Impact of New Money Market Rules

Securities & Exchange Commission – Passed New Rules 

When money became a product, the money market became an element for the financial market for possessions for the purpose of lending, in short term borrowing, buying and selling with original maturities for a year or less and trading in money market could be done over the counter.

Securities and Exchange Commission – SEC had passed some new rules which governed money market fund in mid-2014 and these rules were designed to contest the probable problems on liquidity if the economy would envisage a financial meltdown like the 2008-2009. Usually the money market fund is where several investors tend to invest their funds and the shares of the funds have a constant $1 per share value and there was instant liquidity.

 According to the new rules there is some change to these attributes for some money market funds. Some money market funds will be having floating net asset value – NAV when the new rules are applicable and these funds will not be priced at the prevailing $1 per share. This is turn will have an impact on the institutional municipal money market funds as well as institutional prime/general purpose money funds only while retail money market funds will not be affected by this rule.

Two Kinds of Liquidity Fee

The new rule is for two kinds of liquidity fee which could levy rigid fees on redemptions especially those conventionally low return vehicles and if the weekly liquid assets of money market funds tend to fall below 30% of the total fund’s assets, the board of directors connected with the funds could impose a 2% fee on redemption of funds.

Should the money market fund’s weekly liquid resources tend to fall below 10% of the total assets of the fund, then the redemptions could be subject to a 1% redemption fee if the board of directors vote otherwise. This new rule is then applicable to both the institutional as well as retail municipal and prime/general purpose money market funds.

If the money market fund’s liquid assets fall below 30% on the whole assets, the funds’ board of directors are permitted to vote on whether to restrict all fund redemption for 10 days and agreed that money market funds could be used for their low investment risk and liquidity, the burden of redemption could be difficult for several investors.

Vanguard’s Ultra Short Term Bond Fund 

After the announcement of the new rules, some new short term bond mutual funds have come up which include Vanguard’s Ultra Short-Term Bond Fund – VUBFX, but according to Vanguard, the launch was not connected to new money market fund rules. Higher yield than money market funds are offered in short term bond funds though they also have additional market risk depending on their underlying holdings.

The average ultra-short term bond funds, according to Morningstar Inc. – MORN, lost 7.89% in 2008 and financial advisors could be wise in reminding clients intending to seek more yields on the potential risks of presuming that these funds could be a substitute for money market funds. In an effort in preventing a collapse of financial system in case of another economic meltdown, as the financial crisis which occurred in 2008-2009, the SEC have approved several changes in the rules that govern money market funds.

While some will have redemption fees levied on shareholders in some cases and others will see their NAV enabled to fluctuate from the traditional stable $1 per share, these changes will compel investors as well as financial advisors to reconsider how to use the money market funds while at the same time look for other alternatives.

Global Crisis – Threat for Several Financial Institutions

Global crisis had created a threat for several financial institutions during the last few years. A pioneering peer to peer foreign exchange – FX, fintech startup - Kantox which is a platform for businesses, grew 250% in 2014 achieving its biggest transaction earlier, when one of its clients transferred US$29 million through the online platform. What could have been the secret of its success inspite of the uncertainty of global economic?

While the import-export businesses lost faith on traditional banks, Kantox provided an alternative solution in managing foreign exchange risks via a business model which was based on transparency. While businesses were on the lookout for no-banking solutions, this fintech startup became a feasible alternative as an online managing platform as well as a way to reduce costs, making the procedure an easier one.

As per the Co-founder and CEO, Philippe Gelis, the foreign exchange market had a setback from several transparency issues and was in need of urgent restructure. Gelis together with his partner Antonio Rami worked as a team as consultants in Deloitte and planned to develop an alternate option.

Kantox – Tools to Manage Currency Exchanges

Gelis had commented that `the aim was to be trusted as a competitive and transparent platform by financial directors and they wanted to provide them a different option’. The tools were provided by Kantox for the clients to enable them with improvements in managing their currency exchanges as well as consulting services from professionals.

Kantox presently transfer funds to 1,000 clients all across 18 countries in over 25 currencies. Gelis explains that `at the moment, growth is their goal and knowing now the needs of the clients, they have a clearer idea of the market and how to differentiate from their competitors’.

Gelis finds it important to be ambitious and a race for growing up. He states that `when one is immersed in business, they have the feeling that the developing process is long and one would want to grow faster though the process needs time’. Though the fintech space is still in its early development, there are several potential clients for new fintech startup and new business options like Kantox who are striving to compete with banks in foreign currency exchange.

Driving Down Cost/Administration Time

Kantox originated out of the idea of dis-intermediating banks as well as brokers from the foreign exchange procedures, driving down cost and administration time for companies and according to Gelis, instead of trading via a bank or broker, with this fintech startup, two trusted companies tend to trade with each other directly with transparency.

His challenge is to reach 20 percent of the market share in the next ten or twenty years and that `the fintech sector has been changing fast with new business solutions to be included in the whole updated structure. He further states that they are educating the market on these new solutions where the sector is monopolized by banks who own 99 percent of the market and their business model is quite a new alternative.

He adds that the global crisis largely affected the fintech sector and that they believe it was time to change the finance industry introducing the transparency, fairness and efficiency. These changes could come up though it would have a profound positive consequence on the global finance industry as well as economy and technological innovation is and will continue to be the vehicle for this change.

Gold Snaps Seven-Day Rally

Gold Dropped – Investors opt for Uncertain Equity Assets

Gold dropped on Friday as investors opted for the uncertain equity assets after some mixed economic data from U.S and the fluctuating dollar. However, gold future gained 1% for the week and the favourite metal continued making strong gains because of its appeal for the past two days even though global equity markets seemed low amidst the confusion in Yemen.

Earlier gold rallied after officials from Federal Reserve officials’ commented that U.S interest rates would stay at zero for some time till September. In the meantime, focus of the investors was on the comments from the Fed Chief Janet Yellen who planned to address the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Conference and would be delivering a note entitled, `The New Normal for Monetary Policy,’ before the close of markets.

Ms Yellen’s speech is planned at 7.45 pm GMT where traders would be listening for some indication on when the Fed would start tightening monetary policy. According to Senior Manager Ole Hansen of Saxo Bank, he states that `Yellen has been accused of being too dovish and probably she wants to react by making her speech sound a little less dovish’.

Adjustment from Ultra-Loss Monetary Policy

The Presidents of the St. Louis Fed and Atlanta Fed, at separate events on Thursday said an adjustment away from ultra-loose monetary policy would be needed due to US economy’s improvement since 2007-09 financial crises. By 3.24 pm GMT, spot gold has eased 0.5% to $1,197.70 an ounce and the metal increased to 2% on Thursday to its highest since March 2 at $1,219.40 due to reaction to tensions in the Middle East.

The gold futures of US fell from $7.90 to $1,196.70 an ounce for April delivery. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia and its associates had launched air strikes in Yemen rattling broader markets and backing gold which is usually seen as an assurance against any risk. Julius Baer, head of commodity research Norbert Ruecker commented that `Geopolitics has never been something which could set a trend in gold prices; it only causes a short term deviation from the existing trend’.

Inspite of the Friday’s losses, gold was back on track to finish the week up at 1.3% after its seven day rally and the metal’s longest winning stretch since August 2012.

Holdings Dropped by 6 Tonnes

Gold showed gains after the Fed signalled caution at its policy meeting last week on the pace of interest rate increase prompting the dollar to drop from multiyear high and a violent rate rise path could affect the demand for gold which is a non-interest paying asset.Caution by the investor was obvious as SPDR Gold Trust, which is the world’s largest gold backed exchange traded fund, post outflows continued and holdings dropped nearly by 6 tonnes on Thursday to 737.24 tonnes which was the lowest since January.

