DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Argentina to freeze fuel prices until Oct 31 to curb inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Aug 17 (Reuters) - Argentina's economy ministry said on Thursday it will freeze fuel prices until October 31 after an agreement with the industry as a measure to help tamp down triple-digit inflation. In a statement, the ministry said the government will cut taxes in exchange for the price freezes, but added that the tax benefits can be "taken away" if companies violate the agreement. The agreement followed a meeting between economy minister Sergio Massa and executives from oil companies such as YPF (YPFD.BA) and Vista (VIST.BA) earlier in the afternoon. The South American nation has been battling against sky-rocketing annual inflation which topped 113.4% through July, with monthly inflation set to rise again in August. Reporting by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Brendan O'BoyleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Carolina Pulice, Brendan O'Boyle Organizations: Thomson

A one hundred Argentine peso bill sits on top of several one hundred U.S. dollar bills in this illustration picture taken October 17, 2022. The Sunday primary vote saw outsider candidate Javier Milei, who has pledged to dollarize the economy and eventually scrap the central bank, win the largest share of the vote. Analyst Salvador Vitelli, however, said that despite the new measures a further devaluation was expected, even after the central bank pegged the official exchange rate at 350 pesos per dollar until the election. "The market does not seem to believe that they will be able to maintain the exchange rate until October," he said. Reporting by Walter Bianchi, Jorge Otaola and Lucinda Elliott; Editing by Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Gustavo Ber, Javier Milei, Salvador Vitelli, Milei, Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Milei's dollarization, Peter West, Walter Bianchi, Jorge Otaola, Lucinda Elliott, Jamie Freed Organizations: Argentine, REUTERS, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Peronist, Economy, Monetary Fund, Sovereign, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, MERV

REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/Illustration/File PhotoNEW YORK, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Investors in Argentina's financial markets, where bonds and the peso slid on Monday after central bank moves following a surprise primary election result, said the vote had a silver lining: it would likely hasten long-called-for economic reforms. The result initially introduced uncertainty into asset pricing, with traders selling stocks and dollar bonds - but prices later stabilized and the local stock market closed over 3% higher. Investors said this would outweigh any worries about Milei, despite some of his heterodox pledges, including to axe the central bank and dollarize the economy. Milei faces a significant challenge still to turn the primary election win into a successful run to the presidency. The central bank also increased the benchmark interest rate to 118% from 97%.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Javier Milei, Patricia Bullrich, Milei, Kimberley Sperrfechter, Sergio Massa, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Milei's, Walter Stoeppelwerth, Shamaila Khan, Rowe Price, Samy Muaddi, Rodrigo Campos, Adam Jourdan, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Argentine, REUTERS, Economics, Kimberley, Peronist, Investors, Gletir SA, Emerging Markets, Asia Pacific, UBS Asset Management, Jorgelina, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Argentine, MERV, Rosario

Japan’s Q2 GDP grows fastest in more than two yearsMarcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics, said the export-driven momentum in growth is unlikely to be sustained. Exports expanded 3.2% in the second quarter led by car exports and inbound tourism, while capital expenditure was flat. Strong U.S. and European demand has also supported exports while the post-COVID boom in foreign tourists has given the economy a much-needed tailwind. That boost in external demand, or net exports, added 1.8 percentage points to second quarter growth. It doesn't mean a strong recovery in Japanese economy," said Takumi Tsunoda, senior economist at Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute.

Persons: Kim Kyung, Marcel Thieliant, Thieliant, Takumi Tsunoda, Shigeyuki Goto, Goto, Tetsushi Kajimoto, Pasit Kongkunakornkul, Sam Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, TOKYO, Capital Economics, Private, U.S, Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute, The Bank of Japan, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Asia, China

