than 90 percent of eligible Taiwan residents took up the
government's offer of 3600 New Taiwan Dollars (USD $108) to go
shopping, government officials said Monday.
GAS SUPPLIES GO UP IN SMOKE IN DEPOT BLAZE
Firefighters extinguished a massive blaze at a fuel depot in the
Indonesian capital Monday morning after a day-long fire burned
hundreds of thousands of gallons of gasoline.
-----------------------------------
BUSINESS
CHANGES EYED ON U.S. BANK BAILOUT
As the U.S. economy worsens and banks rack up multi-billion
dollar losses, incoming President Barack Obama will face tough
choices in deciding what to do with the $350 billion remaining
in the bailout plan.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE AGREE TO RESUME GAS FLOW
The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement
to resume gas supplies to Europe by early next week.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 19 January, 2009
BODIES DUG FROM RUBBLE DURING GAZA CEASE-FIRE
Palestinians in Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood are using their bare
hands and bulldozers to unearth 23 bodies of people killed
during an Israeli attack that happened a week into Israel's
three-week Gaza offensive: report
OBAMA'S APPEAL GROWS AS INAUGURATION NEARS
A new poll suggests President-elect Barack Obama is more popular
than ever ahead of Tuesday's inauguration with 84 percent of
Americans saying they approve of how he has handled the
transition.
HAMAS AGREES ONE-WEEK CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA
Hamas militants have agreed to a one-week cease-fire against
Israeli forces in Gaza. The announcement Sunday came hours after
Israel halted its offensive against the militant group which it
blames for rocket attacks against Israeli towns. At least 1,200
people have been killed during the 22-day conflict.
CRASHED PLANE'S RECORDERS IN 'EXCELLENT' SHAPE
An US Airways jetliner that landed on the Hudson River Thursday
was successfully hoisted out of the water late Saturday,
following several hours of work by crews in frigid conditions.
OPPOSITION: NO 'SUICIDE' DEAL WITH MUGABE
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe warned that a meeting Monday
with the leader of the opposition will be the last before he
forms a government.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE AGREE TO RESUME GAS FLOW
The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement
early Sunday morning to resume gas supplies to Europe by early
next week.
CHINA CONFIRMS GIRL INFECTED WITH BIRD FLU
A 2-year-old girl in northern China is in critical condition
after testing positive for bird flu, state media said Sunday. It
is China's second confirmed case of the virus this month.
N. KOREA SAYS IT HAS 'WEAPONIZED' PLUTONIUM
Senior North Korean officials say the communist regime has
"weaponized" its stockpile of plutonium, according to a U.S.
scholar, in a move suggesting that North Korea may have
significantly hardened its stance on nuclear negotiations.
-----------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
CITIGROUP TO SPLIT AFTER $8.3B LOSS
Citigroup has announced plans to split the company in two after
reporting a bigger than expected fourth quarter loss of more
than eight billion dollars.
KELLOGG RECALLS PRODUCTS AMID SALMONELLA SCARE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 453 people
in 43 states and Canada have been infected with salmonella
Typhimurium.
BANK OF AMERICA GETS NEW BAILOUT PACKAGE
Bank of America will get another $20 billion from the U.S.
government's bailout fund, with federal guarantees for another
$118 billion in mortgage-backed securities on its balance
sheets, the Treasury Department announced early Friday.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 18 January, 2009
ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL AFTER CEASE-FIRE
Militants fire six rockets into southern Israel and exchange
gunfire with troops in northern Gaza Sunday, hours after Israel
declares a unilateral cease-fire in the Palestinian territory,
an Israeli spokesman says.
ADULATION FOR OBAMA ON HISTORIC TRAIN RIDE
President-elect Barack Obama said he gets his inspiration from
President Abraham Lincoln, so it's only fitting that the
president-elect would retrace Lincoln's 1861 trip from
Philadelphia to Washington.
MUGABE: POWER-SHARING TALKS MAKE OR BREAK
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe warned that a meeting Mondaywith
the leader of the opposition will be the last before he
forms a government.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE AGREE TO RESUME GAS FLOW
The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement
early Sunday morning to resume gas supplies to Europe by early
next week.
CHINA CONFIRMS GIRL INFECTED WITH BIRD FLU
A 2-year-old girl in northern China is in critical condition
after testing positive for bird flu, state media said Sunday. It
is China's second confirmed case of the virus this month.
CRIPPLED JETLINER HOISTED FROM HUDSON RIVER
An US Airways jetliner that landed on the Hudson River Thursday
was successfully hoisted out of the water late Saturday,
following several hours of work by crews in frigid conditions.
N. KOREA SAYS IT HAS 'WEAPONIZED' PLUTONIUM
Senior North Korean officials say the communist regime has
"weaponized" its stockpile of plutonium, according to a U.S.
scholar, in a move suggesting that North Korea may have
significantly hardened its stance on nuclear negotiations.
SIX GUANTANAMO DETAINEES RELEASED
Six detainees were released from the U.S. military's detention
center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Department of Defense said
Saturday.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
CITIGROUP TO SPLIT AFTER $8.3B LOSS
Citigroup has announced plans to split the company in two after
reporting a bigger than expected fourth quarter loss of more
than eight billion dollars.
KELLOGG RECALLS PRODUCTS AMID SALMONELLA SCARE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 453 people
in 43 states and Canada have been infected with salmonella
Typhimurium.
BANK OF AMERICA GETS NEW BAILOUT PACKAGE
Bank of America will get another $20 billion from the U.S.
government's bailout fund, with federal guarantees for another
$118 billion in mortgage-backed securities on its balance
sheets, the Treasury Department announced early Friday.
