International financial news
Market watch top headlines
Australian reports
- Aust markets: Aust stocks close lower
- Aust dollar report: $A finishes the day higher
- Aust credit close: Aust bonds weaker
World reports
- World commodities: Commodities markets summary
- World markets: International markets roundup
SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP
December 20 2012, 07:57AM
A roundup of news in finance, economics and business from around the world:
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says he and the most powerful Republican in Congress are "pretty close" to a deal that would avoid an economy-crunching mix of tax increases and deep spending cuts, even as talks have ground to a standstill with two weeks left before they would take effect.
WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner says President Barack Obama should support a Republican plan to avoid January tax increases on everyone but those earning over $US1 million. Boehner says if Obama doesn't support the measure, the president will be responsible for what he calls "the largest tax increase in American history."
WASHINGTON - The United States has charged two former UBS traders with conspiracy over their alleged roles in the Libor manipulation scandal, Attorney General Eric Holder says.
DETROIT - The US Treasury Department said it will sell its remaining stake in General Motors in the next year or so, winding down a $US50 billion bailout that saved the iconic American car giant but also set off a heated debate about government intervention in private business that even influenced this year's presidential election.
NEW YORK - FedEx, the world's second-largest package delivery company, says its profit slid 12 per cent in the second quarter on weakness in its air network and the impact of superstorm Sandy.
WASHINGTON - The US is seeking a more balanced trade relationship with China at talks that could set the tone for cooperation after political transitions in the world's two largest economies.
NICOSIA, Cyprus - Cyprus' lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved the 2013 state budget amid efforts to finalise a bailout deal with international lenders in order to rescue the country's troubled banks and pay its bills.
LOCAL NEWS
BRISBANE - Queensland's bottom line will continue to take a "substantial" hit from falling coal prices and exports, Treasurer Tim Nicholls warns.
SYDNEY - Treasurer Mike Baird will deliver a budget update on Thursday.
ADELAIDE - Treasurer Jack Snelling will deliver mid-year budget review on Thursday.