A general view of the facade of Banco de la Nacion Argentina (Bank of the Argentine Nation), in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 7, 2021. The official FX rate will be fixed at 350 pesos per dollar until the October elections, the central bank said. The country's sovereign dollar bonds fell as much as 2 cents on the dollar, with the 2038 note leading the slide, according to MarketAxess data. Latin America's third-largest economy has been grappling with a severe economic crisis with sky-high inflation and falling central bank reserves. A candidate needs 45% of the Oct. 22 vote to win outright or 40% and a 10-point lead over second place.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Javier Milei, William Jackson, overvalued, Sunday's, Goldman Sachs, Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Ricardo Delgado, Eliana Raszewski, Rodrigo Campos, Jorge Otaola, Medha Singh, Adam Jourdan, Bernadette Baum, John Stonestreet, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: de la Nacion Argentina, Bank of, Argentine, REUTERS, LONDON, Capital Economics, Investment, JPMorgan, Gross, Milei, Peronist, Economy, Analytica, Reuters Graphics Reuters, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Qatar, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, Agustin Marcarian BUENOS AIRES, MERV, Argentine, refinance, Washington, Rosario

A general view of the facade of Banco de la Nacion Argentina (Bank of the Argentine Nation), in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Agustin MarcarianBUENOS AIRES/LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Argentina's markets face an election hangover on Monday after a shock primary vote win for far-right libertarian Javier Milei - who wants to axe the central bank and dollarize the economy - shook up the race towards presidential elections in October. Rock-singing, wild-haired economist and lawmaker Milei far outperformed forecasts to win some 30% of the vote, the largest share with over 90% of ballots counted. Latin America's third-biggest economy has been grappling with a severe economic crisis with sky-high inflation and falling central bank reserves. A candidate needs 45% of the Oct. 22 vote to win outright or 40% and a 10-point lead over second place.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Javier Milei, Milei, Diego Pereira, Milei's, Goldman Sachs, Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Ricardo Delgado, Eliana Raszewski, Jorge Otaola, Adam Jourdan, Stephen Coates, Bernadette Baum Organizations: de la Nacion Argentina, Bank of, Argentine, REUTERS, LONDON, Investment, JPMorgan, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Gross, Peronist, Economy, Analytica, International Monetary Fund, Qatar, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, Agustin Marcarian BUENOS AIRES, U.S, Argentine, refinance, Washington, Rosario

☆ Japan’s economic growth beats forecasts as exports zoom
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

While the headline GDP data provides some relief to policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with sustainable inflation, it masks underlying weakness in the household sector. Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics, said the export-driven momentum in growth is unlikely to be sustained. Exports expanded 3.2% in the second quarter led by car exports and inbound tourism, while capital expenditure was flat. Strong US and European demand has also supported exports while the post-COVID boom in foreign tourists has given the economy a much-needed tailwind. That boost in external demand, or net exports, added 1.8 percentage points to second quarter growth.

Persons: Marcel Thieliant, ” Thieliant, ”, Takumi Tsunoda, Shigeyuki Goto, ” Goto Organizations: Tokyo Reuters, Capital Economics, Private, Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute, The Bank of Japan Locations: Tokyo, Asia, China

☆ Italy PM Meloni takes 'full responsibility' for bank tax
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File PhotoMILAN, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday took "full responsibility" for last week's shock decision to impose a one-off bank tax that has been blamed for causing lasting damage to her government's credibility with financial markets. In comments to Italian newspapers Corriere della Sera, la Repubblica and La Stampa, Meloni said the 40% levy had no punitive intent. The new tax targets a rise in profits banks have derived from higher rates. Sources told Reuters when the measure was announced the Treasury expected to draw less than 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) from the tax. With Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti noticeably absent from the press conference to announce the tax, Meloni said he had been informed about the decision.

Persons: Giorgia Meloni, Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, MILAN, Meloni, Giancarlo Giorgetti, France's Marie Le Pen, Claudia Cristoferi, Federico Maccioni, Valentina Za, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Italy's, U.S, White, REUTERS, Italian, della, Repubblica, la Repubblica, Reuters, Treasury, Forza Italian, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, La, la

☆ Argentina markets face election hangover after far-right primary bombshell
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Argentina's markets face an election hangover on Monday after a shock primary election win for far-right libertarian Javier Milei, who wants to axe the central bank and dollarize the economy, shook up the race towards general elections in October. The primary to elect party candidates acts as a dress rehearsal for the general election in two months time. Markets had hoped for a strong performance by more moderate candidates, who had a bad night. After a similar primary election shock result in 2019, bonds and the currency crashed and remain in distressed territory, with the peso now held in check by capital controls the government has been unable to unwind. A candidate needs 45% of the Oct. 22 vote to win outright or 40% and a 10-point lead over second place.

