3xwy Blog

AP – Europe’s threat to ban the sort of financial derivatives trading that some blame for worsening Greece’s debt crisis wouldn’t work, a senior U.S. official told EU lawmakers Tuesday.

AP – Industrial production in the 16 countries that use the euro spiked by an impressive 1.7 percent in January from the month before, official figures showed Friday, raising hopes that the recovery from recession may be more buoyant than expected.

AP – Toyota’s massive recalls are bringing new scrutiny to the government’s auto safety agency, prompting Congress to look at how federal safety officials have lived up to their mission of protecting motorists.

AP – Official data shows German January exports improved 0.2 percent compared with January 2009 but declined a sharp 6.3 percent from December.

The United State’s relationship with Pakistan has been bolstered by successful intelligence operations. Skepticism persists over whether Pakistan really intends to pursue the Afghan militants on its soil. U.S. officials site a positive change in mood, but both sides are wary about over-promising what this new found friendship can deliver.

AP – European officials urged the U.S. to join in a crackdown on speculators who bet against Europe’s currency union, warning they might ban some credit default swaps — opaque financial instruments blamed for worsening the world financial crisis.

PR Newswire – WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz delivered the keynote address yesterday at the inauguration of the annual session of the Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council). His speech addressed a variety of issues, including employment, education, counterterrorism, women’s rights, economic policies, oil prices, the Arab-Israeli conflict and humanitarian aid. The audience included members of the Saudi royal family, foreign diplomats, ministers and senior government officials.

Reuters – The Obama administration has more work to do to help struggling U.S. homeowners, despite signs of a stabilizing housing market, a senior Treasury official said on Monday.

The defense secretary, making an unannounced visit to the war-torn country, said political corruption undermines “popular confidence in officials and in government itself.”

AP – Greece needs a strong vote of confidence from Germany and other European nations but hasn’t sought direct financial aid and believes it can overcome its debt crisis alone, a senior Greek official said Thursday.