December 20, 2009 by admin ·
Someone forgot to tell to Brazil that we are in the midst of the worst global recession in history.
Brazil is quickly becoming a political and economic leader in Latin America and the world. As with the rest of the global economy, Brazil entered into a recessionary period in 2009, but economic data that have been emerging from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (“IBGE”) increasingly point to a stabilization in the economy, further suggesting that the country has perhaps been less impacted than other markets in this global recession. After the 4.4% quarter-on-quarter decline in 4Q08 and a subsequent 3.5% decline in 1Q09, the country’s GDP reached US$417.8 billion at 2Q09, up 5.2% from the prior quarter, and projected GDP growth for the second half of 2009 is running at about 4.0% or even higher (see Figure 1).
Many economists point, because from this year's global economic recession, a major barrier to changing trade patterns in Brazil for the first time, China surpassed the U.S. to become Brazil's largest trading partner. In addition, copper and oil prices remained relatively strong, Brazil's commodity-based economy continues to show strong growth in the expansion, consumer spending increased 2.1%, 2Q09, on behalf of 23 quarter. Any Ph.D. in economics can tell you that, on the technical side, it is ginormous.
All this good news will get a clear recognition of the market. Meanwhile, in 2008 Brazil's Bovespa index is down 45.0% or more, Brazil's main index is about 66.7% YTD, up 15.6%, 3Q09 alone, significantly (see Figure 2) is the United States, the Dow Jones industrial average is more than. Similarly, as sovereign bonds, while showing optimism in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and other countries for many, and probably more widespread pessimism.
And as if things were not good enough, Brazil is the heavy favorite in 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it is the 2014 World Cup hosts, and it was only the first South American country ever to host the Olympic Games, as are now planning to bring the ultimate sporting event and the worldwide audience in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
One could say that the things you are in Brazil. Muito bom indeed.
Private Equity in Brazil
With such favorable economic conditions, the buzz in Brazil again starts to converge on the topic of private equity. Like its fellow BRIC countries India and China, Brazil maintains some of the same arguments for the “perfect market environment for private equity.” Hundreds -– if not thousands –- of bankers’ pitchbooks abound with respect to the wonderful opportunities in Brazilian private equity, and we ourselves might be culpable for a few of those. Brazil is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, and, with an estimated population of 190 million inhabitants, it is the fifth most populous country in the world. It is the world’s tenth largest economy and the largest national economy in Latin America. Brazil boasts a solid and modern financial system that escaped the financial crisis relatively unscathed, an improving and credible legal system, a strong local investor base, robust capital markets, and, perhaps more so than any other Latin American country, there has been a strong emergence of a new middle class. According to the Funda??o Getulio Vargas, a Brazilian research institute, since 2002 Brazil, previously notorious for its extremes in income distribution, is now demonstrating the emergence of this strong middle-class society.
Yada, yada, yada. Unfortunately, pretty much what we heard ten years ago, twenty years ago and every other time the emerging markets in general become a popular topic of conversation. Thinking back to years such as 1994 and 2000, everyone was similarly optimistic about the great private equity opportunities in Brazil and throughout Latin America. When Madonna and the mullet were still cool circa 1994, anything with a pulse in Argentina attracted capital, and through the late 1990s, any Latin American company whose only asset was a domain name very often brought in hundreds of private equity professionals ready to write a check. Where is Argentina today? Don’t ask. Sure, Brazil becomes popular when Maria Bartiromo discusses the great opportunities in Brazil on CNBC, but as anyone that has been in the emerging markets for many years will tell you, the ups and downs of Brazil and the emerging markets in general can be stomach-wrenching to say the least. We love you dearly, Maria, but we didn’t see you in 1995 or 2001, when things were perhaps a smidge less uplifting in the region.
