Export giants sink most as world trade slumps

Imagine, for a moment, you are in Germany. Some readers may already be there. You are in an economy that is still the world’s biggest exporter, just beating off the challenge from China.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 8:00 pm

G20 draft communiqué pledges to avoid protectionism

Leaders promise to expand the world economy ahead of 20 nations summit but are short on details of a global fiscal stimulus
Source: Financial Times - US homepage | 29 Mar 2009 | 2:01 pm

It's small comfort, but you can negotiate a better severance deal

It may not be much solace to the 4.4 million people who’ve been laid off since the recession began in December 2007, but a new survey shows most companies are at least remaining generous with their severance packages. Plus, laid-off workers often can negotiate a higher payout or other benefits, experts say.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 29 Mar 2009 | 1:25 pm

BG set to bid for North Sea's Oranje Nassau-report

LONDON, March 29 (Reuters) - British oil & gas firm BG Group is preparing a bid for up-for-sale North Sea producer Oranje Nassau, a newspaper reported on Sunday.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 1:09 pm

NewsWatch: U.S. stock rally faces jobs, earnings, G20 hurdles

A huge three-week rally in stocks will meet a number of stumbling blocks next week, including some earnings, a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the G20, as well as the key jobs report for March.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 29 Mar 2009 | 1:00 pm

Germany sets limits on Opel aid before Merkel visit

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's economy minister said on Sunday that there were a host of investors interested in troubled carmaker Opel, but warned they could not expect Berlin to assume...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:31 pm

Germany sets limits on Opel aid before Merkel visit (Reuters)

Reuters - Germany's economy minister said on Sunday that there were a host of investors interested in troubled carmaker Opel, but warned they could not expect Berlin to assume all the financial risks linked to the company.
Source: Yahoo! News: Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:31 pm

Dunfermline boss attacks Treasury

The chairman of the collapsed Dunfermline Building Society accuses the Treasury of "sacrificing" the business.
Source: BBC News | Business | World Edition | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:20 pm

Germany sets limits on Opel aid before Merkel visit

FRANKFURT, March 29 (Reuters) - Germany's economy minister said on Sunday that there were a host of investors interested in troubled carmaker Opel, but warned they could not expect Berlin to assume all...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:14 pm

Leaders stress need for G20 unity

Key politicians from Australia, Russia, China and the UK call for a unified response to the economic crisis at the G20.
Source: BBC News | Business | World Edition | 29 Mar 2009 | 11:53 am

Comment: Isa advert is a bit rich coming from the Halifax

Halifax which is trying to woo nervous customers with its Capital Protected Isa says investors "will be in good hands". That boast is laughable.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 11:39 am

Building society on Gordon Brown's doorstep collapses days before G20

Gordon Brown faces embarrassment today as a building society on the doorstep of his Fife constituency faces collapse four days before he seeks to lead the world out of financial crisis at the G20 summit.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 11:07 am

China's Chalco posts 1.66 billion yuan loss in Q4

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Aluminum Corp of China Ltd , the world's No.3 alumina producer, swung to a worse-than-expected quarterly loss and warned of a difficult 2009 as global aluminum prices plunged and costs rose.
Source: Reuters: Business News | 29 Mar 2009 | 10:47 am

China's Chalco posts 1.66 billion yuan loss in Q4

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Aluminum Corp of China Ltd , the world's No.3 alumina producer, swung to a worse-than-expected quarterly loss and warned of a difficult 2009 as global aluminum prices
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 10:47 am

Bangladesh examines Cairn proposal to raise gas price

DHAKA, March 29 (Reuters) - Bangladesh is reviewing a proposal submitted by U.K.-based Cairn Energy Plc , to raise the price of gas sold to state-run oil, gas and mineral corporation Petrobangla, a senior...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 10:44 am

If Gordon Brown won't get a grip we could be calling in the IMF again

There is an air of breathtaking unreality in Westminster and Whitehall that reminds me of 1975 writes David Owen.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 10:28 am

