US fiscal cliff deal boosts world markets
World markets soared Wednesday after a tense New Year break, relieved after US lawmakers agreed a last-minute deal to avert massive tax hikes and pull their nation back from the fiscal cliff.
Kazakhstan prolongs oil products export ban into 2013
To prevent critical deficit and prices growth at the domestic market of oil products, Kazakhstan government decided to introduce a 6-month ban on export of oil products.
29 December 2012
US gun sales soar as owners fear new regulations
US firearm sales have sky-rocketed since the Newtown school massacre, as debate over gun control rages and enthusiasts fear certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines could be banned.
26 December 2012
Iraq agrees to extend oil pipeline through Jordan
Iraq and Jordan agreed on Monday to extend an oil pipeline to the Red Sea city of Aqaba for the export of Iraqi crude, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said after a fleeting visit to Amman.
US shooting fuels bullet-proof backpack sales
On the heels of the deadly shooting tragedy in Connecticut, parents' anxiety is driving a surge in sales of bullet-proof backpacks, in the hope the armored bags can give their kids a safety edge.
Dollar falls as fiscal cliff worries grow
The dollar dropped to its lowest level against the euro in three months Friday, the euro going above $1.31 as politicians in Washington appeared no closer to averting the economy-crunching fiscal cliff.
Peru approves free trade agreement with EU
Peru has approved a free trade agreement with the European Union and Colombia that will allow 75 percent of agricultural products and 100 percent of other goods to enter the eurozone duty-free.
13 December 2012
IMF warns Hong Kong property faces price correction
The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday warned that Hong Kong could see an abrupt fall in property prices after years of dramatic increases in one of the world's most expensive housing markets.
Psy, Samsung push 'brand Korea' in 2012
A breakthrough year for "brand Korea" -- led by the rapper Psy and electronics giant Samsung -- has boosted efforts to promote a country that still feels overshadowed, under-appreciated and misunderstood.