Key Economic News to Watch This Week: July 16
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After the slew of negative reports from China last week, investors will be looking towards the United States for some better news this week. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will present his semi-annual monetary policy report to Congress early this week, and many are hoping that the US central bank will take steps to ease monetary policy even further.
Related News: US Banks Are Fine, Worry About the EU: Bernanke
After the slew of negative reports from China last week, investors will be looking towards the United States for some better news this week. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will present his semi-annual monetary policy report to Congress early this week, and many are hoping that the US central bank will take steps to ease monetary policy even further.
Related News: US Banks Are Fine, Worry About the EU: Bernanke
Related News: Fed Stands Ready to Act If European Aftershocks Reach the US
Monday, July 16
The Business Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation grouping meets in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This year’s theme “Aspiration to Reality” will see the APEC working groups focus on issues such as regional economic integration, investment, trade liberalisation, food and energy security, technological transfer, green growth, public-private partnership, the stability of financial system, the relations between the region and the G20, personnel development and the coordination between ABAC and APEC.
World Trade Organisation releases its 2012 World Trade Report. The publication studies patterns in trade and public policies, with a closer look at non-tariff measures in the 21st century.
Wednesday, July 18
Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and anti-apartheid leader, celebrates his 94th birthday. The UN has designated the date as Nelson Mandela International Day.
Thursday, July 19
Presidential election takes place in India, a largely ceremonial head-of-state role. Pratibha Patil, the first woman to hold the post, has reached the end of her five-year term.
“The North American Oil and Gas Renaissance and its Implications” is the theme of the Forum on Global Energy, Economy and Security staged by the Aspen Institute in Colorado (until July 22). Topics will include supply prospects, geopolitical implications, technology challenges, domestic gas demand, reducing the environmental effects of shale gas, and liquefied natural gas exports.
Related Infographic: America’s Natural Gas Boom
Related Infographic: Can U.S. be Energy Independent?
Friday, July 20
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, is expected to begin.
Related News: Food Wastage a Key Concern for Muslims This Ramadan
Saturday, July 21
The US Volcker rule banning banks from proprietary trading comes into effect. However, regulators have advised banks that they have a full two years to comply with the rules, which aim to prohibit banks from trading for their own account or making significant investments in hedge funds or private equity firms.
Related Story: Reforming the Global Financial System: Paul Volcker
Sunday, July 22
The International Aids Conference in Washington assembles scientists, policy makers and campaigners to discuss new scientific knowledge and the challenges in combating the global HIV epidemic.



