The recent weakness of the US Dollar has certainly helped bolster the commodities futures markets. With most commodities, like Gold and Crude Oil, priced in dollars, any dollar weakness can help boost the commodity prices. Gold has shot up to $1,100 level. Whilst the price may have gone a bit too far, too quickly, the trend is firmly in favour of the bulls. Of course, if there is any currency strength it could quickly return the $900 level.Oil,...more
The rose tinted view of financial data continues to drive the markets as more and more reasons are found to speculate on shares even as the driving impetus of the actual economy seems to be stuttering once again. As far as I can see, much of the data over the past months has been rather less cut and dried in favour of a recovery than the headlines appear to have suggested. For all of the economists readings of the tea-leaves much of their...more
In a recent statement, Simon Denham of London-based Capital Spreads said, Sterling remains popular for the moment and it is difficult to be too negative on a technical viewpoint as the downside is definitely an unproductive area for the moment. The Euro continues to hold, in the main, to its gains over the last few months but the upside is beginning to look more difficult. Longer term investors, who have been piling into the Euro as, it almost seems, a quasi replacement for the Chinese Yuan, are pausing for breathe at the moment. It might be interesting to see what will happen if European growth starts to look less optimistic. The currency is overvalued by most measures and, while this state of affairs often continues for long periods where currencies are concerned, the swing backs can be very exciting indeed.That is all well and good but if you want to trade the currency markets what is the best way to do it? Many private investors are looking for fast and simple access to global markets and many are turning to spread betting.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...more
Do you find yourself looking for your dream home, but do not know where to start? You need to have a plan in place as a first step to owning your own home. When you plan ahead, you can be take more informed investment decisions. After all, purchasing a home is a long term decision, and you need to invest right to make it count. The fact of the...more
As the economic recovery continues, many people are considering gaining greater command of their investments. This is especially true after considering the good and bad points of how the credit crunch was handled.But what to trade, where to trade and how to trade?It may have been around since the 1970s but people are now turning to spread trading...more
Investing in real estate can be quite frustrating at times. More often than not, the first time investors and buyers face a lot of problem in hunting down even the most basic information. The importance of online providers who assist in the entire process can be better comprehended in this context. These online experts help clients in property investments by providing all the relevant information needed to take such a decision in one place. The people wanting to invest in real estate can take their help to know more about rental rates and property tax rates, for instance. It would not be an overstatement to say that the property investment analysis which is possible in many of these sites is finding a lot of takers. Many first time home owners are visiting these sites and getting a better perspective of where to invest and when to do so. The property investment analysis provided with some of the more reputed firms is quite a bit more than just get rich schemes. Professionals assist the investors and buyers regarding the location of their investments and also support the actual process of investing in real estate. With this help, real estate investment can be a lot less time...more
There are many of us who are very much eager and enthusiastic about procuring property for residential use or for our first business venture. For business owner, getting the right kind of space for setting up business is very much essential if they...more
Many people are increasingly thinking about taking control of their finances; especially in the light of the positives and negatives drawn from the economic crisis.Tax efficiency, opportunities in fluctuating markets, diversifying existing investment...more
Other than the pittance that The Globe and Mail pays me for my columns, I haven't received a paycheque in two years.Despite not getting paid by anyone, I never really retired in the work sense - initially I was sorting out what my new venture was...more
The Indian stock market is a mixed bag of advances and declines. But it is positivism that gains more consideration. The recession bug has no doubt hit all world markets including stock market in India, but things have changed for the better. With...more
In especially volatile economic times, the drive to invest money wisely becomes more poignant. Traditional money-management strategies are examined with hesitation: just because an investment portfolio behaved well once before does not dictate its...more
After the last 18 months in the stock market, many investors are shell-shocked. They thought they were on track, setting aside money, investing regularly in preparation for retirement. Then after the market top in October 2007 the economy contracted,...more