Persons: Javier Milei, Milei, Dante Sica, Milei's, Goldman Sachs, Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Ricardo Delgado Organizations: Markets, Peronist Locations: Argentine

☆ Javier Milei: Far-right outsider posts shock win in Argentina election
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

With some 90% of ballots counted, far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei had 30.5% of the vote, far higher than predicted, with the main conservative opposition bloc behind on 28% and the ruling Peronist coalition in third place on 27%. The result is a stinging rebuke to the center-left Peronist coalition and the main Together for Change conservative opposition bloc with inflation at 116% and a cost-of-living crisis leaving four in 10 people in poverty. “We are the true opposition,” Milei said in a bullish speech after the results. This speaks of people’s anger with politics,” said former conservative President Mauricio Macri as he arrived at Together for Change’s election bunker. Turnout was under 70%, the lowest for a primary election since they started to be held in Argentina over a decade ago.

Persons: Reuters —, Javier Milei, ” Milei, ”, Adriana Alonso, Mauricio Macri, Patricia Bullrich, Horacio Larreta, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, JUAN MABROMATA, Sergio Massa, Donald Trump, Jorge Boloco, Maria Fernanda Medina Organizations: Reuters, Peronist, International Monetary Fund, Conservative, Change, Buenos Aires, Argentine, el Cambio, Getty Images Locations: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Buenos, AFP, Tigre

☆ Argentina set for primary vote with ruling Peronists fighting for survival
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I am thinking of leaving my vote blank," said Micaela Panzera, a 22-year-old employee of a food company in Buenos Aires. We have seen warning signs of this in the provincial elections held up to now," said political analyst Carlos Fara. Pollsters see the combined Together for Change opposition candidates just ahead of the ruling Peronist bloc, with Milei pulling close to 20%. In the 2019 primary the polls were proved badly wrong. Reporting by Nicolás Misculin; Additional reporting by Candelaria Grimberg; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Horacio Larreta, Sergio Massa, Micaela Panzera, Patricia Bullrich, Javier Milei, Goldman Sachs, Carlos Fara, Nicolás Misculin, Candelaria Grimberg, Adam Jourdan, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Peronist, International Monetary Fund, Buenos Aires, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Change, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Buenos Aires

☆ One eve of vote, Argentina's Massa announces $500 mln in new loans
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Argentina's Economy Minister Sergio Massa departs after attending a meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the IMF headquarters in Washington, U.S., September 12, 2022. In a ministry statement laying out economic policies to be formally rolled out next week, Massa also pledged to propose a "zero deficit" government budget for next year that would not overspend. The $500 million in loans will be signed with the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, according to the statement, which will boost the central bank's critically-low foreign reserves. Argentine traders are keeping a close eye on Sunday's election, which could point to the likely outcome of the general election in October. Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Sandra MalerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Kristalina Georgieva, Evelyn Hockstein, Massa, Lucila Sigal, David Alire Garcia, Sandra Maler Organizations: Monetary Fund, IMF, REUTERS, Voters, Peronist, Inter, American Development Bank, World Bank, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

☆ Finns Party mastermind defends long-term goal to leave the EU
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Anne Kauranen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Opinion polls show the hardline former party leader is unlikely to win the presidency, but his views are influential within the Finns Party, which is part of the right-wing government that took office in June. Delegates at the weekend conference discussed the party's EU stance in light of the Ukraine war and its governing alliance with pro-EU allies. The Finns Party backed the country joining NATO this year. The Finns Party congress also rejected the EU's proposed Nature Restoration Law, with Tavio calling it "a sad example of the acceleration of the EU's dictatorial policy under the guise of climate change". The Finns Party has suffered two setbacks in recent weeks.