Tax havens eye uncertain future after concessions

"Who pays?" asks a neon artwork in wealthy Liechtenstein's elegant black granite cube of a museum. That question is of more than artistic interest to the family that rules the tiny...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 9:50 am

Fresh writedowns, more job cuts seen at UBS: report

ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland's UBS is expected to announce more writedowns and job cuts in the coming days, Swiss newspaper Sonntag reported on Sunday.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 9:14 am

Fresh writedowns, more job cuts seen at UBS: report

ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland's UBS is expected to announce more writedowns and job cuts in the coming days, Swiss newspaper Sonntag reported on Sunday.
Source: Reuters: Business News | 29 Mar 2009 | 9:14 am

Fresh writedowns, more job cuts seen at UBS: report (Reuters)

Reuters - Switzerland's UBS is expected to announce more writedowns and job cuts in the coming days, Swiss newspaper Sonntag reported on Sunday.

Source: Yahoo! News: Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 9:14 am

Natgas signs found in another Israel drill site

TEL AVIV, March 29 (Reuters) - A U.S.-Israeli exploration group that discovered large amounts of natural gas in Israeli waters earlier this year said on Sunday it found early signs of gas at a new drill...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:30 am

Limiting executive pay could be the only way to save capitalism

When managers are free to rob corporate coffers, it shatters the trust of the investors who provide capital to grow the business. ...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Tracking down a thorough home investigator

Question: My real estate agent told me that, for legal reasons, she was not able to recommend a home inspector. She said I would have to find one on my own. Is this a normal practice?
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

How to spend time together while spending less cash

Despite the economic crisis, you can still have a wedding, a housewarming or just a potluck. Times are tough,...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Her staffing agency is 'twice as effective,' clients say

Dawson & Dawson connects job hunters with temp and permanent positions in Orange County.

The gig : Founder and president of Dawson & Dawson staffing, which connects job hunters with temporary and permanent positions in Orange County. Dawson's name appears twice because, her clients have joked, she is "twice as effective" as a single person. The company focuses on office jobs paying $80,000 or less, where turnover tends to be higher and the positions are easier to fill than executive posts. Dawson charges companies a one-time fee of 15% to 25% of the open position's annual salary to connect them with candidates. Her services are free to job seekers, who must pass a rigorous application, interview and assessment process. More than 75% come as referrals. There are 10 employees in the main office in Mission Viejo and two in each of the three other Orange County branches. "Helping people find work is the most gratifying thing," she says.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Crafting a resume that will grab recruiters

Some old rules no longer apply. Creativity can help, but going too far can ruin your chances for a job. Even in...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Her staffing agency is 'twice as effective,' clients say

Dawson & Dawson connects job hunters with temp and permanent positions in Orange County. The gig : Founder and president of Dawson...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Health insurers pull a fast one in proposed reform

The industry says it will treat all people fairly in return for a government requirement that everyone has to buy their product. But they want to charge different prices for different levels of covera

It might have looked as if real progress toward healthcare reform was made last week when leading insurers proposed ending their long-standing practice of charging higher rates to sick people and denying coverage to those with chronic conditions.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

'Broker price opinions' may be depressing property values

BPOs are booming because they're cheaper than standard appraisals, but critics say the realty agents who perform them may set values extra low to ensure quicker sales.

Are lowball valuation estimates on short sales and bank-owned foreclosures artificially depressing property values in neighborhoods across the country?

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Tracking down a thorough home investigator

Question: My real estate agent told me that, for legal reasons, she was not able to recommend a home inspector. She said I would have to find one on my own. Is this a normal practice?

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Limiting executive pay could be the only way to save capitalism

When managers are free to rob corporate coffers, it shatters the trust of the investors who provide capital to grow the business.

Proposals to limit executive pay are flying fast and furious in the wake of public furor over retention bonuses paid to executives at American International Group Inc. But here in the capital of capitalism, business leaders and compensation consultants maintain that restricting executive pay could cause more harm than good.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Exotic woods grace home and guest house

Exotic woods warm this contemporary-style house designed by the owner.