With that said, we do strongly believe that Brazil currently poses significant opportunities for private equity investors, and we sincerely hope that private equity investments in the country take firmer hold than in other times during the country’s history. For Brazilian companies and the Brazilian economy in general, attracting private equity can be an important source for continued economic growth. But what makes now such an opportune time for private equity transactions in Brazil? “Besides the favorable macroeconomic data and the fact that between 65%-70% of all Latin American private equity capital is focused specifically on Brazil, there are many reasons why the current situation in Brazil is different now than in other years. For one, while the financial sector has shown improvement in the last decade, access to capital for the middle-market and growth companies continues to be difficult, and thus the need for private equity as a source of capital for these early-stage and middle-market companies,” said Roger S. Leeds, Chairman of the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (“EMPEA”), Professor at the School of Advanced International Studies (“SAIS”) at Johns Hopkins University and a former partner at Apax Partners & Co. “In addition, what’s significant about today is that there is a tremendous amount of Brazilian institutional capital being committed to the sector, as one sees pension funds, for example, placing significant amounts of capital in local private equity funds.”
*** Article too long to search for in full. See the link below to read full article
http://www.alternativelatininvestor.com/private2.php
Filed under bound, company, growth, host, running, trade · Tagged with Argentina, bovespa index, Brazil, China, country, Don, dow jones industrial, dow jones industrial average, economy, equity, global economic recession, India, Latin America, Madonna, Maria, Maria Bartiromo, Private Equity, recession, Rio de Janeiro, South Africa, South America, South American, U.S., United States, US, Venezuela, world
October 27, 2009 by admin ·
High rate of unemployment, low agricultural output and severe draught conditions have marred Morocco?s image as a developing economy. To address these key issues and ensure overall development, the Moroccan authorities initiated an economic reform programme in the early 1990s. Concerted efforts like these have revived the Moroccan economy to a great extent and attracted foreign investors from countries such as China and India.
In a move to increase exports to the US, Morocco signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2000. The agreement has played a key role in increasing Moroccan exports to the US. Foreign companies have therefore shown a keen interest on setting up their units in Morocco to capitalise on the benefits provided under the FTA.
Trade relations
Significantly, Indo-Moroccan trade ties have been strengthened since the 1990s when the Indian economy became liberalised. At present, Indo-Moroccan bilateral trade is pegged at around US$706.63 million.
India is a leading exporter of dairy products, mineral oil, tea, coffee, spices, cereals, inorganic chemicals and pharmaceutical products to Morocco. Alternately, Morocco exports items such as oil seeds, resins, animal fats, salt, sugar, lime, ores, precious metals and plastics to India.
Morocco moves up the ladder
For Indian SMEs, Morocco has emerged as a lucrative trade and investment destination because of its competitiveness and business-friendly environment. Moroccan authorities have also invited Indian SMEs to explore trade opportunities in their country.
According to trade experts, Morocco?s robust banking sector, flexible labour laws and its proximity to the African and European markets are chief factors working in its favour. Indian SMEs are also playing a dominant role in boosting Morocco?s ailing SME segment by facilitating knowledge exchange.
The Moroccan government has also stepped up efforts to provide assistance to Indian SMEs eyeing expansion in Morocco. The Moroccan government has recently set up 16 regional investment centres that process registration applications of foreign companies within 48 hours. This has not only simplified the registration process considerably but has also lowered the cost of starting a business in the country.
To facilitate mutual cooperation between the two countries, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has collaborated with Morocco-based AL Fajer Information & Services to organise the Morocco International Autumn Trade Fair (MIATF)2009. Slated to be held in November this year, the event is conceptualised as a platform to explore trade opportunities for Indian companies in sectors such as textiles, electronics, food processing, leather and Plastics Manufacturers.
Filed under application, benefit, develop, development, trade · Tagged with China, economy, India, Indian, Moroccan, moroccan authorities, moroccan economy, moroccan exports, moroccan government, Morocco, SMEs, trade, US
September 7, 2009 by admin ·
Every share investor enjoys hunting out profitable companies they can invest in, and hopefully finding a potential ten-bagger that will make them rich, but there comes a time when you have to analyze your portfolio and make harsh decisions if you’re not beating the overall market.