As physical demand all over Asia slowed down, the long rally in prices discouraged most of the buyers. Palladium had lost by 3% to a two month decrease of $743.47 an ounce and platinum was low by 1.2% at $1,139.99 an ounce while silver dropped by 0.6% to $16.97 an ounce.

China-Backed AIIB Investment Bank

Australia/Netherlands/Russia Joined AIIB

Australia, Netherlands and Russia, became the latest three countries who have joined the China led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – AIIB adding power to an institution which is seen as enhancing China’s regional as well as global influence. Taiwan will also be submitting an application to join the Beijing led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in spite of historical hostility and absence of formal diplomatic relation between them.

In a recent revealed statement, Charles Chen, Taiwan presidential office spokesman informed that joining the AIIB would help Taiwan in its efforts at regional economic amalgamation as well as raise the possibility of linking other multinational bodies. It is unclear whether Beijing would be accepting Taiwan’s application in joining the AIIB.

The bank is envisaged as a significant obstacle to U.S. efforts, in extending its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and also in balancing the growing financial influence and assertiveness of China. Several countries inclusive of United State fail to recognize Taiwan due to pressure from China. Taiwan does not seem to be a member of the United Nations, the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund.

Several Countries to Join 

The AIIB seen as a challenge to the prevailing institutions, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, has drawn a reply from the United State even though European U.S. Supporters whichinclude Britain, France, Germany and Italy had earlier announced that they would join the bank.

Turkey and South Korea have also informed that they too would be joining in while Brazil, one of China’s top trading partner informed that it would sign up and that there were no conditions set. The office of President DilmaRousseff mentioned in a statement that `Brazil is very interested in participating in this initiative’.

Igor Shuvalov, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister, according to an official Xinhua news agency, stated recently at a forum in Boao on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, that the country plans to join AIIB. At the same forum, according to Xinhua, Mathias Cormann, Australian Finance Minister informed that the country was planning to apply as a founder member which was later confirmed on the news agency that Georgia had also made an application.

Deadline Set for Joining as Founding Member - AIIB

Britain and Switzerland had been formally accepted as founding members of the AIIB, a day after Brazil had accepted China’s invitation to join in, according to China’s Finance Ministry. It also informed that Austria also had applied to join and had submitted their documents to China.

Taiwan’s statement has reported that China had set Tuesday as a deadline in becoming a founding member of the AIIB, encouraging a rush of nations which includes Russia, Australia, Denmark and Netherlands to indicate their intentions to join. In all 42 countries have applied.

The United States has advised the countries to think carefully about joining the AIIB till it shows adequate standards of governance as well as environmental and social safeguards. China sees Taiwan as a rebel province and has not ruled out the use of forces in bringing it under its control. Since Taiwan’s present president Ma Ying-jeou took charge in 2008, the enmity had deteriorated considerably and the two parties have signed several deals of trade and investment.

Credit Cards

Credit Card – A form of Borrowing

Credit card is one form of borrowing which involves some charges and its terms and condition could affect the overall cost. It is advisable to do some research on the terms and the fees before any agreement to open a credit or a charge card account.

 Being unaware of the terms and their charges could leave the user disappointed when faced with the overall cost they may encounter. At times shopping with the credit card could save you money on interest and fees. Issuers of credit card tend to have wide scope in charging interest though they should brief the customers on the interest rate. It is also essential for the customer to read the fine print in the original credit card agreement as well as in any supplemental copy.

As per the federal law, interest rate tends to increase on existing balances under some conditions like when a promotional rate may end and there is a variable rate or when the cardholder tends to make a late payment. The interest rate on new transaction may also increase but after the first year. If the customer is faced with an issue regarding the credit card, they should first try resolving the same directly with store or the credit card company or the financial institution.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

If the matter is not resolved, they could file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – CFPB which presently accepts complaints with regards to credit card issues and take them up either through phone or through their site at https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/ask_cc_complaint. For any guidance regarding credit card debt, fees and high interest rates, customers could contact a credit counselling service or debt Management Company who can render the necessary guidance and support. They could also provide practical as well as legal financial advice with regards to the use of credit. Beside this, they could also make attempts on renegotiate the terms of the credit agreements and make arrangement to pay off the debts. One needs to check on the debt management company though all arenot the legitimate ones.

Credit Card Eligibility Calculator

Some of the following credit card eligibility calculator could be helpful to individuals such as:


• Bad Credit – For bad credit scorers- Those who apply for credit card and have been rejected need not go in for the same. They should check on cards that would fit their profile and try to rebuild credit rating by using the top `bad credit’ credit card and ensure to pay in a timely manner
• Interest free spending- 0% Spending – If the need to borrow for a purchase arises, the right choice needs to be taken, credit cards are far cheaper than loans though if misused it could add debts which may be difficult to pay off
• Balance transfers – Cut existing debt costs – Shifting the prevailing credit card or store card debts to new balance transfer card could save much wherein the balance transfers when a credit card could pay off debts on other credit or store cards. Thus one owes the new card though at a lower rate which means they can be debt free much quicker.
• Travel Money – Several cards add 3% cost than the banks to the exchange rates which can be avoided by a specialist card that does not add this percentage and you get a good exchange rate. This could be used for overseas spending though one should bear in mind to repay in full to avoid the additional burden of interest.
• Balance transfers and spending – All-rounders - Most of the banks offer introduction deals to attract new customers with cards that could be either good balance transfer deals or low rates on new spending. All-rounder cards offer cheap intro rates for balance transfers as well as purchases and if a person needs to move debts from an existing expensive card as well as need to use a card for purchase, they could be checked since they cannot damage the credit score with additional applications.
• Cash back – pays when spend – The cash-back credit card tends to pay you each time you make a purchase where top cards tend to pay around 5% introductory cash-back while other offer 3% on fuel and transport spending. Besides these, there is also other good fee free; cash reward cards which are like cash-back cards offered.
• 0% Cash in Bank account – Money Transfer – The money transfer credit card enables the customer to pay money from their new credit card in the current account with a small fee wherein they get a long interest free period in repaying the debt. Should the customer fail to repay the same within the given time period, they are charged with a high interest rate.
• Get Air miles while spending – Airline credit cards are an addition of regular flyer programs and one could earn points or miles on spending as well as earn bonus for signing up. The miles earned from spending could be added with those earned from flying or by other credit card reward schemes like converting Tesco Clubcard points.

Bitcoin: Government to Regulate Crypto Currency to Avoid Money Laundering

Bitcoin – Issue of Money Laundering 

Bitcoin can be useful in purchasing thing electronically and its like conventional dollars, yen or euros which are traded digitally and its most important characteristic which makes it different to conventional money is that it is decentralized. There is no single institution that controls the bitcoin network and this puts some of them at ease since it means that a large bank in unable to control their money.

However, money laundering has become a major issue which the British government has been facing and most of the people in the government are of the belief that bitcoin and similar crypto-currencies are used by some to launder money and there is a need to regulate bitcoin exchanges. This kind of measures taken could stop their use as money laundering hubs. The Treasury is of the opinion that bitcoin has capabilities of being used for money laundering and in order to curb the issue, it wants to regulate digital currency exchanges for the very first time, though this would not mean that the government is not in favour of innovation in the nascent technology but the prevention of criminal use of the digital currency.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulation – Digital Currency Exchanges 

The UK government released a document with the combination with the announcement of UK’s 2015 budget stating its intention to apply anti-money laundering regulation to the digital currency exchanges in UK. As per the document it would be creating the right environment for legitimate players in the space to flourish though it would also ensure that a hostile environment for illicit users of digital currencies is developed to discourage the users. As per the Treasury it is reported that the Government will be regulating bitcoin exchange in order to stop its use as money laundering hubs. A report published with George Osborne’s annual budget, the Treasury has informed that the new regulation would be supporting innovation to prevent criminal acts of digital currencies and the proposals would be consulted in the next parliament session. It is said that the government would be working with the British Standards Association – BSI for the development of a set of standards which would be helpful in protecting the consumers.

