US academic: sanctions against Iran prompting hyperinflation October 4, 2012 IRAN is suffering from hyperinflation with prices soaring at a monthly rate of around 69.6 per cent, a senior US economist calculated yesterday. The rial, Iran’s currency, has plummeted since America and the European Union began economic sanctions against the Middle Eastern state due to an ongoing dispute over its nuclear programme. “When a currency [...]
Syria tensions ease allaying fears of oil price spikes September 11, 2013 Ishaq Siddiqi, market strategist, ETX Capital on the likelihood of US intervention in Syria and possible market reaction: Syria tensions ease considerably overnight as US President Obama in his speech acknowledges drumming support in Congress for a strike at Syria was hard found and has opted for diplomacy with Russia to disarm the Middle Eastern [...]
We must accept our limited capacity to resolve conflict in tinderbox Syria August 28, 2013 ONE OF the enduring consequences of the war in Iraq, and to a lesser extent Afghanistan, is a deep scepticism towards military intervention abroad among the British people. In the case of the civil war in Syria, I share that scepticism. There are four questions that need to be asked and answered by policymakers [...]
US drugmaker Perrigo buys Elan for $8.6bn July 29, 2013 IRISH biotech firm Elan yesterday accepted an $8.6bn takeover offer from US drug maker Perrigo, just weeks after batting off a hostile approach from Royalty Pharma. Perrigo will pay $6.25 per share in cash plus $10.25 per share in stock for Elan, in a deal that will see the Michigan firm almost halve its [...]
RBS in Iran sanctions inquiry August 22, 2012 US authorities are investigating RBS and Commerzbank over possible breaches of sanctions in Iran, in a widening crackdown which has already cost Standard Chartered a hefty fine. RBS’ half-year results said the bank could face a “material impact” from the investigation.
UK bankers could face US prison for sanctions busting August 7, 2012 IT IS American regulators that British multinationals must really fear. By alleging that Standard Chartered Bank is a “rogue institution”, the New York State Department of Financial Services has dunked the bank’s share price and caused it untold reputational damage. The investigation into breaches of the Iranian sanctions regime may be almost complete. But Standard [...]
Russia set to fight sanction June 14, 2012 RUSSIA’S Football Union is determined to fight the punishment of European football’s governing body Uefa as a result of their fan’s behaviour, believing it to be “severe”. The presence of far-right banners and the use of fireworks by Russian fans in their 4-1 victory over Czech Republic prompted Uefa to give Russia a suspended six-point [...]
The Debate: Will North Korea’s third nuclear test lead to increased instability in the Asia-Pacific? February 12, 2013 YES Andrea Berger Following North Korea’s third nuclear test, South Korea, Japan, and China will be compelled to match their verbal condemnations with action. Several responses could further provoke Pyongyang, causing it to lash out again, and destabilise the region. Should Beijing decide to punish North Korea over its latest provocation – by supporting an [...]
RBS braces itself for “significant” Libor penalties February 6, 2013 RBS said this morning that it expected to pay “significant penalties” to settle regulatory probes into interest rate fixing. The high-street bank, with is 82 per cent owned by the taxpayer, this morning confirmed that it was in “late-stage settlement discussions” with US and UK regulators. No settlements have yet been agreed, although RBS said [...]
MPs’ concerns over pre-packs February 5, 2013 BUDGET constraints risk undermining the work of the organisation responsible for investigating insolvent companies, a group of MPs warn in a report released today. The business, innovation and skills committee said limited resources at the Insolvency Service affect its enforcement regime, sending the “the wrong message to delinquent directors”. The committee also raised concerns about [...]