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Showing posts from June, 2010

China's metallic gift to India - appreciation of Yuan

After a long global political battle, China’s decision to open (appreciate) its currency have come as a breather for metal prices, but the long-term impact of Yuan appreciation on metals prices may not be as simple as it looks. China’s purchasing power in the international markets will increase along with the Yuan’s appreciation. China’s demand for commodities is driven by multiple factors such as real demand from manufacturers, construction industry and stockpiling besides speculative demand from traders. However alignment to bulk orders may not encourage buying based on real demand due to appreciation. China being the world’s largest importer of metals and ores, appreciation of Yuan will lower the import price of metals for Chinese importers and manufacturers. This will potentially help push up international prices of these commodities (including in India). This is a positive development for Indian metal and ore producers. However, purchases are eventually determined by demand

Save Money, Save Environment, Improve health, Reduce Carbon Footprint

As a continuation to my previous post on reducing carbon footprint, I hope there have been some viewers to the post and at least some who are doing their bit in reducing carbon footprint. CYCLE to WORK This is yet another way of reducing carbon foot print. And for those who don't give a damn to reducing carbon footprint, this will certainly save you money, here are reasons why you should cycle to work. It does not cost you fuel, it is eco-friendly It improves health and you dont even have to spend multiple grands at the Gym. Bicycling is no more a "middle class" or "lower class" trait. And anyways, to protect your "image", you can always buy a high end bicycle. It portrays you as a responsible citizen, improving social image. You can proudly say you are doing this to save environment. So just go ahead, save money, save environment, improve health and reduce carbon footprint.

Employment Insurance or Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Insurance or Employment Insurance as it is called in some countries provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed citizens while they look for work. In times of distress such as the global financial crisis when people get laid off, this is an effective way to protect people financially, well to an extent at least. At the same time this does not promote or encourage unemployment among people. HOW IT WORKS? This insurance is not applicable for people who have not started working yet. This only applies if you were working as an employee. Eligibility Generally you need to be ‘qualified’ to be insured. Qualification includes Insurable hours - Continuous period of work for a certain minimum hours (eg. 52 weeks) Unemployment – you need to be without work and without pay for some minimum days (eg 7 days) No fault – you should have been fired for no fault of yours and should not have left the job without any ‘valid’ reason. Insurance Premium: A portion of salary (e