Latin America hopes Obama can build economic, political bridges


Mozee, MarketWatch
Beset by a collapsing global economy, Latin America has high hopes President-elect Barack Obama will use his renowned political energy to strengthen the U.S. relationship with the region which is looking to tie up loose ends from the Bush administration and find solutions to lingering economic and social issues.


Isidore, CNNMoney.com– “Bernanke suggests banks will need more help to fix economy
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday that President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed fiscal stimulus package could help the economy, but he added that additional bailouts of financial institutions may also be needed to bring about a sustained economic recovery.

Jamaican Dollar Holds Up Well Compared to Other Leading Currencies


Jamaica Observer:
The devaluation of the Jamaican dollar has been a cause of concern and many businesses have had to recalibrate their enterprises, passing on increases to customers. However, compared to many other currencies, the Jamaican dollar has stood up relatively well.


AP:A Look at Economic Developments Around the World
A look at economic developments and activity in stock markets around the world Friday


Levine, “Treasurys End the Week on a High Note After Jobs Report”
MarketWatch: Treasury prices headed higher Friday, led by gains in short-term debt, after the Labor Department said the U.S. economy lost 524,000 jobs in December while the unemployment rate rose to the highest since 1993.