Shares of the Bank of China began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange today and quickly shot up 15%. From Beijing, Jocelyn Ford tells us why investors have been scrambling to own a piece of it.

Venezuela's outspoken President Hugo Chavez wants to cut back on oil production and send prices even higher. Will he get what he wants from OPEC ministers in Caracas? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Carol Wise.

The actor who played Juan Valdez, the iconic figure of Colombian coffee, has retired. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to branding consultant David Altschul about what's been involved in the search for a replacement.

In a major policy shift, the United States said it is willing to talk with Iran — if Iran suspends its nuclear fuel enrichment activities. John Dimsdale reports.

Peru is one of South America's economic success stories, so why are voters looking for change? Dan Grech reports on the economic stakes of the upcoming Peruvian elections.

After yesterday's losses, European shares regained their poise this morning, and it may have something to do with Henry Paulson's nomination to become US Treasury Secretary. From London, Stephen Beard reports.

Today is World No Tobacco Day but while smoking's on the decline in the US, China is still puffing away madly.That doesn't mean foreign tobacco companies are making a fortune there though. Jocelyn Ford reports.

After 25 years the spread of AIDS seems to be slowing. But 40 million people are infected with HIV, and unprecedented resources are being spent to keep fighting it. Helen Palmer reports.

The Iraqi government says nearly 15,000 families — about 100,000 people — have been forced out of their homes by factional fighting since the US invasion. From Karbala, Borzou Daragahi reports.

A US law requiring airlines to provide detailed passenger information on international flights coming into the country has been ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice. From London, Stephen Beard reports.