Mainly due to the horrific oil leak poisoning the Gulf, Google has decided to invest an amount of 38.8 million dollars into wind power. More precise, this investment is situated in North Dakota, which in known for its strong winds. Of course this feature is ideal for wind power harvesting. With this investment Google mainly wants to promote the use of clean energy, which will be indispensable in the future.
The wind farms themselves include some 113 turbines that can power up to 55,000 houses. While it is a small step, it represents an appetite from Google to speed along the progress of renewable energy.
The goal Google wants to set with this investment is to “accelerate the deployment of the latest clean energy technology while providing attractive returns to Google.” Of course Google is also satisfied with the fact that this investment is shown in many news reports, papers, etc. I think this also was the effect Google wanted to create. Due to these positive reactions, Google gets a better name and gets more used every day. In my opinion, Google did this investment for two reasons: to indeed help with the battle against the global warming, and to get a better name so that the use of Google is stimulated all over the world.
Niels Roels, 2FV4
The source used to write this blog: http://thenextweb.com/google/2010/05/03/google-invest-nearly-40-million-into-wind-power/
zondag 9 mei 2010
donderdag 6 mei 2010
Fearing inflation, wealthy stock up on hard assets
Some economists think that the economy will grow and others expect a relapse. The first option can cause inflation and the second can cause deflation. It doesn’t matter which direction the economy follows, in both cases investors can protect their money.
On the one hand, the gold indicator seemed attractive, with a grow of 21%. Traditionally, tangible assets such as gold hold their value, even when the price level is increasing and the purchasing power of the dollar falls. So, asset managers are advising wealthy people to keep an important part of tangible assets as inflation-fighting tool in their portfolio.
On the other hand, contracted credit, stagnant wages and given overcapacity are signals that the risk of deflation (a decrease in the general price level of goods and services) is more likely. Last week, the statements of the Federal Reserve (the central bank of the United States) and J.P. Morgan were feeding this view.
“GenSpring Family Offices” advise their clients to gamble on two horses, it recommends taking both, long and short positions in commodities, in their portfolio. In case of inflation, they suggest investors have to change their illiquid part to more tangible assets.
There are also other trends visible in the world of asset management. Wealthy clients are showing more and more interest in direct investments, like in farmland, timberland, mines and naturally real estate. But these sorts of investments should be limited to 30% of the portfolio.
I agree with the fact that you have to protect your wealth. Investments like gold and real estate remain attractive for the richer people. Maybe we also have to follow the advice of asset managers, because they are well informed. At my opinion direct investments in mines and timberland are risk full when you aren’t familiar with this business. When you are considering to invest in such a direct investment, you have two options. First of all, you can ask professional advice. Or you can buy shares of this sort of funds.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100502/REG/305029988
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
On the one hand, the gold indicator seemed attractive, with a grow of 21%. Traditionally, tangible assets such as gold hold their value, even when the price level is increasing and the purchasing power of the dollar falls. So, asset managers are advising wealthy people to keep an important part of tangible assets as inflation-fighting tool in their portfolio.
On the other hand, contracted credit, stagnant wages and given overcapacity are signals that the risk of deflation (a decrease in the general price level of goods and services) is more likely. Last week, the statements of the Federal Reserve (the central bank of the United States) and J.P. Morgan were feeding this view.
“GenSpring Family Offices” advise their clients to gamble on two horses, it recommends taking both, long and short positions in commodities, in their portfolio. In case of inflation, they suggest investors have to change their illiquid part to more tangible assets.
There are also other trends visible in the world of asset management. Wealthy clients are showing more and more interest in direct investments, like in farmland, timberland, mines and naturally real estate. But these sorts of investments should be limited to 30% of the portfolio.
I agree with the fact that you have to protect your wealth. Investments like gold and real estate remain attractive for the richer people. Maybe we also have to follow the advice of asset managers, because they are well informed. At my opinion direct investments in mines and timberland are risk full when you aren’t familiar with this business. When you are considering to invest in such a direct investment, you have two options. First of all, you can ask professional advice. Or you can buy shares of this sort of funds.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100502/REG/305029988
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
dinsdag 4 mei 2010
Norsk Hydro buys Vale's aluminium business
The Norwegian company Hydro has reached an agreement to buy a majority stake in the aluminium operations of Brazilian miner “Vale”. Hydro is a global supplier of aluminium and aluminium products.
The company employs 19000 employees and has activities on all continents. With this extra take-over they want to become the world’s largest coal mining company.
In the opinion of the business managers is this agreement an important step to become a fully integrated aluminium company.
The Norwegian Hydro is convinced that this buy will also secure them supplies in aluminium from Brazil. In my opinion this take-over is a very good step in the right direction for Hydro because they still have a strong growth potential.
The Norwegian company “Hydro” has to pay 4.9 billion dollars for the take-over. In exchange for the sale Vale has received 1.1 billion dollars in cash and a 22% stake in Norsk Hydro. Vale is a pioneering mining company which transforms the earth’s mineral resources into sustainable development.
In my opinion this take-over is absolutely a good fact because both companies have the same market strategy and future plans. They both want to be the largest mining company in the world.
With also a lot of extra production activities in Brazil Hydro will move into the top class of global aluminium companies. I think we can only stimulate this expansion.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10095021.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
The company employs 19000 employees and has activities on all continents. With this extra take-over they want to become the world’s largest coal mining company.
In the opinion of the business managers is this agreement an important step to become a fully integrated aluminium company.
The Norwegian Hydro is convinced that this buy will also secure them supplies in aluminium from Brazil. In my opinion this take-over is a very good step in the right direction for Hydro because they still have a strong growth potential.
The Norwegian company “Hydro” has to pay 4.9 billion dollars for the take-over. In exchange for the sale Vale has received 1.1 billion dollars in cash and a 22% stake in Norsk Hydro. Vale is a pioneering mining company which transforms the earth’s mineral resources into sustainable development.
In my opinion this take-over is absolutely a good fact because both companies have the same market strategy and future plans. They both want to be the largest mining company in the world.
With also a lot of extra production activities in Brazil Hydro will move into the top class of global aluminium companies. I think we can only stimulate this expansion.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10095021.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
zondag 2 mei 2010
Japan invests in Africa
Japan is willing to invest 3.4 billion dollars in Africa by 2012. The Japanese authorities are more specifically willing to invest in projects that respect the government and are committing to fight against global warming.
Today, the first amounts of money have already been received by Africa. More specific, this investment concerns a 300 million dollar loan given to Kenya. This loan is to be used for the construction of two geothermal plants for electricity production.
Other then investments like these, also Japanese banks are encouraging private investments on the continent. More specific, Japan set two goals in 2008: intensify its help in Africa and double its investments on the continent in order to achieve 3.4 billion dollars by 2012. 1.8 million dollars of this amount will be used to stimulate agriculture and infrastructure.
In my opinion, this investment is -as most investments are- good for the people receiving the money. Africa will certainly be able to use this amount of money and stimulate its economy. On the other hand, I also found out Japan doesn’t really want to help Africa, it’s not one of their main targets. The most important reason why Japan is investing in Africa is that it wants to compete with China, a country which is investing almost 4 times more in this continent than Japan does. By this investment, Japan is in my opinion trying to appear in the news in a good way to strengthen its own ‘good’ name.
Used sources: http://www.afriqueavenir.org/en/2010/04/27/japan-invests-in-africa/
Niels Roels
2FV4
Today, the first amounts of money have already been received by Africa. More specific, this investment concerns a 300 million dollar loan given to Kenya. This loan is to be used for the construction of two geothermal plants for electricity production.
Other then investments like these, also Japanese banks are encouraging private investments on the continent. More specific, Japan set two goals in 2008: intensify its help in Africa and double its investments on the continent in order to achieve 3.4 billion dollars by 2012. 1.8 million dollars of this amount will be used to stimulate agriculture and infrastructure.
In my opinion, this investment is -as most investments are- good for the people receiving the money. Africa will certainly be able to use this amount of money and stimulate its economy. On the other hand, I also found out Japan doesn’t really want to help Africa, it’s not one of their main targets. The most important reason why Japan is investing in Africa is that it wants to compete with China, a country which is investing almost 4 times more in this continent than Japan does. By this investment, Japan is in my opinion trying to appear in the news in a good way to strengthen its own ‘good’ name.
Used sources: http://www.afriqueavenir.org/en/2010/04/27/japan-invests-in-africa/
Niels Roels
2FV4
vrijdag 30 april 2010
Why investors should care about Asia now...
The US economy was still recovering during the first quarter. The unemployment rate remained elevated. Housing data remained mixed. And credit remained fairly light. Yet large US companies appear to have performed particularly well during the first three months of the year, so who should they and their shareholders be thanking?
While Europe teeters amid a debt crisis and the domestic recovery starts and stops, major US multinationals are recording sales and earnings growth largely on the buying power of the rest of the world. Heavy industrial names like Caterpillar, technology leaders such as Intel and global consumer product and industrial leader like 3M have all made investors happy with better-than-expected first-quarter earnings results, with most of their profit growth coming from overseas, especially the Pacific.
US companies bolstering their revenues with sales abroad is not new, but the role these markets are playing has expanded recently as more established economics have buckled.
Asian demand is a huge factor in global growth, but not every nation within the region is poised for the same continued expansion. In fact, because China is the main source of that demand, certain sectors could see a bit of a slowdown in their earnings growth within the region.
Companies such as 3M, which on Tuesday posted earnings of $1.29 a share, up from 74 cents a share a year earlier, are turning their focus to emerging markets in ways that would have seemed inconceivable a decade ago.
By 'localizing' its products to optimally meet the needs of each regional emerging market, 3M essentially is able to offer customized products which can readily outperform local competitors' products.
