International Commerce

Honduran Melons Will Be Shipping To Markets Far And Wide

News Analysis: Cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere make Melon Production there quite problematic. Honduran Melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew, and others) are being harvested now for shipment.

As colder seasons increase, investors should consider where crops can easily be produced and shipped to customers in harsh weather. Contacting Larger Farmers and Cooperatives will be productive for the aggressive investor; much can be accomplished on the Internet.

Profitability lies where there is a Depth of Demand and a Shortage of Supply.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.hondurasnews.com/high-hopes-delayed-honduran-melon-season/

Royal Dutch Shell (RDS) To Drill For Natural Gas In New Zealand Waters

News Analysis: Off the shores of New Zealand and extending out 100+/-km (62+/- mi) into the Pacific Ocean lies the area of the ‘Great South Basin’ to which ‘RDS’ will drill a ‘Exploratory Natural Gas Well’. This is expected to occur within the next 24 months and cost up to $200 Million Dollars. If gas is discovered in sufficient amounts,  a network of appraisal wells would be drilled over the next ten years. Following that series of wells (if sufficient in size of deposit) would be production wells drilled in the area.

Drilling in 1,300 Meters (4,265 feet) ocean depth, a Semi-Submersible Rig or a Drilling Ship would be employed. ‘RDS’, being a Environmentally Cautious Group, will take every precaution to perform this arduous process correctly, many people say.

People who complain about the ‘High Cost Of  Fuels ‘ should consider the  ‘Astronomic Cost of Oil and Gas Exploration “Off-Shore”. Perhaps if they do, they will be less inclined to listen to the rhetoric of Politicians (with Personal Vested Interests) who enjoy decrying “Off-Shore Drilling”. 

Reality.

Reference: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11182574

U.S. Federal Reserve (FED): Today and Tomorrow Are To Be The Same As Yesterday

News Analysis:  The new head of the U.S. Federal Reserve ‘FED’ evidences a Historical Predisposition to “Loose Money Makes Peoples’ Days Sunny” many  say. The outgoing Head of the “Fed” did not exercise reserve when it came to Printing and Spending Money; this new incoming Head has been a Cheerleader of this same  imprudent policy. Her low approval rate by the U.S. Senate is telling [and  the vote was conveniently held during a hellacious Snowstorm; so Senators were not all present to vote].

The rationale of incurring in excess of Trillions of Dollars in Debt and retaining a 7 % Consistent Unemployment Rate  demonstrates the Ineffectivity of the ‘Fed’s’ Monetary Policies. The $4 Trillion Dollars in Bonds acquired by the ‘Fed’ evidences potential gargantuan losses as well, many people opine.

The “Bottom Line” of the U.S. Government’s Naïve Approach to the Ignorant and Self-Serving Decisions by Managements in Banks, Finance, and Large Manufacturing Companies in America over the past couple of decades is being exposed. The aforementioned entities were deemed “Too Big To Fail” (by ‘Uncle Sam’). They (with their Lobbyists and alleged “Remunerations Dispersed”) were assured of ‘Bailouts” using Taxpayer Funds; Millions of Dollars of which have not been repaid.

The fact that the physically gigantic “Financial Stimulus Bill”, to help the aforementioned, was WRITTEN and SIGNED in the first 30 Days in Office makes many wonder how was that possible? Did Banks and such have their Attorneys draft it BEFORE the Presidential Election even took place? Such complex and lengthy documents can take Months to properly construct; especially when a Trillion + Dollars is involved! “Government Attorneys do not work that fast” many people think. Which of the Members of the Investigative Press ever inquired formally into this subject?

The Philosophy of the U.S. Government  was to dissolve “Capitalism” as many knew it and substitute “Federalism” in its place. The Regime in Washington, D.C.  dispensed with the Concept: Capitalism allows the “Efficient to Succeed, and the Inefficient to Fail”. Ergo, Business Evolution takes place and leaves the Efficient to continue. (‘Economic Adaptation’ it might be called).