New Research Initiative on Digital Currency Technology

It was also informed by the Treasury that a new research initiative on digital currency technology would be coming up, which would inject an additional 10 million pounds in the area. According to a board member of the UK Digital Currency Association, Tom Robinson, who has been involved in the Treasury’s consulation procedure that `the announcement is significant, which bring bitcoin and other block chain technologies closer to mainstream adoption’.

In the discussion published in February, Bank of England informed that the digital currencies like bitcoin portrayed considerable promise and it showed that it was possible to transfer value securely without the need of a trusted third party. Other queries were also raised by the bank on whether central banks should issue digital currencies themselves. In several developed countries, bitcoin has been regulated by existing money laundering or terrorist financing laws. Traditional financial sector regulation is not applicable to bitcoin according to European Central Bank since it does not involve traditional financial players while other the EU state that existing rules could be extended to include bitcoin as well as bitcoin companies.

Three Ways To Optimize Your Personal Finance In 2015

These days, more and more people are interested in getting their personal finances in order so that they can lead lives of economic freedom. If this is your agenda, you should note that there are numerous techniques you can implement to accomplish your objective of attaining financial freedom. Here are three simple ways to get started immediately:

1. Learn More About Trading. 

One of the great ways to optimize your personal finances in 2015 is to learn more about trading. As many financial experts know, trading is an incredibly effective way to build some substantive wealth. Unfortunately, many people are intimidated by the thought of trading because they don't have any substantive experience in this sector. If this is a challenge for you, you should note that organizations like the Online Trading Academy can help. This organization was specifically designed to provide education and assistance that will help traders obtain tangible results and improve their skill set within this sector.

2. Develop (And Stick To) A Budget.

Another strategy you should definitely consider implementing in order to optimize your personal finance in 2015 is to develop and stick to a budget. Budgets are critically important because they give you the opportunity to see how much money you're earning as well as how much you're spending on things like bills, clothes, entertainment, food, etc. Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of developing a budget and therefore have only a vague understanding of what they're making and spending. Don't make this mistake. Instead, sit down and devise a budget that will provide you with a clear understanding of your current financial state. You can then use this information as a springboard to cultivate the type of strong financial future you desire.

3. Eat Out Less. 

As many financial experts know, many people tend to spend a substantive amount of money on eating out. If you're interested in cutting back a bit to really strengthen your personal finances in 2015, it's a good idea to consider eating out less. Instead of going out to expensive restaurants, consider the value of learning how to prepare your favorite meals for yourself. If you enjoy eating out for the social experience, be sure to invite friends over to partake in your great meals!

Conclusion 

If you're looking forward to optimizing your personal finances in 2015, you can get started right now. By using some or all of the financial tips and tricks discussed here, you will likely find yourself attaining the level of economic stability and freedom you've always wanted. Good luck!

Emerging Market Infrastructure

Infrastructure in Emerging Market

On-going rebalancing in global economic power has given rise to unprecedented involvement in investment plans in infrastructure in the emerging markets. Though there are common drivers on infrastructure increase in emerging markets like the requirement of added infrastructure together with goals of sustaining the economic growth and managing the fast growing urbanisation, there is a vast difference in the environment and the challenges faced. While engaging in these opportunities, engineering and construction operations, infrastructure management companies, private materials and financial firms need to consider on –

• Who could be the right local and global infrastructure partners?

• What would be the differences in infrastructure in funding structures?

• How would the bid occur for mega projects?

• Are there any demands for green infrastructure?


For instance, as per PwC and Oxford Economics’ Capital Project and Infrastructure spending outlook to 2025 report, the Asian Pacific market, due to China’s growth is expected to represent around sixty percent by 2025 of the global infrastructure spending while Western Europe’s share is expected to decrease to less than 10% twice as from the last few years back. Infrastructure is defined in various emerging markets with provision to insights on goals, risks and opportunities, challenges that are connected with infrastructure developments in those markets, in PwC’s Emerging Markets Infrastructure Series.

Urbanization – Trend in Emerging Market 

Urbanization is the only trend in the emerging market which means that infrastructure needs to keep up with the pace. As the income tends to rise in several countries, there is a need to indulge in the purchase of cars and roads would tend to be used with the need to have new ones built.

 According to Magee, `in developing markets, private sectors tend to play an important role financially in roads, telecom and power plants and water as well as waste water investment would be critical. Water related companies tend to have a small part of infrastructure universe though are expected to become much more significant going ahead while in Europe, they are in the early stage of transforming power generation from coal. Germany on the other hand needs to make some headway since their nuclear power plant are closing, while China will have to gradually move away from coal incorporating cleaner energy sources from power generation’.

Country Risk/Infrastructure Risk

Emerging markets are about country risk while infrastructure risk is about not taking risk though in the case of infrastructure asset sector, there are provisions of investment and growth and the emerging markets are avenues where there is a great demand for infrastructure capital. Emerging market infrastructure investment does not have to carry the full country risk of the host nation. Sovereign risk is often under the coverage of sovereign risk insurance which is purchased in the commercial market or provided by International Financial Institute – IFI, like the World Bank or any other related global institution.

The net return on sovereign risk after the insurance premiums will exhaust the yield on the credit of the surety provider and when combined with structured project risk, on properly evaded investment, the net return would not probably reach 30% though it could almost reach 20% which according to an asset-based uncorrelated investment could be quite good. Those on the lookout for yield, emerging market infrastructure investment could be part of the solution and for those with global diversification; real assets could be another option to the various listed securities.

Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit

DCPCU – Protect Security of Card Payment

The function of UK Cards Association is to protect the security of card payments system with focus on tackling organised criminal activity. In order to accomplish this, the UK Cards Association, funds a specialist policing team known as the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit – DCPCU to identify organised payments fraud. The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit, a special police unit comprises of police officers who have been appointed from the City of London Police as well as the Metropolitan Police Services who operate together with industry fraud investigators.

Their focus lies in identifying and targeting the organised criminal gangs which are responsible in attacking the payment industry. The Unit was established in April 2002 and is fully sponsored by the card and retail banking industries which was created due to the rising growth in payment card crime during 1999 and 2001. From the time of its establishment, the banking industry has been put in an investment of around £4 million per year for the operation of the Unit.

Experts have attributed to the growing incidents of organised crime in the area and the lack of dedicated police investigatory. The main purpose of the DCPCU is to identify, check and seek appropriate prosecution of offenders who have been responsible for organised cheque and payment card crimes.

Organised Criminal Gangs - Targeted

It is headed by a Detective Chief Inspector who brings together the officers as well as civilian staff from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police forces. Moreover, expertise and payments industry knowledge is also given by industry secondees. Though it is a London based unit, investigations are nationwidewhere the organised criminal gangs responsible for payment related fraud are targeted. Some of its achievement since its formation is –

• Achievement of £450 million in the form of saving from reduce fraud activity equating to £800,000 weekly
• Recovery of around 700,000 counterfeit card
• Recovery of 346,000 compromised card numbers
• Secured 346 convictions on matters related to fraud, which is an average of more than one successful prosecution per fortnight over the past decade.

