Citigroup's net income increased to $3.6 billion in the fourth quarter 2016, primarily driven by the lower operating expenses and cost of credit, partially offset by lower revenues. Citigroup's effective tax rate was 30% in the current quarter compared to 29% in the fourth quarter 2015.
Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, is a customs union between Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. It was originally set up in 1991. Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have associate member status. Bolivia may be incorporated as a full member soon.
An omen (also called portent or presage) is a phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future, often signifying the advent of change. People in the ancient times believed that omens lie with a divine message from their gods. These omens include natural phenomena, for example an eclipse, abnormal births of animals and humans and behavior of the sacrificial lamb on its way to the slaughter.