A variety of woods give warmth to a contemporary-style house just blocks from the Mid-Wilshire museum district.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

How to spend time together while spending less cash

Despite the economic crisis, you can still have a wedding, a housewarming or just a potluck.

Times are tough, and let's face it, lots of people are broke. That makes it hard to pay the bills and buy nice things like Amish space heaters, and it makes it more difficult than ever to handle social situations involving money.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Homeowners have the right to inspect attorney invoices

Question: I have repeatedly asked my association board for copies of attorney invoices, but the attorney wrote me saying that owners do not have the right to inspect individual invoices from the association's...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Don't use 401(k) money to pay off debt

Dear Liz: The 401(k) plan at work has been terminated. We have $51,000 in credit card debt and $45,000 in the 401(k) account. Should we pay the 20% withholding tax and early penalty to get out of debt?...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Don't use 401(k) money to pay off debt

Dear Liz: The 401(k) plan at work has been terminated. We have $51,000 in credit card debt and $45,000 in the 401(k) account. Should we pay the 20% withholding tax and early penalty to get out of debt?

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Crafting a resume that will grab recruiters

Some old rules no longer apply. Creativity can help, but going too far can ruin your chances for a job.

Even in choppy waters, recruiters are still angling for the perfect job candidate.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Homeowners have the right to inspect attorney invoices

Question: I have repeatedly asked my association board for copies of attorney invoices, but the attorney wrote me saying that owners do not have the right to inspect individual invoices from the association's attorney because they frequently contain privileged information. Instead, invoices are reviewed by the board.

Source: L.A. Times - Business | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Health insurers pull a fast one in proposed reform

The industry says it will treat all people fairly in return for a government requirement that everyone has to buy their product. But they want to charge different prices for different levels of covera...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

'Broker price opinions' may be depressing property values

BPOs are booming because they're cheaper than standard appraisals, but critics say the realty agents who perform them may set values extra low to ensure quicker sales. ...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

Exotic woods grace home and guest house

Exotic woods warm this contemporary-style house designed by the owner. A variety of woods give warmth to a contemporary-style...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNPaperBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 7:00 am

India's Sun Pharma gets FDA approval for topiramate

MUMBAI, March 29 (Reuters) - Indian drug firm Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said it had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell topiramate tablets.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 5:44 am

Toy, luxury stores eye Christmas 2009 with caution

Shoppers may be thinking about spring, but some retailers are reluctantly setting their sights on Christmas. Still suffering whiplash from the worst holiday selling season in at least...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsBusiness | 29 Mar 2009 | 4:21 am

Concur Mobile makes recording expenses easier

FILING expenses is a decent definition of a necessary evil.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:49 am

Webmission pilgrimage to Silicon Valley proves lucrative

Twenty British internetbased startups landed in San Francisco yesterday to begin a weeklong trade mission with a difference.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:47 am

Ingenious Media fund writes down stake in publisher Incisive Media

A fund managed by media investment and advisory powerhouse Ingenious Media has written down its stake in publisher Incisive Media to zero.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:45 am

The signs are that investors should start taking some risks

Following the rally in markets over the past few weeks investors are asking: "Is this sustainable or yet another false start?"
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:39 am

Red faces over Global Radio deadline

Two companies in the Global Radio Group founded by Ashley Tabor and chaired by former ITV chief executive Charles Allen have been sent "proposal to strike off" notices for missing the deadline to submit accounts to Companies House.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:37 am

Travis Perkins to raise £300m from cash call

Travis Perkins one of Britain's biggest builders' merchants is preparing a cash call of up to £300m to help it lighten its £1bn debt pile.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:36 am

Terra Firma founder swears by Lily's pottymouth music

Terra Firma boss Guy Hands is obviously enjoying his semi retirement.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:33 am

