France and Germany join China-backed Asia bank

France and Germany are to join the UK in becoming members of a Chinese-led Asian development bank. The finance ministries of both countries confirmed on Tuesday that they would be applying for membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Last week, the US issued a rare rebuke to the UK over its decision to become a member of the AIIB. "There will be times when we take a different approach," a spokesperson for Prime Minister David Cameron said about the rare rebuke from the US. The US considers the AIIB a rival to the Western-dominated World Bank. The UK was the first Western economy to apply for membership of the bank. But German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble confirmed on Tuesday that his country would also be applying for membership. France's finance ministry confirmed it would be joining the bank. It is believed Italy also intends to join. March 17; http://www.bbc.com/news/business-31921011

Uranus-Pluto complete their last square on March 17. Charts for this square at Berlin and Paris have the square straddling the horizon axis.  The following key-phrases for the square sum up the news.

Uranus-Pluto:  Social disruption or events within friendship (Uranus) over finance, banks or large business and government interests (Pluto); unexpected reactions (Uranus) based on resentments, ultimatums or threats to control (Pluto); vindictive reactions to demands for tolerance of difference or freedom demands.