Saturday, 31 March 2012
Emerging markets stocks down on US, China growth fears
Renewed worries over US and Chinese growth hit emerging assets on Thursday, with equities falling to the lowest in almost two months, but central bank action supported the Turkish lira at three-week highs against the dollar.
Emerging equities on the MSCI index fell for the second day in a row, losing 0.9% after data highlighted that while the US economy is slowly improving, it is not building up much momentum.
Sentiment was also hit by heavy losses on Chinese stocks, which closed at 10-week lows after disappointing company results suggested the slowdown in the world’s No 2 economy is hurting profitability more than expected.
China comprises almost a fifth of the emerging index.
“Markets are very concerned about the trajectory of the Chinese slowdown,” said Manik Narain, emerging markets strategist at UBS.
“In the United States, markets are grappling with lower chances of more policy easing while growth isn’t picking up to the extent that was expected.”
Emerging European equities fell 1.1%. The biggest losses were in Poland, where stocks lost 1.3% dominated by a 2.2% decline in giant copper producer KGHM.
Aside from world growth worries, a big issue for copper producers, KGHM also will bear the brunt of a new tax on mining which was signed into law this week.
Russian stocks fell 1%, dampened by the prospect of joint US and European action to release strategic oil reserves that would hit world crude prices.
However, traders said Russia’s entire bond curve was trading well after its $7 issue this week, with yields on the new five-year and 10-year bond tranches tightening modestly.
Russia placed 5-, 10- and 30-year Eurobonds at spreads of 230-250 basis points over US Treasuries, with demand reaching $25bn.
The Turkish lira hit three-week highs to the dollar as the central bank kept liquidity tight through competitive repo auctions and the so-called exceptional days policy.
Since last week, total lira funding stock has dropped by 11 billion lira. Bond yields fell to one-week lows in thin trade.
“If the lira does not recover significantly, the central bank will continue to tighten liquidity even after it ends the exceptional days policy. So the decline of bond yields will be limited in the short term,” said Tufan Comert, strategist at Garanti Securities in Istanbul.
Narain of UBS noted that the lira is supported by its implied FX yield of 8.2%, among the highest in emerging markets, while the rise in the oil price has been stemmed for now.
But he said: “Positive positioning in Turkey is very tactical... Central bank policy tightening is still piecemeal and doesn’t inspire much confidence for the long term.”
Central bank policy meetings were in focus. The rand fell 0.8% to the dollar, but bonds were steady ahead of a central bank rate decision. It was expected to keep interest rates on hold and an announcement was due at 15:00 local time.
Czech rates were also forecast to remain steady, but the crown fell 0.2% against the euro. The Romanian leu fell 0.2% to a 10-day low versus the euro after Romania’s central bank cut interest rates for the fourth month running, to a record low 5.25%.
-NEWS24
Conserving our environment is a good long-term investment, switch off your lights at 20h30 for an hour. http://ping.fm/gwAwX
Friday, 30 March 2012
Take some time off today. Go fishing, take hike, or read a book and get inspired... http://ow.ly/i/x1Cl
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
Well done! I hope those crooks get caught! Do you think this offers a good argument for citizens being armed? http://ow.ly/9TH87
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Friday, 23 March 2012
How to start a business: The Entrepreneur
Starting a business is much more work than just what the nuts and bolts entail. Apart from the business side of it, such as the registering of names, funding, employment, contracts and asset purchases, the most important step is the initial process of planning. The main reason for planning a business idea being so important is that, in this day and age, we find ourselves living in an incredibly competitive world where small businesses have a very slim chance of surviving for more than two years. Proper planning, brainstorming and research will help give you the edge in whatever field you are planning on starting your business.
Once you have developed your idea into a substantial business plan, you will need to sell the idea, both to investors, financers and the public. This step may be the most vital during the initial phase, as bad implementation of this will mean that you will be relatively unknown when entering into the market.
In order to fully capitalize on possible marketing, you should identify your target market and focus selling and advertising to them first and foremost, as they will be the group that determines your initial success or failure. There will always be opportunities down the road to expand your market or add target groups to your vision.
One of the best things you can do for your business that will continue to help you for a long time after you have begun, is joining your local chamber of commerce’s network, allowing you to communicate and collaborate with other businesses in the area, as well as providing you with a platform to reach even more potential clients and investors.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Join us for our AGM and networking session next Thursday! Check out the details at the link below: http://ow.ly/9OcKt
With food security an international issue, why isn't the South African government, taking it more seriously?
http://ow.ly/9O3LQ
http://ow.ly/9O3LQ
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Explore your potential this Human Rights Day! Know your rights, and respect the rights of others.
http://ow.ly/i/wfDZ
http://ow.ly/i/wfDZ
Monday, 19 March 2012
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Saturday, 17 March 2012
For FREE advertising, more info on Rocci, and some great fun content Check out our App, right here on facebook! http://ping.fm/oq1WZ
Friday, 16 March 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Join us for an info session on 19 April!
