Archive for April, 2007

Our Six Themes Continue For Global Investment Continue To Be Timely

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Growth of China, India and the Asian region creates investment opportunity in these markets.Energy demand will continue to grow; supply is not growing hence energy prices will rise.Non-U.S. dollar based currencies will continue to appreciate.Demand for global financial services will grow rapidly.Industrial metals and precious metals will be needed to further global growth. Supply is stagnant and demand is rising, hence prices will rise.Transportation equipment is important for this growth to continue.CHINA TO ALLOW MORE INVESTORS TO OWN STOCKS ABROAD…BULLISH FOR ASIA, ESPECIALLY HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE We anticipate that a great deal of Chinese capital will gradually find its way into the regional stock markets of Asia; first into Hong Kong, then into other Chinese language markets like Singapore, and eventually into the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. We own Singapore and Hong Kong companies for our clients and plan to use market pullbacks to add to these positions. In our view, this growth will continue for many years and is not for a short-term trend. AREAS OF FOCUS IN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE In Hong Kong, we are focused on companies which are property developers in Hong Kong, who have also made big commitments to property development in China. Within Singapore, we continue to like many industries, especially financial services. Singapore has a well educated work force, a good port system, stable and efficient non corrupt government, good courts, excellent legal and accounting framework, and a pro business environment with low taxes. We believe Singapore will become the Asian financial capital as London is for Europe, and New York is for North America.

WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING IS A LONG-TERM TREND, ASIAN GROWTH WILL CONTINUE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS Not since the industrial revolution of Europe has there been such far reaching change in the global economic background.

THIS IS AN OLD THEME FOR US WE HAVE BEEN SAYING THESE THINGS FOR OVER 5 YEARS, AND OTHERS ARE FINALLY GETTING ON THE BANDWAGON In a major report to clients this week, Morgan Stanley estimates that 30 million Asian people per year, for the next 20 to 25 years, will move from the countryside into Asian cities.

Their analysts predict that 17 million per year in China, and 13 million per year in other Asian countries like India will make the journey. They correctly point out that this huge influx will be due to rising standards of living in Asia, and that immense infrastructure spending will be required to manage this transition.

These articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a solicitation, offering or recommendation of any security. Guild Investment Management does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this web site are suitable or appropriate for all investors. Any market analysis constitutes an opinion that may not be correct. Readers must make their own independent investment decisions.

The information in this article is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation, or which would subject Guild Investment Management to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.

Any opinions expressed herein, are subject to change without notice. In addition, there are many market, currency, economic, political, business, technological and other risks that are beyond our control. We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate content in these articles; however, some content and some of the assumptions, formulas, algorithms and other data that impact the content may be inaccurate, outdated, or otherwise inappropriate. In addition, we may have conflicts of interest with respect to any investments mentioned. Our principals and our clients may hold positions in investments mentioned on the site or we may take positions contrary to investments mentioned.

Guild’s current and past market commentaries are protected by copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act, you must not copy, frame, modify, transmit or distribute the market commentaries, without seeking the prior consent of Guild.

Monty Guild founded Guild Investment Management in 1971. Prior to founding the company he was an analyst at a bank and a hedge fund.
For more information on global investing visit

Tips on How to Apply for a Credit Card

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Deciding to apply for a credit card is not a decision you should take lightly. Many stores try to get you to impulsively apply at the register, and you should never agree. Credit cards can affect your financial situation for years so you should certainly think before you act. If you want to apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take beforehand.

Evaluation

Before you apply for a credit card, you should do an evaluation of your finances. Get a free
credit report and make sure everything is accurate. You will want to know what your credit score is
so you will know which cards to look at when you apply for a credit card. If there is anything
unusual or incorrect on your credit report, deal with it immediately. Many people never look at
their credit report, and therefore have no idea what may or may not be on it. It is important to
clear up anything incorrect on your credit report before you apply for a credit card.

Research

After getting everything strait with your credit report, you should begin researching. Research
cards that fit your credit score. Make a list of important characteristics you want in a credit
card. Look for the best deals in several areas. Before you apply for a credit card, you should make
sure you understand everything about the card and the company’s policies. Look at the interest
rates, rewards programs, and other characteristics.

Be wary of great introductory offers. When you apply for a credit card, many companies will offer
you fantastic introductory deals. It is great to take advantage of these deals, however you
should be sure that the terms won’t change unexpectedly after the introductory offer time period is
over. For example, you will need to know what the interest rate will be after the offer before you
apply for a credit card.

Conclusion

Once you find several credit cards with terms that you understand and like, categorize them by
your choice. Apply to one at a time. If you only need one card and apply to three, you run the
chance of getting approved for all three. This will not only reflect on your credit report, but also
give you the inconvenience of canceling two of them. So, be patient and wait for a response.

