Oct 13, 2018
The Latest: IMF's Lagarde planning to attend Saudi conference despite writer's disappearance
NUSA DUA, Indonesia — The Latest on the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Bali, Indonesia (all times local):
3:55 p.m.
The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, has said she still intends to attend an investment conference in Saudi Arabia later this month despite concerns over the disappearance of journalist and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi disappeared after he entered a Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, more than a week ago. The Washington Post cited anonymous sources as saying Turkey's government told U.S. officials that it has audio and video proof that Khashoggi was killed and dismembered.
The AP has not yet confirmed that report. Saudi Arabia says Khashoggi left the consulate.
Lagarde said Saturday in Bali, Indonesia, that "human rights, freedom of information are essential rights. And horrifying things have been reported and I am horrified."
She said she would "speak my mind" if she does go.
___
1:45 p.m.
The International Monetary Fund has wrapped up its annual meeting pledging to act to protect world growth and financial stability from risks linked to trade and geopolitical tensions.
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Saturday as the IMF-World Bank meeting in Bali, Indonesia, ended that global growth is still strong but has plateaued. Countries should seek to ensure they do not "drift."
She said: "Sail together and we will be stronger. Focus on your policies. Don't drift and let's cooperate as much as we can because we will be better off together."
The International Monetary and Financial Committee, which advises the IMF's board of governors, urged countries to keep credit available in line with their levels of inflation and seek to raise economic growth "for the benefit of all."
___
1 p.m.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has downplayed widely voiced concerns over the risks that trade tensions with China could disrupt the world economy.
Mnuchin also told reporters Saturday in Bali, Indonesia, that he doesn't lose sleep over the possibility that China might sell its huge hoard of U.S. treasuries in retaliation.
Concerns that trade friction between Washington and Beijing will depress global trade and generate turmoil in financial markets have been a major theme of global finance meetings this week in Bali.
China's central bank governor, Yi Gang, joined the chorus, describing protectionism and trade tensions as "major risks" for the world economy
The annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and a slew of other financial gatherings on the sidelines, was winding down Saturday.
Inflation is high, consumer spending is strong and seemingly everything depends on what happens with artificial intelligence.
Record heat, a rising demand for power and an electricity crisis are closing in on Oklahoma families trying to keep the lights on and the AC running.
Scott Kirby of United Airlines said that “it’s expensive to fly airplanes” and that airfares may have further to rise.
Engineer David Mummery has developed a tidal energy generator that he says can change lives for people living in coastal communities.
Zoey Darnbrough had no idea there was a distillery near her home - now she has a top tourism role there.
The government plans to regulate heating oil prices after increases.
The sports industry's lucrative business model is being undermined by dodgy TV sticks and illegal streaming links, writes Theo Leggett.
The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in next month’s elections.
Demonstrations across the country turned violent, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.
Commercials promoting a gambling platform and endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?
Debt trouble at CoreWeave, Oracle and SoftBank raises questions about whether there are broader problems with the data center build-out.
Ms. Holmes handed the makers of “You Can See Everything” — and the rest of the world — a microscope with which to observe and dissect her lies.