Business
US Senate OKs $2-billion expansion of cash-for-clunkers program
The Senate bolstered the popular cash-for-clunkers program Thursday by giving it an extra $2 billion in hopes of extending a wave of trade-in deals that buoyed car sales and boosted demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in July. The vote was 60 to 37.
About half of U.S. mortgages seen underwater by 2011
The percentage of U.S. homeowners who owe more than their house is worth will nearly double to 48 percent in 2011 from 26 percent at the end of March, portending another blow to the housing
Putin in Turkey seeking support for gas pipeline
ANKARA, Turkey — Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was in Turkey on Thursday courting support for a gas pipeline project it hopes will help maintain Russian energy dominance in European nations.
Commandos storm South Korean car worker protest
A bitter, 76-day protest by recently sacked South Korean autoworkers at the Ssangyong plant near Seoul exploded into an frenzy of violence on the factory roofs today as 100 elite police commandos descended from helicopters to end the siege.
Poll indicates generational split over health care
Americans appear split over President Barack Obama's health care proposals, according to a new national poll.
IBM Launches Advanced Analytics Center In China
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the launch of its China Analytics Solution Center, part of a network of global centers addressing the growing demand for advanced analytics capabilities needed to help clients build smarter business systems and driv...
Google launches rare ad campaign to sell more apps
SAN FRANCISCO — Google Inc. is so well known that it has become a synonym for search, making advertising unnecessary. Getting businesses to buy Google's online suite of office applications requires a little more elbow grease and marketing muscle.
Treasury Secretary Says US Unemployment May Peak in Second Half of 2010
The U.S. unemployment rate may not peak until the second half of 2010, even as the broader economy shows signs of improvement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said.
Skype could be cut off for good over dispute
Skype might have to shut down because of a dispute over the core technology used to make the internet telephone system work. EBay, which paid $2.6 billion (£1.6 billion) for the voice-over-the-internet system in 2005, is facing a court battle wit...
Airbus urges airlines to replace speed probes
PARIS — Airbus urged airlines on Friday to replace air speed probes on its A330 and A340 jets with models made by US firm Goodrich, after earlier versions were linked to the loss of an Air France flight.
European nations sign 9 bln euro Typhoon jet deal
European nations signed a 9.1 billion euro contract on Friday for a further 112 Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets including a 1.4 billion euro engine deal.
Microsoft, Yahoo Confirm Search Partnership Deal
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) said they would enter into a 10-year search partnership agreement as the companies look to combine forces to take on industry giant Google Inc. (GOOG).
Striking South African municipal workers reject wage offer
JOHANNESBURG — South African municipal workers on Thursday rejected a wage offer aimed at ending a four-day strike amid anti-poverty protests and as the country prepares to host the World Cup.
U.S., China end talks with smiles but no progress on climate change
Relations between the United States and China are getting cozier as their battle against the global recession has drawn them closer together. But things aren't quite so warm when it comes to some hot-button topics, particularly climate change.
South African unions mull deal as protests continue
JOHANNESBURG — South African municipal workers downed tools for a third day Wednesday as union leaders readied to mull a revised wage offer, with fresh anti-poverty protests erupting in poor townships.
Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines Announce Order for Five 777-200LRs
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for five Boeing 777-200LRs. In doing so, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian was the first Afri...
EU seal ban challenged by Canada
The EU has agreed to ban the import of seal products - prompting a challenge from Canada which culls hundreds of thousands of seals each year.
Philippines imposes price control on some medicines
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has imposed price controls on nearly two dozen drug brands after pharmaceutical companies failed to comply with a law lowering costs by 50 percent, officials said on Tuesday.
Strike by 150,000 council workers brings South African economy to a standstill
Hundreds of council workers rampaged through central Johannesburg yesterday in a “trash” protest marking the first day of a nationwide strike over wages and benefits by 150,000 municipal employees.
US Treasury Secretary, Chinese Vice Premier say ties key to global recovery
WASHINGTON — US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan stressed cooperation in the battle against the global economic crisis at high-level talks in Washington.