Some of the emerging market surge is less about the economies themselves than about the cost of the raw materials and energy needed to power them.
Although a little caution is warranted particularly in the industrial and technology sectors.
It's important to note that the earnings of the US companies are increasingly coming from overseas.
These shares are for good and experienced investors only, I think, because you need to inform yourself very good about the evolution of the company and the share. You also need to look very good at the future of the company.
Once you have enough information you can decide with good taught if you will invest in these shares or not. If you do good research you can make a lot of money on these shares.
This blog is based on following article: http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/economy/why-investors-should-care-about-asia-now/?cid=1108#mod=BOL_hpp_footer
Liesbeth Masschelein
While Europe teeters amid a debt crisis and the domestic recovery starts and stops, major US multinationals are recording sales and earnings growth largely on the buying power of the rest of the world. Heavy industrial names like Caterpillar, technology leaders such as Intel and global consumer product and industrial leader like 3M have all made investors happy with better-than-expected first-quarter earnings results, with most of their profit growth coming from overseas, especially the Pacific.
US companies bolstering their revenues with sales abroad is not new, but the role these markets are playing has expanded recently as more established economics have buckled.
Asian demand is a huge factor in global growth, but not every nation within the region is poised for the same continued expansion. In fact, because China is the main source of that demand, certain sectors could see a bit of a slowdown in their earnings growth within the region.
Companies such as 3M, which on Tuesday posted earnings of $1.29 a share, up from 74 cents a share a year earlier, are turning their focus to emerging markets in ways that would have seemed inconceivable a decade ago.
By 'localizing' its products to optimally meet the needs of each regional emerging market, 3M essentially is able to offer customized products which can readily outperform local competitors' products.
Some of the emerging market surge is less about the economies themselves than about the cost of the raw materials and energy needed to power them.
Although a little caution is warranted particularly in the industrial and technology sectors.
It's important to note that the earnings of the US companies are increasingly coming from overseas.
These shares are for good and experienced investors only, I think, because you need to inform yourself very good about the evolution of the company and the share. You also need to look very good at the future of the company.
Once you have enough information you can decide with good taught if you will invest in these shares or not. If you do good research you can make a lot of money on these shares.
This blog is based on following article: http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/economy/why-investors-should-care-about-asia-now/?cid=1108#mod=BOL_hpp_footer
Liesbeth Masschelein
donderdag 29 april 2010
Greece crisis: investors wait on deal details
The article “Greece crisis: investors wait on deal details” talks about the European investors who are not able to invest in Greece until they know the details of the rescue plan for the Greek economy and other eurozone countries.
Nowadays there is a big fear that the Greek crisis could spread to other parts of the eurozone because our currency is very weak compared with the dollar.
President Barack Obama and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel have also their concerns over a possible contagion because Standard and Poors downgraded Spain’s debt which is a sign of a loss of confidence in another important European country. In other European countries the situation will also become very difficult because there is a high pressure.
They are convinced that the rescue plan should come there as soon as possible. If the EU will make a chance to conjure the financial crisis they have to prove that they are able to take important decisions in a very short time span.
In my opinion the statement of Angela Merkel is a bit contradictory because on the one hand the European negotiations about loans were jammed due to the German attitude. On the other hand she said that the negotiations with the Greek government, IMF and the European Commission need to be accelerated.
Analysts said that the provided packet of 45 billion Euros will not be enough to solve the Greek problem and that they will need a lot of money in the coming years.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10090310.stm
De Bruycker Mathias 2FV4
Nowadays there is a big fear that the Greek crisis could spread to other parts of the eurozone because our currency is very weak compared with the dollar.
President Barack Obama and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel have also their concerns over a possible contagion because Standard and Poors downgraded Spain’s debt which is a sign of a loss of confidence in another important European country. In other European countries the situation will also become very difficult because there is a high pressure.
They are convinced that the rescue plan should come there as soon as possible. If the EU will make a chance to conjure the financial crisis they have to prove that they are able to take important decisions in a very short time span.
In my opinion the statement of Angela Merkel is a bit contradictory because on the one hand the European negotiations about loans were jammed due to the German attitude. On the other hand she said that the negotiations with the Greek government, IMF and the European Commission need to be accelerated.
Analysts said that the provided packet of 45 billion Euros will not be enough to solve the Greek problem and that they will need a lot of money in the coming years.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10090310.stm
De Bruycker Mathias 2FV4
Incredibly inexpensive US stocks cheapest since 1990!
Even after the biggest rally since the 1930's, US stocks remain the cheapest in two decades as the economy improves.
Earnings estimates for Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies from Apple Inc. to intel Corp. and CSX Corp. climbed 9.1 percent on average in April, twice the gain in their prices and the largest monthly increase since at least 2006, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The benchmark gauge for American equities is trading at 14.2 times forecasts for its companies' profits, lower than any time since 1990, except for the six months after Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. collapsed.
Income is beating analysts' estimates by 22 percent in the first quarter, making investors even more bullish that the rally will continue after the index climbed 80 percent since March 2009. While bears say the economy's recovery is too weak for earnings to keep up the momentum, Fisher Investments and BlackRock Inc. are snapping up companies whose results are most tied to economic expansion.
New-home sales surged the most since 1963, recovering from the April 16 rout when the Securities and Exchange Commission said it was suing New York-based Goldman Sachs Group Inc. for fraud. The index is up 9.2 percent for 2010, the largest gain in the world's 15 biggest equity markets, Bloomberg data show.
While analysts are raising estimates, they're not boosting investment ratings. It's easier for analysts to adjust their earnings estimates than to aggressively put forth strong 'buy' recommendations. It may be a reflection of concern about the resilience of earnings in 2011 and beyond.
Companies are losing the benefit of a weaker dollar after the currency appreciated 9.5 percent since November against a basket of six trading partners. A rising currency cuts demand for American exports and reduces overseas revenue when converted back to dollars.
David Rosenberg says US stocks are poised for losses because they've become too expensive
Economic growth will slow and stocks retreat as governments around the world reduce spending after supporting their economies through the worst recession since the 1930's.
In these times of crisis you should invest in sheep stocks such as these in America. The stock exchange always has a good evolution in the long run.
This blog was based on following article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100426/FREE/100429917
Liesbeth Masschelein
2FV4
Earnings estimates for Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies from Apple Inc. to intel Corp. and CSX Corp. climbed 9.1 percent on average in April, twice the gain in their prices and the largest monthly increase since at least 2006, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The benchmark gauge for American equities is trading at 14.2 times forecasts for its companies' profits, lower than any time since 1990, except for the six months after Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. collapsed.
Income is beating analysts' estimates by 22 percent in the first quarter, making investors even more bullish that the rally will continue after the index climbed 80 percent since March 2009. While bears say the economy's recovery is too weak for earnings to keep up the momentum, Fisher Investments and BlackRock Inc. are snapping up companies whose results are most tied to economic expansion.
New-home sales surged the most since 1963, recovering from the April 16 rout when the Securities and Exchange Commission said it was suing New York-based Goldman Sachs Group Inc. for fraud. The index is up 9.2 percent for 2010, the largest gain in the world's 15 biggest equity markets, Bloomberg data show.
While analysts are raising estimates, they're not boosting investment ratings. It's easier for analysts to adjust their earnings estimates than to aggressively put forth strong 'buy' recommendations. It may be a reflection of concern about the resilience of earnings in 2011 and beyond.
Companies are losing the benefit of a weaker dollar after the currency appreciated 9.5 percent since November against a basket of six trading partners. A rising currency cuts demand for American exports and reduces overseas revenue when converted back to dollars.
David Rosenberg says US stocks are poised for losses because they've become too expensive
Economic growth will slow and stocks retreat as governments around the world reduce spending after supporting their economies through the worst recession since the 1930's.
In these times of crisis you should invest in sheep stocks such as these in America. The stock exchange always has a good evolution in the long run.
This blog was based on following article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100426/FREE/100429917
Liesbeth Masschelein
2FV4
woensdag 28 april 2010
Closed-end funds offers opportunities for investors
Closed-end funds are funds, which are issued just like normal shares. They take off with an initial public offering (ipo) with a fixed number of shares, these are negotiable on the stock market. This system is in contradiction to open-end funds, where they issue new parts for each new investor.
The theoretical price of each closed-end share is called the Net Asset Value (NAV). This contains the total value of all the financial products (like shares, bonds, currencies,…) in the closed-end fund, divided by the total number of shares. But the real price of the fund depends on its supply and demand. When you can buy under the NAV, you will enjoy a discount. If you have to pay more than the NAV, you need to pay a premium.
Last year, there were two trends visible at the market of closed-end funds. On the one hand, there was a calm increase of the interest in equities. On the other hand, some funds made distribution payments. These payments are using the same principle like dividends of common shares, which make them charming for investors.
Like the rest of the stock exchange, the most closed-end funds rebounded last year. As a result, many discounts were reduced or some funds even have a premium now. However, if you are looking attentive, you may find some funds with up to seventeen percent discount.
Investors should make a choice: going for a high discount and hoping that the closed-end fund will return to its NAV or investing in a fund with a higher payout. As we all know, this situation depends on the future market changes. If the stock market drops, this will also have its consequences on the closed-end funds. But maybe, we could discover some interesting discounts.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100425/REG/304259961
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
The theoretical price of each closed-end share is called the Net Asset Value (NAV). This contains the total value of all the financial products (like shares, bonds, currencies,…) in the closed-end fund, divided by the total number of shares. But the real price of the fund depends on its supply and demand. When you can buy under the NAV, you will enjoy a discount. If you have to pay more than the NAV, you need to pay a premium.
Last year, there were two trends visible at the market of closed-end funds. On the one hand, there was a calm increase of the interest in equities. On the other hand, some funds made distribution payments. These payments are using the same principle like dividends of common shares, which make them charming for investors.
