Kennedy: The Fighter of The Poor and Marginalized

United States President Barack Obama delivered a word of praise for Senator Edward Kennedy, Saturday (29 / 8) local time, as the fighter of the poor and marginalized, not broken by the tragedy that tore mercilessly for his political clan.

In a quiet and touching speech at Kennedy's funeral, Obama called Kennedy, who died Tuesday at age 77 years, as the "Happy Knight" who "managed to overcome the pain and tragedy that most of us know."

The Senator from Massachusetts, the last of three brothers who experienced the tragic and bitter politics, a "fighter for those who do not have the right; the soul of the Democratic Party, and the lion the U.S. Senate," Obama said.

He delivered speech to visitors who mourn in the Roman Catholic church in Boston in front of Vicki, Kennedy's widow, the relatives of the Kennedy dynasty, and former President Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Oil Price Rises to Near US$ 73/Barrel

The price of crude oil in the world's major markets continue to strengthen to near US$ 73/barrel. Through the exchange of electronic transactions in NYMEX, New York, Bangkok time Friday afternoon, the price of light sweet crude for October contract rose 38 cents to US$ 72.89 per barrel.

In the previous transaction, the price of oil rose US$ 1.06 to US$ 72.49 / barrel, even at the beginning of the week could approach US$ 75/barel. While in London ICE exchange, the price of Brent oil rose 17 cents to US$ 72.50 / barrel.

According to analysts, the rising oil price is triggered by the decline in the dollar exchange rate in the last few days. However, the increase is predicted difficult to continue, at least until early next week, given the decline in natural gas prices in the US to the lowest level in seven years

84 Banks Have Been Closed In The US

Until the third week in August 2009, the banking authority of the United States (U.S.) has closed 84 banks in trouble due to financial crisis.

Affinity Bank of Ventura in California Friday, August 28 became the 84th bank closed by U.S. banking authorities following the failure of banking functions.

According to The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), affinity, which only has 10 branches, has assets of $1 billion and USD922 million others in the form of fixed-deposits.

The fixed-deposits will be taken over by Pacific Western Bank of San Diego. "Former Affinity branches in San Francisco and San Mateo as well as several other branches will be opened again on Monday next week operated by Pacific Western Bank," FDIC said.

FDIC estimates, the budget issued due to Affinity Bank bankruptcy could reach USD254 million. In addition to Affinity Bank, other banks in the U.S. that were closed at the same time is Bradford Bank in Maryland and Mainstreet Bank in Minnesota.

Business Perception Rises In Germany

Business perception among German companies for the fifth consecutive year has the highest increase in this August.

These data raise the hope of recovery in the country with the largest economy in Europe. Ifo institute's business survey yesterday said business sentiment in Germany in August rises to 90.5 points from 87.3 points in the previous month.This result is quite surprising given the predictions of analysts surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires estimated a smaller number, only 88.8 points.

Wall Street Closed Higher

Wall Street managed to close higher, as home sales data and durable consumer goods have good performance. The Dow Jones Index gained for seven days and re-record a new highest level this year. All three major indices closed positive even recording minimal gains, the trade Wednesday (26/8/2009) local time.