CLibertyC

Capital Flows Back to U.S. as Markets Slump Across Asia

"Asia’s role as the world’s growth engine is waning as economies across the region weaken and investors pull out billions of dollars. The clouds forming in Asia as liquidity tightens and China’s slowdown curbs demand for commodities and goods are fueling a selloff of emerging-market stocks, reversing a flow of money into the region in favor of nascent recoveries in the U.S. and Europe. Emerging markets from Brazil to Indonesia have raised borrowing costs in 2013 to try to aid their currencies as the prospect of reduced U.S. monetary stimulus curbs demand for assets in developing nations." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCapital Flows Back to U.S. as Markets Slump Across Asia

Want to invest in Cuba? Learn how to wait

"The buildings, the roads, the power grid, the water system—all need updating after decades of neglect under a socialist regime. After CNBC spent a week in Cuba meeting with the leaders overseeing economic reforms, it's unclear whether authorities are ready to make the changes necessary to become attractive to investors on a large scale. One place where such investment is visible is in the oil and gas industry. Driving toward Varadero, a team from CNBC spotted at least one oil drill bearing Chinese flags. As for any kind of large-scale privatizations, investors will have to keep waiting." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWant to invest in Cuba? Learn how to wait

Cuba 2012 (BBC Documentary)

"In this hour-long documentary for the BBC's award-winning This World strand, Simon gets under the skin of a colourful and vibrant country famous for its hospitality and humour and asks if this new economic openness could lead to political liberalisation in a totalitarian country with a poor human rights record. Will Cuba be able to maintain the positive aspects of its long isolation under socialism - low crime, top-notch education and one of the best health systems in the world - while embracing what certainly looks like capitalism? Is this the last chance to see Cuba before it becomes just like any other country?" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCuba 2012 (BBC Documentary)

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