Like the rest of the stock exchange, the most closed-end funds rebounded last year. As a result, many discounts were reduced or some funds even have a premium now. However, if you are looking attentive, you may find some funds with up to seventeen percent discount.
Investors should make a choice: going for a high discount and hoping that the closed-end fund will return to its NAV or investing in a fund with a higher payout. As we all know, this situation depends on the future market changes. If the stock market drops, this will also have its consequences on the closed-end funds. But maybe, we could discover some interesting discounts.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100425/REG/304259961
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
zondag 25 april 2010
Sinopec invests $4.65bn in Canadian oil project
Last week Sinopec, which is a Chinese oil company, has announced it will invest $4.65 billion in a Canadian oil project. It isn’t the first time Sinopec is doing this. Last year, Sinopec already paid $7.5 billion to Addax Petroleum, a company with oil assets in Africa and Iraqi.
The Canadian oil project, which is called Syncrude, is the biggest project Canada has known till today. This project pumps an estimated 350,000 barrels a day, about 13% of Canada's overall oil output.
I think that this investment will certainly have some advantages, and will help to better the world economy. Some advantages could be that Syncrude will now be able to maximize its oil capacities. They probably will be able to pump even more oil than they did before, which will help to stimulate the American and even the world economy.
There is also a big negative side, not on this investment, bit on the oil industry. As we all know, oil is one of the fossil fuels. Fossil fuels play a big role in today’s world economy due to the fact that they are used so often all over the world as most machines work on it. The negative side is that these fossil fuels aren’t inexhaustible and that they all will be gone one day. Due to this, this investment might be effective today, but in 50 years time these kind of investments won’t exist anymore.
Used sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8616919.stm
Niels Roels
The Canadian oil project, which is called Syncrude, is the biggest project Canada has known till today. This project pumps an estimated 350,000 barrels a day, about 13% of Canada's overall oil output.
I think that this investment will certainly have some advantages, and will help to better the world economy. Some advantages could be that Syncrude will now be able to maximize its oil capacities. They probably will be able to pump even more oil than they did before, which will help to stimulate the American and even the world economy.
There is also a big negative side, not on this investment, bit on the oil industry. As we all know, oil is one of the fossil fuels. Fossil fuels play a big role in today’s world economy due to the fact that they are used so often all over the world as most machines work on it. The negative side is that these fossil fuels aren’t inexhaustible and that they all will be gone one day. Due to this, this investment might be effective today, but in 50 years time these kind of investments won’t exist anymore.
Used sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8616919.stm
Niels Roels
maandag 19 april 2010
BlackRock is possible buyer for ING's real estate business
ING Group NV is a Dutch financial institution, which works worldwide. The Group got solvency problems in the period of the financial crises and the Dutch government supplied their capital with €10 billion.
Since the end of 2009, banks are recovering. But the governments want changes in the policy of the financial institutions. So, ING Group has to split up its banking and insurance operations. ING has decided to sell the “ING Real Estate Investment Management”, because this division is less integrated in the company’s structure.
ING considered some possibilities like an initial public offering (IPO) or a sale to another firm. Several sources of information declare that BlackRock is interested to buy ING Real Estate. The last years, that company is investing a lot in its real estate. This transaction is in line with the current evolution: the number of real estate investment managers is reducing.
I think the Dutch government makes a little mistake.
Belgium already has sold Fortis to BNP Parisbas for a small price. When the governments support that foreign companies take over one of the largest institutions of a country, then the governments plays with their inhabitants. Because there’s a high risk that the foreign investor fire the employees. At my opinion, the governments should try to hold such a big companies like Fortis and ING in their own country.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100415/FREE/100419927
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
Since the end of 2009, banks are recovering. But the governments want changes in the policy of the financial institutions. So, ING Group has to split up its banking and insurance operations. ING has decided to sell the “ING Real Estate Investment Management”, because this division is less integrated in the company’s structure.
ING considered some possibilities like an initial public offering (IPO) or a sale to another firm. Several sources of information declare that BlackRock is interested to buy ING Real Estate. The last years, that company is investing a lot in its real estate. This transaction is in line with the current evolution: the number of real estate investment managers is reducing.
I think the Dutch government makes a little mistake.
Belgium already has sold Fortis to BNP Parisbas for a small price. When the governments support that foreign companies take over one of the largest institutions of a country, then the governments plays with their inhabitants. Because there’s a high risk that the foreign investor fire the employees. At my opinion, the governments should try to hold such a big companies like Fortis and ING in their own country.
http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100415/FREE/100419927
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
It isn't too late to buy health care stocks!!
As investors re-evaluate their stock portfolios and look to make sense of the new health care reform legislation, a big question now is whether health care stocks are still worth buying.
The sector is still attractive despite recent strong returns and concerns about reform.
Health care stocks have long been regarded by investors as conservative, defensive positions. Their product portfolios include a range of necessary and desirable products.
Health care companies typically hold up well during difficult market environment due to characteristics including patent protection.
The same factors that have made these stocks attractive over the past couple of years remain in place.
Older Americans spend far more on health care then younger people. Internationally, the story is similar. Many nations are moving to increase access to health care services.
Increased access to health care globally means more patients and, consequently, more opportunities for growth of the health care sector. Such growth should be supplemented by an inevitable growth in health care spending on a per-capita basis.
Health care companies have traditionally generated strong free cash flow and are likely to continue doing so.
One influence that remains is the effect of health care reform in the US. Reform will likely increase access for patients and boost volume, helping to offset pricing pressures and cost controls.
Just as doctors advise patients that they shouldn't neglect their health, it would appear that investors would benefit y not neglecting health care stocks in their portfolios
Health care will always be needed and mostly by the older population. So health care stocks are interesting to invest in. They will always have a profit because of the new methods, research and development.
My blog was based upon this article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100411/REG/304119990
Masschelein Liesbeth
2FV4
The sector is still attractive despite recent strong returns and concerns about reform.
Health care stocks have long been regarded by investors as conservative, defensive positions. Their product portfolios include a range of necessary and desirable products.
Health care companies typically hold up well during difficult market environment due to characteristics including patent protection.
The same factors that have made these stocks attractive over the past couple of years remain in place.
Older Americans spend far more on health care then younger people. Internationally, the story is similar. Many nations are moving to increase access to health care services.
Increased access to health care globally means more patients and, consequently, more opportunities for growth of the health care sector. Such growth should be supplemented by an inevitable growth in health care spending on a per-capita basis.
Health care companies have traditionally generated strong free cash flow and are likely to continue doing so.
One influence that remains is the effect of health care reform in the US. Reform will likely increase access for patients and boost volume, helping to offset pricing pressures and cost controls.
Just as doctors advise patients that they shouldn't neglect their health, it would appear that investors would benefit y not neglecting health care stocks in their portfolios
Health care will always be needed and mostly by the older population. So health care stocks are interesting to invest in. They will always have a profit because of the new methods, research and development.
My blog was based upon this article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100411/REG/304119990
Masschelein Liesbeth
2FV4
donderdag 8 april 2010
Virgin Money and Wilbur Ross in RBS branch bid
The article “Wilbur Ross and Virgin Money in RBS bid” talks about the British businessman Richard Branson who wants to buy a part of the banking network of the Royal Bank of Scotland. According to a British newspaper he could count on support of the American billionaire Wilbur Ross.
They have said that Wilbur Ross would be ready to invest 112 billion £ in Virgin Money which is a financial subsidiary company of Branson. Nowadays Virgin Money has around 1.7 billion customers and around 5% market share in the UK. In my opinion these figures aren’t bad at all and there is a huge potential to grow in the future.
Nowadays Mister Ross makes a lot of money by investing in coal and steel and other companies, especially high technological companies.
Branson is very pleased that he has found an ally to buy RBS. Mr Ross is convinced that Virgin Money will be one the big winners due to the take-over. I have my doubts with this take-over because I think both “companies” have not the same objectives and it will be difficult to become on the same line.
The Bank RBS, which has received billions of government support to remain intact in the financial crisis and face the hard economic times is ordered by the EU to sell a large part of their assets and this is a huge drain for the Scottish Bank because they will lose their insurance department.
Virgin Money has refused to give any reaction on the articles published in the newspapers. We have to wait what the future will bring for Virgin Money but it is generally known that there are other possible buyers for example the Spanish bank Santander.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8603324.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
They have said that Wilbur Ross would be ready to invest 112 billion £ in Virgin Money which is a financial subsidiary company of Branson. Nowadays Virgin Money has around 1.7 billion customers and around 5% market share in the UK. In my opinion these figures aren’t bad at all and there is a huge potential to grow in the future.
Nowadays Mister Ross makes a lot of money by investing in coal and steel and other companies, especially high technological companies.
Branson is very pleased that he has found an ally to buy RBS. Mr Ross is convinced that Virgin Money will be one the big winners due to the take-over. I have my doubts with this take-over because I think both “companies” have not the same objectives and it will be difficult to become on the same line.
The Bank RBS, which has received billions of government support to remain intact in the financial crisis and face the hard economic times is ordered by the EU to sell a large part of their assets and this is a huge drain for the Scottish Bank because they will lose their insurance department.
Virgin Money has refused to give any reaction on the articles published in the newspapers. We have to wait what the future will bring for Virgin Money but it is generally known that there are other possible buyers for example the Spanish bank Santander.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8603324.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
zaterdag 3 april 2010
Accel Invests in Personal Finance Site for Women
This article talks about LearnVest, a new personal finance website for women. LearnVest recently announced it has received an investment of almost $5 million from Accel, a venture capital firm.
