Greek government dismissed debt default scenario that Financial Times reported, noting that Greece isn’t preparing for any default. "We will disappoint them once again. Greece is not preparing for any default -the same goes for the creditors. The negotiations ...
Pages
Monday, April 13, 2015
Greeks start as outsiders in Euroleague play-offs
Panathinaikos and Olympiakos are entering the Euroleague play-offs this week as outsiders, as not only do they face the mighty CSKA Moscow and Barcelona respectively but their opponents have the home advantage in the best-of-five series.
Greece, eurozone have 'lots of ground to cover'
Brussels said Monday Greece and its eurozone partners were accelerating their talks but had "lots of ground to cover" before April 20 when Athens must release a list of reforms aimed at unlocking key aid funds. "Right now these discussions are gaining speed but time is running out," Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commission vice-president for the euro, told Bloomberg TV.
Greek Slot Quest BigWin
Feel the madness of the world's most prestigious Casinos on your devices and tablets !Here comes the latest casino slot game Greek...
Greece, list of reforms, Eurogroup – TDS
FXStreet (Edinburgh) - According to strategists at TD Securities, Greece needs to accelerate its 'technical work' in order to present a package of ...
NY Couple Feud Over Greek Baby Name
What's in a name? A lot if the father is Greek-American and a Belarrussian mother differ on whether their firstborn is Spyridon or Michael. The post NY Couple Feud Over Greek Baby Name appeared first on The National Herald.
Greek Coalition Dismisses Elections
Greece's new coalition government led by the Radical Left SYRIZA party elected in January says there won't be early elections. The post Greek Coalition Dismisses Elections appeared first on The National Herald.
Why Europeans Are Trying to Burn Down Their Central Bank
BERLIN -- Great crises often produce enduring images. For the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this has often been a terrified child cowering behind protective parents; for 9/11 it was brave firemen rushing headlong into collapsing buildings. Last month saw what could become one of the lasting images of Europe's unending crisis: the sight of burning cars and buildings after riots outside the European Central Bank. While such carnage seems -- and indeed is -- pointless, it makes sense at another level. While protesters in other countries stage rallies and speeches outside of their national parliaments, Europe's central bank is increasingly its main seat of power. It was the bank, not Europe's political institutions, that seemed to snuff out the existential threat to the eurozone with a mere sentence by its president in July 2012 -- we will do whatever it takes to save the euro. It was again the bank that offered hope to a stagnating eurozone economy in March this year by embarking on an extensive bond-buying program. In the face of national complacency and disagreement, this is the institution that is increasingly making Europe's political and economic weather. There is thus some irony in the fact that this body is also the most unaccountable of the EU's institutions. While a lack of accountability has often been a complaint leveled at the EU, particularly from the recalcitrant U.K., the EU's decision-making structure has been significantly democratized in the last decade. By contrast, the ECB is both unelected and highly independent. Its autonomy from political censure is greater even than analogous institutions in other countries. Unlike the U.S. Federal Reserve, Europe's Parliament plays little role in selecting bank members; its deliberations and documents meanwhile are not publicly available. "The ECB is both unelected and highly independent. Its autonomy from political censure is greater even than analogous institutions in other countries." While such secrecy and autonomy were well suited to an era when the bank merely set interest rates or printed notes, the current bank has greater political responsibilities. As part of the infamous "Troika" monitoring the debt of southern EU states, it played a significant role in the recent standoff between Germany and the newly elected Greek government over whether to re-negotiate Greece's onerous "bailout" program. Its bond-buying program meanwhile -- likely to significantly alter the debt burdens of struggling southern states -- has significant distributive implications (and as such, has been heavily resisted by the German government). The bank has economic power, but also increasing political influence. Faced with this conflict -- an institutional structure that accumulates power but whose decisions are insulated from scrutiny -- it is not surprising that EU citizens have attempted to find alternative means of making their voices heard. It is to Europe's great detriment that this voice has often been channeled during the crisis against the EU itself, such as to anti-EU protest and extremist parties. These parties promise a misguided but easy solution -- let's abolish the EU structure altogether. Relatedly, the voice of EU citizens is being channeled into empty gestures. Greece's recent demand to Germany for wartime reparations is a foremost example of such a