POOR ECONOMIC NEWS. Bad Timing for Obama/Democrats.
Disappointing figures on US manufacturing growth make it highly unlikely that the jobless rate will fall before November’s presidential election. Meanwhile Democrats seek to reinforce coalition by juggling the demands of a diverse group contains dangers for Barack Obama, as policies tailored for members may chip away at support elsewhere
EYES ON EUROPEAN UNION ACTIONS. Draghi Bond + More.
ECB under growing pressure from countries such as Spain and Italy to intervene, while facing competing calls from the German Bundesbank and others. Meanwhile, UK is fighting Brussels on female board quotas as London launches Europe-wide diplomatic push to block EU plan to impose 40 per cent quota for women on large company boards. Finally, Brussels opens probe into Gazprom. Antitrust authorities are focusing on whether energy giant used dominant position in EU gas market to thwart rivals and push up prices.
COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT. Enter Peace Talks with FARC.
President Juan Manual Santos says parties have agreed a route map to ‘a stable peace’ that could end Latin America’s longest running insurgency.
INTERNET HACKERS. Embarrass Apple By Leaking Data.
Leaked information centers on ‘unique device identifiers’ can be used by application developers to send notifications and track users.
CHINA AND INDIA. Begin Cooperating.
Beijing and Delhi are thawing frosty ties and these powers plan to co-operate in anti-piracy patrols, conduct joint search and rescue exercises at sea and promote mutual port calls by navy ships.