Areas of Priority 

The impact on a wider perspective is the link to organised and serious crimes. The Unit’s investigation has established that a significant proportion of fraud has been committed by these criminal gangs, having strong links to other kinds of serious crimes, which also includes people, drugs, and trafficking as well as violent crimes. The Unit has also been responsible in providing key fraud prevention messages to the people such as with the help of television and radio work as well as through direct meeting with groups that represent consumers who could be at high risk. The Unit’s priority areas are:

• Project Sandpiper – The Unit secured European Commission funding in 2013 which was funded by UK Cards Association and PFF in order to finance the project focused in tackling Romanian criminality that affected the UK payment industry. This involved connecting with the UK payments industry as well as law enforcement individuals in Romania in tackling its organised criminal groups.
• Staff Insider – Work with banks that sponsored to reduce harm caused by dishonest staff and targeting organised criminal groups.
• Social Engineering – Telephone – To locate criminal groups responsible in fast rising fraud cases who are aiming vulnerable individuals as well as businesses causing great harm to the UK payment industry.

Right of Rescission/Right to Cancel

Image credit:Homeowner today.com

Right to Rescission – A Known Power/Law

A person has the privilege by law, with the right to cancel a mortgage refinance or home equity loan if they tend to act quickly and adhere to the rules. A known power or the law known as the `right to rescission provides the borrower with the ability in some situations, the right to cancel their loan deals within a period of three days with no questions asked and be free.

 In other words it could mean as another way of saying `right to rescind’ or `cancel’a given contract without losing any money. Within a period of 20 days, the lender then has to give up its claim to the property as collateral and should refund the fees which may have been paid by the borrower. According to Margot Saunders, counsel or the National Consumer Law Centre, states that it has been designed with a view to provide lenders with accurate disclosures and that consumers do not sign up for loans which are different than what could have been described to them.

This right is intended to safeguard the consumer from the risk of using family home or the equity in order to secure a loan and is not applicable in situations where the mortgage is made to buy the house itself. Nessa Feddis, Vice President and Senior Counsel to American Bankers Association, states that it is not to protect the (home) purchaser but to protect the person having equity in the home.

Covers Mortgages – Companies/Banks Etc.

Categories where the right of rescission are applicable are – home equity loan which is often known as second mortgage, mortgage refinance – if the new loan does not come from the same lender which had financed the original home purchase loan, home equity line of credit, cash-out refinance – irrespective of whether it is a new loan that comes from the same lender who had made the original home purchase loan though only the new money is covered by the right of rescission. According to Saunders, it does not matter what kind of lenders the money is borrowed from and the right of rescission covers loans from mortgage companies, banks as well as other lenders.

No exclamation is essential in the case of cancellation of the transaction within a three days’ time, as per Carole Reynolds, Senior Attorney with the Federal Trade Commission and the fact that the said loan is not needed is sufficient enough for an exclamation.

The Truth in Lending Act

The law - `The Truth in Lending Act’ was for the purpose of shielding borrowers from unscrupulous lenders with the right of rescission and was intended to oppose smooth talking lenders intending to fleece borrowers out of their money and their homes. Some of the borrowers may be under the wrong impression that there is a right of rescission with all types of mortgages which is not so.

Since state and local statutes differ, the federal right of rescission is specific which is mentioned in the Truth in Lending Act. Saunders state that there is no right of rescission for the purchase money mortgages and some of these categories with regards to the right of rescission which is not applicable are –loans made to purchase a house, any loans either 1st or 2nd mortgages, refinancing mortgages, etc., which involve properties which are not the primary residence and business loans.

Complication and Implication of Virtual Water- II

Fresh Water – Concern on Global Food Security

For several parts of the world, fresh water has become a scarcity and over exploited natural resource has now given rise to concern on global food security as well as damage to fresh water ecosystems. Situation seems to increase with the FAO making its estimate that the food production should be double by 2050 and hence food chains should be more efficient with regards to the usage of consumptive water. For geographically and small well defined Australian mango industry, with an average annual production of 44,692 ton of marketable fresh fruit, was 2298.1 kg−1 of average virtual water content, which is a sum of green, blue as well as grey water, at the orchard gate.

Due to wastage however, in the distribution as well as the consumption level of product life cycle, the virtual water average content of 1 kg of Australian grown fresh mango used by Australian household was 52181. This figure compared to an Australian equivalent water footprint of 2171 k−1is the volume of the usage of water in Australia with equivalent capabilities in contributing to water scarcity. Nationally, the distribution and consumption waste in food chain of Australian grown fresh mango to the consumers, indicate an annual waste of 26.7 Gl of green water with 16.6. Gl of blue water

Intervention in Reducing Food Chain Waste – Great Impact on Fresh Water 

These discoveries indicate that the intervention in reducing food chain waste would probably have a great or even a greater impact on freshwater resource available like other water use efficiency measures in food production and agriculture. Analyses of evolution and the structure of trade in virtual water had shown that a number of trade connections together with volume of virtual water trade had doubled for the past few decades. Developed countries have been drawing on the rest of the world to ease the pressure on domestic water resources.

Three studies have been done though it fills three important gaps in the research on global virtual water trade, the first being that in previous studies, virtual water volumes were put together from countries which were envisaging various degrees of water scarcity which was incorporated into assessments of virtual water flows. Secondly some previous studies assessing virtual water networks in terms of immediate water was used for food production though refrained from indirect virtual water used in the supply chains underlying all traded goods.

Global Virtual Water Network Structure

In the analysis, the use of input-output analysis included indirect virtual water, noting the existing conflicting views on whether trade in virtual water could lead to overall savings in global water resources. A re-visit to the Hechscher-Ohlin Theorem was done in the context of direct and indirect virtual water, to determine if international trade could be seen as feasible demand management tool in reducing the water scarcity. It was found that the global virtual water network structure changes significantly on adjusting for the purpose of scarcity.

Besides, the Heckscher-Ohlin Theorem can be validated when indirect virtual water is appraised. Water once seen as an infinite resource is in fact, a finite resource. Moreover, fresh water is an important resource to plants, animals, human and all living things on the planet Earth. Geographic zone of abundance and scarcity is due to unequal global distribution of fresh water and global climatic changes tend to redistribute precipitation away from geographic locations which has sufficient or excess supply to cope up with the population.

Complication and Implication of Virtual Water- I

Water – Huge Number of Characteristics – Important Economic Good

Image credit:ourworld.unu.edu

Water, though not a normal economic good has a huge number of characteristics which distinguishes it from the other goods and these characteristic individually may not be important but its combination makes water an important economic good.`Virtual water’ term was first used in the context of water scarce in Middle Eastern and Northern African countries that imported huge quantity of their food and thereby reduced substantially the demand of water in domestic food production as well as compensated for lack of water.

Importing food was virtually equal to trading water for these countries. Allan (1966) termed water - embodied in food import as virtual water. The terminology as well as the scope of virtual water over the years is extended beyond the original purpose. Presently the definition accepted on virtual water is the water requirement for production of commodities and since food production in several countries is by the largest water user, topics on virtual water problems have been targeted primarily on food commodities.

Virtual water is politically silent and economically invisible (Allan 2003a) and in the past, this has made it possible for water scarce countries to manage with water deficit through food import without a policy discourse of national water scarcity.

Debates – Usefulness of Concept/Feasibility to Import Virtual Water

The term virtual water came into focus in mid 1990s and since then has drawn growing awareness among policy makers, general public and scientific communities. It has become a topic which is discussed recurrently at several international conferences as well as meetings, especially the World Water Forum organized by the World Water Council as well as the Stockholm World Water Week which is an annual event and convened by the Stockholm International Water Institute.