The ‘Fed’ acted over the past eight years as the Chief Minion of “Federalism” and still has Mediocre Results for the Trillions of Dollars spent since the last Administration. The fact that the Mass Media choose to ignore these Enormous Expenditures over the past years and their poor results is telling. It indicates  they will not see the upcoming Financial Pending Downturn; as they did not see 2008’s omens, many Economists are predicting.

And, think: Of the Trillions of  Dollars spent, 7% Unemployment of Americans still remains.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-07/yellen-s-record-low-senate-support-reflects-fed-s-politicization.html

Airlines Upgrade Passenger Amenities For Increased Profits

News Analysis: Airlines around the world are attempting to increase their Profits Per Kilometers Flown by offering passengers a plethora of amenities. From the Waiting Rooms at Airports through Airline Flights, passengers, by paying more are getting more (but at proportionately lesser costs to Airlines due to volume).

The approaches taken by Airlines has been of one mode over the decades: “What is the other guy doing” or “Me Too”. Airlines typically  Follow the Leaders rather than Lead the Followers. Their dismal profits through the years reflects the Economic Myopia from which many have suffered. Creativity in Passenger ‘Flight and  Management Systems’ has been pathetic for the most part. Customer complaints to Government Aircraft Authorities evidence this fact.

While Business and First Class Passengers can enjoy  comfortable flights, Airlines install narrower seats in ‘Coach Sections’ on many aircraft. ‘More “Cattle” means more Revenue’ they extol amongst themselves (to the Physical Discomfort of those flying ‘Coach’).

If Middle East Airlines, for example, decide to “Level The Playing Field” and have ALL Passengers enjoying physically comfortable flights (rather than suffering  ‘Sardine Can’ experiences) their businesses will thrive; this, while other Airlines lose their customers.

Since many Airlines have Management which  lack Foresight, those few Airlines who improve the flight experiences of ALL passengers will have increased revenues (and not have to worry about the ‘slow thinking’ of other Airlines Management; the “Me Too’s”).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.albawaba.com/business/aviation-industry–545095

Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) Insurance-Linked Securities Soar

News Analysis: More Insurance-Linked Companies are listing on the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) than ever before. Listings of 38 companies in 2012 rose to 77 in 2013. Capitalization for these rose to $9.7 Billion Dollars in 2013 from $5.8 Billion Dollars in 2012.

The ‘BSX’ Total Market Capitalization (excluding Collective Investment Vehicle Listings) is $428+ Billion Dollars.

Newer Entrepreneurs, in particular, may want to consider possible Project Funding Initiatives in Bermuda. Others have been using Bermuda as a reliable funding source for decades. The Insurance and Re-Insurance Industries of Bermuda are legendary. With their prosperity comes the need of Capital Placement for continued Investment Diversification.  After all, who better than people in the Insurance Business, Understand Risk?

Reality.

Reference: http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20140106/BUSINESS06/140109892

U.S. Federal Reserve Vote: Preserve Short-Term Financial “Policies of Plenty” or Re-gain Former Fiscal Responsibility?

News Analysis: Monday, 6 January, 2014 may have a U.S. Senate Decision on Leadership of the  Federal Reserve. The offered candidate unfortunately is considered by a myriad of Senators to epitomize a “Free Stimulus Spending Until It Hurts” attitude. Now, many concerned Senators ask if at this juncture, can the U.S. Federal Deficit keep soaring into the Heavens?

The exiting Federal Reserve Chairman, exercised anything BUT Reserve in Monetary Creation, various Financial Experts have opined. It was during his leadership that America’s Debt rose to over $17+ Trillion Dollars. This pathetic situation shows a complete misunderstanding by Federal Reserve Members.

