Since the credit crisis hit global financial markets, many companies have seen their lending sources dry up, causing major strain on them to complete everyday tasks. The troubling news is, despite government effort, a new report suggests things arent improving. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis of Treasury Department data, banks receiving the largest amount of TARP or Trouble Asset Relief Program funds refinanced 23% less in new loans...more
So, you are about to embark upon the fun task of switching banks, opening an account for the first time or perhaps just looking around to see what is out there. Think about what you need and then look into your choices. Consider how fast you can get results. Does the bank or credit union utilize automated decisioning so that you can get results in an instant? Automated decisioning is a way that financial institutions can get you answers regarding...more
Index Trading is simple, the term 'Index Trade' refers to a trade that can be placed whether a particular Stock Market Index moves up or down over any specified (short-term) time period. You never actually own the instrument you are investing in, you are simply taking a 'position' on a particular Index to move in one specified direction, either 'UP or DOWN'. There are many global Stock Market Indices, some examples include: XJO (Australian Stock Exchange - ASX 200); FTSE (London - UK Stock Exchange - FTSE100); CAC (Paris - French Stock Exchange - CAC40); INDU (US Stock Exchange NYSE - Dow Jones Industrials Average - DJIA30).Share Trading and Index Trading are often incorrectly thought to be the same thing. The terms 'Share Trading' and 'Index Trading' are never to be used interchangeably, although they both utilize the same Stock Market Indices, they are two entirely different trading systems. The trading process in Index Trading is based on taking a position on which way an overall market will move in a relatively short time frame, requiring minimal investment, and minimal risk by the trader, in comparison to Share Trading which requires substantial investment and risk and does...more
The business of doing forex mainly relies on foreign currency exchange rates. These are the dollars, yen, euros and other such currencies which are being used to facilitate an exchange between various forex businesses. If you are new in the forex business it would be a good idea to focus on a few major currencies first before you move on to dealing...more
As the major economies start to stabilise and the risk of a depression thankfully recedes, many people are reflecting on a few important issues. Firstly, how did it happen? Secondly, how can you better protect yourself in the future?Few would argue against the importance of fiscal planning and research. Opportunities in fluctuating markets, tax...more
As the world slowly recovers from the credit crunch and we look back at what went right and what went wrong, people are increasingly looking to take control of their finances.Many of us are looking to be more tax efficient with our investments. We are also looking to adjust existing stocks and shares portfolios. And then there is considering new investment opportunities.Even so, most of us could benefit from a little more research and financial planning. Having said that, there are a growing number of individuals who are making use of a newer, highly regulated, form of trading, namely Spread Trading.Before we proceed though, it should be pointed out that, as with all forms of investment, there is a downside and you can lose more than your initial stake.Its worth questioning, as with all trading of the financial markets, why trade?As we have just said, all forms of investment have risks attached. Of course, they all also have upsides and a spread trade is no different. In this case, apart from the potential profits, there are tax* advantages and quick, simple access to global markets.There is a range of advantages with this form of trading. Firstly, an investor can buy or sell a...more
With the world in recovery mode, many people are still questioning how the financial markets got so out of control. They are also questioning something a little closer to home; how to better look after their own money and finances.If we are being...more
Getting back to even!! Boy...that has a nice ring to it! After suffering through the market’s near collapse in 2000, I thought I’d seen the worst of it. I’ll never forget...My broker at the time (long since fired) worked...more
So it looks like we have avoided a 1930s style depression however the current forecasts still suggest slow growth and a difficult time ahead. So what should you do in a difficult environment with your own finances?If we were to be honest with...more
In the aftermath of the credit crunch, investors are learning from past mistakes and deciding to take greater control of their finances.Opportunities in fluctuating markets, tax efficiency and planning investments for the future are all motivating...more
So it looks like we managed to avoid a 1930s style depression. However, the current forecasts still suggest slow growth and a difficult time ahead. So what should you do in a difficult environment with your own finances?Diversification of assets, tax...more
The streets (both Main and Wall, to abuse already tired metaphors) are filled with murmurs of both caution and hope, when it comes to real estate markets nationwide reaching the bottom of their tumble and starting to turn upward. Have we seen the...more