IMF points to inflationary threat in Gulf

Inflation is the most pressing problem facing the region, which is reaping the benefits of record oil revenues but does not have the tools available to cap rising prices

Germany urges higher food import standards

Germany believes China, India and the US should be forced to adopt higher environmental and health standards if they want to export food products to the European Union, says Horst Seehofer, Germanys farm minister

Coalition presses Congress over ethanol

The global food crisis is inspiring a broad new coalition on Capitol Hill seeking to change US policies on ethanol production

Editorial Comment: Food investment, not imperialism

There is a risk powerful nations will use aggressive foreign policies to secure food supplies and exclude competitors, but it has not arrived yet

Comment: Beware US parallels with Japan

The differences between the two nations crises are big enough to suggest that the policy prescriptions should also be different, writes Takatoshi Ito

Comment: How banks can put their houses in order

There is an emerging consensus on the benefits of reinforcing market-based corrections with improved structures, writes Charles Dallara

Doubts as Turkish IMF deal expires

The end of a $10bn loan agreement removes an anchor for Ankaras economic and structural reform programme just as the economy appears to be heading into difficulties

UAE investors buy Pakistan farmland

A large Middle East private equity company has been quietly buying farmland in Pakistan as part of plans by the United Arab Emirates to increase food security and damp inflation

Editorial Comment: Living in a world of $200 oil

Another doubling in oil prices is about conceivable. It would cause serious economic disruption, global tension and currency crises for some poor nations

Comment: Bribery - the net tightens but holes remain

Campaigners hope they can capitalise on pressure for greater transparency, writes Michael Peel

India extends futures trading ban

IMF warns on global inflation

Editorial Comment: The dollar danger is not over yet

Samuel Brittan: The crises of capitalism

Comment: Ethics must be restored in finance

World carbon trading value doubles

Europe and US unite on stronger dollar

EU trade chief hits at Democrat hopefuls

US general warns on space

Comment: Bolder proposals needed for euro