munKNEE.com Your Key to Making Money
Of the 1000s of financial sites on the internet many contain biased, shallow, unbalanced and
uncomplimentary commentary on the state of the Chinese economy and economic system – so much so that the state government has blocked access to said sites. This site prides itself in posting objective, substantive and balanced articles containing insightful analysis of the world’s financial affairs including those of China. Check them out.
By Lorimer Wilson, editor of www.munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) and www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com (A site for sore eyes and inquisitive minds).
I spent the month of September travelling extensively in China and came away with a new-found appreciation for the ongoing economic marvel that is China today. Below are a number of articles that have been written about what is happening in China today and how events are impacting the world at large.
1. The China Syndrome – Fully Understanding China’s Economic Prospects: Michael Pettis
In order to argue that we will not see a sharp slowdown in Chinese growth, it is not enough to claim that a) some expert or institution has predicted that Chinese growth will not slowdown, b) that China has enough savings in its coffers to bail itself out of a crisis or c) that Beijing leaders cannot tolerate growth below 8%, so of course growth will not drop below 8%. As greater evidence for the bear camp surfaces, China bulls need stronger justifications for their positions or risk losing credibility. [In fact, they need precise answers to 3 questions put forth in this lengthy but extremely insightful (dare I say, absolute best, article on the China sydrome to have ever been written!) article.] Words: 4130
As the globalization movement matures, countries like Mexico are becoming more capable and competitive. Its exports to the U.S. have grown at the expense of China over the past few years but it is questionable if such performance will be as good in the future. Here’s why. Words: 470
3. Richard Duncan: China Headed Into a Serious Crisis
China’s miracle is driven by one thing and one thing only: its trade surplus with the U.S., which went from zero in 1990 up to now more than $300 billion a year [but] since the darkest hours of the 2008 global economic meltdown, China has made little progress in shifting its reliance away from exports, and, as a result, the Chinese economy is dangerously exposed to a renewed downturn in global trade. Words: 500
4. China’s Foreign Investment Spending ($443 Billion) by Country
The Heritage Foundation just put out a report full of charts and infographics highlighting “key economic and political indicators for Asia.” Here is one to watch – China’s foreign investment spending in other countries. Take a look!
5. Internet Censorship: Which of Your Favorite Sites Are Being Blocked in China? Check it Out Here
Many internet sites are censored (i.e. access is blocked) in mainland China and I have often wondered if munKNEE.com was one of them let alone all those other much more provocative sites out there. If you are curious as to whether or not any of the sites you visit are, in fact, censored in mainland China then check out the following site where you can find out immediately. Words: 1382
6. 18 Countries Now Have More Economic Freedom Than U.S. – Here are the Details
This year’s Economic Freedom of the World Index, which lists countries by most to least free using every available objective criterion, contains a real shocker when it comes to the United States. We aren’t just slipping on the index, we’re falling off a cliff. In many parts of the world, life is freer than in the “land of the free.” What this reports says about the United States should be front-page news. Instead, it has received barely any attention at all. The U.S. has fallen from a high of 2nd to its current 19th. Here’s why. Words: 1040
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7. This Indicator at a Crossroads As to Direction of Future Global Growth
The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite (SSEC) index is at a crucial crossroads with serious implications as to whether or not slower global growth is at hand. Take a look at where it currently is and continue to watch closely in the days ahead.
8. Next Move of the SSE Extremely Important to Commodity Investors – Here’s Why
The next move of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) will impact how investors will want to structure their portfolios, especially in the commodity complex. Words: 226
9. Certain Hard Commodity Prices Will Drop By As Much As 50% By 2015 – Here’s Why
I have been bearish on hard commodities for the past two years and, while prices may have dropped substantially from their peaks during this time, I don’t think the bear market is over. I think we still have a very long way to go and there are four reasons why I expect prices to drop a lot more. Words: 3978
I believe that the engine of global economic growth for the next five-year period will be China. I firmly also believe that it’s not only appropriate, but critical for investors, even those whose focus is trading rather than investing to now take a look at China equities based on long-term investment horizons. [This article does just that with some specific investment suggestions.] Words: 1581.
11. Here are Some Good Reasons to Consider Investing in China Again
With negative sentiment toward China reaching an extreme in recent months, patient investors have been rewarded with this week’s news of improving data from the Asian giant. [In fact, according to BCA] this appears to be a good time to be investing in China, as stocks are historically cheap. Words: 760
12. China’s Demand for Iron Ore (Steel) Continues – Here are the Facts
Iron ore is now the world’s second largest commodity market after oil and is essential for developing nations to build infrastructure and to modernize accounting for 95% of all metal produced annually. [As I can personally attest to from my recent 29 day trip throughout mainland China, it is no surprise that] China’s rapid industrialization in the last decade…is responsible for all the growth in steel consumption since 2000…placing a huge strain on the global iron supply and pushing iron exploration into untapped regions of the world. Although the price of iron price rose steadily until peaking in 2011 (it has softened as of late), the long-term outlook is strong. Learn more in this informative infographic.