After all what is the point in spending hours and hours researching different companies if the end result is that you are underperforming the overall market. You may as well just invest in a tracker fund that tracks the market or a top performing mutual fund and spend your time doing more worthwhile things.
I know it can be quite exciting doing your own research and investing in the companies of your choice, but professionals are paid to do the same job and will generally have access to more information than you do, and can make better informed decisions.
So take a look at your share portfolio over the years and see how it’s performed in percentage terms. Then compare this to the performance of the FTSE 100, for example (or the Dow Jones if investing in US shares) and see how you compare.
If you find that the overall index has seriously outperformed your own efforts then something is seriously wrong here, and it might be an idea to seriously rethink your investment strategy.
For instance, taking the FTSE 100 as an example, this index has increased dramatically since 2003 almost doubling in value so almost all good quality companies will have risen a lot during this time. Now look at the companies you’ve been investing in. If they haven’t risen during this time when the market as a whole has been extremely bullish, then your investment strategy is seriously flawed.
If however, you have achieved excellent gains in percentage terms then your individual share picking strategy is of course justified, although it might still be an idea to place your money in a tracker or mutual fund, depending on your performance.
This isn’t always true though, because it’s important to note that portfolio managers have more constraints placed on them in terms of the types of companies they can invest in, plus of course there’s the added fees you have to pay for their service, so ultimately it’s a matter of choice and convenience.
I personally have done extremely well investing in my own portfolio over the years and have plenty of time to do my own research. However for people who have busy lives and have maybe shown that they are not that successful in managing their own portfolio and selecting individual companies to invest in, then paying someone else to do it for you is probably the better option.
Filed under disease, exercise, illness, sickness · Tagged with ftse 100, fund, market, portfolio, share, share investor, share portfolio, time, tracker fund, US
August 24, 2009 by admin ·
Advanced Satellite Services Provide Broadband to Small Business and Consumers in the 48 contiguous US states anywhere in the US
Elite Satellite is making broadband available to all consumers and small businesses anywhere in the US ? even those who have been left behind by cable and DSL. Working with Hughes, the leading provider of satellite broadband services, Elite Satellite will offer all residents and businesses the speed and performance of available-anywhere high-speed internet service by satellite.
?Our mission is to get high-speed Internet access to anyone who wants it,? said Elite Satellite. ?After 10 years in the business, it has become clear that the only way to make broadband available to those who need it in rural areas is to offer internet service via satellite. No other solution has the flexibility for anytime, anywhere internet access. And with more than 30 years of satellite experience, Hughes offers the only solution we recommend.?
The HughesNet service offered by Elite Satellite improves the user?s Internet experience by offering plans with speeds up to 70 times faster than dial-up. The technology, previously available only to larger companies, delivers high-quality, high-speed Internet to everyone.
Service Plans and Benefits
Elite Satellite is offering a range of HughesNet service plans to meet individual users? needs. Whether a residential user wants to download Web pages quickly and ensure timely e-mail delivery, or if a small business owner wants to incorporate e-commerce, there is a plan that meets that need. By offering a variety of service plans and empowering subscribers to select the one that?s best for them, Elite Satellite is ensuring that consumers and small business owners have a quality Internet experience, and one that delivers value for their dollar.
HughesNet residential plans offer speeds up to 1.5 megabits per second which start at $59.99 per month. Small business plans start at $99.99 per month and offer maximum speeds of up to two 2 megabits per second. All plan subscribers will benefit from:
Hughes Boosts HughesNet Speed and Performance
? Faster speeds;
? Enhanced performance;
? Ability to network multiple internet connections
? Advanced spam and virus protection;
? Multiple e-mail accounts with large storage capacity;
? 24X7 live technical support; and
? A trusted provider with more than 30 years experience delivering satellite services.