Persons: Jussi Halla, Anne Kauranen HELSINKI, Party's Jussi Halla, aho, Halla, Ville Tavio, Vilhelm Junnila, Riikka Purra, Anne Kauranen, Justyna Pawlak, Hugh Lawson, Helen Popper Our Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, Saturday ., Finns Party, EU, Reuters, NATO, Foreign Trade, Restoration, Thomson Locations: Helsinki, Finland, Ukraine, EU, Western Europe, Europe, Halla

A man wearing a face mask as a protective measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) walks past the entrance of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, a day after midterm primary elections, in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 13, 2021. The primary, which unusually is an obligatory nationwide vote, defines internal leadership battles and acts as a dry run for the general election. The primary vote four years ago delivered a shock landslide defeat to the government of conservative then-President Mauricio Macri, sparking a crash in bonds, equities and the peso currency that Argentina has yet to fully recover from. Ex-security tsar Patricia Bullrich and Buenos Aires city Mayor Horacio Larreta are vying to lead the opposition, and Economy Minister Sergio Massa is a unity candidate for the Peronists. The country's S&P Merval (.MERV) stock market index, meanwhile, has been soaring, seen as a safe haven for local investors and a refuge from the damaging impact of inflation.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Mauricio Macri, it's, Mauro Natalucci, Rava Bursátil, Patricia Bullrich, Horacio Larreta, Sergio Massa, Javier Milei, Jorge Otaola, Walter Bianchi, Adam Jourdan, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Peronist, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Argentine, SBS Group, International Monetary Fund, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, MERV

☆ Voter anger, apathy hang over Argentina primary elections
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Pollsters, however, said voter apathy could mean big shifts late in the race, with many people still undecided. The primary election will give the clearest indication yet of what the October general election result is likely to be. "I still don't know who I'm going to vote for and I think we're all in the same position. "I'm going to vote because I don't want to pay the fine, but I still don't know who. Despite voting being obligatory by law, voter turnout is also expected to be down and could affect the result.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Kristalina Georgieva, Evelyn Hockstein, Javier Milei, Pablo Vairo, Facundo Nejamkis, Horacio Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Cristian Guardo, Maximiliano Herrera, Karina, Nicolas Misculin, Juan Bustamante, Adam Jourdan, Diane Craft Organizations: Monetary Fund, IMF, REUTERS, Peronist coalition's, Economy, Peronist, Reuters, Primaries, pollster Opina, Milei, Reuters Graphics Reuters, la Patria, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Buenos Aires, pollster, pollster Opina Argentina, Peronist, Candelaria

☆ Taiwan pitches deeper Europe engagement after TSMC Germany investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Ben Blanchard | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TAIPEI, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Taiwan chipmaker TSMC's (2330.TW) 3.5 billion euros ($3.83 billion) investment in Germany will drive deeper engagement between the island and Europe, Taiwan's economy minister said on Wednesday, pitching the political benefits of the deal. "TSMC's investment in Europe will help bring even closer cooperation between Taiwan and the EU," Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua told reporters in Taipei, when asked if signing the BIA would get more Taiwanese chipmakers to the bloc. Taiwan has repeatedly called for progress on a BIA with the European Union. The EU included Taiwan on its list of trade partners for a potential bilateral investment agreement in 2015, but it has not held talks with Taiwan on the issue since. The TSMC investment in Germany will need approval by Taiwan's economy ministry, and Wang said they will also consider the company's "vigorous" investments at home when weighing the German plans.

Persons: Wang Mei, Wang, TSMC, Ben Blanchard, Jeanny Kao, Stephen Coates Organizations: European Union, BIA, Washington, EU, Trade Organisation, Reuters, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan, Germany, Europe, Beijing, Taipei, United States, Japan

☆ Italy windfall tax: European bank stocks bounce after tax blow is watered down
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —Banking stocks in Italy and elsewhere in Europe rebounded Wednesday after the country watered down a plan to whack its banks with a surprise one-off 40% tax on their windfall profits. The government’s climbdown eased investors’ fears over European banks more broadly. The Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index, which tracks 42 big banks in the European Union and the United Kingdom, gained 1.7% after shedding 3.5% the previous day. Late Monday, the government said it would impose a one-off windfall tax of 40% and would use the proceeds to support first-time home buyers and cut taxes for families and businesses. Several European countries, including Spain and the Czech Republic, have announced taxes on banks’ windfall profits in the past year as interest rate hikes by central banks have beefed up many lenders’ earnings.