13. China & India to Drive Diamond Demand this Decade to New Heights – Here’s Why
China and India are about to drive diamond demand through newly affluent population. In the world diamond retail market, Asia in 2005 made up 23% of purchases. In 2020, they will make up 57%! Such growth in diamond demand should make for a sparkling future for those who invest prudently. In the infographic and copy below you will learn all about diamonds.
14. Watch Out! Russia & China Stripping USD of Its Dominant Role in World Trade
Before China and Russia can boot the U.S. military out of Asia and Eastern Europe, they have to strip the dollar of its dominant role in world trade, especially of Middle Eastern oil and that’s exactly what they’re trying to do. [Let me explain.] Words: 816
15. China’s Role in the Future of Gold
In this infographic we look at how gold growth in China will impact the future of the precious metal. In Q4 of 2011 and continuing into 2012, China has bought more gold overall than even India and will continue to play an important role in consumption.
16. Nickel: Demand Strong, Supply Diversified & Prices Stable
While best known for its use in the five cent coin, nickel has far more strategic uses. Nickel can be alloyed with other metals to create truly extraordinary materials – such as stainless steel which now accounts for more than half of all nickel consumed. China’s stainless steel consumption has increased 1625% in the last 10 years and is now the largest demand driver for nickel worldwide accounting for 40% of global totals. There’s still a lot more room for growth in the industry and nickel’s diversified supply is expected to keep prices stable, so the savvy investor should look for low cost nickel projects in safe jurisdictions. Check out the infographic below for more insights.
17. Why Copper Prices Have Increased So Dramatically Over the Last 10 Years
In this infographic we explore why copper prices have increased by 4x over the course of 10 years.
18. Gold: The Top 10 Holders & Producers by Country– and 23 Investment Options
Gold is one of the rarest metals in the world, and has a long history as a valuable and intensely sought-after element. The precious metal has served as the basis for physical currency for thousands of years, and many monetary systems throughout human history have utilized a gold standard that focused on the precious metal. Exploration and production of gold has become a major industry in regions that maintain significant deposits of the metal, and quests for gold have been the impetus of countless expeditions and discoveries. [Below are a list of the top 10 gold producing countries, the top 10 gold producing companies and a definitive guide as to the multiple options of investing in the metal.]
19. The Top 10 Silver Producing Countries & Companies – and Investment Options
Silver has been an important metal for thousands of years, often used as a medium of exchange or jewelry in ancient times….Today, silver still finds its way into jewelry and coins but it is now also a key ingredient in many ‘modern’ applications as well….Due to this multitude of uses the metal has continued to be a popular investable asset…[as well] as a store of value and an inflation hedge. Below are a list of the top 10 silver producing countries, the top 10 silver producing companies and a definitive guide as to the multiple options of investing in the metal. Words: 2091
20. China’s Demand for Iron Ore (Steel) Continues – Here are the Facts
Iron ore is now the world’s second largest commodity market after oil and is essential for developing nations to build infrastructure and to modernize accounting for 95% of all metal produced annually. [As I can personally attest to from my recent 29 day trip throughout mainland China, it is no surprise that] China’s rapid industrialization in the last decade…is responsible for all the growth in steel consumption since 2000…placing a huge strain on the global iron supply and pushing iron exploration into untapped regions of the world. Although the price of iron price rose steadily until peaking in 2011 (it has softened as of late), the long-term outlook is strong. Learn more in this informative infographic.
21. Move Over China: Competition From Mexico is Growing Rapidly – Here’s Why
Mexico…is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world for the U.S. given its good relations with the United States, geographic proximity, increasing competitiveness of its manufactured products vis-a-vis those from China, low government debt, fairly low inflation and robust foreign direct investment. [Let me explain further.] Words: 656
22. Where Does Your Country Rank in List of Strongest & Weakest Countries in the World?
This report gives you our latest Weiss Ratings for the weakest and strongest countries in the world. Only sovereign countries with stellar scores in four major areas — debt burdens, international stability, economic health and market acceptance — merit a grade of A- or better. Only countries that demonstrate severe and/or consistent weaknesses in the four areas receive a grade of D+ or lower. Currently, the data show that the U.S. government does not fall into either category. We rate it… Words: 1434
23. The Top 10 Gold Producing Countries in the World Are…
In 2011, over 1,800 tonnes of gold were produced in ten countries. These top producing nations, which span four continents, including both emerging and developed nations, are listed below.
24. How the Euro Crisis Affects 12 Asian Economies + Australia
If you invest or trade in the equity markets, this is an article you ought to take the time to read and think about. It presents the perceived strengths and weaknesses of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, seven other Asian countries, and Australia in an informative interactive graphic.
