Business

South African Captains Of Industry View 2014 Cautiously

News Analysis: 2014 may be a more troubling period for Businesses in South Africa according to recent Poll Data of Captains of Industry in the Nation. Rather than displaying a great deal of optimism, which is evident in Asia for example, they are more circumspect (to their credit).

While the Mineral Resources of South Africa are legendary, it appears that Regulatory Agencies are curtailing economic growth. Also, since 2008’s World Economic Collapse, some say Taxes in South Africa have become Debilitating for Businessmen. These Leaders think Lesser Taxes benefit Businesses which can help lead to Full Employment.

As some South African Captains of Industry look around the Globe, they see rampant World Unemployment, prolific Fiat Currencies abounding in Countries, and suspicious Collusive Trading in World Commodities and Stock Markets. South African Businessmen are using good judgement in assessing 2014 based on their own logic of many years of watching “World Economic Roller-Coaster Rides”.

The Captains of Industry in South Africa know: “When in the rugged ‘Savannah’, if one keeps his ‘Ear to the Ground’ he can Detect an Approaching Herd Long Before it is Visible to Others”. 

Reality.

Reference: http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/2014/01/23/sas-captains-of-industry-fear-troubled-waters-as-global-peers-cruise

Chinese Banks Increase Interest In Luxembourg

News Analysis: Since Luxembourg is very adept at running its affairs properly, Chinese Banks have expressed interest in locating some Operations there. To date, the Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China have located in Luxembourg. Apparently, other Chinese Banks are considering enjoying the benefits of operating in a Well-run European Country.

Luxembourg is of 2,586 km2 (998 mi2) and a financially stable Country of 515,000+/- People. It enjoys its closeness to Belgium, France, and Germany. This country’s Gross Domestic Product amounts to $42+ Billion Dollars. Luxembourg reportedly has $1+ Trillion Dollars of Foreign Reserves and Gold Reserves.

The Wisdom of the 10,000 Year Old Culture of China helps its people see the benefit of seeking Long-Term Amiable Relationships with others. Who is  better to fit this Categorization for Association with the Chinese than Luxembourg? Few, if Any.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.wort.lu/en/view/chinese-arms-company-invests-in-luxembourg-52e23332e4b0d04608bfb22f

What Is In A Name That Stirs Emotions: “East Sea” Or “Sea Of Japan”

News Analysis: The State of Virginia in America has taken ‘Bi-Lingualism’ and morphed it into ‘Bi-Identification’ of “East Sea” (Korean Preference) and “Sea of Japan” (Japanese Preference) for the body of water separating the two countries.

Elsewhere:

In Vietnam, “Saigon” became “Ho Chi Minh City” after America’s failed attempt to ‘Deliver the Country’ to the U.S. President’s Businessman Father for his Fiefdom. 

In “Myanmar”, its name change came from the former moniker “Burma”.

Name identification of Geographic areas can be usurped by Hegemonic Nations such as: “Hellas” becoming “Greece” for example (as was the preference of  countries to the West of this Nation).

After the break-up of Yugoslavia, the name “Republic of Macedonia” was usurped by Yugoslavian residents (to the great chagrin of “Macedonian Greeks” whose History in this area goes back many  centuries).

In Africa, “Harare, Zimbabwe” (1982) morphed from “Salisbury, Rhodesia” (1890) as the former name was deemed “Too White” by the new Regime which took power.

In Canada, “Nunavut” Territory came from a portion of Northwest Territory in 1999. Again, Cultural Sensitivities of the Indigenous Tribes acted as a catalyst for change. 

The list is endless (going back in time) but is important for International Businessmen ‘to get the names correct’. If they do not, it could be costly; the persons ‘sitting across the table from them’ may be profoundly attached to their present Geographic Name(s).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140124000474

Russia Joins “Bloomberg’s” ‘Best Business Countries List’

News Analysis: Russia has joined the “Bloomberg” List in 50th position for the first time. It is making ‘In-Roads’ into greater Country Business Efficiencies. Although is has a distance to go until it reaches the top of the list, it has Two Leaders in its Government who can help facilitate its travel. Additionally, the Russian Far East, as it is being developed, will help accelerate efficiencies for Business; this being a necessity which MUST occur.

The Hard Working, Intrepid, and Intelligent Russian People are the Country’s Greatest Asset. In combination with the Great Resources of Siberia, an unstoppable combination Exists.

