澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2011-11-23

 And the US economy grew at a slower pace than previously¹ estimated in the three months to the end of September. Revised figures from the US Commerce Department show that gross domestic product grew by two per cent. 

 

Now that's half of one per cent lower than previously forecast. Meanwhile, President Obama is putting pressure on Congress to vote in favour of keeping payroll² tax cuts. 

 

“If they vote no again, a typical family's taxes will go up $1000 next year. If they vote yes, the typical working family will get a $1,500 tax cut. And I just want it to be clear for everybody: ‘No’--your taxes go up; ‘Yes’--you get a tax cut. Which way do you think Congress should vote? (YES!) Pretty simple.” 

 

Barack Obama there

 

Let's look at what the markets have been doing overnight. In the US, the Wall Street exchange has just closed. The Dow finished 56 points lower. The NASDAQ lost three points. The S&P 500 shed nearly three points as well. And in London the FTSE dropped 15 points. 

 

Checking commodity prices. West Texas Crude is trading at 97 US dollars and 67 cents a barrel. Tapis crude’s at 114 US dollars and 10 cents a barrel. And gold’s at 1,698 US dollars and 89 cents an ounce. The Australian dollar is buying 99 US cents, 73 Euro cents and 63 pence sterling³.

1 previously   

adv.以前，先前（地）

参考例句：

• The bicycle tyre blew out at a previously damaged point.自行车胎在以前损坏过的地方又爆开了。
• Let me digress for a moment and explain what had happened previously.让我岔开一会儿，解释原先发生了什么。

2 payroll   

n.工资表，在职人员名单，工薪总额

参考例句：

• His yearly payroll is $1.2 million.他的年薪是120万美元。
• I can't wait to get my payroll check.我真等不及拿到我的工资单了。

3 sterling   

adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑)

参考例句：

• Could you tell me the current rate for sterling, please?能否请您告诉我现行英国货币的兑换率？
• Sterling has recently been strong,which will help to abate inflationary pressures.英国货币最近非常坚挺，这有助于减轻通胀压力。