Finance & Economics

Apple's new iPad faces ban in China

Apple's new iPad could be banned in China if it does not resolve a trademark issue with Chinese technology firm Proview, a media report said Thursday.

Obama Hails Success of US Workers, Technology

U.S. President Barack Obama is stepping up his campaign to try to show Americans that economic progress is being made on the strength and ingenuity of U.S. workers.

Greece Nears Debt Write-Off Goal

Greece is nearing its goal of getting the country's private lenders to eliminate $142 billion of the country's debt to help it avoid a default on its financial obligations later this month.

Internet Opens World to Microloan Investors

The Internet is linking entrepreneurs in the developing world with investors in industrial nations through sites that broker small “people-to-people” loans. These so-called microloans go to family-owned businesses in Africa, Asia and other areas.

EU Leaders Focus on Jobs, Economic Growth

European Union leaders granted Serbia candidate status at a two-day summit that ends Friday focusing on jobs and the economy in the region.

UN report shows euro-zone financial crisis slowing global manufacturing

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Silk manufacturing in China.

Eligibility of Greek bonds used as collateral in Eurosystem monetary policy operations

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to temporarily suspend the eligibility of marketable debt instruments issued or fully guaranteed by the Hellenic Republic for use as collateral in Eurosystem monetary policy operations. This decision takes into account the rating of the Hellenic Republic as a result of the launch of the private sector involvement offer.

Industry Committee backs cheaper mobile roaming rates

Wholesale roaming service suppliers have cut prices to match the EU price cap, but must now try harder to compete below it, said the Industry Committee on Tuesday. It backed new rules which from June 2012 could enable retail clients to buy roaming services from suppliers other than their home service suppliers and help alternative suppliers to enter the market. They would also cap retail data roaming charges for the first time, and also set lower roaming price caps for calls and SMS texts.

In its 2010 Digital Agenda for Europe, the Commission pledged to bring cross-border roaming tariffs into line with domestic prices by 2015, in line with Parliament’s requests. The current legislation capping roaming charges for phone calls and SMS messaging, at both wholesale and retail levels, expires in June 2012.

EBRD finances new district heating upgrades in Ukraine

First project in Ukraine to benefit from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership Fund

The EBRD will provide a loan of up to €10 million to finance a priority investment programme aimed at reducing energy loss in gas and electricity consumption and improving the quality of heat and hot-water provision in the Ukrainian municipality of Zhytomyr.

U.S. Interest Rates Remain the Same for the Second Quarter of 2012

The Internal Revenue Service announced interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1.