Reality.

Reference: http://rt.com/business/russia-breaks-bloomberg-50-085/

European Union May Improve Relations With Cuba

News Analysis: The European Union may foster better relations with Cuba in the coming months. It is important to realize that the best way to implement change in a possible “adversary” is to engage ‘him’ repeatedly in a manner that benefits both parties.

The European Union can readily increase “Cross Atlantic” Trade thus improving its export levels. Cuba will benefit by the additional Agricultural Exports of: Beans, Cigars, Citrus, Coffee, Potatoes, Rice, and Sugar. In terms of mined products are: Cement,  Cobalt, Nickel, and Petroleum. It also exports Agricultural Machinery and Pharmaceuticals.

This island of 109,820 km2 (42,401mi2) and a population of 11+ million people can surely benefit by retaining its Culture as it modifies its “Centralized Economy” to a modern “Market Economy”. One could expect to find an increase of Investors willing to place their monies in Cuban projects (as their comfort level increases); Good things can happen for Cuba.

Nothing Is Constant But Change.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2014/01/21/spain-says-eu-considering-closer-ties-with-cuba/

100 Year Old Gold And Silver Price Fixing Methodology Is Being Reviewed

News Analysis: Since there is a Lack of Transparency in the setting of Prices for Gold and Silver various countries demand a review of this ‘Ancient Methodology’. As the London Inter-Bank Official Rate (LIBOR) was subjected to collusion by Banks, others want to be sure this has not happened (and is not happening now nor will not happen) with this Metals Fix. 

The twice a day ‘Fix’ for Gold at 10:30 and 15:00 and 12:00 for Silver is set by 5 Banks Communicating with each other: Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Plc, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, and Societe General SA.

These large Banks, which have been involved in the Daily Prices Settings, surely understand that their Reputations must not be tarnished by improprieties in their Gold/Silver Activities, many people say. As such, to date, they have NOT been accused of any irregularities. However, such a “Primitive” and Non-Transparent Methodology give some cautious observers concern about the future.

“Where Much Money May Be Made, Mighty Miscreants Mingle” some say.

Reality.

Reference: http://rt.com/business/london-gold-fixing-reform-016/

Bulgaria To Commence Marketing Quality Agricultural Products For Export

News Analysis: Desirous of Increasing Agricultural Exports From Bulgaria, its Marketing Thrust will be to inform customers of the Quality of the Produce. Farmers can improve their incomes significantly by assuring that only their Finest Fruit and Vegetables go to Export.

Corn and Sunflower production in Bulgaria has been very significant for years. Now these other Crops will be featured in Advertisements and News Articles in Europe and Central Asia it is suggested.

The fact that the Bulgarian Government wants additional exports bodes well for Investors who may want to consider reviewing Opportunities with Bulgarian Farm Co-Ops, and well as larger farmers; Farm Equipment and Fertilizers would be good talking points for Entrepreneurs as well.

Possible Farmer associations in Bulgarian Agriculture (with  enthusiastic Government support) could help assure long term profitability in Projects.

The World wants to eat Quality Food.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.novinite.com/articles/157432/Markets+for+Bulgarian+Goods+to+Open+in+Black+Sea%2C+Danube+Areas

“Great American Economic Recovery?”: 23,052,388 Households Out Of 115,013,000 Total Are On “Food Stamps” At A Cost Of $79,641,880,000 In 2013

News Analysis: The “Bubble Masters” and their minion Politicians and Mass Media have attempted to paint a Rosy Picture of Economic Growth in America. The U.S. Federal Reserve (FED) and its ‘Masters of the Universe’ running it are ‘blowing bubbles’; nothing more.

We want Investors to consider “What Actually Is The Economic Truth”; not fanciful “Hollow Holograms” pronounced by the “Shtarkers”.

The United States Department of Agriculture operates the ‘Food Stamp’ Program.  It has experienced a growth in “Food Stamp” Cost of  164% this past Decade. It appears that the tremendous growth in ‘Food Stamp” Recipients evidences an increase in unemployed Americans throughout the country. Some Analysts say “All Americans who could work. but are not now, is actually 37.2%!”

