The territorial disputes between China and Japan over a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea have sparked protests in China since last month. The intensity of the dispute increased last week after the Japanese government bought some of the islands from a private Japanese owner. On Sunday, the biggest anti-Japanese protests in … Continued

With the Europeans returning from summer vacation this week, it is likely the problems in Europe will return to the forefront. Sunday’s New York Timesfeatured the following article that discussed various plans American companies are putting into place in the event that Greece is to exit the Euro Zone. Some of these companies have stated … Continued

April 23, 2012: Wall Street Journal headline – “Scandal Spurs Indian Coal Auction” “India is the world’s third-largest producer of coal, after China and the U.S. But it has become increasingly reliant on imports from countries such as Indonesia because of slumping domestic production. This year, demand is expected to outstrip production by about 100 … Continued

Sadly the early hope for an Arab Spring that would fuel the populous to societies with greater freedoms, including the right to free elections, freedom of speech, freedom of religionand equal rights for women, which would ultimately lead the region to job growth and economic prosperity, now appears to have failed the people and the … Continued

Reading an essay this morning on the demographic challenge currently facing several South American nations (aging populations), I came across one of those obvious, but often ignored assertions (like the one, “Wear clean underwear, you never know when you’re going to be in an accident”; the ignoring part is not about wearing clean underwear, but … Continued

August 10, 2012: www.wikianswers.com– “What percentage of Greece’s population is government employed? 1 in every 3 workers, 33.33% of the working population.” August 9, 2012: Wall Street Journal headline – “Greek May Unemployment Rate Hits Fresh High of 23.1%” August 9, 2012: Stephen Henderson, Detroit Free Press– “For unions and the whole idea of collective … Continued

The tales of murder, conspiracy, and corruption that are leaking out from China regarding the Bo Xilai scandal have been remarkable to follow. Truth can often be much stranger than fiction and the scandal surrounding this ousted politician has managed to rock the Chinese government. Prior to his ousting, Bo was seen as somewhat of a populist … Continued

On Monday, following Sunday’s first-round of presidential elections in France, the CAC 40 index (which is largely representative of the French equity markets) fell nearly 3%.  The presidential incumbent, Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been on board with Germany’s austerity plans to tackle the European financial crisis, came in second place in the first-round vote to … Continued

While I follow several economic and financial related publications, this week John Mauldin’s e-letter, titled ‘Unconsidered Consequences’, contemplated intriguing and timely observations regarding the proposed debt resolution issue facing the Greek government and the role of the European Central Bank (ECB). Below are a couple excerpts that caught my eye. “As noted above, ECB financing, … Continued

Below is a recent internal email conversation that took place amongst a few of our investment professionals. This thread may prove interesting to those who are also pondering possible ‘fixes’ for the Eurozone’s current money woes. If you have any further thoughts or comments, please feel free to share! From: Robert Bilkie, Jr. Thinking out … Continued

Equity markets have proven their penchant for volatility in August. The last few trading sessions have been mostly positive though. As the volatility temporarily fades from the radar screen and we turn our sights to other matters germane to investment decision making, we thought it notable that Greek sovereign bonds are currently trading for anywhere … Continued

Citizens outside of Greece, specifically the Germans, are frustrated by the notion that their taxes will be used to pay for what they view as the recklessness or laziness of others. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been very vocal about her stance on the situation. Her position is quite simple – all stakeholders, no matter … Continued