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China, “workshop to the world,” produces low-priced goods that have overwhelmed the global economy with value… except for some notable exceptions.
Historically, it’s a nation that’s not always held to the same health or safety standards to which US manufacturers, for example, are obligated to uphold. Occasionally it’s resulted in disastrous consequences.
(more...)Forbes has revealed its annual list of top billionaires and big gains have been made in Asia. China, for the first time ever, has the most billionaires outside the US when Hong Kong is included.
Notably, a decline in the number and wealth of US billionaires is continuing. The total number of US billionaires is down to 40 percent from 45 percent last year. Also, this year’s number one, worth $53.5 billion, is Mexican telecom and conglomerate business owner Carlos Slim. Though, as would be expected, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett follow.
(more...)According to the head of economic affairs at Brazil’s foreign ministry, Carlos Marcio Cozendey, the plan is “to distribute the retaliation broadly in order to maximise pressure.”
The “retaliation” he refers to includes trade sections on 100 US goods, ranging from cars to milk powder. The tariffs are in response to cotton producer subsidies the US has kept in place despite a 2008 WTO ruling that found the practice discriminatory.
(more...)Dr. Ron Paul (R-TX) isn’t one to let his opinion go unheard… especially as Congress continues approving massive amounts of debt-financed spending.
From his recent Texas Straight Talk:
“Last week, the House approved another increase in the national debt ceiling. This means the government can borrow $1.9 trillion more to stay afloat and avoid default. It has been little more than a year since the last debt limit increase, and graphs showing the debt limit over time show a steep, almost vertical trend.
(more...)Day after day, China’s heavyweight status becomes more pronounced. We’ve discussed it before, due to its economy, which is in the process of overtaking Japan’s second place in size and its growing influence in Latin America. Today, we take a look at its strengthening influence in Asia… and Japan in particular.
(more...)Senator Dodd has suggested that the Consumer Financial Protection Agency be housed with the Federal Reserve Board… yet, despite having all the power needed to stop the mortgage debacle, it was never able stop that train wreck. Why trust it to do more in the future?
The muttering over regulation sounds like putting the cart before the horse.
(more...)It looks like US banks are losing the opportunity to earn fees on the roughly $500 billion in planned European debt offerings this year. It probably shouldn’t come as a big surprise, given the less than savory details that emerged regarding Goldman’s relationship with Greece, and the series of black eyes the euro currency has been enduring as a result of sovereign debt-related instability.
(more...)If you’re worried about retirement you’re not alone. A new survey out today shows that Americans are increasingly ill-prepared for retirement. US Workers are delaying their planned career end dates to instead focus on building just a basic nest egg.
According to CNNMoney.com:
(more...)India’s inflation in food prices has been soaring lately — holding for weeks above 17 percent — due to a combination of factors including the weakest monsoon rains in nearly 40 years, new taxes on gasoline and diesel, and increased excise taxes on a wide variety of products.
From BusinessWeek:
(more...)After a relatively quick run up in the value of gold, when’s a good time to consider taking another look? Recently, the Wall Street Journal examined the junior miners, and the good opportunities there may be for investors interested in wisely timing stock purchases of early-stage firms.
From Wall Street Journal:
(more...)Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Donald Kohn announced his retirement on March 1, 2010. In his obligatory lament, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke was half right: “The Federal Reserve and the country owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Don Kohn.” What is good for the Fed is generally not good for the country. The influence of Donald Kohn supports this view.
(more...)As the Greek debt saga unfolds, you’re likely questioning how it affects you… as an American. The connections are not always obvious, but today an article helps explain how some consequences of Greece’s debt mismanagement could ultimately hit US shores.
From the Washington Post:
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