News of 2020

Record sovereign defaults in pandemic-hit 2020: S&P

13-04-2021 14:18 Ratings agency S&P there were a record seven defaults on sovereign debt repayments in 2020, the first year of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump departs office, trailed by pandemic and job losses

20-01-2021 01:06 Donald Trump departs Washington on Wednesday with US citizens more politically divided and more likely to be out of work than when he arrived, while awaiting trial for his second impeachment – an ignominious end to one of the most turbulent presidencies in American history.

Biden's Cabinet takes shape: seasoned centrists, but with a few firsts

24-11-2020 15:57 US President-elect Joe Biden names first cabinet appointments, signalling that he favours competence and centrism while providing historic firsts for women and minorities.

Minor clashes as Trump loyalists mount last stand in Washington

15-11-2020 08:10 Supporters of US President Donald Trump march in Washington to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Right-wing militia group the Proud Boys among those attending rally, which had large security presence.

Biden takes lead on US fight against Covid-19, Trump fires official

09-11-2020 18:12 Trump, who is still refusing to concede defeat, fires defence secretary, while US President-elect Joe Biden made good on a promise to focus on leading the country out of the Covid-19 crisis.

Trump rejects Biden victory as Democrats celebrate 

07-11-2020 14:44 “This election is far from over,” declares Trump's campaign team in a statement, as Rudy Giuliani says legal fight is only just beginning.

Trump fraud claims meet with limited Republican criticism

06-11-2020 18:42 Trump's unfounded accusations of fraud in the US presidential election condemned by some Republicans, but top party figures refuse to criticise remarks.

A far from convincing victory

06-11-2020 00:13 Biden had just about everything going for him. He could blame Trump for mishandling a pandemic and enjoyed the enthusiastic support of much of the media. Despite it all, he will only manage to stagger over the finishing line.

by James Neilson

US election could be settled Thursday as key states tally results

05-11-2020 17:03 With many critical battleground states still not announcing the results of their vote count, the US presidential election is still too close to call.

Election win for Biden or Trump hinges on seven critical states

05-11-2020 02:17 Hard-fought now depends on results from a handful of states, each with varying rules on counting votes and contesting results, complicating the final stretch to declaring a winner.