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Announcements |
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| ROHERA Business Network International
Thursday, April 26, 2007Romanian Heritage Assn. - ROHERA Business Network is made up of businesspeople and professionals of Romanian background or anyone who supports Romanian economic activity. There is no charge to register your Contact Info online to stay informed about business get-togethers, to post your specialty on this website, and promote Romanian economic activity. Join ROHERA for $50 a family or $25 a person & you can post your enhanced business entry (logo and full-profile). 2007 is the year of Romania's integration into the EU & the World - let's join hands and move forward together - Hai sa dam mana cu mana!
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Market Commentary |
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Did Exxon misplay its bet on China?
If new estimates are right, China won't import as much liquefied natural gas as once thought, leaving big energy companies -- particularly Exxon Mobil -- in the lurch.
The best banks to invest in
The post-crisis financial landscape may be confusing, but it offers more banking models to choose from -- including one that seems poised for long-term growth.
Bubble, bubble . . . China's trouble
Many aspects of China's real-estate bubble mirror the run-up to the housing bust in the US. But there are important differences as well.
Investor clues in latest earnings
Results show some themes for smart investors to monitor -- and to be ready to act on when the time is right.
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Finance Tips |
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How much life insurance do you need?
The answer depends on your health, income, age, savings and whether you have a spouse, kids or mortgage. Here's a simple way to calculate an actual dollar amount.
Some people can't get credit? Good!
Credit is a useful financial tool -- when it is extended and used responsibly. But given too freely, credit can wreak havoc on the whole economy. Where's the line?
Believe it or not, a housing shortage
Yes, even with months of inventory languishing on the market, some real-estate experts see a day coming when demand for new homes will exceed supply.
Bribed -- to pay off credit cards
Some customers who have been chipping away at big balances are being offered cash if they'll knock down their debts faster. Could you be one of them?
Strapped states find virtue in vice
Cities and states are investigating 'anything and everything' -- including looser restrictions on gambling, alcohol and strip clubs -- to drum up revenue.
This is credit card reform?
Many cardholders are seeing higher fees and steeper interest rates. But rate hikes have slowed, and some issuers are offering their best customers longer teaser rates.
Rent a car, risk a surprise ticket
Traffic camera operator ATS gets drivers' credit card data from rental companies, so if one of its cameras catches you, an unexpected charge may pop up on your bill.
Uncle Sam's unseen health care plan
If you're in the market for long-term-care insurance, take a look at what the government will offer soon. But should you wait for it or buy other coverage now?
Mortgages that require little down
Once again, you can buy a house without a lot upfront -- or even with no down payment. Here are 5 options for potential homeowners who are short on cash.
Financial Aid 101: How to get more cash
Even well-off families may find they're expected to pay more for college than they can really afford. But with the right financial moves, they can qualify for more aid.
10 credit cards that won't rip you off
Whether you're trying to repair bad credit, pay off high-interest cards or chase sweet rewards, these cards are worth considering. But, as always, read the fine print.
Should you co-sign for Mom and Dad?
Middle-aged parents who've lost their jobs or savings are turning to their adult children for help. Plus: 6 things to ask before agreeing to co-sign.
9 tips: Getting the right insurance
Tailoring your coverage to your circumstances can save you thousands a year while keeping you better protected. Here's what to look for and what to avoid.
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Economy News |
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Recovery Loses Momentum
U.S. economic growth slowed in the second quarter to a 2.4% annual rate. Business investment was strong, but imports were a big drag and consumers contributed less.
South Korea's Exports Rose in July
South Korea's trade surplus shrank less than expected in July to $5.67 billion from $6.43 billion in the preceding month as robust semiconductor and car exports remained on the expansionary phase.
Are Bonds Expensive? Stocks Cheap? Or Both?
After lagging behind bond performance this year, stocks appear historically cheap compared to bonds, offering investors reason to favor stocks, particularly if they are optimistic about the economic outlook.
Bernanke's Portfolio Rebounded in '09
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke made up last year for losses suffered in his personal portfolio in 2008—thanks, in part, to the stock market recovery he helped bring about.
Growth Now Hinges on Consumers
The fading economic benefit from inventory buildup means growth now largely depends on how much people are willing to spend on finished goods.
IMF: U.S. Financial System Still at Risk
The IMF says the U.S. financial system is "slowly recovering," but remains vulnerable to crisis, in part because Congress and the administration have failed to streamline a regulatory system marked by turf battles and overlapping responsibilities.
Euro-Zone Inflation Jumps
The euro zone's inflation rate jumped to a 20-month high, but with unemployment near a 12-year peak, the ECB is unlikely to tighten monetary policy anytime soon.
Jobless Claims Fall
Initial jobless claims declined by 11,000 to 457,000 last week, but that followed a big rise the previous period, signaling little improvement in the job market.
More Record Lows for Mortgages
U.S. mortgage rates fell again, with the average rate on 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages furthering record lows.
U.K. Consumer Confidence Slumps
Consumer confidence slumped to the lowest level in 11 months in July, raising fears the economy could fall back into recession, a monthly survey released by polling firm GfK NOP showed.
Germany Regains Jobs Lost in Recession
German unemployment fell for the 13th straight month, putting Europe's largest economy on the brink of a milestone: regaining all of the jobs lost during the recession earlier than expected.
Euro-Zone Sentiment Improves
Euro-zone economic sentiment strengthened to its highest level in more than two years in July, fueled by markedly positive numbers in Germany.
IMF Urges China to Consume More
China's trade surplus is set to balloon again unless the government takes more steps to support domestic consumption, including letting its currency strengthen, the IMF warned.
Building Bust Chokes Off California Jobs
Amid the tepid economic recovery, California's construction industry continues to hemorrhage jobs, helping to explain why unemployment across the state remains so much worse than elsewhere in the country.
Canada Logs Opposition to Simpler Census
The government of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is under fire from a range of opponents for a privacy initiative—making participation in his country's census largely voluntary.
U.K. Mortgage Approvals Drop
U.K. mortgage approvals slipped to their weakest level since February and net consumer lending remained tame in June. U.K. consumer confidence slumped to its weakest level in 13 months in July.
It's-Its Dodge Economic Chill
A Bay Area company has retained a recipe for success in a sluggish economy: Take a scoop of ice cream, squish it between two oatmeal cookies and apply dark chocolate.
Beige Book Shows Sluggish Growth
U.S. economic activity rose only modestly in June and the first half of July, the Fed said, in another sign that the recovery may be running out of steam.
Fitch Cuts Vietnam Ratings
Fitch cited a deterioration in the Southeast Asian country's finances and a banking system vulnerable to systemic stress.
Russia Plans State Asset Sale
The Russian government outlined plans to slightly loosen state control over the economy, aiming to raise as much as $29 billion by selling minority stakes in state companies.
Property Crime Edges Up
Property crime decreased in many cities in the Bay Area and across the U.S. last year, but not in some Silicon Valley communities.
IMF Report Shows Discord on Yuan
The IMF urged China to phase out stimulus measures that boosted the global economy during the recent downturn, a long-delayed review revealed.
Durable-Goods Orders Slide
Demand for U.S. durable goods slid 1% in June for a second consecutive month in another sign the manufacturing sector expansion is slowing.
Rate Swings Sting Europe's Borrowers
Households and small businesses across Central and Eastern Europe are sinking under the weight of foreign-currency debts.
ECB Gets Tougher on Its Bank Lending
The ECB set big increases to the discounts it will impose on low-rated and illiquid bonds when it accepts them as collateral for its lending operations.
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