proxy battle; a nationalist-tinged dispute taking the place of a real debate about the benefits and costs of tearing up Greece's trouble-ridden EU adjustment program. Demands that democracies channel into meaningful political action, or at least debate, are increasingly being translated into destructive populism. While European leaders have often argued during the crisis that there is "no alternative" to the current design of the euro, such developments render mechanisms for citizens to contest the decisions of institutions like the ECB crucial. If this cannot be provided through national elections alone, as suggested by Greece's recent experience, EU leaders must explore the possibilities for democratic institutions at the EU level to properly determine and scrutinize eurozone decision-making. This should include providing the European Parliament with the powers both to co-approve EU measures in the economic field and to carry a greater say in the appointment and scrutiny of the ECB's president. Exploring some of these possibilities is one of the key tasks of the Governance Report 2015, launched this week by the Hertie School of Governance. This may yet be a constructive message from the destructive wreckage of Frankfurt; deferring the quest for meaningful political accountability for the eurozone is increasingly eating away at the democratic foundations of the EU project. The task of democratizing the euro cannot wait. Mark Dawson is the co-author of the Hertie School of Governance's 2015 Governance Report (Oxford University Press, published 14 April 2015), which focuses on lessons learned from the ongoing eurocrisis. -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Ancient Thracian culture reveals splendour at Louvre
Sofia (AFP) - Exquisitely crafted gold, silver and bronze objects will go on display at the Louvre museum in Paris this week, giving visitors a rare glimpse of the ancient Thracian culture that produced them.Many stories still remain untold about this refined civilisation whose citizens included Orpheus, the mythical son of a Thracian king, and legendary gladiator Spartacus who led an uprising against Rome.Today, "ancient Thrace is most famous for its unique goldsmithing works", Bulgarian exhibition commissioner Milena Tonkova told AFP ahead of Tuesday's opening.One of the exhibition highlights is the Panagyurishte ritual beverage set -- the most prized possession of these ancient people who inhabited the Balkan peninsula from the 2nd millennium BC to the 3rd century AD. Made of 23-carat gold, it consists of a phial, an amphora with centaur-shaped handles and seven rhytons, and drinking vessels carved in the form of women's and animal heads, with a total weight of six kilos (13 pounds).Since Communist times, Bulgaria has been exhibiting gold and silver Thracian treasures found on its territory in museums around the world, from Mexico to India and Japan.- Not just about gold - But "it won't just be the umpteenth exhibition in France of Thracian gold: it will offer the general public an opportunity to gain broader insight into this culture," said Francoise Gaultier, the director of Louvre's Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities.Beyond the stunning wares, this latest exhibition aims to paint a broader picture of the lifestyle of the Thracians by showing the tools used to carve the pieces.It will also showcase for the first time the exact replicas of four Thracian tombs from central Bulgaria, where some of the precious finds were uncovered.One of them contained another centrepiece of the exhibition -- the life-size bronze head of King Seuthes III with eyes made of alabaster and a glass paste lending extreme liveliness to the king's sculptured face.This ruler of the Odrysian kingdom had been buried together with his gold wreath, headpiece, horse ornaments, drinking cups and even glass playing dice."Seuthes' face will personalise ancient Thrace for the public," French commissioner Alexandre Baralis said.In addition to unveiling the spectacular craft behind Thrace's treasures, the exhibition aims to shed a light on famous Thracian rulers."What we want to do is to present a historical and archeological synthesis that allows us to go further, to give substance, and offers a global perspective on the history of the Odrysian kingdom from 479 to 278 BC," Baralis said."We want to show that the Thracians, as actors of the ancient world, were as influential as the Greek, the Macedonians or the Romans." - Bulgarian tourism boost - The exhibition will also provide an opportunity to Bulgaria to bolster its image as one of the three European countries with the richest cultural heritage after Greece and Italy."The exhibition at the Louvre will offer us a trampoline for promoting cultural tourism," said Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova.Bulgaria is currently mostly known for its winter resorts and Black Sea beaches but according to the minister, it has a huge potential to attract new tourism to the dozens of reconstructed Thracian burial sites.Join the conversation about this story »
Cash-strapped Greece remains top defence spender
Cash-strapped Greece remains one the biggest spenders on military defence in the EU, relative to its GDP. While austerity is pushing others to reduce ...