Relevant issues publications have been rapidly on the rise in the international journals. There have been intense debates on the usefulness of the concept as well as the feasibility to import virtual water to reduce local scarcity of water. More than a decade of efforts have been made in virtual water studies and it is time now for a critical review to be done on relevance of virtual water concept in heightening our understanding of real water resources management.

Water – Limiting Factor/Significant Impact

Water is now becoming an increasing limiting factor for sustainable growth and development of economy in many countries, its allocation having a significant impact on the whole economic efficiency especially the mounting physical scarcity in some regions. Need for huge water supply tends to increase the vulnerability in the affected areas.

Moreover, water has also become a strategic resource which involves disputes among those who tend to be affected differently by various policies. Some papers tend to analyse various policy interventions focused at improving water allocation decisions with a novel approach which could incorporate macro as well as micro level options in a unified analytical guidelines which could facilitate assessment of different linkages with other policies as well as their impacts in individual sectors and the wide economy.

Policy impacts comparison indicates the usefulness of the guidelines in information, which the policy makers could use to rank policy intervention as per the emphasis given on various policy objectives.

Virtual Water

Virtual Water Trade – Embedded/Embodied Water 

Virtual water is defined as the total volume water which is needed in order to produce and process. Virtual water trade also known as trade in embodied or embedded water is related to hidden flow of water in case other commodities or food tend to get traded in different places.

On an average it takes around1,600 cubic meters of water to produce ` metric tonne of wheat and the accurate volume could depend on more or less on the climate as well as agricultural conditions. According to Hoekstra and Chapagain they have defined virtual content of product – a commodity, service or good, as `volume of freshwater which is utilised to create a product, measured at the place it was actually produced’ and relates to the sum on the utilisation of the water in the various stages of the production chain.

According to John Anthony Allan, Professor from King’s College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies had introduced the concept of virtual water in order to support his views that countries in the Middle East could save their scarce supply of water by relying on import of food.

He received an award of the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize, for his contribution. He states that `the water is considered to be virtual due to the fact that once the wheat is grown, the real water used to grow it is no longer actually contained in the wheat and the concept of virtual water helps in realizing how much water could be needed to produce different goods and services’.

Some Deficiencies in Concept of Virtual Water

He further states that in `arid and semi-arid locations, the value of the virtual water of good or service could be useful in determining the best use of the available scarce water.’ However there are some deficiencies in the concept of virtual water which means that there is a significant danger on depending on these measures in order to guide policy conclusions.

As per Australia’s National Water Commission it is considered that the measurement of virtual water has less practical value in the making of decision with regards to the best allocation of scarce water resources.

Recently the concept of virtual water trade has been gaining weightage in the scientific and the political arguments with the notion of its concept being ambiguous and changes have been moving between a descriptive, analytical concept and a political induced strategy.

From the point of view of an analytical concept, virtual water trade relates to an instrument which enables the identification as well as the assessment of policy choice not only in the scientific but also in the political discourse.

Concept Analytically helps Global/Local/Regional Level

From the point of politically induced strategy, the query is whether virtual water trade could be used in a sustainable way, or whether implementation could be managed in an economic, social or in an ecological manner and which countries would have a meaningful option of the concept offered.

In the framework of latest developments from supply oriented to demand oriented management of water resources, new field of governance has opened up which facilitates a differentiation as well as balancing of different perspective, interest and basic condition.

The concept analytically helps in distinguishing between global, local and regional level, together with their linkages. Which means that water resource problem needs to be solved.

Negative Inflation

Image credit: Sofia news agency

Inflation – Deflation 

Inflation is a term which tends to reduce the real value of money over time and deflation increases the real value of money, the currency of a regional or national economy, enabling an individual to purchase more products with the same amount of money overtime. In other words deflation is a situation when the price level decreases and the inflation rate tends to get negative.

Economist are of the opinion that deflation could be a problem in a modern economy since it increases the real value of debt and affects recessions, leading to a deflationary spiral. All episodes of deflations do not correspond with phases of poor economic growth. During the 19th century, deflation took place periodically in the U.S. and this deflation was the result of technological progress creating significant economic growth while at other times was due to financial crises particularly the Panic of 1837 that caused deflation during1844 as well as the Panic of 1873 triggering the Long Depression which lasted till 1879.

These periods of deflation were prior to the establishment of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and the active management of monetary issues. Deflation episodes were rare and brief with the development of Federal Reserve while American economic progress has been unprecedented

Negative Inflation 

Negative inflation is said to be an economic phenomenon wherein the economy tends to move out of an inflationary phase and enters into a phase where there is less money in circulation. Negative inflation tends to occur when the prices fall due to the supply of goods which is higher than the demand for those products.

It is often due to reduction in money, consumer or credit spending and could be the result of a combination of various factors which may include, having excess money in circulation that may decrease the value of money which in turn would reduce prices, with more products manufactured than the demand for the same.

 This could lead to businesses decreasing their prices in order to urge consumers to purchase those products and not having sufficient money in circulation causes those with money to hold on to it instead of spending it and decreased demand for goods decreases spending.

Though it would seem that lower prices are good, deflation could ripple through the economy for instance when it creates high level of unemployment, turning into a bad situation and this type of a recession could turn into a worse situation like a depression.

Leads to Unemployment => Decrease in Spending => Less Demand

Deflation could lead to unemployment since the companies tend to make less money and react on cutting costs to survive which may include in closing of the stores, plants and warehouses and laying-off their workers.

This results in the worker having to decrease on their spending leading to less demand with more deflation causing a deflation spiral which may be difficult to break. Deflation tends to work without affecting the rest of the economy when businesses are capable of cutting the costs of production for the purpose of lowering prices like in the case of technology, since the cost of technology products has reduced over the years though it was due to the cost of producing technology that had decreased and not due to decreased demand.

How to Save Hundreds of Dollars with Tax Credits

Awareness of Tax Credit

Being unaware of tax credit is like losing on a pay check and sad to say, several individuals are not aware of it. Each dollar of credit is equal to a dollar in tax savings, for instance in a federal income tax bracket of 28% and getting a buck’s worth of additional write-off could save one with 28 cents. Individuals tend to miss out on tax credits mainly due to the fact that they seem to be in a hurry when the dreaded tax filing deadline is near. Credits tend to fall through these cracks since they panic resulting in making complicated calculation or filling out additional forms. Setting aside more time on your return could help you to net several hundred dollars or could be more. For example –

Foreign Tax Credit - If a person has worked in a foreign country or would be having substantial income outside U.S, they must be well aware about the foreign tax credit which is intended to save you from being taxed by the two different countries on the same income. If the person tends to invest in some international mutual funds they could collect credit due to the fact that it is likely you paid foreign taxes the previous year – knowingly or not. A closer look at the statement on the fund summary of the previous year will provide you with some calculations in order to know the exact amount of foreign taxes which should show up on Forms 1099-DIV and 1099-INT. Presuming that the foreign taxes are from these sources totalling to or less than $300, one can claim the credit on Form 1040, Line 48 and have around $600 of foreign taxes and continue to follow the easy procedure if filed jointly. In other cases, one could file Form 1116 to claim your credit, though it could be a bit nasty.

Dependent Care Credit - When a person is paid to take care of an under-age child of 13 while the parents are out at work, one could be eligible for the dependent care credit where the credit percentage could range from 20% to 35% based on qualifying expenses and depending on adjusted gross income – AGI. Maximum credit possible for a child could range from $600 to $1,050 and for two or more the range would be $1,200 to $2,100. One should also be eligible if expenses were incurred in taking care of any other dependent that could be physically or mentally incapable of taking care of themselves, a disabled person. For high income taxpayers, the credits have not been phased out though lower dollar limits mentioned could be applicable. Form 2441 – Child and Dependent Care Expenses could be filled and credits claimed on Form 1040, Line 49 on furnishing the name as well as the Social Security number of the care provider failing which the IRS would disallow the credit with recomputed tax and would either reduce the claimed refund or sent a bill for the difference.

