Not world shattering
The earthquake that ripped through central China's Sichuan province, killing thousands, crumpling roads and factories and disrupting power and communication, will be only a transitory jolt for the booming economy, analysts say.
The earthquake that ripped through central China's Sichuan province, killing thousands, crumpling roads and factories and disrupting power and communication, will be only a transitory jolt for the booming economy, analysts say.
Westpac Banking said Tuesday that it would acquire its smaller rival St. George in a takeover worth about 18.5 billion Australian dollars or about $17.5 billion. The deal will create one of Australia's largest banks.
CHINA
China's inflation almost climbed to a 12-year high in April, swamping official efforts to cool surging living costs that could provoke unrest ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
It's been the dream of millions -- a home by the sea in sunny Spain. People from all over Europe have invested hard-earned savings in coastal villas and apartments.
Alitalia said Friday that an envoy designated by Premier Silvio Berlusconi is seeking information about the airline in view of a possible plan by Italian investors and businessmen to save the flagship Italian airline.
CANADA
Canada said Friday that it had decided to block a U.S. company's takeover of the space and satellite division of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Canada's leading space technology firm.
INDONESIA
JAKARTA-- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Tuesday that Indonesia was considering quitting the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries because it was no longer a net oil exporter.
Mexico's consumer confidence fell in April, the national statistics agency said. The index decreased to 97.8 from 102.7 in March, the agency said today in an e-mail. Economists had estimated confidence would fall to 102.5, according to the median of 11 forecasts compiled by Bloomberg.
BRAZIL
When David Neeleman stepped down as CEO of JetBlue Airways Corp. a year ago, he swore he'd never start another airline. ''Shows you how compelling . . . this Brazil idea really is,'' the JetBlue founder said of his latest venture, an airline that will appeal to Brazilians on service and price.
Deutsche Telekom is considering a bid for Sprint Nextel, according to a media report Monday. Bonn-based Deutsche Telekom did not immediately comment on the report in The Wall Street Journal. Were it to make such a deal, it would catapult its T-Mobile wireless unit to the top spot in the U.S. market.
Brazilian stocks have climbed to a record high, bursting through the 70,000-point barrier for the first time on continued euphoria over the country's new investment-grade credit rating.
Peru's inflation rate declined to a five-month low in April, led by declines in transportation and communication prices. Consumer prices rose 0.15 percent in April, down from 1.04 percent in March, the National Statistics Institute said.