Broadband for Everyone
Satellite offers unprecedented broadband choice because it isn?t constrained by geography. With satellite, broadband is available to urban, suburban and rural Internet users?even where DSL and cable are not?thereby helping to bridge the digital divide and eliminating broadband ?black holes.?
?By making high-quality broadband service available to everyone, small businesses can compete effectively in today?s global economy, students can experience the full spectrum of available Internet resources and families can download music, surf the Web and stay in touch with friends and family around the world via satellite internet,? said Mike Cook, senior vice president, Hughes. ?Hughes is looking forward to continued work with Elite Satellite to ensure that consumers and small businesses alike?regardless of their location?get the connectivity they need, when they need it.?
To purchase or learn more about HughesNet high-speed Satellite Internet, please contact Elite Satellite, 877-438-3758, and/or www.GetDSLtoo.com About HughesNet Satellite Internet.
Elite Satellite is one of the most efficient and knowledgeable internet service providers for Satellite Internet. It is ideal for small offices, homes and far off rural places. At the same time it is very cost effective and is now available with huge rebates and discounts.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite internet networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.getdsltoo.com.
Filed under internet, internet-marketing, marketing, website · Tagged with Broadband, D.C., Elite, HUGH, Hughes Boosts, internet, Maryland, Mike Cook, quality internet experience, Satellite, satellite experience, service, small business plans, speed internet service, US, USA, Washington
Fax messaging technology continues to evolve in the 21st century. Because of the advent of the Internet, a new telecommunication option called Internet fax was developed. Internet fax or online fax allows individuals to send and receive fax messages without the use of a fax machine. This kind of service uses the Internet to perform the tasks done through traditional faxing. But because it uses the Internet, online fax services are more efficient and more effective. In addition, fax messages sent online are faster compared to traditional faxing. These messages can be sent and received anywhere in the world because of the accessibility of the Internet. Online faxing is less costly because it does not require paper, ink, extra phone line, waives the maintenance cost of fax machines. There are however many ways of acquiring Internet faxing services. Some are free, some are not. Some Internet fax servers include conversion of a received fax into e-mail while some incoming fax messages from special numbers are scanned and sent directly to an e-mail address.
Individuals can send or receive faxes on computers simply by installing an Internet fax software into it. After doing this, a fax account will be activated and a fax number will be acquired that will enable individuals to perform online faxing. Some software, however, are sold and Internet usage are charged separately. Several Internet faxing companies offer softwares at low prices. Requirements for administering software are Pentium class PC, any of the Windows version like Window 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2000 and 2003 Server, a fax capable modem, at least 20 MB disk space and 64 MB Ram. A scanner is necessary for consumers who wish to scan paper documents and notes.
Another way of acquiring Internet faxing technology is achieved by signing-up to websites that offer Internet faxing services. By signing-up, these servers provide special fax numbers and control panel abilities which allow consumers check incoming and outgoing messages. These messages are confidential and will be accessed by specific recipients and, in the process, ensure confidentiality of information. Many companies offer Internet faxing services at very minimal rates. In general, Internet fax service providers offer services between US$ 10-20 per month.
Because Internet fax servers deliver messages electronically and not on paper, these messages just like any other Portable Document Format (PDF) file, can be stored on a computer. Internet fax services enable fax messages to be retrieved anywhere with a click of a mouse. In addition, a major advantage of Internet fax is subscribers does not need to be familiar with fax machines. With familiarity of e-mail use, subscribers can easily send and receive messages online. Another advantage of using Internet faxing is that users can send and receive many fax messages simultaneously or send a number of fax messages instantly. Internet fax services vary from one company to another, including the charges and the validity of their deals. In choosing the best online fax service available, it very essential to consider one’s concern before signing-up. It is important to study the services that these companies can provide and whether these services will work for you and your needs.
Filed under internet, internet-marketing, marketing, website · Tagged with e mail address, Fax, internet, internet fax software, internet faxing services, mb disk space, Online, paper, service, US