Moreover the Form 2441 also informs the IRS if one owes the Nanny Tax if they have an in-home care provider. One needs to be careful in taking credit if they have also contributed to a pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account – FSA the previous year through their employer. The pre-tax FSA is usually a process since it could reduce the taxable salary cutting federal as well as state income taxes together with Social Security and Medicare taxes as well. The tax saving rate could exceed the 20% effective tax savings rate which could apply to several people claiming the dependent care credit.

Elderly/disabled Credit – is applicable to individuals who have reached the age of 65 at the end of a particular year or one who has retired on permanent and total disability. Strict income limits are applicable and the credit is not available to most of them. Credits could be claimed on Form 1040, Line 54.

Adoption Credit - is when an underage of 18 years in adopted, you could qualify for a 2014 tax credit up to $13,190 for the adoption expenses and if married, a joint return to qualify could be filed. Phase-out rule, for 2014 could cause the credit to vaporize between AGI of $197,880 and $237,880. On qualifying for the same, credit could be claimed by furnishing details on Form 8839 – Qualified Adoption Expenses, with one’s 1040 with the credit amount on Line 54.

Credit for Overpaid Social Security Taxes – is where there has been more than one employer in 2014 and the earnings have crossed over $117,000 with combined salary, one has withheld too much Social Security tax. Recovery of the excess can be done by reporting the overpaid amount on Form 1040 Line 72 which is treated as a tax repayment and the effect on the tax bill is that of a credit.

Best Online Company Formation Agent

An online company formation agent by the name of Wisteria Formations in UK is an authorised Companies House presenter for Company registrations. Their online company formation application enables a UK limited company with simple and efficient procedure. The provider offers basic services to incorporate a company instantly at a reasonable cost of £24.99 and can provide support to the business with several optional professional services such as business plan, tax advice, company secretary, accountancy and business advice, registered office and mail forwarding and VAT registration/PAYE registration.

With a dedicated support team on board they have the capabilities of reaching out to their customers with regards to completion of company incorporation, which is equipped by Wisteria Chartered Accountants who beside the completion of company formation also provide services which may be needed thereafter like accountancy or tax issues. The company does not offer a package service and should the customer need extra products or services, all they need to do is to opt for the extra products and services that are required on top of the basic company formation service.

Provision of Video Guidance 

Range of some of the extra products and services for the online application procedure comprises of official copies of the incorporation certificate, memorandum and articles of association, company register and share certificates, Company secretarial service, registered office service, VAT registration, tailor-made business plan, registration as an employer, free business planning meeting with Wisteria Chartered Accountants and assistance in opening a business bank account.

 The company is well aware that all company formation agents should adhere with the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and hence strive to complete anti-money laundering checks prior to sending any application to the Companies House. Forming a limited company with the services of Wisteria Formation is easy and reliable wherein one needs to follow the ten step company formation process which eliminates the red tape from the process of incorporating a company.

 Besides this, the company formation service also enables the customer to check if the name is available with the Companies House. The provider has also made provision with a video guided process explaining each step of their ten step methods, in details for a quick and easy process in Company Formation.

NIIT Tech Nets Dip By 9.2% in Third Quarter

NIIT Technologies is one of the mid-tier IT services firm which had recently reported 9.2% decline in its net profit which now stands at Rs. 48.2 crores at the completion its third quarter. Comparing it with the third quarter of the last year, its revenue shows a minimal increase of just 1.4% with at Rs. 595.3 crore while it posted net profit of 53.1 crore last year for same quarter. The third quarter of each year is seen as a least productive and rather weak quarter by financial analysts.

Company Grows By Just 1% on Sequential Basis

On the sequential basis NIIT net profits had registered a growth by 20.02% which a result of improvement in the operating margins, higher incomes and lower depreciation rates during the months of July-September 2014. NIIT Technologies CEO and Joint MD, Arvind Thakur, had stated that NIIT had seen its operating margins improve by 15 basis points sequentially to 14.5% as a result of productivity initiatives in the third quarter. In the constant currency NIIT grew by one percent sequentially during the last quarter.

The company’s had even seen a dent in its operating margins because of the specific engagement in the beginning of the year which even explains the decline in net profit at the year-end. Regarding the overall demand of the NIIT IT services, Thakur had opined that the company had seen a robust growth in the United States but it weakness factor continues in the Euro Zone while excitement factor remains high in India.

NIIT Expand Its Revenue Generation

NIIT has seen healthy growth and expansion of revenues in Asia Pacific (APAC) and India. Most the revenue being generated this quarter is being pointed towards the execution of large orders which were secured by the company earlier this year. Now company’s revenue share had increased to 21 percent in this particular region. Whereas the Americans had contributed by 44% to the revenue while the Europe, Middle East and Africa counted for the 35 of the company’s revenue.

During this quarter NIIT had secured $109 million worth of new orders. Around 55% of new business was secured in the US. NIIT Technologies had even added five new customers during the third quarter out of which two are in US and one each coming from India, APAC and EMEA.

NIIT Supposed To Have Strong and Stable Last Quarter

The decline in the oil prices globally is helping to the cause of the NIIT as travel constitutes the largest chunk of the company’s revenue. The higher other income is accounted by the revaluation of assets and liabilities. NIIT is holding up strong regardless of the current volatility in the currency as due to gains from the dollars but incurring losses from the Euro and GBP.

However NIIT had frozen its hiring procedures and suffered a decline of 229 people in the workforce which is being attributed to the natural attrition rate of 15%. NIIT would begin hiring again from the current quarter in order to boost its workforce.

The Man Who Redefined the Way of Indian Shopping

Within a span of few years Flipkart has become a frequent destination of shopping for millions of Indians. The man behind this giant Indian shopping portal is Sachin Bansal who is an internet entrepreneur. He is the cofounder and CEO of the Flipkart which is redefining the ways of Indian shopping in an innovative and remarkable manner. Sachin had started this online shopping portal along with his business partner Binny Bansal and today they are leading a business which happens to have gross revenue of US$1 Billion.

The Beginning

Sachin had worked with Techspan, an IT firm in Bangalore after the completion of his degree from IIT Delhi in 2005. Later on he moved to Amazon where he met Binny Bansal and at that point of time Amazon was building Amazon Web Services with the aim of powering the start-ups in the United States Of America. He along with his friend took the grave decision of leaving the job and concentrating on building an online venture of their own.

After performing an intense research in the field of shopping habits of Indians and the e-commerce, they undertook the giant step starting Flipkart from scratch with just lakh of initial investment. They took a seemingly greater risk wherein they were about to bring the first online shopping experience for the Indian customers whose shopping behaviour were completely from that of western counterparts. They created custom solution by integrating dynamic strategies to make Flipkart successful in India. Cash on Delivery as a made of payment is an innovation of Flipkart which was soon followed by other online shopping portals.

Flipkart Is A Distinct Entity In Its Own

Sachin had stated that Flipkart shouldn’t be compared with major players like Amazon as both of them work in different spheres as well as the customer behaviour is also distinct. Sachin believes that Indian e-commerce scenario is in learning and adapting phase and probably it is at the similar stage what Chinese ecommerce was nearly eight years ago. Flipkart had started with selling books later forayed in different categories and urgently it is valued at astonishingly 10,000 crore.

