澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2011-05-28

 There's intense speculation¹ that French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde will be the next head of the IMF. It's been reported that European Union leaders emerge from the G8 summit saying her appointment is a done deal. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also welcomed her candidacy. Lagarde has been the favourite for the job, following the arrest of the former chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn on sexual assault charges.

 

Union representatives will hold talks with Heinz Australia next week over its decision to cut 350 jobs. Heinz is shifting part of its operation to New Zealand as part of a global restructuring. The company says it's working in a difficult financial environment and the decision was unavoidable. The Manufacturing Workers Union says it will be seeking the best possible outcome for employees.

 

Taking a look at the market numbers now, local stocks finished the week on a positive note. The All Ords and the ASX 200 closed around 0.5 per cent higher. Across the region, it was a mixed session. Japan's Nikkei slipped in late trade. And to the United States, markets have finished trading stronger.

 

And the Aussie dollar, I'm afraid I don't have that figure there for you, is currently hovering² around 100 US cents.

1 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

2 hovering   

鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫

参考例句：

• The helicopter was hovering about 100 metres above the pad. 直升机在离发射台一百米的上空盘旋。
• I'm hovering between the concert and the play tonight. 我犹豫不决今晚是听音乐会还是看戏。