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India and ASEAN signs Trade in Goods Agreement

ASEAN –Southeast Asian trading bloc and India at last are prepared for signing a free trade agreement in goods like European Union style open market. The pact was supposed to have been reached last year but could not be, because there was some difference of opinion on products that India wanted to exclude from tariff cuts. New Delhi bad submitted a list of 1414 products, while the ASEAN`s target number was 400. India`s commerce minister Mr Kamal Nath described as “key regional milestone” this Trade in Goods (TIG) agreement with the 10 member ASEAN. The deal is likely to be signed in the next December in Bangkok during Indo-Asean summit. The minister observed “The countries of East Asia are important drivers of growth……with large consumption to drive global economies”, he referred to the combined market of 1.5 billion people that is waiting to be tapped. India and ASEAN currently enjoy a total trade of $38 billion and expect it to touch $50 billion by 2010. Under the pact India and ASEA...

Internet Cafe Refugees in Japan

I believe that the seed of communism was planted in the field of capitalism. With the advent of communism, in came few terms in our vocabulary and we were so used to them. Words like neo-rich, reactionary, proletariat, bourgeoise were circulated in 50s and 60s and gained momentum in 70s of last century. However gone are the days of Soviet Union, China; the communist citadel, Cuba and North Korea are in doldrums, it appears that socialistic (!) capitalism is the new mantra for survival in the era of globalization. Here again Russia, China, Brazil, India have taken the leads, former two are from communist bloc with capitalist outlook. Those of us born after World War II, have witnessed the rise and fall of communism are confused lots. We sometime fail to differentiate communism from capitalism. The former open offers the scopes to get rich, the later offers the same only to few, the party strongmen or henchmen. However after Second World War the countries like West German and Japan far e...

SATISFACTION

• Have you ever thought of that what exactly satisfaction is? Most of us are apt to think when you do not have anything to ask for, we are satisfied. Is it true? No! Never so; reason being that at that point of time you did not have urge for anything since you’re the then needs are met. But you have the yearnings; may be for years or decades! Satisfaction is a feeling that offers a sort of fullness mostly physically for time being. In fact you are satisfied truly when you want something and you get that. Not that after full course of lunch you are offered something what you might have not needed, you are served, you take it to oblige your host, and feel satisfied. Satisfaction is that what you get when you want the same.

UNPREDICTABLE STOCK MARKET

This year India has celebrated Independence Day with inflation rate touching new high; with same pomp and show, and the ruling government keeping the ensuing vote in mind has been generous with the largesse by hiking the pay of 5.5 millions government employees by 21% and more. Rest is left for to mend for themselves. Here is the release from Ministry of Finance Statement released by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance: "The rate of inflation for all commodities for the week ending August 2, 2008 stands at 12.44%, higher than the rate of 12.01% reported last week. After being nearly stable for four weeks, this rise has come as a major disappointment. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) moved up from 239.6 in the week ending July 26, 2008 to 240.4 in the week ending August 2, 2008. The silver lining is that the inflation rate for the group of 30 essential commodities at 6.54 per cent was lower than the inflation rate of 6.66 per cent recorded in the previous we...

CRUDE AND GOLD PRICE MOVEMENTS IN FUTURE

A recent study in the investment options for the fund managers and big investors has drawn my attention, it seems to be interesting, and so I thought why not to share this with my readers. We generally think when the stock market takes a south bound bend or plunges, showing the bear phase is out to take over, then the price of precious metal Gold go high. Gold has always been considered as a safe haven for investors to park their funds till the fresh opportunity emerges, so was the dollar earlier. With US economy under pressure and recession looming large, the dollars have lost much of its sheen. The investors and fund managers finding the unstable stock market in the emerging economy and US federal rate not being attractive, switched over to commodity market and speculating on crude. This led the world wide inflation and partially caused the food crisis too, these all issues have been discussed earlier on many of my articles. The current article is to focus on a new area of market a...