Some more background information: LearnVest is founded by Alexa von Tobel in 2006. With LearnVest, she wanted to give women the opportunity to finance their money together or alone with the same purposes. As women have certain issues to plan for, like pregnancy, raising children, etc women get confidence towards the future when their money is wisely invested. LearnVest helps women to find the right investment by sending daily newsletters, and due to the fact women come together on the web and gather their money into one big amount the return also is bigger.
I think this investment will certainly have its effects on the online investment market and will be especially in favor of LearnVest of course. This investment will attract even more women from all over the world to invest their money wisely in efficient companies. Also the online investment market in general will enlarge as people, also men, will get more confidence due to these investments. In my opinion, investments like these show people and companies really have confidence in the online and worldwide investment market.
Sources used: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/accel-invests-in-personal-finance-site-for-women/
Niels Roels
Some more background information: LearnVest is founded by Alexa von Tobel in 2006. With LearnVest, she wanted to give women the opportunity to finance their money together or alone with the same purposes. As women have certain issues to plan for, like pregnancy, raising children, etc women get confidence towards the future when their money is wisely invested. LearnVest helps women to find the right investment by sending daily newsletters, and due to the fact women come together on the web and gather their money into one big amount the return also is bigger.
I think this investment will certainly have its effects on the online investment market and will be especially in favor of LearnVest of course. This investment will attract even more women from all over the world to invest their money wisely in efficient companies. Also the online investment market in general will enlarge as people, also men, will get more confidence due to these investments. In my opinion, investments like these show people and companies really have confidence in the online and worldwide investment market.
Sources used: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/accel-invests-in-personal-finance-site-for-women/
Niels Roels
woensdag 31 maart 2010
Volvo sale signed by Geely and Ford
The article “Volvo sale signed by Geely and Ford” talks about the Chinese car maker Geely which has reached an agreement with Volvo to invest 9 million dollar in the Swedish loss-making car maker. This was announced by the founder of Geely Li Shufu on a meeting in Peking. This agreement is the biggest overseas purchase by a Chinese car manufacturer.
Geely will buy Volvo for an amount of 1.8 billion from the American car producer Ford. This deal is a loss for Ford but they hope that the sale of Ford will help them to pay off their debts and focusing on their core business.
Geely has a lot of plans to let Volvo revive and has collected 2.7 billion for the acquisition and the investing plans. In my opinion the deal is a good one for Volvo because the Swedish company was struggling for many years and now they have the chance to take a new start.
Nowadays Volvo has two important branches which are situated in Ghent and Sweden; the Chinese buyer has promised to keep all the employees. I am not sure that the production will take place in Europe because I am convinced that Geely can produce their cars at a lower cost price than in Europe. Furthermore, they will produce cars for Chinese costumers because the demand for cars in China is rising, for example a rise of nearly 50% on the previous year.
With this acquisition it seems that the Chinese car market will become the world’s leading car market.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8591677.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
Geely will buy Volvo for an amount of 1.8 billion from the American car producer Ford. This deal is a loss for Ford but they hope that the sale of Ford will help them to pay off their debts and focusing on their core business.
Geely has a lot of plans to let Volvo revive and has collected 2.7 billion for the acquisition and the investing plans. In my opinion the deal is a good one for Volvo because the Swedish company was struggling for many years and now they have the chance to take a new start.
Nowadays Volvo has two important branches which are situated in Ghent and Sweden; the Chinese buyer has promised to keep all the employees. I am not sure that the production will take place in Europe because I am convinced that Geely can produce their cars at a lower cost price than in Europe. Furthermore, they will produce cars for Chinese costumers because the demand for cars in China is rising, for example a rise of nearly 50% on the previous year.
With this acquisition it seems that the Chinese car market will become the world’s leading car market.
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8591677.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
2FV4
zaterdag 27 maart 2010
Fiduciary setback: Your greatest marketing opportunity ever?
With the Senate killing any chance for a fiduciary standard to become part of the upcoming financial reform legislation, it's time to move on and realize that Washington is not all that interested in helping investors.
But advocates of a fiduciary standard for financial advice givers shouldn't view Washington's inaction as a setback. It's actually the greatest marketing opportunity ever, if only financial advisers will start telling investors why they're better.
Investors are confused, misinformed and hungry for honesty. They want fiduciary treatment, they just don't know what it is and how it differs from what they probably get from a provider.
According to Evan Cooper there are some steps you can take to deal with clients and to invest.
First you need to create a simple plan, a five-step statement of how you will or want to act with clients.
Step two, don't keep your statement a secret. Put it in a prominent position on your website. Add it to your newsletters...
Step three, at every meeting with prospects, show them your statement. Finally encourage them to follow your statement and when they talk to providers.
By taking the advantage of their inherent advantages, fiduciary advisers can snatch marketplace victory from jaws of legislative defeat.
I think investing is always a good thing. Especially when the government doesn't want to help in some areas. Then it's the task of financial advisers to insure that their client and other people invest in these areas and products.
But advocates of a fiduciary standard for financial advice givers shouldn't view Washington's inaction as a setback. It's actually the greatest marketing opportunity ever, if only financial advisers will start telling investors why they're better.
Investors are confused, misinformed and hungry for honesty. They want fiduciary treatment, they just don't know what it is and how it differs from what they probably get from a provider.
According to Evan Cooper there are some steps you can take to deal with clients and to invest.
First you need to create a simple plan, a five-step statement of how you will or want to act with clients.
Step two, don't keep your statement a secret. Put it in a prominent position on your website. Add it to your newsletters...
Step three, at every meeting with prospects, show them your statement. Finally encourage them to follow your statement and when they talk to providers.
By taking the advantage of their inherent advantages, fiduciary advisers can snatch marketplace victory from jaws of legislative defeat.
I think investing is always a good thing. Especially when the government doesn't want to help in some areas. Then it's the task of financial advisers to insure that their client and other people invest in these areas and products.
vrijdag 26 maart 2010
Plymouth gets £25m investment in marine research
After my blog of last week, where the UK confirmed their investment in science, this week a practical example.
Plymouth is a port town in the county Devon, part of Southwest England. The city Plymouth will receive an investment of 25million pound to stimulate their research in green energy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8575456.stm
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
donderdag 25 maart 2010
Taiwan Semiconductor invests in energy-saving technology
Like the article I discussed last week, this one also talks about green energy, but takes it to an even further level. Even before reading this article, I think it is striking how many articles you find about green energy these days. It looks to me people are really realizing we have to take measures to save our planet!
Unlike previous article (“Venezuelan Government Invests in Electricity Infrastructure “), this article talks about generating electricity out of solar cells and light-emitting diodes which can be found in flat screen televisions. More precise, it is the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) that will invest in this kind of energy-saving technologies.
“The project marks an important milestone for the company's entry into green energy," the world's leading contract microchip maker by revenues said in a statement. The amount of the investment will be 5.5 billion Taiwan dollars (170 million US dollars), the company said. This amount of money will be mainly used to start the production of these light-emitting diodes in the first quarter of 2011.
Again I think this is a very important event in the battle against climate change. In my opinion everyone should adapt his or her acts to less energy taking ones, so the world will survive this climate crisis.
Niels Roels
Sources: http://www.physorg.com/news188738352.html
Unlike previous article (“Venezuelan Government Invests in Electricity Infrastructure “), this article talks about generating electricity out of solar cells and light-emitting diodes which can be found in flat screen televisions. More precise, it is the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) that will invest in this kind of energy-saving technologies.
“The project marks an important milestone for the company's entry into green energy," the world's leading contract microchip maker by revenues said in a statement. The amount of the investment will be 5.5 billion Taiwan dollars (170 million US dollars), the company said. This amount of money will be mainly used to start the production of these light-emitting diodes in the first quarter of 2011.
Again I think this is a very important event in the battle against climate change. In my opinion everyone should adapt his or her acts to less energy taking ones, so the world will survive this climate crisis.
Niels Roels
Sources: http://www.physorg.com/news188738352.html
dinsdag 23 maart 2010
Germany's Coming Energy Revolution
The article talks about Germany and their energy revolution which is one of the most forward looking revolutions in the world when we are talking about green energy.
Nowadays everybody is talking about the phenomenon of global warming and the possible solutions to solve these problems. One thing is sure: we have to reduce our emission of C02.
Germany has a lof of revolutionary and high technological plans to produce energy with a strong concern for the environment. The plan is to save energy by implementing technological appliances in our homes and companies.
Everybody knows the trend of placing solar panels on the roofs of our houses but the German plan goes much further than this. The inventors of the plan want to stimulate people to use energy when it is cheapest.
These days the Electricity age is uses in six German regions but they expect that the project will expand in the coming months.
If you knew that solar and wind energy are the future to produce energy in a cheap and green way we should not hesitate to invest in these energy sources, and why we can't go much further by implementing high technological energy saving systems in our homes and companies.
The whole project of the Electricity age is funded by big firms like Siemens,etc... and a lot of energy giants. The tests and the technological development were paid by the German government.
Experts and scientists expect that the energy revolution in Germany will be a big success in the coming years.
De Bruycker Mathias
Nowadays everybody is talking about the phenomenon of global warming and the possible solutions to solve these problems. One thing is sure: we have to reduce our emission of C02.
Germany has a lof of revolutionary and high technological plans to produce energy with a strong concern for the environment. The plan is to save energy by implementing technological appliances in our homes and companies.
Everybody knows the trend of placing solar panels on the roofs of our houses but the German plan goes much further than this. The inventors of the plan want to stimulate people to use energy when it is cheapest.
These days the Electricity age is uses in six German regions but they expect that the project will expand in the coming months.
If you knew that solar and wind energy are the future to produce energy in a cheap and green way we should not hesitate to invest in these energy sources, and why we can't go much further by implementing high technological energy saving systems in our homes and companies.
