For investors in Brazil, the re-election of President Dilma Rousseff with 51.6% of the vote in a runoff, indicates that the nation is divided on what future political course their country should take. It will have serious economic consequences. Although Ms. Rousseff promised to reunite the nation after a acrimonious political battle with her rival Aecio Neves, she never mentions him by name. Brazil is facing some serious economic challenges that can totally derail growth. If this happens not only will it […]
The World Of Business And Investment After The 2014 United States Elections
Investors will now want to know what are the implications for business and investment, with the Republican sweep of both houses of Congress. This outcome was predicted the last time, by this writer on August 25th. In the House of Representatives, the Republicans now have the largest majority since the 1920’s, with the likelihood of 249 sets out of 435 total. In addition to recapturing control of the Senate, the Republicans now control 70% of the state legislatures and won 26 out […]
Saudi Arabia Continues To Use Oil As A Economic And Foreign Policy Weapon
Investors in oil and natural gas saw world prices for fossil fuels decline even further with the latest action by Saudi Arabia. Oil is now at a lower point in price than has been seen in more than four years. The Saudis unexpectedly announced that crude sold in the United States from them would experience another price cut. As the world’s largest exporter of oil this decision puts added pressure on American domestic energy producers. The question on investors mind is at […]
Quantitative Easing In Japan Gaining Dangerous New Impetus
International investors observed the ending of Quantitative Easing in the United States last month. This was good news for more traditional economic voices around the world. However, at the same time Quantitative Easing (QE) has gained new impetus in Japan over the past week. QE which is the long term asset purchase by a central bank, will soon be vastly expanded in Japan. Starting next year, the Bank of Japan will increase its balance sheet by 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) […]
Time For Investors To Take Another Look At Coal
Most investors in energy have no idea that coal continues to be the cheapest fuel for generating electricity and heat in most parts of the world. Despite the efforts of environmentalists and some national leaders to move to alternative and renewable fuels the worldwide demand for coal proceeds to grow. Coal will remain the essential fuel to those nations and groups of people that are experiencing energy poverty. Another important thing to remember about coal is that it is the cheapest and […]
Down In Mexico Where The Investments Can Grow
An investment in the growing economy in Mexico can make sense to take advantage of the abundance of natural resources and relatively low wage structure. Mexico is the 14th largest economy in the world. In PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) it ranks 10th globally. In Latin America it is the second largest economy after Brazil. The overall economy is growing at only 2.99% but in comparison to some other areas of the world it offers longer term stability. A targeted investment will see […]
With Oil Prices Plummeting Investors Can Now Expect A Sovereign Default In Venezuela
Investors have now seen oil prices decline by at least 25% since June. It is the bright spot in the present slow down in the global economy and the roiling stock markets around the world. It is a welcome relief to consumers in East Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. It is estimated that in America alone, the annual savings in transportation costs will average at least $500 USD (United States Dollar) per household. It will at the same time […]
For Investors A New Era Of Lower Oil Prices Has Unwittingly Arrived
Investors in energy have watched the United States go from the 3rd largest producer of oil in 2013, to the largest in the world this year. American production has overtaken both Russia the former largest producer, and Saudi Arabia. The United States had already become the largest natural gas producer in 2010, thanks to hydraulic fracturing also known as fracking and the shale boom. Production of oil is surging in North Dakota and Texas, as any visitor there can see. Daily output […]
How The Spread Of The Ebola Virus Will Effect Trade And Investment
Investors should note that the Ebola virus has been around since at least 1976. The first outbreak was mostly limited to Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and South Sudan. There have been a number of breakouts over the years. In the past the death rate was 90%. In the latest outbreak in West Africa, five countries are on the front lines this time around. They include the nations of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Since last December to the […]
What A Black Swan Event Can Do To International Investment And The World Economy
As international events continue to become more dangerous investors are becoming more apprehensive. The crisis in Ukraine will proceed to be an area of conflict between the West and Russia for some time to come. Many people remain uneasy that Russia may well decide to destabilize additional countries in Europe and other former republics of the Soviet Union. In the Far East the crisis in Hong Kong may not be abated. China refuses to allow real democracy in the former British colony. It […]