“Capricious Capital Creation Causes Chaos” should be the Federal Reserve’s Mantra many Economists think. The question of concern to other Nations as well as to Americans is: “Will a Federal Reserve keep on serving a White House of Economically Misunderstanding Occupants? It by preserving its current policies, or will Fiscal Restraint start to take hold?” The Federal Reserves $4 Trillion Dollars in “Arrears” displays such Unknowing Largess.

The Senators voting on the Nominee for Chairperson of The Federal Reserve will let the World know if they are Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution. 

Reality.

Reference: http://www.nysun.com/editorials/radioactive-yellen/88534/

Australian Mining Company in Angola Finds a ‘Flawless’ Diamond; Its Stock Jumps

News Analysis: The ‘Flawless’ 32.2 carat type 2A Pure White Diamond should give the ‘Stone’ a market value of $1 Million +/- Dollars. The Interesting aspect to this Lulo Mining Operation is that the Company has yet to discover the Kimberlite ‘Pipe(s)’ ; which should hold abundant diamonds. The Company  is presently working gravel deposits and the surface.

Investors should consider engaging in Due Diligence when assessing Smaller Mining Operators (they may have some pleasant surprises available).

Reference: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/wa/a/20600470/lucapa-digs-up-flawless-rock/

If the Greek Bribees Are Caught And Punished, What About The Foreign Bribers?

News Analysis: Greece had created a Financial Debacle of its own accord by ‘allowing’ Foreign Defense Contractors to bribe Greek Officials unabated.  How well ‘Vetted” were those in Power in Greece PRIOR TO Signing Contracts with Defense Contractors?  What Forensic Accounting occurred on EVERYBODY in positions of Authority to be bribed? What Agency in Greece had the Ability to Investigate and the Power to Punish any wrongdoers? Which Bribees vacated Greece and moved to America?

The Millions of Dollars which have exchanged hands from Bribers (Foreign Defense Contractors) to Bribees (Greek Politicians and Defense Officials) have yet to have serious consequences for both groups, many people say. That they committed “Economic Treason To Greece” is understandable, individuals think.  

To date, which of Greece’s Highest Level Government Officials, who have Swiss or other Off-Shore Bank Accounts (from their Foreign Defense Donors) have been tried, convicted, and put in Prison? Instead,  individually, the Sanctimonious Uttering of each  is: “Then Exo Xpimata!”

“Scata!” many concerned Greek Citizens might declare of the Bribees.

Greek Prosecutors should turn collected Defalcation Evidence over  to the International Court. This for favorable dispositions against Foreign Defense Contractors over which they have no jurisdiction. The Bribers should be punished severely. The Misery they caused Millions of Greeks is Deplorable; almost as much as did the Greek Bribees.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.financialmirror.com/news-details.php?nid=31758

☆ U.S. Federal Reserve “Ignores Termites In The Woodwork”

News Analysis:  America has been, and is currently experiencing 7% Unemployment nationally.

In fact, lessening that dire percentage is the fact that many Americans have totally withdrawn from the Labor Pool entirely. The Administration’s counter-argument to this fact is that more Americans are gaining employment. The sad reality is that many people are going into Minimum Wage Jobs (MWJ) such as ‘Fast Food’ Emporia. Now, for the ‘MWJ’s’, the new “Health Plan For America” has employers cutting employee hours since they cannot afford the ‘Plan’s’ cost.

As for “The Fed”, it has provided some of the means to attain a $17 + Trillion Dollar Current Deficit. It certainly has been commissioning the printing of Billions of Dollars per week to help artificially keep money available. Adding to this was Acutely Lowering Interest Rates. Now, it does NOT have that tool available for future use, if needed.

The “Fed” loves to cite the current rise of  “Stocks”. It says little about the lack of Fundamentals to Support the Prices of these Securities.   A creation by the “Bubble Masters”, it lured many Precious Metal Customers to dump their holdings and enter  the “Stock Market”.  For example, Initial Public Offerings of many of the Internet “Socialization” Stocks were given Price Multiples FAR IN EXCESS of their Revenues (Real or Imagined). By having the Media join in to assist the “Bubble Masters” the “Freiers” ‘bit the bait’ (but got the hook).  Do they expect the Market to double in value in 2014?