The whole project of the Electricity age is funded by big firms like Siemens,etc... and a lot of energy giants. The tests and the technological development were paid by the German government.
Experts and scientists expect that the energy revolution in Germany will be a big success in the coming years.
De Bruycker Mathias
vrijdag 19 maart 2010
The UK keeps investments in science
After some rumours about cuts in the science budget, the British government declared that it would not cut down in this sector.
Since 1997 the Labour-party leads the British government and the scientific expenses are doubled to 6 billion pound. This amount contains the costs of research at universities and research labs.
The Royal Society, the national academy of sciences, wants to protect its business and clarified the importance of science for the economy. The business needs the government, because banks don’t loan the money they need to enlarge. The public sector isn’t able anymore to create jobs, but an investment in the science will generate new jobs.
The science budget wouldn’t grow like it did in the past, but investments are still necessary. In the near future the UK has to bet on renewable energy. Windmills and other sorts of renewable energy will warrant that the UK can make its own energy in the future, even when the oil stock is running out.
At my opinion, it’s good news that a big country like the UK confirm their trust in science, even in this bad period, when countries has to economise. I think that every pound invested in science, will return the multiple through the number of jobs it creates. I also agree with the fact that renewable energy is the future and it is necessary to invest in.
Mankind needs science, because due to science, there will always be progression. Without progression the world would stand still.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/101587a2-2e10-11df-b85c-00144feabdc0.html
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
Since 1997 the Labour-party leads the British government and the scientific expenses are doubled to 6 billion pound. This amount contains the costs of research at universities and research labs.
The Royal Society, the national academy of sciences, wants to protect its business and clarified the importance of science for the economy. The business needs the government, because banks don’t loan the money they need to enlarge. The public sector isn’t able anymore to create jobs, but an investment in the science will generate new jobs.
The science budget wouldn’t grow like it did in the past, but investments are still necessary. In the near future the UK has to bet on renewable energy. Windmills and other sorts of renewable energy will warrant that the UK can make its own energy in the future, even when the oil stock is running out.
At my opinion, it’s good news that a big country like the UK confirm their trust in science, even in this bad period, when countries has to economise. I think that every pound invested in science, will return the multiple through the number of jobs it creates. I also agree with the fact that renewable energy is the future and it is necessary to invest in.
Mankind needs science, because due to science, there will always be progression. Without progression the world would stand still.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/101587a2-2e10-11df-b85c-00144feabdc0.html
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
Want to short Toy Story 3, Karate jid 2010? Now, investors can place bets on movies.
New futures exchanges in Chicago and New York let investors wager on whether movies will be hits or flops.
A new futures exchange that will let investors bet on contracts tied to soon-to-be-released movies is making its home in Chicago.
Trend Exchange aims to open trading on the contract by midyear, allowing investors to wager on whether movies will be a hit or a flop based on box-office receipts.
Despite its Hollywood focus, the exchange put its operations and 22 employees in Chicago because of the expertise that has grown up around the city's other big exchanges. For instance they have recruited Patrick Catania, a 40-year Chicago Board of Trade veteran, to serve as a consultant.
He believes that the exchange might entice more capital to the film-making industry at a time when investors have become jittery about investing in movies.
The investors will be able to hold short or long positions and bet on between 12 and 16 movies in the weeks before the movies are released.
This is a totally new concept that regards to risk management.
I think this is a original and innovating new concept. That will bring big changes to the film industry. It will also bring a lot of money to the film industry because betting is easy and does not always deal with large amounts of money. So even a person with a little bit of money can bet and so invest in the movie business.
But the betting can also have a negative impact on the movies. People that bet can have or make a big influence on the popularity of the movie. In the end I think the impact will be more of a negative impact than a positive one.
This was based on following article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100317/FREE/100319872
Liesbeth Masschelein
Trend Exchange aims to open trading on the contract by midyear, allowing investors to wager on whether movies will be a hit or a flop based on box-office receipts.
Despite its Hollywood focus, the exchange put its operations and 22 employees in Chicago because of the expertise that has grown up around the city's other big exchanges. For instance they have recruited Patrick Catania, a 40-year Chicago Board of Trade veteran, to serve as a consultant.
He believes that the exchange might entice more capital to the film-making industry at a time when investors have become jittery about investing in movies.
The investors will be able to hold short or long positions and bet on between 12 and 16 movies in the weeks before the movies are released.
This is a totally new concept that regards to risk management.
I think this is a original and innovating new concept. That will bring big changes to the film industry. It will also bring a lot of money to the film industry because betting is easy and does not always deal with large amounts of money. So even a person with a little bit of money can bet and so invest in the movie business.
But the betting can also have a negative impact on the movies. People that bet can have or make a big influence on the popularity of the movie. In the end I think the impact will be more of a negative impact than a positive one.
This was based on following article: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100317/FREE/100319872
Liesbeth Masschelein
donderdag 18 maart 2010
Brightstar Europe Invests in Business Operations in France and the Benelux
Brightstar Europe, a British cooperation between Tech Data Corporation and Brightstar Corp, nas announced that they will further invest in their European expansion.
Brightstar Europe is an expert in the distribution and integrated supply chain solutions for the mobile communications industry. Some well know brands are Samsung, HP, Sony, Acer, Toshiba,...
The company will invest more in their departments in France and the Benelux because their main objective is to become the European market leader for mobile services. The new branches will be located near big cities such as Paris, Brussels,...
The company has a completely different vision in France where Brightstar is focusing on RIM, HTC ans Samsung, In the Benelux they like to be focused on mobile operators.
Nowadays Brightstar Europe is very succesful in a lot of other European countries and they are convinced that the further investments are a next step to expand their business. Thanks to Brightstar's experience the business management is convinced that they can take in other important European territories. For me this challange will be easy to realise because Brightstar has proven repeatedly that they can take in several countries on the six continents.
In my opinion Brightstar can become the new market leader because they own a lot of well known brands which are very attractive for many customers.
It seems that Brightstar Europe will become the world's leading and fastest-growing wireless distribution and supply chain solutions company.
This blog is based on following article:
http://www/tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/tecd_brightstar-europe-invest-in-business-operations-in-france-and-the-benelux-781977.html
Mathias De Brucyker 2FV 4
Brightstar Europe is an expert in the distribution and integrated supply chain solutions for the mobile communications industry. Some well know brands are Samsung, HP, Sony, Acer, Toshiba,...
The company will invest more in their departments in France and the Benelux because their main objective is to become the European market leader for mobile services. The new branches will be located near big cities such as Paris, Brussels,...
The company has a completely different vision in France where Brightstar is focusing on RIM, HTC ans Samsung, In the Benelux they like to be focused on mobile operators.
Nowadays Brightstar Europe is very succesful in a lot of other European countries and they are convinced that the further investments are a next step to expand their business. Thanks to Brightstar's experience the business management is convinced that they can take in other important European territories. For me this challange will be easy to realise because Brightstar has proven repeatedly that they can take in several countries on the six continents.
In my opinion Brightstar can become the new market leader because they own a lot of well known brands which are very attractive for many customers.
It seems that Brightstar Europe will become the world's leading and fastest-growing wireless distribution and supply chain solutions company.
This blog is based on following article:
http://www/tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/tecd_brightstar-europe-invest-in-business-operations-in-france-and-the-benelux-781977.html
Mathias De Brucyker 2FV 4
zondag 14 maart 2010
India invests $10 bln in IMF notes
This article talks, as the title says, about India and its current investment in IMF notes. More specific, the amount of this investment is 10 billion dollars.
Together with Brazil and China, India has announced to buy the interest-yielding assets from the IMF (International Monetary Fund). These investments will help the IMF, known as lender of last resort, to boost its reserves which can be called on by members that need emergency cash.
Knowing there is a large need of emergency cash these days due to the global financial crisis, I think it is very important for the IMF these investments take place.
I think this will allow the IMF to proceed its activities even though they are struggling with this financial crisis. The article also mentions India expects more IMF votes and eased access to financing “as a quid-pro-quo for the purchase”.
In my opinion, these investments are certainly a step forward in the battle against ‘the crisis’. Knowing the IMF plays a big role in solving this crisis, it is logic all investments in the IMF will help when it comes to fixing the economy.
Yesterday, the IMF even announced there will be more economic leading powers that will continue to invest in the IMF. I think this proves leading powers have a lot of faith in the International Monetary Fund.
Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100312/wl_sthasia_afp/indiaeconomybankimfinvest
Niels Roels
Together with Brazil and China, India has announced to buy the interest-yielding assets from the IMF (International Monetary Fund). These investments will help the IMF, known as lender of last resort, to boost its reserves which can be called on by members that need emergency cash.
Knowing there is a large need of emergency cash these days due to the global financial crisis, I think it is very important for the IMF these investments take place.
I think this will allow the IMF to proceed its activities even though they are struggling with this financial crisis. The article also mentions India expects more IMF votes and eased access to financing “as a quid-pro-quo for the purchase”.
In my opinion, these investments are certainly a step forward in the battle against ‘the crisis’. Knowing the IMF plays a big role in solving this crisis, it is logic all investments in the IMF will help when it comes to fixing the economy.
Yesterday, the IMF even announced there will be more economic leading powers that will continue to invest in the IMF. I think this proves leading powers have a lot of faith in the International Monetary Fund.
Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100312/wl_sthasia_afp/indiaeconomybankimfinvest
Niels Roels
zaterdag 13 maart 2010
CEE need until 2013 to recover
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the biggest professional services firms of the world, has done a study about the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
The economy of the CEE-region flourished during 5years till 2008, when it reached 155 billion dollar. But then slumped with more than 50 per cent to 77 billon dollar in 2009, due to the credit crunch, the recession and a rise of the labour costs, because of the period of boom until 2008. But the consequences weren’t the same for the whole CEE.
