• Crude rises above $70/bbl after 1 pct gain.


• US government bonds fall after Fed statement.US trade gap widens in June on oil prices.


• U.S. crude stocks up more than expected.

Reuters 13th August 2009.

• The French and German economies both grew by 0.3% between April and June, bringing to an end year-long recessions in two of Europe's largest economies.


• The Federal Reserve has suggested that the worst of the US recession is over.


• China has said it "regretted" a World Trade Organisation decision against its system for the import of American media products.

BBC Business News 13th August 2009.

Warm and sunny in Malta as usual. Scotland lose 4-0 in their World Cup qualifier with Norway, Paul Radcliffe to test fitness in a half marathon on Sunday before the World Championships.