Gold is widely known as a safe haven asset by most investors. During the credit crisis gold prices reached record high levels. Last year gold prices hit an all-time high on the heels of the U.S. debt downgrade by Standard & Poor’s and the European debt crisis. As the hype over gold continued many experts …
Continue reading ‘Is Gold A Better Performer Than Stocks and Bonds in the Long-Term ?’ »
Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based Akzo Nobel(AKZOY) is the world’s largest paint and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. The company’s portfolio includes Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka brands. Last year the company had a total revenue of 14.6 billion Euros with North America and Europe accounting for about 60% of the sales . …
Asian banks are relatively in a better position than European and US banks. Having stayed strong during the credit crisis, Asian banks continue to maintain high Tier 1 Capital Ratios and follow their conservative business models. In addition, state regulators have played a key role in strengthening the banking systems by formulating sound policies and …
Emerging market equities did not perform well last year compared to years before. For example, the the benchmark indices of BRIC countries were down by double digits in 2011 with India’s Sensex being the worst performer losing 24.5%. Russia’s RTS, Brazil’s Bovespa and the Shanghai Composite Index were off 22.0%, 18.1% and 21.7% respectively. One …
Continue reading ‘Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Equity Markets of BRIC Countries’ »
Healthcare costs continue to rise in OECD countries. In the United States especially it has increased for many years outpacing inflation. According to the OECD, the US per capita health spending in 2009 was $7,960 which is two and half times that of the OECD average. One of the reasons for the high cost of …
Continue reading ‘Comparison of Obesity Rates Among OECD Countries’ »