Aspect Economic Industry Petroleum

From Monday's NAHB Housing Market Index through Friday's Existing Home Sales, this entire week has centered on the massive and beleaguered housing sector. Now, heading into the final indicator on the economic calendar, economists are preparing for yet another disappointment. Considering all the related indicators that have hit the wires over past few days, the official consensus for the National Association of Realtor's existing home sales report has changed little. At the time of this writing, the market's official consensus called for a 2.5 percent drop in purchases of previously owned homes to an annual pace of 6.3 million units. If this contraction is realized, it would be the biggest drop in seven months and put a serious crimp in the outlook from the Federal Reserve and optimistic analysts who have reported tentative signs of a bottom.

Speech of the Chairman of the DamlierChrysler Board of Management ...

Speech of the Chairman of the Board of Management Berlin April 4, 2007 Check against delivery - 2 - Introduction Mr. Kopper, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board you have watched over and helped to shape our company for the last 17 years. During this time you have shared your vast experience with our company and its management. We have always been able to count on you as an attentive listener and an experienced advisor, especially when dealing with difficult issues. For your support, commitment and loyalty to our company, my colleagues and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks. Shareholders, Shareholder Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Board of Management and the employees of DaimlerChrysler, I welcome you to the ninth regular Annual Meeting of your company. Business developments at DaimlerChrysler paint contrasting pictures.

Panama delays Canal toll hike

The Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced today that it has published its proposal to restructure the Panama Canal's pricing system and certain regulations.

Due to this modification, the ACP today is reopening the issue for public comment and will consider additional input, suggestions and feedback from interested parties over the next 15 days.

Weaker than expected US economic reports leave New York markets ...

Weaker than expected US economic reports had stocks scrambling for direction Wednesday, as investors welcomed news that Iran will release 15 British naval service personnel, held since last month.

An Interview with the Director of Torino World Design Capital

Paola Zini is the director of Torino 2008 World Design Capital, a position that puts her at the helm of ICSID's first designated "world design capital" city. I sat down with Paola last month to discuss the initiative, its implications for Italian design, and for the citizens of Turin itself.

You are a new face for many people, so let's start with you introducing yourself and telling us how you became the director of this initiative.
I am Paola Zini, 32 years old and for the past five months have been the director of Torino 2008 World Design Capital. I actually have an economics background, and worked before mainly on the topic of urban economic development--particularly Turin's development. Up till recently, I was involved with the implementation of the first strategic plan of the city, which by the way was the first strategic plan of any Italian city, and this has definitely been a crucial factor in me now being able to coordinate this design year.

Africa: The United States of Africa - The Challenges

Demba Moussa Dembele examines the external and internal challenges faced by Africa in the face of globalization and the US led war on terror and asks if the current African leadership is up to building the United States of Africa in the present global environment.