On the one hand, in countries like Estonia, Latvia, Russia and Lithuania, the FDI dropped twenty till seventy per cent. Czech and Bulgaria weakened with only 5 per cent.
On the other hand, Poland became a little stronger in 2009. Outstanding was Slovakia, with an astonishing 55 per cent jump, as a result of a unique deposit of 2.3 billion dollar.
I think the damage of the credit crunch and recession was a tough punch for this region. Because, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has known a steady growth. Some countries like Czech, Poland and Hungary were very interesting for foreign investors.
The PwC figured out that the CEE-region will need time until 2013 to recover to its level of 2008. I suppose that this news is not as bad as it looks, because specialists expect that other countries like Belgium and the Netherlands will also need time until 2013 to recover from the economical crises.
source:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d92aaecc-2c69-11df-be45-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
De Meyer Benny, 2FV4
The economy of the CEE-region flourished during 5years till 2008, when it reached 155 billion dollar. But then slumped with more than 50 per cent to 77 billon dollar in 2009, due to the credit crunch, the recession and a rise of the labour costs, because of the period of boom until 2008. But the consequences weren’t the same for the whole CEE.
On the one hand, in countries like Estonia, Latvia, Russia and Lithuania, the FDI dropped twenty till seventy per cent. Czech and Bulgaria weakened with only 5 per cent.
On the other hand, Poland became a little stronger in 2009. Outstanding was Slovakia, with an astonishing 55 per cent jump, as a result of a unique deposit of 2.3 billion dollar.
I think the damage of the credit crunch and recession was a tough punch for this region. Because, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has known a steady growth. Some countries like Czech, Poland and Hungary were very interesting for foreign investors.
The PwC figured out that the CEE-region will need time until 2013 to recover to its level of 2008. I suppose that this news is not as bad as it looks, because specialists expect that other countries like Belgium and the Netherlands will also need time until 2013 to recover from the economical crises.
source:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d92aaecc-2c69-11df-be45-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
De Meyer Benny, 2FV4
vrijdag 12 maart 2010
Pennsylvania helps jobless residents pay their mortgages.
Can't make your mortgage? Get an emergency loan.
While the jobless don't get a lot of support from president Obama's loan modification program, the people in Pennsylvania have another place to turn to.
The Pennsylvania housing finance agency offers the jobless and those who are suffering from financial hardship loans up t $60 000 for as long as three years to cover their monthly payments. The program has already distributed $ 450 million on behalf of 43 000 homeowners.
Last year they had a record of applicants up to 14 000, the years before there were only 10 000.
This program is funded by the state and borrowers' repayments. President Obama is now looking at the possibilities of this program to make it national.
The organization says that if you allow people some time to find a job, they can keep their home. When people can keep their own home that is not just good for them but also for their friends, family and the community.
Not everybody can get in this program they have to go threw a careful inspection which looks at their future plans, if they have racked up their credit cards debts .... On the results of this inspection they will decide who can get a loan and who doesn't.
The best is that you have a reasonable prospect of resuming full payments within 36 months and paying of the mortgage in full.
The loan payments are made directly to the services and a lien is placed on the property. The aid is repaid at a 5,25% interest rate over 10 years average, but the clients financial circumstances are taken in account.
HomeSaver Advance is a similar program that was started in 2008 with the difference that the loans were for a short time and for only $15 000.
But this program missed the success link that the other program does have. So they had to shut the program down after not even a year in running.
I think this is a good solution for people who are in trouble and it may also be their last option. But they can't give everybody money so they have to be really careful within the selection-program. So they don't give money to people who have enough money or to people who can't keep and don't spend it all in once.
This is a good solution to give people some more time between jobs or to find a new job or to cope with an unexpected large bill.
If president Obama can make this national it may be the solution for the jobless rate and the number of people that lose their homes.
My blog was based on following article: http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/08/news/economy/mortgage_help_for_unemployed/index.htm
Liesbeth Masschelein 2FV4
The Pennsylvania housing finance agency offers the jobless and those who are suffering from financial hardship loans up t $60 000 for as long as three years to cover their monthly payments. The program has already distributed $ 450 million on behalf of 43 000 homeowners.
Last year they had a record of applicants up to 14 000, the years before there were only 10 000.
This program is funded by the state and borrowers' repayments. President Obama is now looking at the possibilities of this program to make it national.
The organization says that if you allow people some time to find a job, they can keep their home. When people can keep their own home that is not just good for them but also for their friends, family and the community.
Not everybody can get in this program they have to go threw a careful inspection which looks at their future plans, if they have racked up their credit cards debts .... On the results of this inspection they will decide who can get a loan and who doesn't.
The best is that you have a reasonable prospect of resuming full payments within 36 months and paying of the mortgage in full.
The loan payments are made directly to the services and a lien is placed on the property. The aid is repaid at a 5,25% interest rate over 10 years average, but the clients financial circumstances are taken in account.
HomeSaver Advance is a similar program that was started in 2008 with the difference that the loans were for a short time and for only $15 000.
But this program missed the success link that the other program does have. So they had to shut the program down after not even a year in running.
I think this is a good solution for people who are in trouble and it may also be their last option. But they can't give everybody money so they have to be really careful within the selection-program. So they don't give money to people who have enough money or to people who can't keep and don't spend it all in once.
This is a good solution to give people some more time between jobs or to find a new job or to cope with an unexpected large bill.
If president Obama can make this national it may be the solution for the jobless rate and the number of people that lose their homes.
My blog was based on following article: http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/08/news/economy/mortgage_help_for_unemployed/index.htm
Liesbeth Masschelein 2FV4
woensdag 10 maart 2010
Wales invests in digital tourism
Internet is everywhere and people use it for almost everything. You have to join in the game or you are lost.
For example, more and more people are going online to look for information about cities or countries, to organize trips and even make reservations. Wales realised this fact and is going to invest 17.4 million pound to make the Welsh tourism business stronger to compete the market.
The money would not be used only for online marketing, but also for better booking systems, databases and solid HR and business management. They will try to get these objectives in the next four years.
A former proprietor of a big Bed and Breakfast observed some problems, for instance that the local tourism has not the time and the knowledge to make a website. He developed a software system for sharing information and updating these to several websites.
I think that this is a good example of how they can use modern technology to make business and life easier. First of all, there is nothing as practical as the internet to search for information. Big tourism locations attract very easy customers, but now Wales take care of the smaller tourist industry. From now on, the whole world can find this information.
At the second place, it will be even more useful when you can book your holiday on the internet. You don’t have to leave your home, it will be better for the hotels and the tourist, because there is no intermediary.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8494631.stm
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
For example, more and more people are going online to look for information about cities or countries, to organize trips and even make reservations. Wales realised this fact and is going to invest 17.4 million pound to make the Welsh tourism business stronger to compete the market.
The money would not be used only for online marketing, but also for better booking systems, databases and solid HR and business management. They will try to get these objectives in the next four years.
A former proprietor of a big Bed and Breakfast observed some problems, for instance that the local tourism has not the time and the knowledge to make a website. He developed a software system for sharing information and updating these to several websites.
I think that this is a good example of how they can use modern technology to make business and life easier. First of all, there is nothing as practical as the internet to search for information. Big tourism locations attract very easy customers, but now Wales take care of the smaller tourist industry. From now on, the whole world can find this information.
At the second place, it will be even more useful when you can book your holiday on the internet. You don’t have to leave your home, it will be better for the hotels and the tourist, because there is no intermediary.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8494631.stm
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
dinsdag 9 maart 2010
European Investment Bank funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across South Africa
At the end of previous year, 2009, the European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide a €40 million loan to FirstRand Bank to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across South Africa. By doing this, they are the only investment bank to invest in green energy technology projects in South-Africa.
Looking at the current climate change, these kind of investments are of course more than welcome. Based on recent figures, also Africa (which has only limited heavy industry) emits more toxic gasses than it is allowed to.
Due to this, I think these investments are very useful in the battle against climate change, and it will certainly lower the current emissions. Another positive thing about this, is that this battle against climate change is a very good example for Africa. Africa hopefully will realize the consequences of a climate change and will therefore not make the same mistakes that Europe and other industrial continents did in the past, by emitting way too much toxic gasses.
More specific, this investment will be used to finance different kinds of projects. Specific focus will be on industrial cogeneration, but projects are also likely to include support for renewable energy schemes, waste or landfill gas for heat and power generation.
I certainly think the European Investment Bank in doing a great job. Having finished this donation, this already was the 4th one in 2009. These kind of projects will help not only to the battle against climate change, but will also bring new technologies to South-Africa of which local engineers can learn.
Niels Roels
News report: Het Journaal (één)
Article: http://www.envirodesk.be/inhoud/european-investment-bank-funds-for-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-projects-across-sou
Looking at the current climate change, these kind of investments are of course more than welcome. Based on recent figures, also Africa (which has only limited heavy industry) emits more toxic gasses than it is allowed to.
Due to this, I think these investments are very useful in the battle against climate change, and it will certainly lower the current emissions. Another positive thing about this, is that this battle against climate change is a very good example for Africa. Africa hopefully will realize the consequences of a climate change and will therefore not make the same mistakes that Europe and other industrial continents did in the past, by emitting way too much toxic gasses.
More specific, this investment will be used to finance different kinds of projects. Specific focus will be on industrial cogeneration, but projects are also likely to include support for renewable energy schemes, waste or landfill gas for heat and power generation.
I certainly think the European Investment Bank in doing a great job. Having finished this donation, this already was the 4th one in 2009. These kind of projects will help not only to the battle against climate change, but will also bring new technologies to South-Africa of which local engineers can learn.