Madoff trading arm sold on the cheap

The marketmaking division of disgraced stockbroker Bernard Madoff's empire has been sold for a modest 15.5m £10.8m as liquidators continue to strip his company to raise funds for defrauded customers.
Source: Telegraph Finance | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:29 am

Cave ‘batteries’ will store wind power

Promoters of wind-power projects tout them as the feel-good alternative to burning fossil fuels. Energy secretary Ed Miliband seems to agree, saying last week that it should become “socially unacceptable” to oppose new wind-farm developments in your area.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

No sweat for shoe maestro Mario Polegato

When you meet an Italian billionaire, you have to make the extra effort. For Mario Moretti Polegato, I invest in a pair of his revolutionary Geox shoes. Blue trainers, white sole, trademark “breathable” technology, £60 — and they’re rather stylish.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

False hopes that recovery is around the corner

The jump in stock markets on both sides of the Atlantic over the past two weeks, combined with the bank recapitalisations, has given hope that the worst may be over. But let’s be clear — this recession has only just begun.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

World must put its faith in technology

THE technology guru Vinod Khosla is a billionaire but the walls of his office are grubby. Black, green and red smudges cover one of them as if someone has been playing squash in his office. Within minutes of the green investor’s arrival it becomes obvious who is responsible for the mess as Khosla begins to scribble his vision of the future all over the wall.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

Obama extends US car bailout deadline

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama is expected to give General Motors and Chrysler a stay of execution this week, extending a deadline for them to agree cost cuts with employees and creditors.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

Oxford car parts giant on the brink

THE car-parts maker TI Automotive has breached its banking covenants and begun talks with its lenders on a comprehensive restructuring.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

PM calls for crackdown on tax havens

GORDON BROWN will urge G20 leaders meeting in London this week to back a crackdown on tax havens, asking them to agree new rules to punish multinationals that use offshore shelters to dodge revenue bills.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

Whitehall votes no on Goodwin pension

THE government’s investment arm is planning a protest vote over the bumper £700,000-a-year pension awarded to former Royal Bank of Scotland boss Sir Fred Goodwin.
Source: Latest Business News from Times Online | 29 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am

Biden appeals to G20 protesters

US Vice-President Joe Biden urges G20 protesters to give governments a chance to tackle the economic crisis.
Source: BBC News | Business | World Edition | 28 Mar 2009 | 11:59 pm

Jonathan Miller to join News Corp

Former chief executive of AOL is to oversee the broad strategic digital initiatives across global media
Source: Financial Times - US homepage | 28 Mar 2009 | 11:21 pm

Your own electric meter

Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com | 28 Mar 2009 | 10:32 pm

Great Recession or the next depression?

Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com | 28 Mar 2009 | 10:31 pm

Obama makes more Treasury picks

Read full story for latest details.
Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com | 28 Mar 2009 | 10:05 pm

Fiat, Chrysler await U.S. government terms to close deal

WASHINGTON/MILAN (Reuters) - The boards of Chrysler LLC and Fiat SpA have given executives approval to complete an alliance deal that now hinges on the terms for additional aid for the struggling Detroit automaker, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.
Source: Reuters: Business News | 28 Mar 2009 | 10:02 pm

Fiat, Chrysler await U.S. government terms to close deal (Reuters)

Reuters - The boards of Chrysler LLC and Fiat SpA have given executives approval to complete an alliance deal that now hinges on the terms for additional aid for the struggling Detroit automaker, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.
Source: Yahoo! News: Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 10:02 pm

G20 'make or break', Soros says

Billionaire investor Gorge Soros says the G20 summit will be a make or break event for the world's economy.
Source: BBC News | Business | World Edition | 28 Mar 2009 | 8:45 pm

NewsWatch: U.S. stock rally faces jobs, earnings, G20 hurdles

A huge three-week rally in stocks will meet a number of stumbling blocks next week, including some earnings, a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the G20, as well as the key jobs report for March.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 8:00 pm