President Anastasiades: Our Main Goal Is a Just and Viable Solution to the Cyprus Problem
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, has once again repeated that a just and viable solution for the island’s problem will always be the priority of all Cypriots and that a functional solution will lead the country to a prosperous future. In a written statement issued on the occasion of the Greek Orthodox Easter, Anastasiades expressed the wish that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ will mark the “beginning of the end” to the great challenges Cyprus is facing. As he also highlighted, “we need to be united and have the greatest possible consensus and cooperation amongst us in order to be successful, keeping in mind the greater good and interests of our people and the country.” The Cypriot President also made an extended reference to the missing Cypriots since the brutal 1974 Turkish military invasion, their relatives, the enclaved (Greek-Cypriots living in the northern Turkish occupied areas) and the refugees who are patiently waiting, as he underlined, the country’s awakening for years, the end of the Turkish occupation, the reunification of the island and the restoration of human rights. Moreover, Anastasiades also referred to the people who are suffering as a result of the economic crisis that has seriously affected Cyprus, pointing out that the government its trying to come up with solutions and is taking action to support the ones in need. He finally expressed his belief that the economic crisis will soon be over and a new page will turn for the country.
Tsipras says Greece has lost 'valuable friend' after death of writer Guenter Grass
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Monday that the death of German author Guenter Grass meant that Europe had lost a “cultural point of reference” and that Greece had lost a “valuable friend.”
ForexLive European morning wrap: Euro feels the heat of Greece as USD dominates once more
We've seen some consolidation for the last couple of hours but rallies have been limited with USDJPY also finding further gains above 120.85 hard to ...
Greek-American Confronts UNESCO’s Evasiveness about Hagia Sophia
By Theodore G. Karakostas PARIS, FRANCE – I recently had the opportunity to visit the beautiful and splendid City of Paris. What an outstanding city, with great Museums such as the Louvre and D’orsay, the Great Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the great palaces of Versailles. Paris is not only the location […] The post Greek-American Confronts UNESCO’s Evasiveness about Hagia Sophia appeared first on The National Herald.
World Press View: Greece, Lenders Like Hatfields-McCoys
Instead of preparing a reforms list, Greece is entangled in a war of words with international lenders that's faltering, world press reports cite. The post World Press View: Greece, Lenders Like Hatfields-McCoys appeared first on The National Herald.
It's Not Obvious That The Greeks Are Taking This Debt Crisis Seriously
An interesting little story from the Greek debt crisis showing that it's not entirely obvious that Syriza is taking the words of the Eurogroup seriously. And that's something that could be a very expensive mistake, as I've been warning all along here. Obviously, Syriza wants to get the best deal [...]
Greeks quash snap election rumours as eurozone deadline looms
Germany's Bild reported a Greek minister on Monday saying: "We have nothing to lose. If the EU remains hard, we must show that we stand firm.
Easy weeknight meals: Greek Pizza with Chicken and Artichoke recipe and more
Greek Pizza With Chicken and Artichoke (recipe below) celebrates Mediterranean flavors and the convenience of a rotisserie bird. You will need a ...
Liberia still Greek owners' top open registry choice
APRIL 13, 2015 — Figures released by the Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee (GSCC) show that Liberia has strengthened its position as the ...
Le Pen family feud becomes 'Greek tragedy'
“A father and daughter are ripping each other to shreds in public — the masters of Greek tragedy couldn't have staged it better,” veteran leftist Daniel ...
Fraternity, sorority members refute negative stereotypes of Greek life
“I think the entire Greek system is being looked down upon because of the actions of a very small group of people,” said Newberry College Kappa ...
Greece: A ticking time bomb
Greece joined the European Union, the EU, in 1981. Spain and Portugal joined five years later. The addition of these countries caused concern ...
