Hong Kong's Status as an International Financial Center at Crossroads
Hong Kong lost its status as a global financial hub amidst shifting rankings and regulatory hurdles. Read the implications of China's tightening grip and cross-border capital flow uncertainties.
May 15, 2024 11:59 PM EDT
Is China's Central Bank Gold-Buying Spree a Precursor for War? Part II of II
The idea of a nation acquiring large gold reserves in preparation for military endeavors is not without historical precedent. Prior to World War I, European powers increased their gold reserves, and a century later, Russia's central bank doubled its gold holdings in the years before its invasion of Ukraine. This same strategic stockpiling of gold could be inferred from China and its pre-war positioning for a Taiwan incursion.
Is China's Central Bank Gold-Buying Spree A Precursor for War? Part I of II
Since 2009, China has more than doubled its gold reserves. In wartime, particularly in wars perpetrated in violation of international law, the resulting international sanctions can force an invader state to rely on its gold reserves. Thus if a country is preparing to go to war and incur sanctions, it will ensure it has an ample reserve of gold.
Costco's Gold Bars Part II: From Africa to the Alps to You
So where exactly does that shiny new "999.9 fine gold minted" bar from Costco come from? Under that "Essayeur Fondeur" Swiss authenticity stamp lies a long, bloody trail of death and tears.
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Handy Smart Wallet EKSTER Secures Belongings & Recharges Mobile Battery
Ekster, the calf leather built smart wallet, introduced by Kickstarter, Phorce appointed marketing agent, is witnessing a huge customer demand due to its unique features which include securing preserved cards through wi-fi, GPS tracking of lost device, super power storage capability as well as recharging to other devices.
Dec 16, 2015 06:25 AM EST
Cigarettes Losing Popularity: Marijuana, the Preferred Choice for the Teens
The cigarette smoking has reduced by 55% in last 5 years. This is the first time that the reports showed an increase in daily marijuana consumption outshining cigarettes in the last 4 decades.
Dec 17, 2015 06:17 AM EST
Asian stocks rise on Wall Street gains
Tracking overnight gains on the US markets, Asian stocks rose on Wednesday. The market is looking to the decision of US Federal Reserve on interest rate. The recovery in oil prices and short covering were the major reasons for the rebound on Asian markets.
Dec 16, 2015 04:00 AM EST
Hong Kong stocks rebound from longest losing streak since 1984
Hong Kong stocks recovered from nine-session losses, the worst phase since July 1984. The market is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the US Fed meeting. The Chinese government has postponed the reduction proposal in retail petrol prices. The fresh rally in energy stocks boosted Hong Kong and China indices.
Dec 16, 2015 03:56 AM EST
Frutarom buys Wiberg: Raises its sales target to $2 billion by 2020
Israel’s Futarom, leading flavor and fine ingredients maker has announced that it is to acquire Austrian savory flavor maker Wiberg for $130 million. Futarom has aimed its sales target to $2 billion by 2020.
Dec 17, 2015 04:21 AM EST
Google Unveils Designer Smartwatches, Info Personalized Android Wear
Google’s Tuesday’s announcement on bringing new designer watch faces to the Android Wear portfolio in collaboration with nine other crop designers, provides the users an opportunity to imagine smartwatches in more personalized and contextual manner.
Dec 16, 2015 06:20 AM EST
Bosnia catching up for Arab investments
Bosnia, a southeast European nation, is attracting not only tourists from the Middle East region but also investors. Arabs are investing heavily in Bosnia's capital city Sarajevo. Bosnia is facing unemployment problem, which is at 40 percent. The country is still suffering from the impact of war. With Arab projects coming up in Bosnia, the tourism sector is set to emerge as an alternative to glamorous Swiss resorts.
Dec 16, 2015 03:40 AM EST
Yuan at 4-year low against the US dollar
After being added to IMF's basket of currencies, Chinese Yuan fell for eight out of 10 sessions, recording its longest run of losses since June. The Chinese currency against the US dollar dropped to four-year low. However, it rose against 11 of 16 major currencies. Chinese central bank in a statement said that Yuan shouldn't be measured by its fluctuations only against the US dollar, but also against other major currencies.
Dec 16, 2015 03:01 AM EST
Fashion Website Gilt To Be Sold for $250 Million: Hudson’s Bay is the Prospective Buyer
Gilt is into talks with Hudson’s Bay to sell off its business at $250 million. The value of Gilt group is surely slashed from where it was a couple of years ago. The deal is however yet to be finalized early in the coming year.
Dec 15, 2015 07:54 PM EST
Indian indices rose ahead of Fed decision
Indian equities slipped into pressure as foreign investors pulled off heavily ahead of US Fed meeting. However, the benchmark indices recovered from six-year lows to end the trading on a positive note on Tuesday. The US Fed rate hike is discounted by India amid lower oil prices. Indian imports oil for its 80 percent of energy requirements. Fund managers are bullish on Indian markets for 2016. The surge in consumer prices is positing a tough task for RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.
Dec 16, 2015 03:37 AM EST
Delhi Bans Diesel Car Registration: Bold Step in Tackling Climate Changes
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Dec 16, 2015 06:15 AM EST
Seattle passes law: Uber and Lyft drivers to form Unions
Seattle City has become the first in the nation to pass a bill allowing Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing services to form unions over pay and working conditions.
Dec 17, 2015 04:07 AM EST