When you apply for a credit card, you are vowing that you will be responsible financially.
Deciding to apply for a credit card means that you know you will be able to pay the balance off in a
timely manner. If you are not sure of your ability to pay, you should never apply for a credit card.
Be responsible, examine, and research before applying!

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting
Find-Cards-Now.com” target= “_blank Apply for a Credit Card

Skateboarding in the Eighties to the Present

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.

As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating’s pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.

Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.

Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.

These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
kidsandteenscentral.com/ Kids And Teens, iwomensinterests.com/ Women, and 4homelife.net/ Nursing

The Importance Of Understanding Credit Score Ratings

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Despite the many factors involved with a credit score, understanding credit score ratings is not hard. Understanding credit scores is very crucial not only because it will allow you to have lower interest rates on not only things like credit cards and home loans, but it will also help you get such things such as a car and good insurance. Many people think that not understanding credit score ratings is not a big deal. However, not understanding credit score ratings can lead to a lower credit score. By understanding your credit score and how understanding credit score ratings work you will avoid many problems.

Understanding credit score ratings helps you stay aware of your credit rating and what can and cannot hurt your credit score. This is important, because people who do not fully understanding their credit score ratings do not realize the smallest things that can hurt their credit score. By not understanding credit score ratings and how they work, you also are not aware of the things you can do to improve your credit score.

Understanding credit score ratings helps you become more responsible in your financial dealings. By knowing that even the smallest payment that is late can cause a negative effect on your credit score, it will help you become a more responsible person when applying for line of credit. People who understanding credit score ratings and the negative actions of a poor credit score, are usually more responsible then people that have no interest in understanding credit score ratings.

By not understanding credit score ratings, you will more likely draw out to many lines of credit, thus putting you to far into debt. People that have no desire in understanding credit score ratings, usually will go to far into debt to quick. This is commonly what happens to people who are not aware of the consequences of applying for to many lines of credit and then result in them having bad credit.

By understanding credit score ratings you can anticipate what your interest rates will be. For such things as home loans and credit card interest, understanding credit score ratings is very important. Understanding credit score ratings can give you an idea of how much you will be paying back on not only the principle, but with the interest also included.

There are many benefits to understanding credit score ratings. Understanding credit score ratings not only helps you become more responsible with your finances but it also helps you avoid pitfalls with getting new credit.

How would you like more free information about
know-your-credit-score.com/good-credit-score.html building a
good credit score, low credit score and understanding your credit score.
Feel free to visit us on the web at know-your-credit-score.com
know-your-credit-score.com know-your-credit-score.com

The Delights And Dangers Of Credit Card Jumping

Monday, April 30th, 2007

If you’re thinking of becoming a credit card jumper, you need to be well informed. Here’s what you need about how credit card jumping can work for you.

What Is Credit Card Jumping?

Credit card jumping is the practice of moving debt from credit card to credit card to take advantage of low or nil interest rates.

Who Offers Low Credit Card Interest Rates?

Just about every credit card company offers low introductory interest rates to attract new customers. Some offer permanently low rates, which is good news for anyone who has a debt at a higher interest rate. Others offer 0% on purchases, which means consumers can spend as usual without paying any interest. Finally, many credit card companies offer 0% interest on balance transfers. This is very attractive for credit card jumpers.

How Do I Transfer My Balance To A 0% Card?

It’s simple. Just apply for a credit card as usual. Most credit card application have room for people to list the cards they want to transfer balances from and the amounts they want to transfer. In this case, the balances are transferred automatically when the account is opened. Other credit card companies allow customers to transfer balances after the account has been opened.

Are There Other Incentives For Getting A 0% Credit Card?

Most credit card companies offer other incentives to new cardholders. These include cardholder discounts on win, hotels or travel, travel insurance, money off vouchers and cash back offers. It is worth looking at the range of incentives before deciding on a card.

How Can I Be A Successful Credit Card Jumper?

To make a success of credit card jumping, there are two key things for consumers to do. The first is to make the required repayments on time. The second is to choose a new credit card and move the outstanding balance before the 0% interest rate expires.

What Are The Dangers Of Credit Card Jumping?

Credit card jumping only works if:

- People pay the required amount (the minimum repayment)

- People pay on time

- People move the money before the interest rate goes up.

Failure to do the first two could damage a person’s credit rating. This would make it more difficult for that person to get another credit card. Failure to move the money on time means that the credit card holder will have to pay interest. Since the point of credit card jumping is to reduce debt, this is not a sensible strategy.

It is also best to avoid putting additional spending on the card, as the interest on spending might be different from the balance transfer rate. It is best to check the fine print first.

Some credit card companies now apply a balance transfer fee so that they make some money from credit card jumpers. It is worth shopping around to find the few that don’t. Even with this fee, credit card jumping may be a useful strategy for people with a large debt.