Persons: ’, Giancarlo Giorgetti, Remo Casilli, Jeremy Hunt, Moody’s Organizations: London CNN — Banking, Banco, European Union, Reuters, Deutsche Bank, DB, Bank Locations: Italy, Europe, United Kingdom, Rome, Spain, Czech Republic

☆ Germany spends big to win $11 billion TSMC chip plant
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC on Tuesday committed 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) to a factory in Germany, its first in Europe, taking advantage of huge state support for the $11 billion plant as the continent seeks to bring supply chains closer to home. TSMC said it would invest up to 3.499 billion euros into a subsidiary, European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), of which it will own 70%. The factory will cost around 10 billion euros in total. “There is going to be a real ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing in Germany,” he said. TSMC said in a statement after a board meeting that approved the German investment that it had also approved a capital injection of not more than $4.5 billion for the Arizona plant as part of the overall $40 billion investment.

Persons: TSMC, Olaf Scholz, Michael Kretschmer, ” Kretschmer, Germany’s, NXP, Robert Habeck, ”, “ It’s Organizations: European Union, Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Germany, Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Germany’s Bosch, Infineon, Semiconductor, EU, Sony Locations: Germany, Europe, Taiwan, China, Asia, United States, Dresden, Saxony, ” Saxony, Netherlands, Ukraine, Arizona, Japan

Germany, which has been courting the world's largest contract chipmaker since 2021, will contribute up to 5 billion euros to the factory in Dresden, capital of the eastern state of Saxony, German officials said. "There is going to be a real ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing in Germany," said economy minister Robert Habeck. VOTE OF CONFIDENCETSMC said it would invest up to 3.499 billion euros into a subsidiary, European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), of which it will own 70%. Semiconductor makers Intel (INTC.O) and Wolfspeed (WOLF.N) have already taken advantage of the subsidies on offer to set up shop in Germany. TSMC said in a statement after a board meeting that approved the German investment that it had also approved a capital injection of not more than $4.5 billion for the Arizona plant as part of the overall $40 billion investment.

Persons: Robert Habeck, TSMC, Germany's Bosch, Habeck, Ben Blanchard, Thomas Escritt, Louise Heavens, Mark Potter Organizations: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, European Union, Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Infineon, Semiconductor, Intel, EU, Sony, Thomson Locations: Dresden, Arizona, TAIPEI, BERLIN, Germany, Europe, Taiwan, China, Asia, United States, Saxony, Netherlands, Ukraine, U.S, Japan

☆ Italy approves 40% windfall tax on banks, to be limited to 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO-Matteo Salvini, Italian infrastructure minister and deputy PM, attends a news conference for the government's first budget in Rome, Italy November 22, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File PhotoROME, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Italy's cabinet on Monday approved a 40% windfall tax on banks for 2023, with proceedings to be used to help mortgage holders and cut taxes, the deputy prime minister said. Salvini said the 40% levy on banks' extra profits that amount to several billion euros will feed items such as a reduction of the tax wedge, tax cuts and financial support to holders of mortgages on first homes. The Italian government, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, repeatedly criticised the ECB over repeated interest rate hikes. Reporting by Angelo Amante and Federico Maccioni; Editing by Leslie Adler and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Matteo Salvini, Remo Casilli, Salvini, Giorgia Meloni, Angelo Amante, Federico Maccioni, Leslie Adler, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, European, Reuters, Treasury, ECB, Thomson Locations: Rome, Italy

[1/5] A priest blesses Argentine faithfuls during San Cayetano's (Saint Cajetan) feast day, the patron saint of labour and bread, at San Cayetano church in Buenos Aires, Argentina August 7, 2023. "Walking around this neighborhood, there are many people who have come from other parts of the country to ask for work. People are asking a saint because they can't ask the politicians," said retiree Juan Mura, 58. "I would like the politicians to come here and see the reality of the people." He said he had come to pray to St. Cayetano for years and he hadn't been let down so far, despite the country's long-running economic woes.