One Of A Kind Shopping Experience

Flipkart had earlier given a unique shopping experience to the Indian customers with its ‘Big Billion Day’ sale in October. This day was characterised with whooping discount across the various range of products sold on this shopping portal. Flipkart happened to achieve a jaw-dropping $100 millions in sale within ten hours on this day. Though this event was also marred with server related issues due to large amount of web traffic as well as wrong product listing but Scahin Bansal saw it as an experiment which went successfully at the end of the day.

Currently India’s e-commerce sphere is still growing and interestingly just 10% percent of the population is engaged in online shopping. But with passionate guidance and leadership of the Sachin Bansal is sure to open up some new avenues for the online shopping in coming years. Scahin is all set to take his company to new heights and he is adamant from selling of its company ever.

Professionalism Required In Expert Witness Testimonies

Finding an expert witness testimony for litigation, insurance, investigative or financial institution undertakings is not an easy matter. Although there are many professional expert witnesses available, one cannot simply settle for those who say they are experts. Years of experience, skilled educational background and a proven track record must accompany such expert witness testimony such as those offered through the firm of MRichardsConsulting.com

Experience Counts

Previous services retained by attorneys, private individual clients and even the government are signs of reputable expert witness dependability across all types of platforms--legal, commercial and financial as well.

Educational Background

If an expert witness is a professional, his educational credentials may reflect expertise in particular areas such as in being a witness for the defense--or the plaintiff--in matters of litigation. A thorough knowledge of discovery assistance, regulatory investigative research and a deep understanding of standard banking practices are a must in many cases. Furthermore, a certification and academic degree accreditation in these areas would be advantageous as well.

Proven Track Record

Besides valuable experience and an educational background, a recognized track record by those in specific or related industries is required. Not limited to litigation, such expert witness testimonies have proven themselves stellar in other areas as well. Accordingly, their testimony can stand up under the intense scrutiny of those who might dispute both their testimony and deposition statements.

When expert details are crucial, do not settle for less than the testimony of an expert. Legal matters, commercial, real estate and banking applications all will benefit from the knowledgeable account of those who have carved a recognized sense of professionalism in their testimonies.

3 Tips for Hiring an Eviction Lawyer

Do you have unruly or unwanted tenants? Are you wondering what rights you have under the law to evict someone for non-payment of rent? You'll need a good eviction attorney to handle these kinds of claims, so here are three tips for only hiring the best.

1. Look for Experience

Never hire a green lawyer. Save your money for someone with at least 2-3 years of experience in eviction or property law. Your best bet is a firm with multiple seasoned lawyers; their practices combined will usually give you decades of knowledge and expertise.

2. Prioritize Specialists

Not all eviction lawyers have the same backgrounds. For example, some may spend their time in court fighting off appeals while others have only ever dealt with petitions and affidavits. If you know in advance that you need a court lawyer, make sure you find someone who isn't afraid of a judge.

3. Pick Someone Convenient

If you just need the correct forms for 10 or 30 day notices, some lawyers will allow you to pay for them online with your credit card. Then they'll fax you the documents, and you'll have what you need without a single office visit. Don't be afraid to ask candidates if this is a possibility for you.

These are just three tips for hiring a top-notch eviction lawyer. Click here for more information about finding one in your area. Remember, as a landlord, the law will most often side with you.

World Bank Forecasts India to Become World’s Fastest Growing Economy By 2017

India is on the verge of becoming the fastest growing big economy in the world in 2017. World Bank has released a forecast which shows India edging past the China at an estimated growth rate of 7% in its GDP whereas the rival neighbour China would growth grow at 6.9%. This report was published in the World Bank’s flagship publication called Global Economic Reports. This influential report even warns India that having any possible slackening in the reform momentum would result in slowing down in economy growth and its pace of recovery.

Deceleration in China’s Economy A Boon For Indian Economy

For several years in a row China has projected itself as one of the fastest growing economy but in coming years in expected to slow down to 7.1%. Last year it was growing at a robust pace of 7.4% and it is going decelerate further to 7% and by 2017 it will touch the 6.9% mark. The relative sizes of the two giant economies of Asia shows a wide gap. China’s economy was at $9.2 trillion whereas India’s $1.87 trillion which certainly means that India had a really long way to go. World Bank report has characterised the China’s eventual deceleration as a carefully managed slowdown

India Expected To Touch 7% Growth Rate Earlier Than Expected

The Bangkok based United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific commonly known as ESCAP have published separate report which projects the growth of Indian economy at the pace of 6.4% for the current year. International Investment bank Golsman Sachs shows another turn and expects that India would achieve the projected growth rate of 7% a year in advance and it nudges past China smoothly.

Indian economy would be helped by the steep falling in oil prices and other energy commodities as well as by the low interest rate in developing countries. India should employ this falling oil price window by ushering the fiscal and structural reforms and boosts it long-run growth as well as inclusive development. Both ESCAP and the World Bank have rightly pointed towards cutting fuel subsidies and diverting funds for the financial sustainable development.

Global Growth Rate To Rise

Global growth rate is expected to rise by 0.4% to register 3.0% in 2015 from 2.6 in 2014. Further reports suggest it will rise to 3.3% in 2017. Developing countries is expected show a growth rate of 2.2% this year from 1.8% in 2014 and by 2.3 % in 2017.

ESCAP report states that India is very genuinely identified the infrastructural development as the key element for economy growth but it does face shortage of government resources. ESCAP therefore recommends for giving importance to private sector in infrastructure development as well as collaborating with government. World Bank report states that reforms and regulations by the government in India should aim towards boosting foreign direct investment. Increase in investments would help the nation in achieving the growth rate of 7% by 2016.

Mining Stocks take a Toll Due To Plunge in Copper Prices

The concerns over the slowing global economy complimented with the excess supply saw a major slide in the prices of copper. The shares of coppers miners dipped low in the morning trade and future prices of the copper saw a major upheaval wherein tumbled down to a 5 year low. Wednesday drop is incidentally the sixth consecutive decline the copper prices and currently the copper are trading at $5,560 per ton. The sudden and steep decline in prices is causing a significant pain to major mining companies like FCX, Glencore and others whose stocks has taken a beat down by recording a massive low.

The Major Copper Producers Take A Hit

Freeport McMoRan Inc known as FCX which is the largest copper producer listed on stock exchange saw a massive decline of 9.5%. Freeport shares are now at trading at $19.05 which is its lowest registered price since April 2009. Even the other suppliers of the metals shared the same fate and fell considerably low. Glencore Plc (GLEN) which is the third largest producer saw a drop of 12% in London while the First Quantum Minerals fell by 27% in Toronto.

A Kazakhstan copper producer Kaz Minerals Plc (KAZ) also registered a fall by 23% in London while Vedanta Resources Plc (VED) which a giant producer of copper in Indian and Zambia fell by 20% followed by Antofagasta Plc (ANTO) registered a drop of 13%.

Drop In Copper Prices Raises Concern

Investors are keeping a keen interest in the fate of the copper prices which doesn’t seem to have any silver lining for the moment. This precious metal is characteristically referred as ‘Dr. Copper’ due to wide spread usage in various industries. Copper is the recent entrant in the club of commodities market which had registered a sharp plunge in its rates globally after the fall in the prices of the oil. Just like the oil, copper tend to have deep impact upon the world economy as it is key element for the phone lines, cables and other infrastructures. The world largest copper producers are in order of their production ability are Chile, Chiba, Peru, US and Australia.

