Japan shares up on weaker yen hopes

18 February 2013 Last updated at 02:04 ETContinue reading the main story Japanese shares have risen after finance ministers of the G20 group of nations avoided singling out Japan for criticism over the recent yen weakness.The yen has dipped nearly 15% against the US dollar since November amid Japan’s efforts to stoke inflation.There were concerns that a criticism from G20 may prompt Japan to alter...

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Take advantage of the sales tax deduction

Taxes » Tax Deductions » Take Advantage Of The Sales Tax DeductionMost states and cities get a good portion of their operating revenue from sales taxes tagged onto just about everything you buy. But on the federal level, Uncle Sam lets taxpayers use those taxes to help reduce their IRS bills.The sales tax deduction is particularly welcomed by taxpayers in states that do not collect income taxes but...

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Euro, dollar up after G20, stocks ease on growth concern

LONDON (Reuters) - The euro and the dollar rose against the yen on Monday after the G20 decided not to criticize Japan for its expansionist policies, but shares eased as Europe's weak growth outlook weighed on sentiment. Financial leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies promised on Saturday not to devalue their currencies to boost exports, aiming to defuse talk of currency wars...

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No. 2 Duke falls to Maryland 83-81

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — As the final horn sounded and Maryland fans rushed the court to celebrate a rare victory over its bitter rival, weary Duke had just enough energy left to escape the mayhem for the safety of its locker room.Seth Allen broke a tie by making two free throws with 2.8 seconds left, and the Terrapins stunned the second-ranked Blue Devils 83-81 Saturday night to end a six-game skid...

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Afghanistan's future: Five questions

STORY HIGHLIGHTSPresident Obama has revealed new details about the troop withdrawal in AfghanistanBut there are several key issues that still must be resolved in the coming monthsThe Afghan military has its critics, but the U.S. has praised its progressThere are fears that Afghanistan's advancements might be at risk after 2014(CNN) -- In his State of the Union address, President Obama reaffirmed that...

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Al Franken’s Fanciful Post Office Fix

The U.S. Postal Service has another would-be savior: Al Franken, the U.S. senator from Minnesota and former Saturday Night Live cast member. On Thursday, he and seven Democratic colleagues introduced a bill to “modernize” the financially troubled agency, which is losing $ 25 million a day.By “modernize,” Franken and his allies mean expand the Postal Service’s operations. This is from his press release:...

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Dubai’s Nakheel in talks to extend $2.2 billion loan: report

(Reuters) – Nakheel (NAKHD.UL), builder of man-made islands in the shape of palms, is in talks to extend an 8 billion dirhams ($ 2.18 billion) loan due in 2015, the indebted developer’s chairman was quoted in a local newspaper as saying on Sunday.Ali Rashid Lootah dismissed concerns over Nakheel’s ability to repay its debts, which also includes a 3.8-billion dirham sukuk, or Islamic bond, due in August...

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Wrestling president quits after Olympic omission

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) — The president of the international wrestling federation has quit in the wake of the IOC's decision to remove the sport from the 2020 Olympics.Raphael Martinetti's resignation was announced Saturday at the FILA executive committee meeting in Phuket. The Swiss had been in the position since 2002.On Tuesday, the executive board of the International Olympic Committee dumped wrestling...

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Meteor shows need to keep eye on sky

By Colin Stuart, special for CNNFebruary 15, 2013 -- Updated 1512 GMT (2312 HKT)Meteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaMeteor explodes over RussiaSTORY HIGHLIGHTSMeteor explosion above Russia left hundreds of people injuredMeteor came on day asteroid...

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Flooding payouts broke £1bn in 2012

15 February 2013 Last updated at 06:29 ETInsurers paid out £1.19bn for flood and storm damage in the UK in 2012 – the highest annual figure for five years, an insurance trade body has said.Some 486,000 claims were made by homeowners, businesses and motorists, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).The average payout for flood-damaged properties was £18,200, the ABI said.Last year was...

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