Niels Roels
News report: Het Journaal (één)
Article: http://www.envirodesk.be/inhoud/european-investment-bank-funds-for-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-projects-across-sou
Israel 'to unveil plans to build nuclear power plant'
The article tells that Israel has a plan to build a new nuclear power plant. It is the Israeli Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau who will announce this at an energy forum in Paris.
The objective is to built a new power plant because Israel is now facing a crisis over electricity supplies. They are two options to settle this new nuclear power plant: in the south of the country or a reactor near the capital Tel Aviv.
On the other hand there are a lot of opponents against this nuclear project, especially environmental organisations because the construction and the use of such a project is very harmfull for the environment and the nature.
Nowadays Israel has two nuclear reactors and it is said that Israel makes nuclear weapons in this sort of "nuclear buildings". In my opinion Israel's main objective is to built new nuclear weapons to be protected against new potential conflicts in this area.
However Israel has always denied that they have plants to produce nuclear weapons, a lot of people have their doubts.
The only positive thing about this project is that Israel can provide in their need to electricity but in general the disadvantages win from the advantages.
The Israeli Minister will discuss the possibility to work together with France and Jordan to realise his project. France grew up to one of the world leaders in electricity production from nuclear power.
Israel wants to learn something from France but it is waiting what the future will bring for Israeli's nuclear project.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middleeast/8556266.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
The objective is to built a new power plant because Israel is now facing a crisis over electricity supplies. They are two options to settle this new nuclear power plant: in the south of the country or a reactor near the capital Tel Aviv.
On the other hand there are a lot of opponents against this nuclear project, especially environmental organisations because the construction and the use of such a project is very harmfull for the environment and the nature.
Nowadays Israel has two nuclear reactors and it is said that Israel makes nuclear weapons in this sort of "nuclear buildings". In my opinion Israel's main objective is to built new nuclear weapons to be protected against new potential conflicts in this area.
However Israel has always denied that they have plants to produce nuclear weapons, a lot of people have their doubts.
The only positive thing about this project is that Israel can provide in their need to electricity but in general the disadvantages win from the advantages.
The Israeli Minister will discuss the possibility to work together with France and Jordan to realise his project. France grew up to one of the world leaders in electricity production from nuclear power.
Israel wants to learn something from France but it is waiting what the future will bring for Israeli's nuclear project.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middleeast/8556266.stm
De Bruycker Mathias
donderdag 4 maart 2010
Zimbabwe move on firms' ownership.
Zimbabwe move on firms' ownership.
A new Zimbabwean law that forces companies to sell a majority stake in their businesses to indigenous people has come into effect.
Firms worth more than $500 000 run by non-indigenous people have five years to sell 51% stake. When this hasn't happened they will get a sentence which can result into jail-time.
The president Robert Mugabe has said more than once that the companies would be foolish not to comply to the law. The law applies only to all firms controlled by non-indigenous Zimbabweans.
Mr Robertson says that the government appears to have no wish at all to make the country attractive to the overseas investors. He also thinks that it's a very bad idea, the law on company ownership has further divided Zimbabwe's already strained unity government.
As soon as the skills are taken away from the businesses they now have their eye on, those businesses will also fail. Robertson added that far from empowering the wider population, the move would only benefit those individuals that the government appoints to take control of the companies.
Even congress members aren't all that happy with the new law. They say although the principle of the law is good but we fear that this could lead to a creation of new minority blacks who will just replace the minority whites.
A new Zimbabwean law that forces companies to sell a majority stake in their businesses to indigenous people has come into effect.
Firms worth more than $500 000 run by non-indigenous people have five years to sell 51% stake. When this hasn't happened they will get a sentence which can result into jail-time.
The president Robert Mugabe has said more than once that the companies would be foolish not to comply to the law. The law applies only to all firms controlled by non-indigenous Zimbabweans.
Mr Robertson says that the government appears to have no wish at all to make the country attractive to the overseas investors. He also thinks that it's a very bad idea, the law on company ownership has further divided Zimbabwe's already strained unity government.
As soon as the skills are taken away from the businesses they now have their eye on, those businesses will also fail. Robertson added that far from empowering the wider population, the move would only benefit those individuals that the government appoints to take control of the companies.
Even congress members aren't all that happy with the new law. They say although the principle of the law is good but we fear that this could lead to a creation of new minority blacks who will just replace the minority whites.
Like every law it has it pro's en con's and also people who are pro and con. Some even think that it is a pro white law that is discriminating the black people from which own country it is.
I don't think that this is a good new law, it means that companies will not have the majority of their own country and that means that they don't have the right to do what they want with there own company. It is also discriminating against the companies that are run by non-indigenous people because only them have to sell their stake and not the other companies.
I also think that jail-time as a sentence for not selling their stake is heavy sentence, they could better start with a money fine or a warning.
The future will show us if it is a good law or not.
I based my blog on follow article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8536034.stm
Liesbeth Masschelein
I don't think that this is a good new law, it means that companies will not have the majority of their own country and that means that they don't have the right to do what they want with there own company. It is also discriminating against the companies that are run by non-indigenous people because only them have to sell their stake and not the other companies.
I also think that jail-time as a sentence for not selling their stake is heavy sentence, they could better start with a money fine or a warning.
The future will show us if it is a good law or not.
I based my blog on follow article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8536034.stm
Liesbeth Masschelein
maandag 1 maart 2010
Agreement reached on A400M military plane costs
Belgium and six other proper countries have reached an agreement with the European plane maker EADS to share the extra costs of the A400M military transport plane. The A400M is an airplane which is designed to be the most revolutionary militairy airplane.
The agreement was announced by the Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon on a meeting of European Union defence ministers in Mallorca.
He is very pleased with this agreement but in my opinion the elation is a bit exaggerated because there is still a lot of work to do. If you think there aren't any agreements about the technical and financial details of this program you can ask questions about this happiness.
Nowadays the project is 5 billion € over its permitted budget due to technical problems. The most important question was who will be responsible or who will be able to remunerate these extra costs?
The difficulties began because there was no strict concensus between theses 7 European countries. There were disagreements between these countries about the time that the order should be ready, other countries prefer to produce more slowly to spread the costs.
For me this is the ultimate evidence that a cooperation between several European countries for such a military project is not easy to realise beacause each country has his own different vision.
Up to now, the seven involved countries (Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Turkey, UK) have ordered together 180 planes, this is equivalent to an extremely high amount of 20 billion €.
In any case the program is delayed and the extra costs are estimated at 5.2 billion €.
It was planned that the airplanes will be ready at the end of this year but due to the delays the planes will not take the skies until 2012.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8534248.stm
Mathias De Bruycker 2FV4
The agreement was announced by the Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon on a meeting of European Union defence ministers in Mallorca.
He is very pleased with this agreement but in my opinion the elation is a bit exaggerated because there is still a lot of work to do. If you think there aren't any agreements about the technical and financial details of this program you can ask questions about this happiness.
Nowadays the project is 5 billion € over its permitted budget due to technical problems. The most important question was who will be responsible or who will be able to remunerate these extra costs?
The difficulties began because there was no strict concensus between theses 7 European countries. There were disagreements between these countries about the time that the order should be ready, other countries prefer to produce more slowly to spread the costs.
For me this is the ultimate evidence that a cooperation between several European countries for such a military project is not easy to realise beacause each country has his own different vision.
Up to now, the seven involved countries (Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Turkey, UK) have ordered together 180 planes, this is equivalent to an extremely high amount of 20 billion €.
In any case the program is delayed and the extra costs are estimated at 5.2 billion €.
It was planned that the airplanes will be ready at the end of this year but due to the delays the planes will not take the skies until 2012.
This blog is based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8534248.stm
Mathias De Bruycker 2FV4
zondag 28 februari 2010
Flanders is a smart student for investments
In the media you always hear a cloud burst of negative news about the Flemish economy. A lot of employees lost their job, enterprises went bankrupt, but there is also good news.
Every year fDi Magazine publish a list of the best 25 European cities and regions of the future. The lists are based on an independent data collection with more than 200 cities en 140 regions. FDi take into account next categories: economic potential, cost effectiveness, infrastructure, human resources, quality of life, business friendliness and FDI promotion strategy.
The most attractive regions for foreign investors are Southeast England, Ile-de-France and Nordrhein-Westfalen. Flanders was in 2008 on the second place, but tumbled to the seventh place in 2009. The Brussels Capital Region is on the 16th place and Wallonia is even not in the top-25.
There is also good news, of all European regions, Flanders is using the best strategy while recruiting foreign investors.
The Belgian regions are really doing well, because Brussels is second in this category and Wallonia 6th.
For this category fDi has taken into account the promotion and escort of investors, incentives or infrastructure projects.
I think that it is a good sign that the Belgian regions are doing well in the category of the best strategy. It shows that Belgium is really interested to attract foreign investors and take care of the future.
But it is also disappointing that in the general list Flanders is dropped from the second to the 7th place. At my opinion the financial crises is a very important factor, together with the political problems and the high tax pressure.
But after rain comes sunshine, the economy will resume and when Belgium keeps using their effective promotion strategy, they will once again become very attractive for foreign investors.
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
Sources:
Metro Monday 22 February 2010
http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/3234/European_Cities___Regions_of_the_Future_2010_11.html
Every year fDi Magazine publish a list of the best 25 European cities and regions of the future. The lists are based on an independent data collection with more than 200 cities en 140 regions. FDi take into account next categories: economic potential, cost effectiveness, infrastructure, human resources, quality of life, business friendliness and FDI promotion strategy.
The most attractive regions for foreign investors are Southeast England, Ile-de-France and Nordrhein-Westfalen. Flanders was in 2008 on the second place, but tumbled to the seventh place in 2009. The Brussels Capital Region is on the 16th place and Wallonia is even not in the top-25.