Joe Kenny writes for the Card Guide, a

Tai Chi – Improves Your Overall Health

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

Tai chi is an exercise program really different from the others because it provides all the benefits when compared to the other exercise programs. The other programs provide stimulation only to the musculoskeletal system. When you are performing Isometric workouts you apply your force against an immovable object hence using only a set of muscles in the body.

Calisthenics or weightlifting also emphasize only on the individual muscles although they provide a wide range of motion to the muscles unlike Isometric exercises. All these exercises do not improve your overall physique. Only Tai chi helps building your physique totally.

The advantages of askaquery.com/Answers/qn1628.html Tai chi are innumerable according to the Medical Academy of Shanghai. Studies conducted by them show that Tai Chi regulates the blood pressure, reduces stress and tones the musculosketal system in the body. The blood circulation in the body is smooth. The central nervous system is stimulated and it eliminates all the gastric problems if present.

According to the tradition of Chinese medicine, the ‘chi’ is known as intrinsic energy and very essential to the body to keep you always fresh and healthy. If the cycle of chi is disturbed it results in various illnesses. Therefore the main objective of tai chi is to maintain the smooth functioning of this cycle at all times. Tai Chi is indeed an unique exercise program.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit askaquery.com/Answers/qn1628.html askaquery.com/Answers/qn1628.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Penny Stock Investing A Junior Level Course

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

What is penny stock investing?

Well it depends who you ask. Some will tell you that stocks trading under 5 dollars a share are penny stocks, while others will say less than 1-2 dollars a share.

I agree with the 1-2 dollars a share because I have seen stocks priced between 2-5 dollars do just fine. However, anything less than 2 dollars a share and I think you are gambling. Also make sure any stock you invest in is listed in one of the major exchanges. (NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX) DO NOT get involved with OTC and Pink Sheet stocks. You are playing a dangerous game if you do because these stocks have very little accountability compared to stocks listed on the major exchanges.

Penny stock investing is a junior level course at least. Trading penny stocks online is very difficult and can be very risky. If you have never bought a stock in your life stay away from penny stocks. In the beginning, you may be tempted by the huge possible gains that one lucky penny stock that skyrockets may bring you.

What one may see that tempts them into purchasing a penny stock is as follows:

Lets say you have $5000 dollars to invest.

Well if a stock was selling at $50 dollars a share you could only buy 100 shares of that stock.

However, if you purchased a penny stock that sells for .50 cents a share you could buy 10,000 shares.

Why is that a huge temptation for some?

Because money in the stock market is all about shares. In the above example, for every .01 cent that the $50 dollar stock goes up in price you would make 1 dollar. So if the price goes up to $50.01 you just made 1 dollar in the stock market. However, if the .50 cent stock goes up by .01 cent you just made $100 dollars. See the temptation?

However, the real truth is most penny stocks are penny stocks for a reason because they are worthless. Many simply do not go anywhere and usually go down in price, or they disappear completely. Remember, stocks go down as well as up. So for every penny that penny stock, in the above example, goes down you would lose $100 dollars.

Remember, to win in the stock market you have to be a wise investor NOT a gambler.

For more information please visit: lucky-dog-investing.com lucky-dog-investing.com

Author: Chad Surges/
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Business) /
Career: 10 years as a Logistics Executive

Keeping It Interesting

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

Some lines from a movie never leave your mind; I don’t remember the context always, but I do recall the dialog. “The Big Chill” is one of the few movies I own (VHS). At dinner, William Hurt, Jeff Goldbloom, and Tom Berenger argue about their past like dogs growling for a turkey leg at Thanksgiving. JoBeth Williams brings calm by chastising the men, and to that Hurt replies with a smirk, “Just trying to keep the conversation lively.” It’s one of those “had to be there” moments.

Bond traders “keep the conversation lively” . Have you noticed that long-term rates have fallen while short-term rates have risen? Low long-term rates keep the housing market active (a positive, maybe), with the implicit suggestion of a slowing economy (a drop in long-term borrowing by corporations suggests a slow down in the economy). All of this is happening as the Federal Reserve torques rates higher!

An interest rate anomaly occurs when short-term rates get close to exceeding long-term rates. This is known as an “inverted yield curve”. Inverted yield curves preceded the past five recessions. “Something strange has been going on in the bond market”, writes E.S. Browning (Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2005). Markets get long-term trends right, usually.

