e Yugoslavia

Stockholm  – The outlook for the Swedish economy in 2009 is bleak, although predictions are difficult to make, Swedish central bank governor Stefan Ingves said Wednesday.

Moscow  – Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko will fly to Moscow on Wednesday in last-gasp talks to avoid gas cuts to Ukraine ahead of a midnight deadline set by Gazprom for the settlement of a 2-billion-dollar debt.

Taipei  – Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp will open a branch in Turkey to expand its global container shipping business, the company said Wednesday.

Hong Kong  – Maria Sharapova will miss a high-powered Hong Kong tune-up event for only the second time since 2004 after the reigning Australian Open champion was forced to withdraw due to lack of preparation.

London  – Andy Murray has fulfilled predictions by leaving his former home-grown management to sign with the Hollywood-style agency which also represents football star David Beckham.

Los Angeles  – LeBron James celebrated his 24th birthday, but the Miami Heat spoiled the party.

Singapore – Singapore is slashing interest rates by more than a full point and increasing its share of insurance premiums on officially approved business loans, news reports said Wednesday.

Munich  – BMW has given its Z4 sports car an extensive makeover, showcasing at the Detroit Motor Show in January the model that succeeds the Z4 Roadster and Z4 Coupe.

Hamburg  – Despite all the reports of gloom in the car industry, niche cars remain in vogue with a host of elegant cabriolets planned for 2009 emphasizing all the fun of open-top driving with more space, technical features, lighter and efficient engines.

New York  – Two months after three of Jennifer Hudson’s family members were murdered, her brother-in-law was indicted in the case, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.