Greek government answers to Bild
“The popular legitimacy of the Greek government in the country gives the best answer in such scenarios”, government sources said on Monday commenting on the story published in the German newspaper Bild. Source: enikos.gr
Citizens of Korydallos District React to the Upcoming Golden Dawn Trial
The upcoming trial of Greece’s extreme right Golden Dawn party, scheduled for April 20, has caused the firm reaction of citizens and business owners in the district of Korydallos, Athens, where Greece’s largest prison is located. The Nazi-inspired party members’ and supporters’ trial is to be held in a specially designed room inside the prison. Among the 70 charged of running and belonging to the xenophobic criminal organization are the party’s leader Nikos Michaloliakos and MPs Ilias Kasidiaris, Christos Papas, Ioannis Lagos, Giorgos Germenis, Nikos Kouzilos, Panagiotis Iliopoulos, ex member Stathis Mpoukouras and one underaged person that will be tried separately. Local officials are bracing for trouble, noting that anti-fascist groups have already called protests at the beginning of the trial. “The trial cannot and must not be held here,” Korydallos’ mayor Stavros Kasimatis told French news agency AFP, adding that “this is Greece’s biggest trial in 40 years. It will last at least 18 months. There will be anti-fascist group gatherings and Golden Dawn supporters will perhaps muster as well.” On their behalf, anti-fascist groups, political parties and unions have already declared their intention to hold a major demonstration outside the prison premises on the trial’s first day, next Monday. As the Korydallos mayor said, there are attempts to keep rival groups apart and the police will probably be forced to erect barriers on one of Korydallos’ main streets, just a few meters from the district’s central school complex and nurseries, causing inconvenience to the neighborhood’s citizens. “How can the city possibly operate under these conditions?” Kasimatis asked. It is reminded that Korydallos prison last hosted a trial of this magnitude over a decade ago, when Greek authorities dismantled the “November 17″ terrorist group. The prosecutor handling the criminal investigation of Golden Dawn highlighted in a 700-page argument the murders of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas (a.k.a. Killah P) in September 2013 and Pakistani immigrant Luqman Shahzad in January 2013, as well as several individual assaults on foreign nationals and leftist activists, including the attack against PAME members in Piraeus, just a few days before Fyssas’ murder. All the 16 MPs Golden Dawn had in the previous Parliament, which was dissolved for the January 25 general elections, will appear before the judge. Thirteen of the MPs were re-elected along with four new members, making Golden Dawn the third largest party currently represented in the Greek Parliament. After the maximum 18-month pre-trial custody period expired, party leader Michaloliakos and MP Pappas were released from custody. At the moment, a total of 24 members -including the rest of the arrested MPs- are behind bars.
Eurozone Officials: Greece’s Representative Acting Like a Taxi Driver in Negotiations
European officials appear to be losing their temper with Greece’s leftist government, causing some of them to proceed to some -at least- scornful comments for the Greek officials participating in the ongoing negotiations regarding the country’s bailout program. According to an unnamed Eurozone official cited by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Athens’ representative acted during the talks “like a taxi driver,” just asking for money rather than laying out the government’s plans for economic reforms. As the German newspaper said, the Eurozone officials were shocked by Greece’s lack of progress in presenting a completed plan during a meeting of the single currency’s Finance Ministers held in Brussels last week. On its behalf, the Greek Finance Ministry dismissed the report on Sunday, highlighting that “the newspaper will have difficulty justifying its headline and the content of its article,” adding that “such reports undermine the negotiation and Europe.” Regardless of the speculation and reactions, the article pointed out the tensioned climate between Greece and its Eurozone partners, which has spiked in recent weeks, while the relations between Athens and Berlin only seem to get worse, despite Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ recent visit to the German capital where he met with Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Two Deaths and Four Serious Injuries From Greek Easter Fireworks
Two men lost their lives and four were seriously injured from fireworks since last Friday. Two men, aged 23 and 26 were killed by electrocution on Friday in a village near Kalamata, Peloponnese, when their firework hit the power cables. The two men were holding a cable attached to the firework. Additionally, a 25-year-old man was seriously injured by a homemade firecracker during Orthodox Easter celebration in Kalamata early on Sunday. The man was taken to the hospital where doctors had to amputate both his arms. He also lost his eyesight during the blast. Another 25-year-old man who was near him also suffered a light injury. Similarly, two elders, aged 61 and 65, were also seriously injured in Messini, off Kalamata, while participating in a local fire show custom. Both men lost one of their hands.
Greek gov't says early elections not being considered
Athens dismissed media reports on Monday that the government was considering calling early elections.
National Bank of Greece (ADR) (NBG) Approaching Final Showdown
National Bank of Greece (ADR) (NYSE:NBG) stock has plunged nearly 76% in the past year, and the bank is approaching its final showdown in the ...
Greek Govt Dismisses Speculation Over Snap Elections
The Greek government has dismissed media reports earlier today that it was considering calling snap elections. “Once again election scenarios have surfaced. The best answer to those is the popular mandate the government enjoys,” an unnamed Greek ...
