China’s property market keeps on growing even amid the country’s economic slowdown and weak exports. The surge in the real estate sector is contributing positively to the country’s economy as a new economic driver.
Legal & Regulatory
SEC slaps fine on AIG units over higher charges
US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has slapped penalties on AIG's three affiliates for steering customers to high-fee products. AIG is also offloading its brokerage unit owing to stringent norms. AIG has agreed to pay $9.5 million for settling the regulator's claims.
The Egyptian Central Bank Devalues Currency Against US Dollar, Mulls For Raising Benchmark Rates
Economists and analysts have repeatedly been suggesting for devaluation of local currency in a bid to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves. But the Egyptian central bank has refrained from doing so considering surge in inflation. The inflation has been recorded as the lowest in February during the last six months and the bank has devalued the currency on Monday.
Silicon Valley's VC Firm Partner Dismissed Over Disturbing Lawsuit of Sexual Abuse
A lawsuit filed on March 8 claimed that Sequoia Capital’s partner Michael Goguen has sexually, physically, and emotionally abused a woman for 12 years. Mr Goguen has been dismissed from the firm regarding the case and is seeking to file a cross complaint and prove he’s not guilty of the alleged crimes.
Bank of Japan To Stick In Negative Interest Rate Policy, Reversion Likely In April
Through a surprise move, Bank of Japan has adopted negative interest rate aiming to force the banks in investment. Meanwhile, the negative economic outlook has compelled the commercial banks to squeeze their investment portfolios while diminishing the BOJ move. Analysts have forecast for unchanged monetary policy in Tuesday’s meeting while predicting for a major change in April.
Latest News
Scottish First Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in an interview that the country’s economy remains strong even amid challenges that she acknowledges. She expects that the huge deficit would be manageable after separation.
Due to a cyanide spill in a mine in Argentina, Canadian-owned Barrick Gold is facing a fine of $9.3 million imposed by the local government. Nine current and former employees are also being held as defendants over accusations of negligence that caused the spill.
Treasure Department published monthly budget report on Thursday. This year a 0.1% increase is reported from last year. This full-year's deficit is forecasted to be much higher than 2015.
MMB patented gene modified seeds are capable of secreting anti pest protein. However, the seed giant is accused of charging higher royalty fees exerting undue dominance in the seed market. Upon complaints from respective trade body, the Indian agriculture ministry has imposed ceiling for royalties on gene modified cotton seeds.
A sample test conducted by Uttar Pradesh food safety officials found that Nestle’s Maggi noodles contain more percentage of ash than permitted by the regulations. However, the company has denied the accusation, stating that the claim is based on the wrong standard.
Diagio Plc, British liquor major, says it paid $40 million to trouble-ridden Indian businessman Vijay Mallya. This comes close on the heels of an order by Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) not to pay Mallya any amount.
A European Union rule requires prior notification to itself in restricting social information service. The rule also bars targeting a specific service. A French court has overturned a government order on Uber’s geo-localization service citing the two grounds. The verdict appears as a victory for Uber while challenging through a flurry of appeals both in France and at the EU level.
The Bangladesh central bank said that it has lost $100 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, later discovered to be transferred to the Philippines banking system. The central bank claimed that the Fed’s system was hacked, although the New York Fed denied that there was any hacking attempt made regarding that transaction.
Verily has revealed images of its new gadget, the Connectivity Bridge, through regulatory filing with FCC on Tuesday. The gadget has been developed aiming to gain a foothold of the Alphabet subsidiary in the competitive healthcare business. Through the new gadget, Verily upholds its goal to shift the focus from intervention to prevention.