CRUDE FACTS ABOUT CRUDE OIL

Rising crude oil price has taken the global economy on ride. In India the inflation rate has crossed 12.01% last week, this is based on whole sale price index in India, but the real rate of inflation considering consumer price index is anything between 60-70% and so with other developing economy in the world. Now the oil price is cooling down and revolving around $125 per barrel from its all time high $153 per barrel, is still failing to make any visible impact on the rising inflation rate. Let us see what the crude facts about global crude demand are and supply position. The demand of oil has increased considerably in the developing nations, no doubt since last ten years. In China for the demand of oil has been registered as compounded annual growth rate of 6.5% for the last ten years (1997-2007). Last year India has taken the 4th largest oil consuming country in the world overtaking Germany and Russia. At the same time India`s position as a oil producer in 23rd in the world. This is ...

SPECULATION, INFLATION AND COMMODITY MARKET

The excessive volatility in commodity market can be attributed to excessive speculation. The current phase of inflation under which all the countries, the developed, developing and not to mention the poor, are reeling is a direct fall out of this. The excessive speculation in commodity market if allowed unfettered the mankind may go through this roller coaster rides for ever. Obviously it will be sickening and threats to derail the world economy and spreading famine, unemployment, drought and obviously another world war. Let us not forget the terms of surrender for Germans in 1st world war contained the seeds of the 2nd. The “reparation” clause as a term of surrender imposed upon Germany by the victors was not sustainable, so the result was the Second World War. The rest is history. The recent oil price hike, as alleged by Saudi Arabia, is not due to shortage of crude but excessive speculation of crude in the global commodity market. The oil price is looking down currently around $122 ...

INDO-PAK JOINT VENTURE MAY BE ON ANVIL!

Indian burses welcomed the verdict regarding the stability of the Government. The sensex and nifty has risen remarkably to -day i.e 23rd July 08. Well it may be initial euphoria as well. One cannot be certain that days of the bear are over. Better wait and watch is advisable for serious investor, day trader are indulging usual betting and making their money. Most of them off course making up their loses what they might have incurred earlier. However there is some good news in international scenario. The crude price is cooling down, though that also cannot be taken as certainty. With the crude price coming down, if at all, reining inflation can be easier. The progress of monsoon is hopeful and likely to meet the expectation. Though the growth rate is under pressure in the current quarter and likely to affect the projected growth rate at the year end. Still if the situation improve day by day, than it would not as bad as the market Gurus have been predicting. The mutual funds are sitting...

SHAKY STOCK MARKET!

Indian stock markets are currently rocking due to ongoing political crisis. The stability of government is the major factor. If the present government escape the fall, appears to be imminent due to lefts joint opposition on nuclear deal, the market may (watch my word “may”, it cannot be assured!) look up. In fact the global oil price is showing sign to calm down. The last crude price fall was very sharp it was around $20, last week in the international market. The fall was registered in both New York and London “Brent” crude prices. In India the market is not watching the triangular situation, the stability of government, the inflation and the global crude price. With the ray of better days ushering in the crude market, to-morrow is the d-day, the government stability for till it completes its tenure will be confirmed; last but most important factor is the inflation. The measures taken up, by the central bank, are likely to show results in two months now. Prices of some cereals and fo...

CAR INSURANCE COMPANY

When you buy a car, next thing you do look for car insurance. Even with your existing one you need to renew your car insurance time to time. Insurance rates are sometime changing faster than gas price. So, when you buy your car insurance; spending little time to compare the rates offered by different car insurance company can save you a lot of money. www.carinsurancerates.com offers you free quotes of multiple insurers. The site offers guidance and information that help you to pick up insurance cover for your car of any make, anywhere. While determining the premium of your car insurance, the insurance companies take several things into their consideration. First of all your driving history, that is most important to them, lesser the spot better the rate; that is the rule. Next comes; the sticker price, cost to repair and replace, safety features et al. Car Insurance rate.com has a toll free number, feel free to talk to them and seek their guidance. Their customer care is excellent ...

INDIAN GROWTH STORY - A SHAM!