There is also good news, of all European regions, Flanders is using the best strategy while recruiting foreign investors.
The Belgian regions are really doing well, because Brussels is second in this category and Wallonia 6th.
For this category fDi has taken into account the promotion and escort of investors, incentives or infrastructure projects.
I think that it is a good sign that the Belgian regions are doing well in the category of the best strategy. It shows that Belgium is really interested to attract foreign investors and take care of the future.
But it is also disappointing that in the general list Flanders is dropped from the second to the 7th place. At my opinion the financial crises is a very important factor, together with the political problems and the high tax pressure.
But after rain comes sunshine, the economy will resume and when Belgium keeps using their effective promotion strategy, they will once again become very attractive for foreign investors.
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
Sources:
Metro Monday 22 February 2010
http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/3234/European_Cities___Regions_of_the_Future_2010_11.html
zaterdag 27 februari 2010
Why should I invest in a foreign country ?
This article (you can find the link below) talks, as the title says, about investing in a foreign country. This article states that most current investors keep on investing, putting money into their own country. This phenomenon isn’t actually that strange. It is normal people will invest in their own country cause they are of course more familiar with it, they are more informed about the development of the country.
Now the thing is, if you inform yourself well, you can actually get more profit out of investing in some foreign countries, than investing in your own. This article states that if you invest in some fast growing countries, you can easily maximize your returns. It says a foreign country possessing the resources and expertise for planned development is poised to generate better returns as compared to matured markets.
For example, the Chinese economy is the fastest growing economy in the world, registering an average growth of more than 9 percent each year. Cause of this, investing in this country could be very profitable if you invest wisely.
While reading this article, it became clear to me you can actually make real big profit by doing almost nothing. I figured out that if you simply trade your own money (like the Euro)for a sum of foreign money (like the Yen) you can make profit. If the value of the Yen rises after a while (and it will rise cause of the growth of the Chinese economy) you can buy Euros again. The amount of Euros will be bigger this time cause the value of the yen has risen. Result; a nice extra sum of money, earned by doing nothing.
Article link: http://www.squidoo.com/Global-and-international-investing
Niels Roels
Now the thing is, if you inform yourself well, you can actually get more profit out of investing in some foreign countries, than investing in your own. This article states that if you invest in some fast growing countries, you can easily maximize your returns. It says a foreign country possessing the resources and expertise for planned development is poised to generate better returns as compared to matured markets.
For example, the Chinese economy is the fastest growing economy in the world, registering an average growth of more than 9 percent each year. Cause of this, investing in this country could be very profitable if you invest wisely.
While reading this article, it became clear to me you can actually make real big profit by doing almost nothing. I figured out that if you simply trade your own money (like the Euro)for a sum of foreign money (like the Yen) you can make profit. If the value of the Yen rises after a while (and it will rise cause of the growth of the Chinese economy) you can buy Euros again. The amount of Euros will be bigger this time cause the value of the yen has risen. Result; a nice extra sum of money, earned by doing nothing.
Article link: http://www.squidoo.com/Global-and-international-investing
Niels Roels
vrijdag 26 februari 2010
Come visit the US - and create jobs!
Come visit the US - and create jobs.
Thursday the Travel Promotion Act was approved, it will create a nonprofit corporation to markets overseas visit to the US.
This venture will be funded by a $10 fee on foreign travelers and up to $100 million from the tourism industry.
The marketing campaigns funded by the act could attract an additional 1.6 million visitors a year which results in $4 billion in spending (by the tourists) and it could create up to 40 000 jobs.
The $10 fee (which you get once every 2 years when visiting the US) would only be charged to the tourists who are visiting from one of the 35 countries that don't need a visa to visit the US. These countries include most of the European countries but also Japan, Australia and South Korea.
Overseas travel to the US has gone down, the last few years due to this a lot of people have lost their jobs.
But by the act more people will come to the US and also their will be more jobs.
But not everybody is positive about the act. Some say that it's not needed because the US hasn't done it in the past so now they don't have to promote their country ether and that there are better decisions than this act.
This is a way that people can invest in the US without doing much or even paying for it. They just need to send in an document and let it be approved by the embassy. When all the papers or OK then the tourist can get a $10 fee.
I think this is a really good act. Because everyone who will visit the US had benefits and can help the American people in their own way.
Because a tourist spends a lot of money on his vacation and when you promote your country so that more people will visit. The economy will grow by the tourists who consume a lot. But also it will create more new jobs, jobs that serve every need of the tourist.
This act is a very good thing for the US as a country, for it's economy and for the people who are without a job.
The article that I based my text on: http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/25/news/economy/travel_promotion/index.htm
Liesbeth Masschelein
This venture will be funded by a $10 fee on foreign travelers and up to $100 million from the tourism industry.
The marketing campaigns funded by the act could attract an additional 1.6 million visitors a year which results in $4 billion in spending (by the tourists) and it could create up to 40 000 jobs.
The $10 fee (which you get once every 2 years when visiting the US) would only be charged to the tourists who are visiting from one of the 35 countries that don't need a visa to visit the US. These countries include most of the European countries but also Japan, Australia and South Korea.
Overseas travel to the US has gone down, the last few years due to this a lot of people have lost their jobs.
But by the act more people will come to the US and also their will be more jobs.
But not everybody is positive about the act. Some say that it's not needed because the US hasn't done it in the past so now they don't have to promote their country ether and that there are better decisions than this act.
This is a way that people can invest in the US without doing much or even paying for it. They just need to send in an document and let it be approved by the embassy. When all the papers or OK then the tourist can get a $10 fee.
I think this is a really good act. Because everyone who will visit the US had benefits and can help the American people in their own way.
Because a tourist spends a lot of money on his vacation and when you promote your country so that more people will visit. The economy will grow by the tourists who consume a lot. But also it will create more new jobs, jobs that serve every need of the tourist.
This act is a very good thing for the US as a country, for it's economy and for the people who are without a job.
The article that I based my text on: http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/25/news/economy/travel_promotion/index.htm
Liesbeth Masschelein
maandag 22 februari 2010
Haiti earthquake: UN seeks records aid donations
The article" Haiti earthquake: UN seeks records aid donations" talks about the United Nations who has need $1.44 billion for humanitarian appeal to help the victims in Haiti. This amount is an absolute record for the reconstruction of an natural disaster followed by the Asian Tsunami in 2004.
It was Secretary-General Ban-Ki-Moon and Bill Clinton who have announced this appeal. They announced Haiti is the UN's main concern because the rainy season is coming and the situation will become worse if we not intervene immediately.
According to me the need to water, food and other basic products are the priority in these difficult times because more than one million people were left homeless by the earthquake.
A spokesman of the UN said that around $0.68 billion has been given for humanitarian help but special envoy Bill Clinton wants harder commitments of the donors; he said "if you are not able to give what you want, give less but give it".
I can understand his opinion but on the other hand the opponents have the right to know what's going to happen with the huge amounts that they invest for the reconstruction.
In my opinion the aid has to come very fast because the situation is untenable for millions of people who live there. Nowadays the assistance for such natural disaster isn't organised as it should be, for example we are not always able to reach the victims in the disaster area.
With this financial help I think we are able to solve or improve other problems such as employment and agriculture. Let's hope that the Haitians can lead a normal life in the near future!
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8522732.stm
Mathias De Bruycker 2FV4
It was Secretary-General Ban-Ki-Moon and Bill Clinton who have announced this appeal. They announced Haiti is the UN's main concern because the rainy season is coming and the situation will become worse if we not intervene immediately.
According to me the need to water, food and other basic products are the priority in these difficult times because more than one million people were left homeless by the earthquake.
A spokesman of the UN said that around $0.68 billion has been given for humanitarian help but special envoy Bill Clinton wants harder commitments of the donors; he said "if you are not able to give what you want, give less but give it".
I can understand his opinion but on the other hand the opponents have the right to know what's going to happen with the huge amounts that they invest for the reconstruction.
In my opinion the aid has to come very fast because the situation is untenable for millions of people who live there. Nowadays the assistance for such natural disaster isn't organised as it should be, for example we are not always able to reach the victims in the disaster area.
With this financial help I think we are able to solve or improve other problems such as employment and agriculture. Let's hope that the Haitians can lead a normal life in the near future!
This blog is based on the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8522732.stm
Mathias De Bruycker 2FV4
zondag 21 februari 2010
General Motors sells Saab to Dutch firm Spyker
General Motors Company (GM) is the second largest car producer in the world. But due to the recession and the economical crises, the company got up in troubles itself. Begin June 2009 it asked for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and GM started with a reorganization. General Motors decided to concentrate on their US brands and started to sell their other participations, like Opel.
26 January 2010 General Motors declared that it had reached a deal with Spyker Cars about Saab. Spyker would pay 74 million dollar in cash and GM will receive 326 million dollar preferred shares in Saab.
Spyker is a small Dutch luxury carmaker and sold only 43 cars in 2008, which give them a loss of 35 million dollar. But it has made a compromise with the Swedish government, which will warrant a 563 million dollars loan from the European Investment Bank for Saab Automobile.
First of all, I think it’s good news for the employees, dealers and customers that Saab, a carmaker with a large history is saved from bankruptcy.
But on the second place, if you ask me, the marriage between Spyker and Saab is a lost cause.
Because Spyker is just a small firm and it’s used to produce a few cars every year and Saab has to produce thousands.
Could a firm which never have realised profits improve Saab, that lost 412 million dollar in 2008?
In maths, the sum of two negatives numbers will always be negative, why should it be different in this case?
My conclusion is that General Motors is succeeded to sell Saab, but the future of the Swedish carmaker is not without risk. The Swedish government will try to save their national icon. The future will show if this was a good solution.
Based on following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8481621.stm
Benny De Meyer, 2FV4
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