Archive – Banking & Fintech

BIS reports heightened market volatility

This content was published on Jun 19, 2000 Regarded as the central bank of central banks, the BIS says that equity markets were the most volatile, particularly those trading technology stocks. However, in its quarterly review, it adds that the volatility also extended to the fixed income markets and major currencies. The BIS says one source of volatility seemed to be the uncertainty…

EFTA expected to ease trade barriers with eastern neighbours

This content was published on Jun 19, 2000 The main beneficiary of today’s meeting will be Macedonia. Ministers from the four EFTA countries – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland – are expected to tear down all remaining trade barriers with the impoverished state. They are also scheduled to sign cooperation agreements with Ukraine and Croatia. But a bigger prize – a free trade…

This business week ahead

This content was published on Jun 18, 2000 The World Trade Organisation’s working party on China kicks off a closed door session today to prepare the final details for Beijing’s entry into the organisation. China’s accession is imminent, after the United States gave its reluctant blessing, and the European Union ironed out its remaining problems with Beijing. On Wednesday, the International Labour Organisation…

Villiger says planned bank can safeguard future of Post Office

This content was published on Jun 17, 2000 Villiger said he understood the concerns of banks faced with the prospect of a new competitor, but that the government had been forced to respond to the massive structural reforms in the postal sector. He conceded that the changes were less visible than in the telecommunications sector, but said they were nonetheless present. The finance…

Business review

This content was published on Jun 17, 2000 – Tuesday, Switzerland’s Sanar Polymer bought US automotive part supplier, Blue Water Pastics, paying SFr215 million. – Tuesday, the Swiss government said it wants to be able to sell its majority stake in telecom group, Swisscom. It also wants to create a Postbank as a means for the postal service to finance mail and deliveries.…

Swiss hoteliers sleep easy

This content was published on Jun 16, 2000 In total, there were 14.5 million overnight stays in Swiss hotels over the winter. Bookings from abroad were particularly strong, rising 6.7 per cent. There was a marked increase in the number of German and British tourists. The statistics office said early snow at the beginning of the season in November, as good snow and…

Economics minister calls for more co-operation in WTO

This content was published on Jun 16, 2000 “The outcome, or rather the non-outcome of the Seattle conference has made it clear that an enhanced dialogue on this question has become all the more important,” he said. “It is essential for our economies to continue to join forces in order to fight protectionist pressures and to promote and to practice continued liberalisation of…

World number one cement maker looking to expand

This content was published on Jun 16, 2000 World number one cement maker looking to expand The world’s number one supplier of cement and aggregates, Holderbank, has announced plans to spend some SFr4 billion on the largest expansion in its history. However, the Portuguese government opposes the move. A communiqué from Holderbank headquarters in Glarus said that the new activities would be in…

German nuclear plan fuels debate in Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 15, 2000 Under the agreement, Germany’s 19 power plants are to be closed after a lifespan of 32 years. That means the last nuclear plant will cease operations in 20 years’ time. The German decision is likely to have major repercussions in Switzerland, where a similar debate over nuclear energy has been going on for many years.…

Women’s bank seeks more cash for female entrepreneurs

This content was published on Jun 15, 2000 Founded after the first United Nations World Conference on Women in Mexico in 1975, Women’s World Banking is now one of the leading institutions in financing small businesses run by women in developing countries. More than 40 women-led affiliates all over the world form the core of the organisation. They provide lending, savings and business…

Archive – Banking & Fintech

Popular Stories

Most Discussed