Map: http://ow.ly/i/vyNm
Invite: http://ow.ly/i/vyNB
Booking Form: http://ow.ly/d/xw7
Map: http://ow.ly/i/vyNm
Invite: http://ow.ly/i/vyNB
Booking Form: http://ow.ly/d/xw7
• U.S. stocks leapt yesterday, with the Nasdaq Composite finishing above 3 000 for the first time in 11 years, after J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. hiked its dividend, retail sales climbed and the Federal Reserve held rates at record lows. European stock markets rallied yesterday, inspired by gains on Wall Street and a surprise jump in German economic sentiment. Asia markets jumped this morning, with Japan leading gains for the region as a weaker yen provided a tailwind for Tokyo-listed shares.
Are you a business owner in the West Rand? Sign up now for our FREE classifieds! (Sign up from your phone!) http://ping.fm/evNzS
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
"I've always said that the better off you are, the more responsibility you have for helping others. Just as I think it's important to run companies well, with a close eye to the bottom line, I think you have to use your entrepreneurial experience to make corporate philanthropy effective."
Carlos Slim Helu
Carlos Slim Helu
Monday, 12 March 2012
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Why is that when we get a price hike it's seen as good news? Yes, it's less than expected, but it's still a hike!
http://ow.ly/9A9h1
http://ow.ly/9A9h1
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Friday, 9 March 2012
how to register a business in South Africa
If you’re planning on starting your own business, no matter what size or shape, there are always things that need to be considered; such as your own strengths and weaknesses, your considered business type (one of the most important steps may be noting and understanding the differences and limitations to each), and ultimately understanding the processes involved in the registration of your chosen business model.
It is estimated that over 70% of start-ups fail within the first five years, and a lot of those owe their failure to the mistake of entering into the wrong business structure from the beginning. There are several structures that differ in size and nature, and understanding these will help you to make your decision easier.
The Sole Proprietor/Trader is the most basic form of business, and consists of (as the name suggests) one owner. This structure makes no requirements of the owner other than having to meet basic tax/legal requirements. However, because the owner is the sole member of the company, all liability and possible legal action falls to him and his personal assets, should the business accrue any unpaid debts. Once the owner passes away, the business will cease to exist. This type of business is the simplest, as it does not need to be registered as a legal entity. All legal matters are referred personally to the owner.
The Partnership paradigm closely resembles the Sole Trader, but can consist of up to 20 partners, each of whom must have it clearly stipulated what their specific role, share, profit cut and liabilities will be. Every facet of this type of business must be agreed upon and every liability must be shared, as losses, legal action and security are all placed upon the group as a whole. This type, as with the Sole Proprietor, does not need to be registered, but all legal documents must be correctly drawn up between partners, as stated above.
Close corporation (CC):
This is a popular and widely used structure that gives a business a separate legal identity without the formalities of the Companies Act that governs (Pty) Ltd companies. This structure is ideal for for a business that purchases stock on credit. A CC can have between one and 10 members, each of whom owns an agreed percentage of the business and who is liable for managing it properly. A CC cannot be owned by a company or be a subsidiary of another CC or company. A CC (rather than its members) can sue and be sued. The Close Corporation in the past, would need to be registered through CIPRO. However, under the new amendment to the Companies Act, CC’s no longer have to be registered under the act. Fees and applications still apply to CC’s registered before May 2011. Visit the CIPC website for more information.
This is also a separate legal entity in which directors are protected from individual liability. A company can make shares available to staff as a private company (Pty) or to the public as alimited company (Ltd), and these are easily transferred from one owner to another. (Pty) Ltd companies are subject to an annual audit. This is the best legal structure for people who ultimately want to sell their business to a large competitor, or list on the stock exchange.
While the Company must still be registered under law, it has now been simplified by the CIPC, information on which can be found here.
For any extra information on how to register a business, and for anything regarding businesses and possible business to business networking, Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce information, member information or business tips, visit the ROCCI (Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce) website.
U.S. and European stocks extended gains into a second session yesterday as a deadline for private bondholders to exchange Greece-issued debt passed with what looked to be adequate participation, removing an obstacle to Greece’s second bailout. The ECB and Bank of England each left key lending rates unchanged at their respective meetings. Asia markets climbed this morning after data showed Chinese inflation cooled slightly and amid optimism for Greece’s crucial debt-swap, with Japanese stocks surging.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
U.S. stocks recovered some of the prior day’s losses yesterday, helped by an upbeat report on jobs growth, a report the Federal Reserve could implement new bond buys if the economy flags and signs of progress on Greece’s debt swap. European stock markets edged higher yesterday in choppy action, aided by gains for banks, with investors remaining cautious ahead of a looming deadline for Greece’s debt swap deal. Asia markets jumped on this morning, with exporters gaining in Japan, while resource firms benefited from an improved risk tone as hopes for a Greek debt restructure firmed.
Please Join us for speed networking on Tues 20 March!
