Scots will raise roof in Cardiff, promises Ford February 9, 2012 SCOTLAND captain Ross Ford insists they want the Millennium Stadium roof closed so they can take on Wales at their own game on Sunday. Ford rejected suggestions the forecast rain and slippery conditions might offer the visitors better hope of pulling off a surprise Six Nations win. “We’ve asked for the roof to be closed [...]
O’Connell eyes end to Ireland’s away day Bleus February 9, 2012 IRELAND skipper Paul O’Connell is adamant they can bounce back from defeat to Wales and record only their second win in France since 1972. Outside centre Keith Earls replaces Fergus McFadden in the lone change to Declan Kidney’s side for tomorrow’s Six Nations clash in Paris. O’Connell said: “Against France away from home you need [...]
Former Tour winner Ulrich banned February 9, 2012 CYCLING: Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has been handed a two-year ban for blood doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ullrich was ruled by CAS to have been linked with the Spanish-based doping probe Operation Puerta. All of the German’s results since May 2005 have been struck from the record books, [...]
Price agrees Sexton contest February 9, 2012 BOXING: British heavyweight David Price will fight Sam Sexton for the British and Commonwealth titles vacated by Tyson Fury. Olympic bronze-medallist Price, 28, has a perfect 12-win record (10 KOs) and will be favourite against former Commonwealth champion Sexton. Price said: “I’m disappointed he didn’t step up to the plate because it was the fight [...]
Greeks take debt deal to Brussels February 9, 2012 GREEK party leaders finally struck a deal yesterday over spending cuts needed for a new bailout – but the plan still faces opposition in both Brussels and Athens. European officials appeared unimpressed last night, warning that Greece must show that it is serious about cuts and reforms to make its debts sustainable. The heat surrounding [...]
Critics hit out at new £50bn QE February 9, 2012 THE BANK of England will print a further £50bn to buy government bonds, taking the total level of quantitative easing (QE) to £325bn, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said yesterday, in an effort to keep interest rates low and support growth. But some economists expressed doubts over the scheme’s impact, arguing variously that the Bank [...]
Banks settle on mortgages February 9, 2012 FIVE US banks accused of abusive mortgage practices have agreed to a $25bn government settlement that may help one million borrowers. The record state-federal settlement will spread relief in the form of mortgage relief and $2,000 payments to borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure. It will also release the banks – Bank of America, [...]
QE not the answer to UK’s problems February 9, 2012 IF the Bank of England is to be believed, more quantitative easing is necessary to make sure inflation doesn’t fall below its target. Yet the Bank’s record is not good enough to allow us to take it on trust. Simon Ward of Henderson calculates that the Bank’s forecasts for inflation in one year’s time have [...]
EU agrees derivatives deal February 9, 2012 THE TREASURY last night welcomed an EU agreement on regulating derivatives markets that ended almost two years of debate on how to control one of the most opaque areas of finance. Under the deal, over-the-counter trades will be forced through clearing houses – a process that incurs a charge and is designed to discourage the more [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING February 9, 2012 FINANCIAL TIMES OSBORNE DROPS TARGETS FOR CREDIT EASING DEAL George Osborne has decided not to repeat the fixed lending targets agreed with five banks a year ago under the Project Merlin deal. Treasury officials are seeking to offer government guarantees on up to £20bn of bank funding, as long as the cost savings are passed [...]