Persons: Mariana Nedelcu, Cayetano, Juan Mura, Sergio Massa, Massa, Betina Basanta, Armando Villar, hadn't, I've, Claudia Martini, Miguel Lo Bianco, Horacio Soria, Adam Jourdan, Conor Humphries Organizations: San, REUTERS, Peronist, Thomson Locations: Argentine, Cayetano's, San Cayetano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mariana Nedelcu BUENOS AIRES

☆ Argentina agrees $775 million loan with Qatar to make IMF repayment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File PhotoAug 4 (Reuters) - Argentina's government on Friday agreed with Qatar a $775 million loan to use to make an International Monetary Fund (IMF) repayment due this Friday. Argentina is grappling with a severe economic crisis with sky-high inflation and falling central bank reserves and is facing IMF repayments. The country's Economy Minister Sergio Massa said on Monday Argentina would not use "a single dollar of its own reserves" to make the IMF repayment. The Qatar loan will have the IMF's variable interest rate applicable to SDRs (IMF currency), which is currently 4.033% per annum, a presidential decree said.

Persons: Yuri Gripas, Sergio Massa, Massa, Nicolas Misculin, Natalia Siniawski, Jason Neely, Jane Merriman Organizations: Monetary Fund, REUTERS, Qatar, Argentina, IMF, CAF, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Argentina, Qatar, China

☆ Argentine polls give slight edge to opposition ahead of uncertain primaries
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Matias Baglietto/File PhotoBUENOS AIRES, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Argentina's opposition is polling with a slight lead for the upcoming August primaries, usually a reliable bellwether for the outcome of the presidential election, but with many voters ready to snub the ballot box the results are far from certain. Most polls peg the center-right opposition alliance Together for Change (JxC) with a slight edge against the center-left ruling coalition Union for the Homeland (UP). Over 10 percentage points behind is political outsider Javier Milei's Liberty Advances party, which hopes to win votes from those disillusioned with politics. The primaries will decide the candidates who will compete in the Oct. 22 elections, but polls vary on which candidates will win a place in the race. Massa is seen as likely to win a place in the presidential vote, but the country's severe economic crisis has favored Milei, who carries an "emotional vote".

Persons: Javier Milei, Matias Baglietto, Carlos Fara, Javier Milei's, Mariel Fornoni, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Juan Grabois, Massa, Milei, Pollsters, It's, Lucila Sigal, Juan Bustamante, Sarah Morland, Sandra Maler Organizations: 135th Argentine, REUTERS, Union for, Homeland, Management, Economy, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, UP, Fara

☆ Infineon boosts Malaysia investment as Q3 revenue above forecast
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

For the full year, Infineon expects investments amounting to approximately 3 billion euros. The planned expansion of the Kulim fab is backed by customer commitments covering about 5 billion euros and about 1 billion euros in pre-payments, said Infineon, which said it would invest up to an additional 5 billion euros over the next five years. The company expects the expanded facility - together with its plant in Villach, Austria - to generate annual revenues of 7 billion euros. The company on Thursday confirmed its revenue outlook of around 16.2 billion euros, which it had raised in May. Infineon's third-quarter adjusted, or "segment", result was down 10% from the previous quarter at 1.067 billion euros, while its margin came in slightly lower than expected, at 26.1%.

Persons: Robert Habeck, Annalena Baerbock's, Annegret, Schwarz, Jochen Hanebeck, Ford, China's Cherry, Infineon's, Miranda Murray, Christina Amann, Friederike Heine, William Mallard Organizations: Infineon Technologies, REUTERS, Infineon, Lang, Semiconductor, SAIC, Thomson Locations: Dresden, Germany, Malaysia, BERLIN, electromobility, Villach, Austria

Search resuls for: "Economy Minister"

25 mentions found