Invite: http://ow.ly/d/x1y
Map: http://ow.ly/d/x1z
Booking Form: http://ow.ly/d/x1A
Invite: http://ow.ly/d/x1y
Map: http://ow.ly/d/x1z
Booking Form: http://ow.ly/d/x1A
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
I just love this quote! Google "Hannibal" and "Elephants" and you'll see what I mean!
http://ow.ly/i/uuO6
http://ow.ly/i/uuO6
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON IMPACT OF COSATU STRIKE ON YOUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY: http://ow.ly/d/wVe
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
Don't do what everyone else is doing. Innovate, invent, dream, envision and do it! http://ow.ly/i/uuNA
U.S. stocks notched minor losses Friday as investors eased out of a market that's recently hit a slew of milestones. European stock markets ended the week higher Friday in a session that saw choppy trade following Spain’s decision to lift its deficit target, while major banks provided support after a broker upgrade. Asia stocks sank on Monday, with technology and resource firms losing ground, as investors monitored a meeting of Chinese leaders and as geopolitical tensions stoked caution across markets.
Join us for our Lady Rocci event on the 16th of March. Space is limited! RSVP by Monday the 12th!
http://ow.ly/9ricH
http://ow.ly/9ricH
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Saturday, 3 March 2012
"Be grateful for what you have now. As you begin to think about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never ending thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them."
Rhonda Byrne
Rhonda Byrne
Friday, 2 March 2012
Okay the Facebook part* of the "9 Wraps" competition is officially closed. We'll be counting all the shares and verifying that everyone that posted actually liked the page as well. The Winner will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
* What about Youtube and Twitter? Well, we decided to extend the time limit on those platforms. Twitter's winner will be determined next week Friday, and Youtube the week after that.
* What about Youtube and Twitter? Well, we decided to extend the time limit on those platforms. Twitter's winner will be determined next week Friday, and Youtube the week after that.
So, how was the information session last night? If you missed it, you missed out! Join Rocci today! http://ow.ly/9pcx7
Thursday, 1 March 2012
SACCI: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 4th Quarter 2011
SACCI
“The voice of business”
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 4th Quarter 2011
Seasonally adjusted real GDP at market prices for the fourth quarter of 2011 up 3.2%
Real annual GDP in 2011 up by 3.1 per cent
The seasonally adjusted real GDP at market prices for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by an annualised rate of 3.2 per cent compared with an increase of 1.7 per cent (revised from an increase of 1,4 per cent) during the third quarter of 2011.
Real annual GDP increased by 3.1 per cent in 2011 compared to 2.9% in 2010.
The main contributors[*] to the increase in GDP the fourth quarter of 2011 were:
· wholesale, retail and motor trade, (0.7%)
· catering and accommodation industry (0.7 %)
· the manufacturing industry (0.6%)
· general government services (0.6%)
· finance, real estate and business services (0.5 %),
· the transport, storage and communication industry (0.3%), and
· personal services (0.2%).
The seasonally adjusted real annualised value added by the secondary and tertiary sectors each increased by 3.5 per cent, while the primary sector recorded a decrease of 1.0 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2011.
In 2011 as a whole the main contributors to GDP were the:
· finance, real estate and business services (0.7 %)
· general government services (0.5%)
· wholesale, retail and motor trade (0.5%)
· catering and accommodation industry (0.5%)
· the manufacturing industry (0.4%) and
· transport, storage and communication industry (0.3%).
Comments
GDP recovered significantly during the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase in economic growth of 3.1% for 2011, and 3.2% for the fourth quarter comes in slightly above the SACCI expectation of 2.9%. The stronger contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP is encouraging especially in light of weaker output of the sector in the second and third quarters.
SACCI is optimistic regarding economic growth over the short to medium term. The South African economy has demonstrated resilience in an uncertain global economic environment. South African GDP will continue to strengthen as the uncertainties in the global economy subsides, led by increased household consumption, and an uptick in both public- and private-sector investment. The focus on infrastructure by the National government could see the construction sector seeing increased activity.
An expected improvement in consumer confidence in the euro area during the latter half of 2012 will stimulate demand in these economies especially in retail as well as the manufacturing sector. South Africa stands to gain from this improvement in demand for manufactured goods since Europe is the biggest export market for the South African manufacturing industry.
A stabilisation in the EU markets and the US economy will also see institutional investors again attracted to the higher yielding emerging markets with South Africa a traditional beneficiary of these flows
However, risks to the outlook remain. The uncertainty around energy prices (impacting on domestic price levels), high regulatory burdens and the existing structural bottlenecks in the economy remains prominent. Growth is thus expected to average just above the 3% mark with acceleration in the latter half of the year on the back of increased activity, stronger capital formation due to pent-up investment funds and technical base effects.
Lady Rocci would like to invite you to join them on the 12th of March 2012! We've got a great competition for the corporate table bookings! Win a breakfast for 10 at Town Lodge Roodepoort: http://ow.ly/9kJGz
What do you think of Malema's expulsion? Do you think he he'll take it lying down? http://ow.ly/9nAVJ
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