The sudden and deliberate fall in copper price is a major concern and it is seen as a domino effect rising due to considerable rout in oil prices. It is now spreading to other commodities which include copper as well. This is also perplexing and points towards the imminent slowdown in global economy which is deeper than thought and certainly it wouldn’t be limited to energy market.

World Bank Shows A Slow Global Economic Forecast

Owing to the steep drop in prices of various commodities the World Bank has cut down its global economic growth forecast to just 3% from the 3.4%. The data of Wednesday even pointed out that the December retail sales had declined much more than expected earlier. The price fall in crude oil had made investors quite uneasy about holding on to the energy stocks and their shedding of those would inevitably lead to more losses in various commodities which includes coppers as well.

Google Declares ‘Inflation’ As the Least Searched Topic

The cost of living is increasing day by day due to the rise in the prices of essential commodities throughout the countries. As per the Google analysis of the search trends the term ‘inflation’ comes out a biggest buzzword from the Indian searches. The term inflation has seen a tremendous search interest in past few years but now this has completely died down with such a decline that it is now being declared as the least searched topic on the search engine this year.

This is credited to the rate cuts in the crude oil prices along with new productive reforms initiated by the government. However bad weather coupled with unexpected rain and dense fog and triggered a sudden rise in the wholesale prices of the vegetables.

Inflation Term Showed A Peak In Search in 2013

The searches for the world ‘inflation’ on the Google’s search engine peaked around mid-August to end-October in 2013. But this very trend shows a mightier dip in interest for the same time period in 2014. The successful general elections followed with a robust and stable government at the centre has ensured that the interest remains ignited around the market price war. The new government has effectively managed to address the issue of ‘inflation’ in a more dignified and forceful manner than earlier government. This is being reflected in the decline of the searches based on the inflation in the past few months.

Uttar Pradesh Generated Most Search Queries For Inflation

On national scale the term inflation was being searched from all the parts of countries alike but an in-depth analysis of the regional interest rate shows a much clearer picture. Uttar Pradesh generates the most number of search queries related to inflation followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh along with Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Year based analysis indicates that 2010 was the year which showed highest search interest in ‘inflation’, a slight dip was seen in 2011. People had taken the help of the search engine giant Google’s network to increase their understanding of the inflation and to keep tab on the various developments related to the grave issue of price rise and inflation.

Repo Rate Was Also Searched Frequently

The subsequent rise and fall in the rate inflation in last few years had also affected the bank interest rates to a great extent. Search queries were also generated around the ‘Repo Rate’ which is set by the Reserve Bank Of India in order to counter the inflation. This also shows that how much impact or concern people felt during that particular time interval with the frequent price rises and inflation.

The inflation was at its peak in 2013 and ‘Repo Rate’ related queries showed a peak in the Google search results in month of September.

The drop in the price of crude oil in international market has resulted in the recent roll-backs on the fuel prices. The searches are being continuously made on the repo rate as people are expecting a cut in it before February 2015.

Mobile Payments Spurts Up, Apple Seems to Lost the Plot

People are taking up the mobile payment platforms whole heartedly rather than being extremely concerned in the recent times. An Accenture survey brought out some interesting facts which show that 40 percent of the North American consumers are actively using the Smartphones to make a payment at merchant location. Furthermore the 60 percent consumers who had kept themselves aloof from the mobile payment cited mainly security worries and privacy concerns. But still they show a tendency towards using it once these issues are sorted out.

Payment Technologies Improvement Is Demanded By Consumers

This survey also pointed out that the consumers are embracing the alternative forms of payments as they are quicker and much swifter than the traditional banking methods. Banks are quite sceptic about it and they are paying their keen interest on further developments. The payment technologies are expected to continue to evolve in coming times and the financial intuitions would be required to upgrade their middle and back-office systems in order to supports the customer demands for faster and more real time digital payments. It is the consumers who are driving the changes in the payments and the institutions have to adapt o fulfil their needs.

Apple Pay Promises To Provide Better Services

The Apple made biggest shake up in mobile based payment platform when it announced its feature rich payments system, tentatively titled Apple Pay. This NFC compatible system would allow the users with iPhone 6 and 6 Plus to make payments over 200,000 retail locations in the United States. Apple boasts a number of features which is expected to eliminate the consumers top mobile payments concerns.

Apple Gets a Jolt from MCX

MCX is a consortium of over 70 of the largest retailers in the United States which had came up with their own version of mobile wallet called ‘Current C’. These merchants have a huge clout and they are control in one in five retail dollars spent in the US stores. Furthermore they had also announced that they would be accepting the Apple Pay in their stores.

Consumers Sticks With Major Card Providers

This survey has also pointed out toward the trend of sticking up with the established and trusted credit card companies such as Visa, MasterCard and Amex which stands at 72 percent. Another 70 percent has said that they use PayPal as an alternative. 79 percent mobile users who find discounts and coupons based on their past purchases find it attractive. 29 percent had affirmed that they are willing to be tracked but only by trusted merchants.

Millennials are driving the changes in the mobile payments systems. They come from the age group of 18-34 and they are actively using mobile wallets. Report suggests that 30 percent of them are eager to try out wearables as a payment device, 29 percent of them uses PayPal at least weekly and 13 percent use digital currencies today. Apple Pay has a unique ability to change the consumer behaviour on a larger scale but their efforts would be based on satisfying the millennial first, if they wish to win over other competitors.

How to Find the Best Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards were introduced to provide a medium of quick and handy payment transaction to the consumers. They were relatively fast than the traditional cheques in the business operations. Prepaid debit cards very soon made their in the modern banking solutions mainstream than expected.

Statics projects that almost more than $200 billion dollars are loaded on it in each fiscal year. These cards also give additional advantages to the consumers like mobile check deposits, direct deposit and check writing. Most of these prepaid cards costs very little in using and adds no more than few dollars a month.

Ranking of Different Prepaid Debit Cards

Ranking the prepaid cards is a challenging work. The fees attracted by the bank on the prepaid card essentially depend upon its usage. Same kind of card could a particular almost nothing while another person who suffers from frequent cash loads and out-of-network ATM withdrawals would end paying much more amount. Consumers taking advantage of the direct deposit or those who loads certain amount of their card each month as well as who utilizes for limited number of transaction would end up in attracting significantly lower fees.

The Best Prepaid Debit Cards For The Consumers

After carefully analysing the fees charged by the different banks on their specific kinds of pre paid debit cards, this list has been compiled which gives the best options available for the consumers.

American Express

American Express leads the chart with its two cost effective prepaid cards which are tentatively named as the Bluebird and Serve. In reality the Bluebirds could be better described as a checking account rather than a genuine prepaid card. Both of these pre-paid comes with additional features which are appreciated by it consumers. These additional features are checking writing, money management tools and online bill pay. Both of these cards attract extremely low fees than other cards available in the market.

Kaiku

Kaiku is prepaid Visa card which offers low and quite simplified fees which costs just $3 per month covering all the services. The services provided by this are mobile check deposits, direct deposit, a intuitive & secure mobile application as well as a ‘Funds-Ometer’ which tracks how the money is being spent by the cards in an efficient manner.

Walmart MoneyCard

Walmart offer its prepaid debit card with both Visa and Mastercard. Like other it also comes with low fees, a dedicated mobile app as well as free cash reloads at the Walmart stores with the preferred version of the card.

Mango Money

This is a prepaid MasterCard which attracts low fees which is just $3 per month. It also gives a saving account option to its consumers and pays 6.00% APY in return which is beneficial in its own unique way.


Prepaid debit cards acts as an alternative for the consumers who have trouble in establishing or improving their credit record. However it would wise for the customers to become aware of the various additional benefits and different kind of fees charged by the banks before opting for a specific debit card.