Recently ended G8 summit and India`s move a step forward towards nuke deal; has raised lot of hues in media locally and internationally. Indian growth story, despite of it`s current depression due to uncontrollable inflationary pressure, is gaining popularity. Political mileage is being extracted to maximum extent by the ruling parties and its allies. Though; the leftist have withdrawn their support, portraying a bleak outcome of the deal in future, for imaginary reasons, best understood by them. The Government seems to be unperturbed. For the common men, especially the educated urban people, the inflation and the nuke deal both are important but the former merits immediate attention. The crude price is making record every passing day, breaking the previous high with no sign of respite, makes it impossible for India or any other developing nation to rein inflation. Indian growth story is passing, albeit hopefully for short period, though a bad time. But is the growth story consistent...

INFLATION; INDIAN JUGGLERY

Inflation is word what perhaps a primary school boy is getting use to. So much the pressure of inflation affected all strata of society in India or greater part of the globe. In India as with everything else, even inflation is not without its doze of hypocrisy! It is one of the few countries where a democratic Government juggles with the figure. Most of the developed and developing countries use Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate inflation, but for India it is Whole Sale Price Index (WPI). Government`s plea is that they cannot collect the data always on which the CPI is based! Ridiculous! WPI includes 100 out of 435 commodities, what are not important from consumer point view. In fact the retail price what consumer pays is much higher than the wholes sale price. In recent months there has been more than 30% hike in several commodities what are for common consumptions. In some cases it is even 60%! Whereas the latest Government figure declared 11.63% rate of inflation. Imagine the...

Global Stock Markets; the difference

The inflation in tandem with spiraling oil price is taking heavy toll on stock indices in Indian as well as all the major global burses. The south bound journey of stock indices is continued all over. No one seems to know how long they will last or when they will bottom out! Individual investors are shaky to burn their fingers; institutional investors seem to have diverted their fund towards more rewarding commodity market where speculation in oil is high. This may be another reason for the oil price`s apparently sky bound journey. The recent declaration of Iraq to open up their oil fields to corporate sectors is likely to take time. In the mean time Saudi Arabia has promised to increase their output from this month but nothing seems to work. Every day the oil price is touching new high and so the inflation. However, if we compare the different stock markets, we find that the countries which are commodity exporters are better than those economies which are net commodity importers. For...

Hedge your investments

With spiraling oil price followed by inflation is taking toll not only on your monthly budget but on your investments and future investment options. In India the current inflation rate declared a week ago is around 11.05% . Mind you this is based on taking the price hike of few specific commodities, metal and oil prices (edible and fuel both). But the actual rate of inflation varies from city to city and depending upon quantum and type of individual consumption. The inflationary pressures are maximum on the labor forces of unorganized sector. Here in India they comprise 92% of total work force, they are deprived of the automatic adjustment of dearness allowance on the pay with the rate of inflation as available in organized sector. However, the mass in the lower rung of working class are not bothered about investment and portfolio management and safeguard their investments against inflation. It is only the people middle class whether professional, businessmen or service holders in orga...

ANSWER FOR CANCER; A NEW HERBAL CURE

There are lots of debates on over the use of cell phone for years. There is some evidence available that it may cause brain cancer. Not only that, it affects that part of the brain which remains in the side the user usually hold the phone. Recently in Britain extensive research is undertaken to find the facts. It is likely to take few years, since the use of cell phone is hardly a decade old. The industries concerned, in the mean time, fearing any adverse report in the pipe line, are making the hay while sun shines. Cancer the dreaded disease is yet to find a remedy. The research is on all over the world, some breakthrough is made time to time but no proper cure is found yet. Like many inventions that took place, while searching for something else, such as x-ray; a wonder drug for cancer seems to have been found out in India. It is in the north-eastern part of India, in the province of Manipur, the scientists have identified finally and gave name of a plant, traditionally called `Kam-s...