Celebrate Europe's music this Europe Day
by Emma Nicolas Europe Day is just around the corner, and its timing could not be more ideal. For one day and one day only, member states can leave behind the pessimism associated with the ongoing Eurozone crisis, the possibility of a UK referendum and the state of Greece’s economy—and just celebrate Europe. This May 9 will mark sixty-five years since French foreign minister Robert Schuman presented the Schuman Declaration; the founding document of what is now known as the European Union. There is no better place to celebrate the founding of the EU than the home base of its many institutions. New Europe is here to provide you with the best Europe Day celebrations, beginning with the Ancienne Belgique’s Europe Day event. On Saturday, May 9 the AB will host their first ever “Europe Day” celebration, in the form of an afternoon debate on how music could be a key player in bringing Europeans together. The debate will cover topics ranging from how music contributes to the European identity to how music can be more easily shared across borders. The debate will be between politicians, music professionals and NGO representatives, and will be moderated by legendary Belgian radio host and musician, Jan Hautekiet. The European Youth Forum, European Commission and Euroradio are all co-hosting the event with AB. The debate will follow the launch of Liveurope, which is the first ever cooperation of multiple music venues to promote new talent throughout Europe. Stick around after the debate for a series of concerts by upcoming European artists, tickets are selling for 15 euro on the AB website. The actual debate is free of charge, but you must RSVP as there is limited space available. PHOTO CREDIT: Ancienne Belgique
Russell Westbrook got suspended for the game that could end OKC's season because of a harmless-looking technical
Russell Westbrook picked up his 16th technical foul of the season Sunday night, meaning he'll be suspended for one game under the league's cumulative technical rule. During the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma City Thunder's 116-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Westbrook was called for a charging foul, and was hit with a technical for arguing. Players receive one-game suspensions for every technical foul they pick up from number 16 and after. For Westbrook and the Thunder, the timing couldn't be worse. The Thunder are currently tied for eighth place with the New Orleans Pelicans at 43-37, but the Pelicans hold the tiebreaker, meaning they'd make the playoffs over the Thunder if they finish with the same record. The Thunder must win their final two games of the season while hoping the Pelicans lose at least one of their final two games. Unless the technical is reviewed and rescinded by the NBA, Westbrook will miss Monday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Here was the technical: Unless Westbrook said something that crossed the line, his reaction is pretty mild, and given the importance of the game, it's conceivable that the league could rescind it. Worsening matters, the Thunder's loss came on a night Westbrook scored 54 points to go with nine rebounds, and eight assists. The Thunder, who are missing Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka, just don't have the talent or depth to compete, even when Westbrook is posting absurd stat lines. However, without Westbrook, the Thunder have very little chance of beating a playoff team like the Trail Blazers, likely meaning they'll miss the playoffs for the first time in the last five years.Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Gripping video of a motocross rider jumping across the 280-foot-long Corinth Canal in Greece
JPMorgan: Greece Unikely To Default
But in the end Greece will not default on its official loan obligations because of fear for the capital controls that would follow, the bank predicts.
Tempers rise in talks over bailout funds for Greece
Greece has again locked horns with its international creditors in increasingly bad-tempered talks over bailout funds after eurozone officials accused ...
Soccer-Greek championship fixtures
April 13 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Greek championship matches on Monday Wednesday, April 15 (GMT)Panthrakikos v Olympiakos Piraeus (1600) Saturday, April 18 (GMT)Panaitolikos Agrinion v Kalloni (1200) Xanthi v Ergotelis (1415) Kerkyra v PAOK Salonika (1630) Sunday, April 19 (GMT)Panthrakikos v Panathinaikos (1200) Atromitos Athinon v PAS Giannina (1415) Niki Volos v Platanias (1415 ...
EC's Dombrovskis says Greek talks complicated, still lots of work to do
European Union Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis admitted on Monday that technical negotiations with Greece over its bailout program are “very complicated” and that much ground needs to be covered before the April 24 Eurogroup.
Greek bond yields shoot up on renewed worries ahead of bailout deadline
Greek bond yields rose on Monday as market participants expressed caution ahead of a looming deadline for the country to gain more funding from its creditors.
Segregation in Greek Systems
An article in The Orlando Sentinel explores the issue of segregation in Greek systems. At the University of Central Florida, which has a diverse student ...
Greece dismisses speculation of early elections
ATHENS (Reuters) - Athens dismissed media reports on Monday that the government was considering calling early elections. "Once again election ...
Greece casts shadow as ECB money printing buoys euro zone
European Central Bank policymakers gathering on Wednesday will examine possible further emergency funding for Greece's banks as they take stock of a wider economic picture showing early signs of improvement. With falling prices in the euro zone beginning to stabilise, ECB President Mario Draghi will be able to claim an early success for the quantitative easing scheme -- money printing to buy ...
Greece Denies Reforms Foot-Dragging
Greece's Finance Ministry insisted it is not delaying work on critical reforms needed to unblock aid from international lenders. The post Greece Denies Reforms Foot-Dragging appeared first on The National Herald.
Easter Fireworks Kill 2, Injure 1
The traditional setting off of fireworks to celebrate Orthodox Easter has claimed two lives and seriously injured a reveler in Greece. The post Easter Fireworks Kill 2, Injure 1 appeared first on The National Herald.