Corrections: Keep your eye on these tax breaks for 2009

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 7:27 pm

Taxing Times: CORRECT: Keep your eye on these tax breaks for 2009

You’re either done with your 2008 taxes or, like me, still working on them. Either way, don’t lose sight of the tax breaks now available in 2009 as a result of the stimulus bill signed into law in February.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 7:25 pm

What The IMF Can't Say

Simon Johnson, Planet Money pal and Baseline Scenario blogger, has just published an Atlantic Monthly article titled "The Quiet Coup," his take on what the IMF would say to the U.S. if it could. Johnson, a former chief economist at the IMF, writes:

In a financial panic, the government must respond with both speed and overwhelming force. The root problem is uncertainty--in our case, uncertainty about whether the major banks have sufficient assets to cover their liabilities. Half measures combined with wishful thinking and a wait-and-see attitude cannot overcome this uncertainty. And the longer the response takes, the longer the uncertainty will stymie the flow of credit, sap consumer confidence, and cripple the economy--ultimately making the problem much harder to solve. Yet the principal characteristics of the government's response to the financial crisis have been delay, lack of transparency, and an unwillingness to upset the financial sector.

Bonus: Joe Nocera says the Geithner plan makes sense.

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Source: NPR Blogs: Planet Money | 28 Mar 2009 | 5:48 pm

Emerging-market equity funds receive big inflows

Flows into emerging-market equity funds hit a year-to-date high last week, with investors showing a marked preference for commodity producers such as Brazil and Russia, according to data from fund tracker EPFR Global.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 5:17 pm

Brazil's Vale starts $1.3 billion coal project in Mozambique

Brazilian mining giant Vale has started the construction of a $1.3 billion coal mining project in Mozambique that contains one of the world's largest unexploited coal reserves.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:04 pm

Spread those eggs around

Making smart money moves takes guts as well as smarts in the most volatile environment facing the world economy and financial markets since the Great Depression. For more than 15 months, economists and fund managers have been trying...
Source: New Zealand Herald - Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:00 pm

Top tips: Time for a commercial law health check

Lawyer Mark Lowndes says now is the time for a commercial law health check. What are the key focus areas for managers in the current climate? Responsive managers will be actively reviewing the core functionality of their businesses....
Source: New Zealand Herald - Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:00 pm

Bernard Hickey : Stocks no longer the way to build nest egg

The accepted wisdom for years has been that savers with some time to spare before retirement should choose shares rather than bonds, property or bank accounts because equity investments make much better returns over the long term. The...
Source: New Zealand Herald - Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:00 pm

Martin Hawes : Don't bank on infallibility

Last week I worked with a client who had sold his house. He had several loans over it; some of which were on a fixed rate and some which were also secured against two other properties in a fairly complex scenario. Mindful that...
Source: New Zealand Herald - Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:00 pm

Kerre Woodham: Lambs to sacrifice

I love lambs. The spring arrival of soft, cuddly lambs bounding and skipping about the grassy fields fills my heart with joy. What is there not to love about these silly little pieces of fluffy white nonsense? Yet, as a dyed-in-the-wool...
Source: New Zealand Herald - Business | 28 Mar 2009 | 4:00 pm

German chancellor opposes too much stimulus spending

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that spending too much money to revive global growth will create an unsustainable recovery, according to a published report.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 3:58 pm

China has room to reduce interest rates

The People's Bank of China has room to cut interest rates if necessary, the head of the central bank's research department reportedly says at a conference in Beijing.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 3:01 pm

NewsWatch: U.S. stock rally faces jobs, earnings, G20 hurdles

A huge three-week rally in stocks will meet a number of stumbling blocks next week, including some earnings, a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the G20, as well as the key jobs report for March.

Source: MarketWatch.com - Top Stories | 28 Mar 2009 | 3:00 pm

Is a Hedge Fund ETF For You? (QAI, EEM, AGG)

Source: 24/7 Wall Street | 28 Mar 2009 | 1:36 pm

American cars: Red, hot and cheap

A bad economy and crumbling auto sales have created insanely low prices for some truly great American cars.
Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com | 28 Mar 2009 | 12:58 pm