OIL TO SPOIL

The oil price rise is presumably out of fear of irregular supply from Nigeria, Venezuela and Middle East crisis in Asia. Beside this off course, the hands of middlemen and OPEC countries are conspicuous. In terms of extracting exorbitant price the OPEC countries are keeping crude oil production at low ebb. These countries have nothing except oil. Their fortune will dry up along with their oil wells; this they know well. So, they are all out making hay till the oil wells are dried up. That way you cannot blame them, their lack of concern for those who are going starve due to oil price hike and resulting chain reaction causing all around inflation, is historically usual. The rich countries like US, West European counties, in far eastern Asia like Japan are dolling out subsidies to absorb the shock for time being. But they too are feeling the tremors, keep afar the poor sub-Saharan countries, after all stark naked has nothing to lose! This meteoric rise of oil price, has chosen a time, wh...

Reining Indian Inflation

A #1 English daily in India reads “ Govt adds fuel to ire” ; this is the reaction of yesterday`s Indian Govt. announcement of fuel price hike! Can any Govt. ever subsidize a product which has a ever increasing domestic consumption and 70% of the gross consumption is imported? Obviously the reply is no. So, like any other Govt. the Indian Govt. is left with no choice but to hike the price of fuel. The price of fuel in India is still controlled by Govt. In fact in the days of globalization, how long that can be continued is anyone`s guess. Here any unpopulist action taken by Govt., is encashed by the political parties, those who are not in power and aspiring for it. “The public opinion is humbug” –as the old adage goes. In the state of West Bengal (during colonialisation this state became the first to come in touch of West ironically!) called for a “bandh”, paralyzing the life for two days. As in twoconsecutive days, two different political parties call given call for “total strike”; wha...

RISING FUEL PRICE RAISING INDIAN SOFTWARE INDUSTRIES PROSPECTS

Indian sunrise sector, IT industry was reeling under pressure to keep its profit margin throughout the last year. The reason was Indian Rupee was gaining strength against Dollars. Results, the imports became cheaper and exports were less remunerative. This is obvious every time Rupee appreciates in terms of Dollars. Dollars being till date the major currency for international trade, the fluctuation of exchange rate affects the profit margin of any industry that either import raw materials, capital goods, labor or anything and so with the industry that exports similar goods or service. Major IT companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Satyam and all other that sell their products or services, suffered loss in comparison to their profit margin for previous couple of years. Their share price shot up and market capitalization grew to a level, never seen ever, it touched its zenith in late 2007. The prolonged euphoria lasted so longer than expected in Indian stock market is truly nerve wrecking ...

UN`s Economic forcasts

The world economy is “ teetering on the brink” of a severe downturn that is how it is observed by UN in their mid-year economic projection. The global economy is expected to grow only 1.8% in 2008 as against 3.8% in 2007. This downturn is likely to continue with only little respite in 2009 with 2.1% growth, as the UN report said. The developing countries are likely to suffer badly, since they would grow at the rate of 5% this year and 4.8% next year, compared to a growth rate of 7.3% last year i.e 2007. UN economists observe that credit crisis deepening due to US led housing price slump, weakening of dollars, oil price sky rocketing and commodity price following the trail, are causing major imbalance in global economy. Thus it is impeding the growth all around the world. However, the UN report said the final figure will largely depend on developments in the US. Even the global growth may fall to 0.8% if the US sub-prime mortgage market turmoil has a more serious impact on developing c...

Dollars losing its sheen

I still remember the name of an old movie “For a few Dollars more”, because of it`s title music. For years it lingered in my years. Perhaps the movie was made in early 70s, when gulf crisis and Breton Wood formula both emerged, to stay till to-day. The gulf crisis pushed the petrol price higher than ever imaginable and the fixed currency exchange rate, what was is vogue, switched to market driven force to determine the exchange rate of all the currencies. Off course the Soviet Bloc excluded them to be penalized later. It is all history now. However, for the second half of the last century, after the world war, dollar gradually reached to a height what can be called a safe heaven. The US economy, the Federal Bank`s apt guidance and the unmatchable technological innovation in US helped the dollar to its current position. The new mantra, consumerism, what US economy has been advocating and what rest of the world is following till now , appears to be at stake. The dollar waning sheen is ...