Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Why no one wants regime change in North Korea

The reason is simple. No matter how much neighbouring governments might despise and fear the loathsome North Korean regime, no one wants to pick up the economic bill if it collapses, forcing an early reunification with South Korea.

Analysts divided on whether recovery is well under way


Encouraging data may not be sustainable, economists warn

Roubini: Emerging Markets Will End Dollar’s Reign


The influence of emerging markets in the world economy will continue to expand and ultimately contribute to ending the dollar’s reign as global reserve currency, economist Nouriel Roubini said on Tuesday.

It’s No Bull: Bears Are Still In Control of the Stock Market


Pay no attention to that 35 percent gain in the past three months – this is still every bit of a bear market, no matter what traditional definitions say.

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

More Pain Ahead For US Economy: Roubini, Shiller

A rebound in key U.S. economic indicators masks an underlying malaise that will likely hamstring growth for many years and keep housing and banks in a rut, several top economists said Monday.

Earnings Could Rebound Sharply: Goldman’s Cohen

Risk aversion has eased, while inventory rebuilding and new business spending bode well for an economic recovery that could provide a dramatic surge in corporate profits by year end, Goldman Sachs senior investment strategist Abby Joseph Cohen said Monday.

Commodity Rally: Reality or Illusion

In sum, we believe the recent rally of commodity prices is partly a correction of overshooting, helped partially by updated economic data, but most importantly, a result from excess liquidity that has weighed on the dollar and brewed expectation for inflation. Whether or not the rally will persist depends on whether central banks will continue the monetary largess or tighten the tap.

Monday, 15 June 2009

Asia Tiger’s UK waste management site to start operations in July

Mainboard-listed Asia Tiger Group says that its investment in Think Environmental Limited, a UK-based waste management company, will begin operation of a waste management site this July. The site will process up to 75,000 tonnes of commercial waste annually and is expected to generate revenues of about $10.7 million a year.

Porsche Says China to Pass Germany as No. 2 Market in 3 Years

Porsche SE said China may pass Germany as its second-biggest market within three years on rising wages and demand for the $260,000 Panamera sports sedan.

Blowing a big bubble in emerging markets?

Fed’s credit expansion plan may be sowing the seeds for the next crisis

High-end brands bump into cultural challenge in China

China may become the world’s biggest luxury market in some years but cultural challenges to win customers’ hearts for certain types of products remain, industry executives said. Champagne house Taittinger said it could make high-end sparkling wine in China but the market was not ready for it yet, while Lamborghini said the country’s tradition of luxury chauffeurs, bigger than sports driving, made expansion there a challenge.

Four qualities of a good CEO

Experts single out common traits of effective leaders

Players see revival of IPO market this year

But main wave of offerings could come to market only next year

China banks now eye Western targets

Non-performing loans will not be problem in China, its bankers insist

Be aware of what could cause the trend to bend

The view for the week ahead therefore remains the same as it’s been for many weeks now - liquidity and momentum are in the bulls’ favour, but investors should stay alert for signs that could cause the trend to bend because there are actually many if you look hard enough.

Part II: Cities Rush into Debt -- and Possible Peril

Recent bond sales easily raised billions for cities in eastern provinces such as Anhui and Zhejiang. Repaying will be harder.

Mainlanders flouting HK birth policy

Local doctors linked to baby service

‘Optimism in property market won’t last’

Analysts point to over-supply and weak rental demand

China May Be First and Last out of Recession

China may be the last one to say goodbye to the recession, because it has to make “difficult adjustments” to transform its economy from exports-driven to domestic consumption-oriented.

Friday, 12 June 2009

Celestial NutriFoods in a bind

It announces that it is unable to pay $274m to bondholders by today

Celestial's executive chairman and chief executive Ming Dequan holds 28.37 per cent of the company, according to Bloomberg data.