Trash Piling Up in Pyrgos
PYRGOS, Greece – With trash dumped on streets and sidewalks because a landfill has been closed, officials here want government help to get rid of it. A seaside town on the western Peloponnese, Pyrgos is trying to find a solution to the mountain of waste that has been growing for seven months after the local […] The post Trash Piling Up in Pyrgos appeared first on The National Herald.
Time running out on Greek debt talks, says top EU official
ROME (Reuters) - Greece is not moving fast enough to draw up and implement structural reforms and there is limited time to prevent it running out of cash, European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Monday.
10 things you need to know before the opening bell (DIA, SPY, SPX, QQQ, AAPL)
Ahead the market open on Monday, here is what you need to know. China's trade surplus cratered. China's trade surplus narrowed to $3.08 billion in March, down sharply from the $60.6 billion surplus in February. Exports tumbled 15% year-over-year while imports fell 12.7%. Interestingly, the data was reported in yuan instead of US dollars as Chinese regulators said it was not yet available in dollar terms. Australia's dollar was hit hard on the news, down 1.4% at .7572. Nearly 1 million Apple Watch preorders were made in the US on the first day. Slice Intelligence estimates sales of 957,000 Apple Watch on opening day, with shoppers spending an average of $503.83 per watch. According to Slice Intelligence, "The most popular type of case is the Space Gray aluminum case, with 40% of Apple Watch buyers choosing the option." Numerous eurozone officials have reportedly voiced displeasure with Greece's negotiating tactics. Unnamed officials were said to have accused Greek negotiators of acting like a "taxi driver" by continuing to ask for money instead of presenting the list of reforms necessary to receive its cash infusion. Greek markets are closed for Easter Monday. The World Bank warned of 'significant' risks for Asian economies. The World Bank lowered its growth forecast for the developing East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region to 6.7% in 2015, down slightly from the 6.9% growth in 2014. Chinese growth is expected to slow to 7.1% in 2015 (7.4% in 2014), according to the organization. The latest Bank of Japan minutes showed confidence the central bank's QE program was working. The minutes of the March 16-17 policy meeting suggested the Japanese economy remained on track to reach its 2% inflation target, but the weakness in oil prices may briefly push inflation into negative territory. Some members expressed concern of unintended consequences from the bond-buying program, with one member suggesting a financial bubble could form. Japan's yen is lower by 0.4% at 120.66 per dollar. Spotify is trying to raise cash that would value the company at $8 billion. The streaming music platform is in talks to raise $400 million, which would put an $8.4 billion valuation on the company. Goldman Sachs and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund are said to be investors at the valuation. Hyundai is the preferred mass-market auto brand in China. A state-backed survey showed the South Korean automaker Hyundai was the most preferred brand in China. Other notable results showed BYD as the preferred Chinese automaker and Audi as the top luxury brand. The US Dollar Index is flirting with 100.00 for the first time since March. The Index is being supported by notable weakness in the Australian dollar (-1.4%) and euro (-0.7%). The Index is now higher by 0.6% at 99.93, with a move above 100.39 making for the best print in 12 years. Global stock markets are bid. China's Shanghai Composite (+2.2%) led Asian markets higher, while Spain's IBEX (+0.6%) paces the advance in Europe. US economic data is light. The federal budget is due out at 2 p.m. ET. The US 10-year yield is up 3 basis points at 1.98%.Join the conversation about this story »
'Taxi driver' Greece just wants to be shown the money, say eurozone officials
In any case, the incident highlights the level of tension between Greece and its eurozone partners, which has ratched up in recent weeks. Relations ...
National Bank of Greece (ADR) (NBG): Greece Blows Chances Of A Long Term Deal
As talks between Greece and its creditors, the so called troika (IMF, European Union & European Central Bank) press on, their relationship is sinking ...
Euro to Pound Sterling (EUR/GBP) Exchange Rate Weakens on Greece Worries, EUR/USD ...
Greece has just days to present a convincing economic reform plan to Eurozone finance ministers. If the plans do meet expectations then bailout funds ...
Russia sees interest in Turkish Stream from several countries
Hungary's, Turkey's, Greece's, Serbia's and Macedonia's interest in the project’s implementation and the direct participation of their companies is clearly seen, Russian Ambassador to the EU notes
Greece to be effective partner with Russia's Gazprom
The Turkish Stream gas pipeline project makes Greece an important and useful partner for Russia's Gazprom, despite the country's financial problems ...