http://business-times.asiaone.com/world/0,4576,,00.html? The Business Times Online Edition - Singapore en-us Copyright 2007 Business Times Online. 20 Nov 2008 SGT 20 Nov 2008 SGT 60 http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/static/image/images/topmastheadsmall.gif http://business-times.asiaone.com http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306574,00.html? (NEW YORK) US banks and thrifts are launching an offensive against a proposed federal rule that would boost costs on one of their last reliable sources of funding for loans. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306542,00.html? (BRUSSELS/PARIS) The European Union is studying support for its ailing carmakers but the bloc's executive was divided on Tuesday over the extent of any aid as other sectors also face a downturn. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306567,00.html? (WELLINGTON) Sworn into power yesterday as part of New Zealand's new government, Pansy Wong is the country's first Asian-born Cabinet minister, reflecting the growing clout of its fastest growing ethnic group. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306587,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Chief executives of leading US companies called for a fiscal stimulus package worth at least US$300 billion and urged President-elect Barack Obama to swiftly name his economic team. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306559,00.html? DISCONTENT is growing over a £7 billion (S$16.3 billion) fund-raising at Barclays as shareholders vent their opposition to an injection of cash from Middle East investors. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306588,00.html? (WASHINGTON) The cost of living in the United States fell by the most on record as fuel costs plummeted and retailers used discounts for cars and clothing to entice consumers hobbled by job losses and sinking home values. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306529,00.html? (NEW YORK) American International Group Inc (AIG), the insurer getting a US$152 billion federal bailout, in a regulatory filing late on Tuesday disclosed that it would pay roughly US$3 million to several executives under deferred compensation plans that are being terminated. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,306553,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company taken over by the US government, received notice last week from the New York Stock Exchange that it may be delisted. The News 20 Nov 2008 04:00 SGT