The trumpeting of the return of the “Housing Market” is more ‘Fed’ “Shuck and Jive”. Many of the foreclosed homes throughout America were re-purchased by Investment Funds who hoped to ‘Flip’ the properties later. However, since 7% Unemployment remains, people cannot afford the real estate. Those who work in “Fast Food’ jobs cannot afford the homes either. Now, the Funds are “Stuck with the Muck”. At best, they hope to rent the properties. Unfortunately, many people cannot afford the monthly rent.

The ‘Fed’ has $4+ Trillion Dollars of obligations outstanding; a “Mount Everest” of Liability. If ANY large Natural Disaster, Created Human Catastrophe, or War were to occur, the “Penny Wise-Pound Foolish” activities of the ‘Fed’ would be demonstrated. The ‘Fed’ is sitting atop a three-legged stool many persons with Financial Acumen think.

The new Regime that will be taking over the ‘Fed’ will exhibit its proclivity to print money at an egregious rate; contrary to current pronouncement, some say.

Unfortunately many Americans cannot discern “Short-Term Financial Tactics” vis-à-vis “REAL Long-Term Economic Prosperity”. Like Ants, they view  the American Economy two-dimensionally; rather than like Bald Eagles, who take a three-dimensional perspective of that which personally affects their survival.

When Americans realize what Economic Realities are in the Nation, perhaps they will exhibit their chagrin when they vote in the next two National Elections. The past two Elections they voted for “Change”; that is what they now have.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/msvnwdv

☆ U.S. White House Disregards Americans’ Right To Privacy

News Analysis: The Economically “Wealthiest Country In The World”, America, is the World’s “Poorest Country” as to Electronic Privacy Rights.

America, was, is, and apparently will remain, the Least Effective Country in Guarding the Rights of Its Citizens To Electronic Privacy. The United States Constitution, Fourth Amendment, states:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), as directed by the “White House”, apparently does not agree with, nor behave according to this Amendment’s Simple Mandate. As a result, Factual Evidence from the ‘NSA’ divulges that Americans who are supposed to be “Privacy Protected” by the Fourth Amendment, ARE NOT. Furthermore, Every Person in the World, who uses Cellular Telephones and/or Computers, have their Communications intercepted by the ‘NSA’; as well by ‘Friendly Intelligence Services’ who are acting as Minions of the ‘NSA’.  

Pandemic Paranoia in Washington, D.C., commenced largely after New York City’s Trade Center Debacle, and has expanded into Seeing “Terrorists Behind Every Bush” In Every Country Of The World. This Delusional Behavior, of course, comes at an Estimated Price of approximately $85 Billion Dollars spent a year in America by its Government. It is Prime Business for Defense Contractors who are having their budgets cut in other areas of Systems and Weaponry; they are not complaining.

Unfortunately, it has been widely reported that “NO TERRORIST ATTACKS HAVE BEEN THWARTED BY THIS SURVEILLANCE OF EVERYONE ON EARTH” per an alleged White House Security Committee Representative.

In America, in particular, “Everything has a Cost and a Possible Benefit’. Perhaps  other World Leaders may wake up an say “Enough of this Spying on all of Humanity” and Stop Purchasing American Goods and Services”.  The White House will see that the cost of this Psychological Pandemic is outweighing any possible Benefit of “Catching Terrorists”.

Actual Terrorists might be laughing since they have achieved something seldom achieved on a Destructive Scale so large: A “Sleepless” Washington, D.C. which is spending $85 Billion Dollars a Year and achieving next to NOTHING.

The ONLY FINANCIAL WINNERS from this charade are the Defense Contractors and the Hundreds of Thousands of Career Employees in the “Intelligence” Business World-Wide. It is an Excellent “Make Work” Program.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/03/justice-department-appeals-judge-ruling-against-nsa