If one compares the 202 Million Unemployed Persons in the World (Per United Nations International Labor Organization Statistics) with the aforementioned “Food Stamp” Recipient Statistics, a bleak Picture of ‘Economic Recovery’ touted in the Mass Media emerges. To whom will America Export its Technology if people are Unemployed, on a vast scale, in Foreign Countries?   A Wise Investor will pay attention to the Facts and try to make proper conclusions as a result.

The “Shuck and Jive” of Politicians with NO Business Experience making decisions about “Running the Country” becomes one of their effectively “Ruining the Country”.

Perhaps in the next two American Elections the Candidates will be asked: “Will you please describe your Vast Experience in Managing Businesses and Maintaining a Proper Budget.”

It one “Talks the Talk, He must Walk the Walk”. Pompous Bozos need not apply.

Reality. 

Reference: http://rt.com/business/us-unemployment-economy-crisis-assistance-006/

World’s 202 Million Unemployed (And Increasing) Does Not Bode Well For Markets

News Analysis: United Nations’ International Labor Organization (ILO) Data depicts that Contrary to the many joyous sounding pronouncements by Journalism Majors writing in respected Financial Publications, World Unemployment exists for 202 Million Citizens! This is disastrous to Real World Economic Recovery. Making this FACT even more Dire is that 5 Million People were added to the number in 2013. Estimates of 2018, suggest about 215 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ARE EXPECTED TO BE UNEMPLOYED, according to the ‘ILO’.

Since our readers understand our Mantra to be “Reality is the truth”, We want Entrepreneurs and Investors to realize what is ACTUALLY OCCURRING in the Markets.  If one looks at the Stock Markets he or she will be confused by the current  Price/Earnings (PE)  Ratios of Stocks relative to existing and projected World Unemployment. “Since Unemployment is very high, how will people be able to afford things?” they wonder. The answer for the ‘PE’ Ratios is simple: “Bubble Masters” and their ‘Media Minions’ are at work.

“Bubble Masters” took the “Real Estate Bubble” and transferred some of their gains to the “Precious Metal Bubble” at the appropriate time. They then deflated that ‘Bubble’ by selling $20 Billion Dollars of Gold on the Market [in ‘One Shot’] gaining Media attention. They took some of their “Precious Metal Bubble” funds and went to work creating the present “Stock Market Bubble”; each ‘Bubble” is in Serial Fashion, isn’t it? 

As the “Bubble Masters” work, London Inter-bank Official Rates Scandals and Precious Metal Price Fixing Scandals Continue apparently unabated. These ‘Shenanigans’ are certainly dis-incentives to Invest.

Unwise ‘Freiers’ (who keep investing and losing the monies) need to stay ahead of the ‘Bubbles’ (not behind them). By Consulting with LEGITIMATE Seasoned International Professionals they can learn where to place funds and what ‘Scams’ to shun. Those who continually  put their “Thinking Caps” on and ‘Connect the Dots’ will have a clear vision of Tomorrow’s Investment Opportunities (‘Bubbles’ or Not). They can help Consulting to  both Entrepreneurs as well as Investors. Their knowing “Tomorrow Is Today, Today Is Yesterday” causes them to ‘Always Sleep With One Eye Open’.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/10584384/Global-unemployment-on-rise-despite-economic-recovery.html

The Elite Riders in One Double-Decker Bus Have The Equivalent Wealth Of The Poorest 3.5 Billion People On Earth

News Analysis: Wealth being amassed by the 85 Wealthiest People on Earth is accelerating at a very rapid pace. They now have equivalent Wealth of 3.5 Billion of the World Poorest People.

These individuals are from: America, Australia, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mauritius, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. 

For Capitalists/Entrepreneurs (CE)  “Going Where The Money Is” as a valid strategy, has some varied Geographic Starting Points (as aforementioned). The Important Concept to Understand is: “One Person must have something of Proven Tangible Value to Sell,  to Another Person that has the Financial Ability to Buy.” ‘Con Men’ and ‘Scammers’ need not try to apply their Nefarious Ways. 

If the ‘CE’ Personages can make additional revenues for the “Wealthiest” that is good; if in doing so,  they can improve the lives of the 3.5 Billion Poorest People, that is wonderful!

Perhaps, when the 85 Wealthiest People eventually meet their Maker and He asks them: “What Good Did You Do In The World With The Billions Of Dollars I Let You Have?” They will each want to show him their very long lists of items (with many Check Marks on them).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/20/oxfam-85-richest-people-half-of-the-world