Brazil's population now identifies more as mixed-race than white, a first in the country's history. The Brazilian stats agency IBGE reported this change. Its recent census revealed about 92.1 million people, or 45.3% of Brazilians, consider themselves mixed-race. This number has overtaken the 43.5% who identify as white. Moreover, 20.6 million Brazilians, or 10.2%, see […]
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials will meet with Mexican leaders to discuss the recent surge in migration and border closures. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador AMLO acknowledge the need for more enforcement. A key topic is the flow of fentanyl from Mexico, linked to the U.S. […]
IMF data indicates a drop in the U.S. dollar's global reserve share to 59.2% in the third quarter, from 59.4% previously. This slight decline continues a trend observed since the early 2000s when the U.S. dollar's global reserve share was over 70%. The change indicates a subtle but ongoing shift in the composition of global […]
On Friday, the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong announced its intention to review Bitcoin ETFs. This move positions the autonomous Chinese territory as a major market player. The regulator and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority have updated its policy. Now, it can regulate virtual asset activities, including crypto ETFs. This change marks a […]
In 2023, the U.S. economy is characterized by a delicate balance, with initial high growth predictions not fully met in actual economic expansion. The third quarter showed a 4.9% growth rate, lower than the 5.2% expected. This still marks an improvement from the second quarter’s 2.1% growth. A key factor in this reduced rate was […]
In Latin America, Mexico and Peru are spearheading a wave of optimism for 2024, with over 80% of their populations anticipating improvements. This positive sentiment also reflects in their outlook on the global economy, according to a survey by Ipsos. Notably, Mexico and Brazil show particular confidence, with more than 60% of people anticipating better days, […]
Oil prices recently surged, recording their biggest weekly rise in two months, primarily due to Red Sea disruptions and OPEC issues. Despite this rise, oil is heading for its first yearly decrease since 2020. The main reason for this expected drop is the rise in oil production in countries like the United States, Brazil, and […]
(Opinon) In the heart of the Middle East, a question lingers: can Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully as two states? The answer is as complex as the history that shapes it. Recent findings shed light on how Israelis and Arabs view this possibility, revealing a tapestry of hope, skepticism, and evolving opinions. Israeli Perspectives: A […]
This Friday, investors are focusing on the U.S. PCE Price Index release, which could indicate the Federal Reserve's upcoming decisions on interest rates. As the last trading day before Christmas, this moment holds significant weight. In the UK, the economy shows signs of struggle. Recent data reveals a 0.1% GDP drop in the third quarter. […]
China has taken the lead in green energy, with renewable sources now exceeding thermal power, making over half of its electricity green for the first time. The National Energy Administration reports that China’s renewable capacity, including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass, reached 1,450 million kilowatts this year. Overall, the nation’s power capacity increased by 12.9 percent. […]
China has inaugurated a significant maritime route connecting Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei to Western South America. This new link, initiated by the container ship "Luanda" from Tianjin's port, serves key destinations like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. It marks a pivotal expansion in China's global trade strategy. As one of China's largest and most important […]
Significant shifts are occurring in the cocaine market, with Colombia’s dominance as the leading producer waning. A detailed study, based on leaked prosecution files highlights this change. The United Nations reported that Colombia hit a record in coca cultivation and cocaine production in 2022. Despite this, various international groups are gaining influence. Journalists, including Nathan […]
In a new development, Brazil unites to protect the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland and one of the country's natural treasures. Entrepreneurs, farmers, and NGOs lead the charge against threats like illegal logging and agriculture. They're pushing for preservation with new laws, land purchases, and advanced monitoring technologies. The Pantanal Law, a significant milestone, […]
In 2023, Ecuador surpassed Venezuela as the Latin American country with the highest murder rate. Renato Rivera, a crime observatory coordinator, reported this shift. In 2022, Ecuador’s murder rate reached 25.7 per 100,000 people. This number was the nation’s highest on record. The increase focused mainly in Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, and Los Ríos. By September, Ecuador’s […]
Venezuelan households now require a staggering 148.6 minimum wages to meet essential needs, under Maduro’s regime. This situation stems from severe inflation and economic challenges. A report from CENDAS-FVM, a notable NGO, reveals these distressing figures. It bases its findings on the prices of 60 crucial items. The cost of a basic food basket in […]
In a new development, Angola announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This declaration came from the government's Facebook page after a council meeting in Luanda, the capital. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, stated that Angola no longer sees benefits in being part of […]
In the Central African Republic’s (CAR) northwest, a recent armed attack resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident targeted a Central African Armed Forces (FACA) outpost in Nzakoundou, Ngaoundaye. Early reports from local official Ernest Bonang indicate 21 civilians and one FACA member perished. The village, close to Ngaoundaye, is reeling […]
Brazil's new carbon market might exclude its agricultural sector, a major greenhouse gas source. Despite Finance Minister Fernando Haddad's efforts, opposition and a conservative Congress may keep agriculture out. This exclusion is a key issue in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's "ecological transformation" plan, which has sparked wide debate. The proposed market, targeting about […]
Roberto Campos Neto, head of Brazil's Central Bank, has announced plans for two 0.5 percentage point cuts to the Selic rate in early 2024. These cuts follow four previous reductions, signaling a drop to 10.75 percent by March. Campos Neto stressed these decisions aim to reduce policy costs while maintaining economic stability. President Luiz Inácio […]
In 2024, Brazil plans a significant increase in its natural gas production by 14 million cubic meters daily. This move aims to boost energy self-sufficiency. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has confirmed the nearing completion of the Route 3 Gas Pipeline. This infrastructure is key to moving gas from the Santos Basin to the Rio de […]
Argentina’s unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in the third quarter of this year, marking a decline from last year’s 7.1% and the previous quarter’s 6.2%. The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, or INDEC, provided these figures. They studied labor markets in 31 urban areas, encompassing a population of 29.4 million. About 800,000 people found […]
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized Wad Madani, the country’s second-largest city, marking a critical shift in Sudan’s eight-month civil war. Once under army control, this city was a refuge for many displaced civilians and a gateway to other cities. Now, the RSF controls key locations, including strategic bridges and military divisions. The RSF is […]
Global carriers are experiencing rising freight costs due to necessary detours around the Suez and Panama Canals. Larger Suezmax tankers, which navigate the Suez Canal fully laden, now avoid the Red Sea due to attacks. This decision leads to soaring charter costs. Similarly, long-range tankers, moving about 600,000 barrels of oil, have seen increased rates. […]