World & Politics
Nikkei: Japan pension fund refuses to buy Chinese government debt - 09/29/2021
Japan's State Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the largest holder of pension savings in the world, has refused to add RMB-denominated bonds of the PRC state loan, Nikkei Asia reported, citing its own information. The decision was taken amid the risk of a collapse of China's Evergrande holding. The GPIF has 193 trillion yen ($1.7 trillion) in assets, including 47 trillion in foreign bonds. The fund...
South Korea is considering ban on dog meat - 09/28/2021
South Korea's President has proposed a ban on eating dog meat. The country still operates dog farms where some breeds are raised for food. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the government should consider banning consumption of dog meat for food, Yonhap news agency quoted presidential spokesman Park Ken-mi as saying. "Isn't it time to sensibly consider banning the consumption of dog meat?"...
Reuters learns of Iran-Venezuela deal on mutual oil exports - 09/27/2021
Venezuela has agreed with Iran to swap its heavy crude for Iranian condensate, Reuters has learned. This would allow Caracas to dilute its extra-heavy oil for export, but could violate US sanctions imposed on the two countries. Venezuela has agreed to a deal to swap its heavy crude for Iranian condensate, an ultra-light oil used in refining and chemical industries, five people close to the talks...
Brazil investigates JPMorgan's involvement in Petrobras corruption scheme - 09/24/2021
Brazilian authorities are investigating whether JPMorgan Chase & Co, one of the world's largest investment banks, was involved in an alleged bribery and money laundering scheme in 2011 surrounding Brazilian oil and gas company Petrobras, media reported, citing court documents and law enforcement sources. The documents include emails of the alleged participants, witness statements and bank...
UAE to invest £10B in Britain's energy complex - 09/17/2021
The UAE is investing £10 billion in Britain's technology, infrastructure and energy sectors, the British government's international trade department said. "The UK Investment Authority (OfI) and Abu Dhabi investment firm Mubadala signed an agreement today in Downing Street for a significant expansion of the UAE-UK Sovereign Investment Partnership (SIP) announced in March 2021," the statement said....
Fitch cuts global GDP growth forecast for the year - 09/17/2021
International rating agency Fitch Ratings has changed its expectations for global GDP growth to 6 percent for the year from the 6.3 percent forecast in June, the agency said in its September economic outlook. "The global economic recovery is proceeding rapidly... Progress in vaccination is limiting the impact of the new rise in COVID-19 infections on economic activity in Europe and the US. But...
U.S. expects tax hikes for families with annual incomes over $1M - 09/16/2021
American households with incomes of $1 million or more a year will pay 11% more in taxes in 2023 thanks to reforms proposed by Democrats. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates they will pay an additional $96,000, and their average tax rate is projected to rise from 30.2 percent to 37.3 percent. The Democrats' proposed tax reforms would raise the levy for households with incomes of $1 million...
FT: Chinese authorities monitor citizens' visits to foreign financial news sites - 09/15/2021
Chinese police are using a new anti-fraud app to identify and vet people who have visited foreign financial news sites. The Financial Times reported this, citing people who have been summoned by Chinese authorities to testify in this regard. The app was launched in March by the National Anti-Fraud Center, part of China's Ministry of Public Security. It blocks suspicious calls and reports malware....
Henley & Partners ranks London as the most attractive for business - 09/15/2021
Henley & Partners analysts recognized London as the most attractive city for investors and businessmen. In general, H&P compared 25 cities which offer programs "Residence permits for investment" in terms of security, real estate, infrastructure and other parameters. Analysts of consulting company Henley & Partners (H&P) released the "Index of cities in the world", which analyzed 25...
Fed-New York poll: Americans expect record high inflation - 09/14/2021
Americans are expecting a record rise in inflation over the next few years, according to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In its August report on consumer expectations, the Federal Reserve-New York reported that respondents expect inflation to be 5.2 percent in a year, compared with 4.9 percent a month earlier. They expect inflation to be 4% in three years, up from...