25. These 15 World Maps Cover All The Bases – Check Them Out
Nothing explains the world more elegantly than a map and, in that spirit, we’ve compiled the 15 most excellent, unusual, and just cool maps that we’ve recently come across. They cover all the bases: economics, politics, culture, immigration…and some fun stuff too. Take a look. Words: 345
26. OECD’s Composite Leading Indicator Suggests Economic Weakness Spreading to China and India
PARIS (Reuters) – There are signs that the economies of two of the world’s leading emerging powerhouses, India and China, are starting to falter, while Europe continues to be handicapped by its debt woes according to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). [Here are some of the pertinent data.] Words: 250
27. Chinese Yuan Set to Increase Dramatically in Value – Buy Some Now – It’s Easy!
If you’re serious about protecting the value of your money then please, as much as I love gold, don’t just buy the yellow metal — also buy some Chinese yuan! [Here’s why.] Words: 400
28. Gold Reserves: Who Are the 10 Biggest Owners – and How Soon Might China Become #1?
China currently is a distant 5th behind the U.S. in the extent of gold reserves it currently owns but gives every indication that it is intent on adding more. How long might it take for China to be number one in gold reserves?
29. Crude Oil: Which Countries Consume It Most Efficiently?
One of the most fundamental relationships of the modern economy is the tie between the amount of energy a country consumes and their GDP and is an excellent way to predict a country’s economic productivity. [This article analysis the daily number of barrels of oil consumed for 20 countries relative to their PPP adjusted GDP. Germany has the largest residual of all developed countries followed closely by the U.K. while the U.S. has the poorest and Canada is not far behind. Read on to determine just how efficient your country actually is in its crude oil utilization.] Words: 470
30. BRICS Plan to Abandon U.S. Dollar Will Hurt U.S. and Help Gold
Frustrated with what they viewed as being ignored by the West and not having a prominent role in institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (also known as the BRICS countries) have held their second summit…[and declared war on the U.S. dollar. Let me explain.] Words: 572
31. China’s Doubling of the Yuan’s Trading Band Seen As Very Significant – Here’s Why
The Chinese central bank’s doubling of the trading band on the Yuan/U.S.$ exchange rate to 1.0% as of today has been greeted by general enthusiasm and is seen as a very significant move on China’s part for a number of reasons. Let me explain. Words: 772
32. Why You Should Invest in These Three “Super Currencies” of Tomorrow – and How
There is a trio of currencies that you must include in your portfolio today because they operate on an entirely different playing field than the U.S. dollar and the euro and, as such, are set to undergo huge revaluations in the coming months. Without further ado… Words: 855
33. Chinese Trade Agreement Bullish for Canadian Mining & Energy Companies – Here’s Why
While the world has been consumed watching the geo-political events unfolding in Europe and the Middle East, China and Canada have entered into a major trade agreement which should be long-term bullish for Canadian mining, energy and transportation companies. [Let me explain what is unfolding.] Words: 585
34. Ground Level Insights Into the “China Condition”
I have a personal friend who spends months every year developing business opportunities in China and I find his ground level perspective unlike anything written elsewhere. If you really want to know what is transpiring there go no further than to read this insightful email on the “China condition” particularly as it compares with that of the U.S. and Europe. Words: 1320
Natural gas is increasingly becoming an important fuel in meeting the global energy needs. Let’s take a quick look at the largest natural gas fields in the world. Words: 300
36. How Does GDP Growth in US & UK Compare With Other Major Economies?
With the October PMIs [having all been reported] I had another look at what to expect on the economic front with regard to economic growth in the major economic regions [Eurozone, U.S., Japan, China and the U.K. – and it is a mixed bag, to say the least. Let’s take a look at a few charts.] Words: 475
37. The Big Mac Index: Is Your Country’s Currency Over or Under-Valued Compared to USD?
The Economist’s Big Mac index is a fun guide to whether currencies are at their “correct” level. It is based on the theory of pWords:urchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that in the long run exchange rates should move towards the rate that would equalise the prices of a basket of goods and services around the world. [As such, take a look at the chart below to see just how expensive a Big Mac is in your country (raw and adjusted for GDP per person) and therefore, by inference, the extent to which your country’s currency is over- or under-valued compared to the U.S. dollar.] Words: 421
38. Inflation on the Rise Worldwide: Take a Look
The world seems to be entering a new period of stagflation similar to the 1970s – high inflation and low GDP growth – but expect this to be continually denied by mainstream news sources. Words: 633
39. Who Holds the U.S. Debt – and How Much? Here’s the Answer
As of the end of March, the federal government owed $14.27 trillion to a wide variety of holders of U.S. Treasury securities. The graphic below depicts who those creditors are and the amount they have bought in treasuries. All amounts are in billions of dollars. Words: 417
40. Asian Demand for Gold & Silver Will Cause Much Higher Prices – Here’s Why
Ignoring real estate, most people invest their hard earned money in paper things – stocks, bonds, annuities, insurance – [except] in China and India… [where] they are converting their hard earned paper money into gold and silver bullion. [While] that is nothing new the scale and speed with which they are accumulating precious metals IS new, and it’s driving the fundamentals that will lead to higher prices in 2011. Words: 1421