https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/philippine-secretary-of-trade-and-industry-on-rcep-us-protectionism.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/philippine-secretary-of-trade-and-industry-on-rcep-us-protectionism.html 'Urgency' for Asia Pacific mega trade deal as the US mulls $200 billion tariffs on China Tensions between the U.S. and its major trading partners have given countries in Asia Pacific greater urgency to conclude a mega trade deal that would become the world's largest trading bloc. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, would account for about one-third of the global economy when it's completed. Ramon Lopez, the Philippines' secretary of trade and industry, said RCEP countries have made inroads in ironing out differences and resolving previously contentious issues.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/30/indias-rupee-falls-to-an-all-time-low.html

India's rupee falls to an all-time low The Indian rupee slid to a record low of 70.8100 against the dollar, after a previous new low a day before. That marks a 10.97 percent decline since the start of the year. Economists attributed the slide to rising oil prices, broader emerging market concerns, and strong month-end dollar demand.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/29/europe-will-be-the-big-loser-in-us-trade-war-with-china-economist-warns.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/29/europe-will-be-the-big-loser-in-us-trade-war-with-china-economist-warns.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/28/the-us-mexico-trade-deal-may-be-bad-news-for-china-experts-say.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/28/the-us-mexico-trade-deal-may-be-bad-news-for-china-experts-say.html The US-Mexico trade deal may be bad news for China, experts say The trade deal with Mexico offers U.S. President Donald Trump "some wins from a political perspective that the administration can point to ahead of the mid-terms," said John Woods, the chief investment officer for Asia Pacific at Credit Suisse. That could mean the country's ongoing dispute with China may drag on, Woods said.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/27/china-yuan-counter-cyclical-factor-currency-tweak-is-trade-war-dovish.html

China's new currency policy is a dovish signal in the trade war, analysts say

China's new currency policy is a dovish signal in the trade war, analysts say China's central bank altered how it manages the country's currency, showing the yuan won't be a trade war weapon, analysts say. President Donald Trump has accused China of "manipulating" the yuan. The measure from the People's Bank of China comes as the U.S.-China tariff battle shows no sign of ending. see : https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/27/china-yuan-counter-cyclical-factor-currency-tweak-is-trade-war-dovish.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/24/trump-has-reportedly-offered-us-funds-to-buy-italian-debt.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/24/trump-has-reportedly-offered-us-funds-to-buy-italian-debt.html Trump has reportedly offered US funds to buy Italian debt Italian media claim the President Trump has offered to buy Italian government bonds in 2019. Borrowing costs for Italy have risen as investors have dumped the country's debt. The end of the ECB's asset purchase program and political instability are cited as reasons for selling Italian bonds.

Trump admits he paid hush money, ducks question on Manafort pardon

• President Trump admits he provided the hush money used by attorney Michael Cohen to suppress the allegations of two women that they had affairs with Trump.
• But Trump insists in a Fox interview that he only knew about payments "later on," contradicting Cohen's sworn statement that Trump had directed him to make the payments.
• Trump also doesn't rule out a pardon for former campaign chief Paul Manafort.

10 Interesting things about Singapore

Singapore, which is officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is an island located in Southeast Asia. This city state which was occupied by Japan during the Second World War, is regarded as the easiest place to do business by the World Bank.

Besides the perfect skyline and the bustling city center, there is still a lot about Singapore for visitors to explore. If you are planning to visit this beautiful country, the following facts about it will interest you.

1. Tallest indoor waterfall

2. It has 63 islands

It is made up of 63 islands surrounding the main island. Can you imagine that? Some of these islands are:

• Sentosa
• Pulau Ubin
• St. John’s island
• Sisters’ islands

3. One of the greenest cities of the world

4. City State

Singapore is among the three surviving city states in the world. The remaining two are the Vatican City and Monaco. It gained independence from Malaysia in 1965 thereby becoming a city state

5. Exciting events

While in Singapore you are sure not to be bored. This is due to the many year round events that will keep you entertained such as the cultural festivals, lifestyle, major sports and art events. For example, there is the Great Singapore Sale that happens annually in June which is followed by the Singapore Food Festival that happens every year in July.

6. Night zoo

7. Singlish

Singaporeans don’t just speak English, but Singlish. Singlish is whereby they add ‘lah’ and ‘leh’ at the end of their sentences. This language is inspired by the multiculturalism of Singapore.

8. F1 Night Race

Since 2008, Singapore has been holding concerts, entertainment and racing activities for fans of Formula One and to visitor s of all ages. Singapore made history by hosting the first ever Formula One night race in the world. This was the star event of the Grand Prix Singapore, known as, the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

9. National Anthem on the currency

If you are looking for the lyrics to the national anthem of Singapore, then look no further than at the back of your $1000 Portrait series banknote. The national anthem is written in the official language of Malay. The anthem was composed by Zubir Said in 1958 when Singapore had not acquired self-governance status. It was an anthem to be used during the official functions of the City Council of Singapore. Upon attaining independence, it was chosen as the island’s anthem.

10. UNESCO World Heritage Site

Singapore is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site; the botanic gardens of Singapore which have a history of more than 150 years. The National Orchid Garden, a major attraction, houses a variety of orchid species that are also referred to as Very Important Plants (VIP). This garden houses thousands of species of the orchid.

U.S. producer prices were unchanged in July for the first time in seven months as a modest increase in the cost of goods was offset by a drop in services, but underlying producer inflation continued to push higher.