Low interest rates recommend positive stock returns; however, market volatility seems to defy such optimism. One day stocks are up, and the next down. Someone said, “When interest rates are low equities grow.” Many stock analysts get slap-happy moments with low interest rates. Optimism does not move markets; pessimism does. Browning wisely observes “…the prevailing view in the stock market is one of celebration…” when it ought to be fear. (WSJ, May 31, 2005)

Some economists do expect worsening economic conditions. “Over the past 35 years, the skeptics say, Fed rate increases have tended to end with trouble.” (WSJ, May 31, 2005) Most recently, the bubble gum stock market popped during 2000 left stocks looking like pink bubble gum on a child’s cheeks.

No simple resolution keeps investors from the dangers of an inverted yield curve. Every analyst, economist, and pundit has an opinion. What matters is the reaction of the bond market, and the current short and long-term yields are “keeping it interesting”.

My point? There is no way to predict every asset class move (up or down). Broad diversification within the bond universe provides aggregate benefit to your portfolio. This does not mean owning every conceivable bond; it does mean integrating bond management consistent to reach your goals within the context of your risk tolerance.

* These are the major bond (fixed income)asset classes U.S. Government

* International Fixed Income

* Municipals (tax efficient accounts)

* High Yield

* Emerging Market Debt

“When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest.” – William Hazlitt, English essayist (1778 – 1830)

Ray Randall serves clients as a registered investment advisor with his firm, Ethos Advisory Services, Essex, Massachusetts ethosadvisory.com ethosadvisory.com. He has wide experience within the financial services industry, writes a weekly newsletter for Ethos Advisory Services, and coordinates the developments at Echievements echievements.com echievements.com. Ray holds a Masters Degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA. You may email him or call (877-895-3756).

Cash Back Credit Card: How Rewarding Is It?

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

As the credit card market becomes more competitive than ever, banks and lending institutions are coming up with new marketing and financial strategies to obtain more customers. One of those strategies used to acquire more customers is through the use of a cash back credit card.

By definition, those are credit cards that will return a fixed percentage of cash back to the customer according to the amount of purchases charged on the credit card. Usually, the cash back rebate is typically anywhere between 1 to 2% and is computed within a given time frame. Therefore, cash back credit cards might result in a good saving tool if used properly and conscientiously.

Let’s assume that a given person will use his/her credit card and will also carry a monthly card balance. If the ongoing interest rate is very high, the finance charges will or than likely offset any of the savings gained from the cash rebates. On the other hand, if the card balance is paid in full at the end of every grace period, the cash back rebates earned from the credit card will usually end up earning the cardholder money back and sometimes a significant amount depending on how often the card is used.

Cash back credit cards will payout the cash rebates earned either by crediting the actual earned rebate back against the existing card balance or will pay the cardholder with a rebate check, usually in $50 to $100 increments.

With the notion of accumulating cash with card purchases, people will psychologically tend to use their credit cards more than other payment options. Very often, cardholders will set a specific time frame for their card purchase activities in order to accumulate the most cash rebates possible. As more and more companies accept credit cards, cardholders are becoming more and more comfortable with using their respective cards to pay virtually everything including utility bills, mortgages and rent payments. With a 1% to as high as a 5% cash back bonus on all purchases, cardholders anticipate some hefty savings from a cash back credit card.

Not surprisingly, cash back credit cards are very popular with consumers. But cardholders must be wary of using them correctly, if they wish to derive maximum benefit. Banks and credit card issuers typically design the cards to maximize their own profit not the consumers profit because card issuers anticipate the cards will not be used efficiently by some, if not many of the cardholders utilizing these cards.

Cash back credit cards are among the many financial tools that can be truly rewarding for cardholders that use the cards effectively and look beyond just the pure attraction of receiving cash back. If cardholders are vigilante about paying off their card balances each and every month, they can potentially rack up significant savings from a cash back credit card. But if not, they might end up paying out significantly more in finance charges over time than their old credit card.

For more on creditcardassist.com/cashback/creditcards.html cash back credit card offers, Robert Alan recommends that you visit creditcardassist.com/ CreditCardAssist.com

Running and Envisioning the Win in Track

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

It is interesting all the psychological studies on top performing athletes and often Olympic Track and Field stars are asked about their thoughts about winning. What I find so amazing is that all the top athletes say that they envision the win before the win. Indeed, I understand this concept and as a top runner athlete in High School and College, I can remember doing this, automatically without even thinking.

In sales they talk a lot about envisioning the sale in advance and there are business books on success, which also talk about psycho-cybernetics too. In aviation there is a saying, never fly to an airport that your mind has not gone to in advance. All these talks, quotes and books on success have a very similar aspect to them that is used in sports and specifically running.

For one four and a half year period competing in track running the 800 meter and 1-mile run I posted consecutive victories and never lost a single race. In fact, I then took a break and came back later to compete again and re-train to build myself back up and it did not take long to be in the winner’s circle once again. Why you ask? It is quite simple; it was about envisioning the win, in advance. I recommend that your take this simple principle and run with it.

“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/