The Freedom Watch

Deciding on Living in Medellin, Colombia: The Good & Bad

"I would say that I have now become semi-nomadic. I travel very differently than others in that I rent a furnished apartment anytime I move overseas. Since I day trade in the stock market and run other businesses online a reliable Internet connection is a necessity. To boast my credentials I will inform you that I have lived in 12 countries spanning five continents. All unique countries in their own right but nothing compares to living in the city of eternal spring. It has been noted in countless lists as one of the best places to live including the official Wandering Trader best places to live in South America list. The most important list of all right?" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDeciding on Living in Medellin, Colombia: The Good & Bad

Venezuela struggles to attract tourists

"After neglecting the tourism sector for years, in favor of the lucrative oil industry — Venezuela has the world’s largest proven reserves — the government in Caracas is now working hard to attract visitors. However, the country suffers from outdated infrastructure — hotels, highways and domestic flights are all lacking — and wary foreigners who choose different destinations after seeing Venezuela’s high crime rates. Colombia welcomed 2.1 million visitors last year, 4.5 million people flocked to the Dominican Republic and its famous resorts and Brazil had 5.6 million visitors. In 2011, Cuba opened its doors to 2.6 million tourists." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingVenezuela struggles to attract tourists

Two Gold ETFs Ripe For A Buy: GDX, GDXJ

"When it comes to playing the gold comeback, there are plenty of trading options. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is performing well in short-term trade. But I’m much more interested in its potential breakout over $31. The stock is getting within spitting distance of its post-crash intraday high of $30.96 (which it posted back in May). If it can close above that level, it will be well on its way to filling in that nasty gap lower from April. That said, GDX is a buy at $31. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miner ETF (NYSE:GDXJ) might be right up your alley." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTwo Gold ETFs Ripe For A Buy: GDX, GDXJ

Offshore Jurisdiction Review: Malta

"Malta is attractive to entrepreneurs, workers, and retirees alike. The government has special programs for high net worth retirees. There are several tax advantages to living in Malta. Only income remitted into Malta is subject to taxation, meaning you can own offshore investments and not pay a dime in tax. Furthermore, remittance of capital gains into Malta is tax free. Malta has no inheritance tax, wealth tax, or annual property tax. Put together low taxation, low cost of living, and year-round sunshine, and it becomes clear why Malta is very attractive to live and work in. EU nationals do not need any residence permit." Continue reading →

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India state moves to ban black magic after anti-superstition activist gunned down

"An Indian state government Wednesday approved legislation banning superstition and black magic, an official said, a day after a prominent champion of the bill was shot dead. 'An ordinance will be promulgated in the next two days,' the official said, declining to be named. Details were not yet available but an earlier draft proposed bans on beating a person to exorcise ghosts and on raising money by claiming to work miracles. Dabholkar, who founded the Committee for the Eradication of Blind Faith two decades ago, encountered opposition over the bill from Hindu nationalists who feared it could be used to curb religious freedoms." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIndia state moves to ban black magic after anti-superstition activist gunned down

Thanks shallot! Indian police foil onion heist

"Indian police have foiled a bid by robbers to make off with a truck laden with onions, in an unusual crime apparently motivated by rocketing prices of the staple food. The humble root vegetable, an essential ingredient in Indian cooking, has a surprisingly weighty track record of political influence. In 1980, Indira Gandhi exploited rising onion prices to storm back to power, appearing at campaign rallies waving huge strings of them with the message that a government that can not control onion costs has no right to govern. And in 1998, a six-fold surge in the cost of onions was held partly responsible for the electoral defeat of the ruling Delhi state government." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThanks shallot! Indian police foil onion heist

Indian rupee falls further amid Fed stimulus concerns

"The Indian rupee has fallen to a new all-time low against the US dollar, amid concerns the Federal Reserve will soon scale back its stimulus measures. Foreign investors have been pulling money out of India, as the economy has slowed and the cost of borrowing in dollars has risen. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is rumoured to have intervened to stem the slide in the currency. The Indian rupee has declined by nearly 16% against the US dollar since May and is Asia's worst performing currency so far this year. Its further decline on Tuesday was mirrored by falls in markets across other developing markets, particularly in Asia." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIndian rupee falls further amid Fed stimulus concerns

Are Dividends Overrated?

"Many investors like dividend-paying stocks because they are looking for income. Maybe they are retired. Maybe they want to supplement other income sources. But investing for dividend income is probably not the most efficient approach—even for these types of people. Warren Buffett talks about this issue in his latest letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. He gives a good explanation of why it's better for investors when companies reinvest their profits in growth rather than pay out dividends. That is assuming the companies have any decently profitable investment opportunities, which is to say, almost all of the time." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAre Dividends Overrated?