Author: 123jump.com Staff
123jump.com
Last Update: 7:54 AM EDT April 30 2008

The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by 0.25% to 2% and indicated that it may pausse for a while, however, the Bank of Japan left its key rate at 0.5%. China reported a surge in its crude oil imports and consumption as production rose only 2% in the first quarter. Hong Kong retail sales surged in March and in the first quarter. Brazil debt rating was raised to investment grade by S&P as it improves its balance of payment situation lifting Real and Bovespa stock index.