GO! GO! GO!

GAZEBO

2011-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am thinking of relaxing on a tub outdoor. Isn't that great?

VIETNAM: A GROWING MARKET IN GLOBAL TRADE

2010-12-31T22:44:00.000-08:00

When you heard the word "Vietnam," more than likely images of the turbulent war that plagued this Southeast Asian nation come to mind. Nearly forty years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam has since found association in other parts of the world with the overall mindset of the 1960s - anti-war protests and consequent films depicting the military actions there. Some may expect that the country is completely rural and dominated by rice fields as seen in the movies, yet in truth Vietnam has developed steadily since the war to become a strengthening player among the Next 11 nations.

Vietnam as an Emerging Global Power

As a Socialist Republic, Vietnam operates on a market economy that relies heavily on labor, and the costs of goods and services produced in the country are determined by what is needed and what is offered. In the mid-1980s, the Vietnamese government allowed for the establishment of private enterprises to operate in addition to state-run businesses for the purpose of commodity distribution. Consistent with the current Chinese market economy, Vietnam's operations observe many principles of Marxism and apply these theories toward better participation in global trade. Presently, with trade relations tense between China and the United States and other nations, reliance on Vietnam for specific resources may grow as their economy stands to expand.

Vietnam is known primarily for its agricultural production, rice being the largest crop and more than half the nation's working population employed in farming. However, in present times Vietnam's gross domestic product relies more on industrial and service labor to keep the country running. In addition to rice, which is traded with main partners in the United States and Japan, Vietnam is also know for the following exports:

Crude Oil - Oil exports account for, on average, one billion dollars USD to Vietnam's economy. The nation is presently the third largest producer of crude among countries in Southeast Asia.

Tea and Coffee - Vietnam ranks second in global coffee production behind Brazil, with nearly two tons exported annually. While coffee was introduced to the area in the 1800s, the Vietnamese have cultivated tea for thousands of years - with oolong and green varieties counted among the most popular.

Textiles - The United States trades approximately $1 billion worth of textiles and apparel every year from Vietnam. Sports apparel, including shoes bearing name brands, are often in high demand.

What Vietnam sends out to trade partners, in return the country receives these and other goods from mainland China, Singapore, and Japan.

Refined petroleum - Like many countries that produce crude, Vietnam relies on trade partners to refine oil and gas and return the finished product to maintain their industry.

Cotton - Though an agricultural nation by history, cotton is not a major crop here. What is imported goes out as finished fabric.

Building supplies - Steel and cement for construction are particularly needed as the major areas of Vietnam grow in correspondence to industry.

Transportation - Motorcycles are a popular method of moving around the cities and rural areas. Honda is one major distributor to the nation.

As the economy in Vietnam continues to expand, perhaps one day the nation will outgrow the images of past wars imprinted by way of the popular media. With major supports like the United States and Japan interested in trade agreements, it's certain Vietnam will rise in the ranks of the Next Eleven.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on global trade portals and supply chain management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively

WHY NOT TRY TO VISIT VIETNAM? IT IS EASY TO GET A VIETNAMESE VISA ONLINE NOWADAYS.

THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A PROPERTY

2010-12-31T01:17:00.000-08:00

By Adam Singleton

Buying property is always a big step - no matter if you're moving in with a loved one, going it alone or purchasing a multi-bedroom place to share with friends - and it always requires a lot of work. However, as with most things in life, if you plan in advance you'll cut your workload and be able to get the best deal.

There are obvious benefits to being the owner of your home; the biggest being financial. Rather than renting and giving away money to a landlord each month, every payment you make is an investment taking you one step closer to completely owning your property.

Whilst renting is often seen as a temporary measure, some choose to do so for long periods of time. This means that sometimes your plans can be affected by other people's desires - for example if your landlord bumps the price up because he wants more than what he agreed with you, then you might be left in the lurch as you may no longer be able to afford his new prices. He may also decide that renting out property is too much of a burden and decide to cash in. If you're not ready to buy then this could leave you scouring the market again.

Another advantage to buying is that you get to make the rules for your home. With no landlord to answer to, or make requests to, you can live in as much squalor or as much luxury as you like. With no monthly inspections you can live as messily as you want - perfect for students- and if something gets broken you don't need to wait for someone else to organise a replacement or someone to repair it. This is also true of upgrades - if you want a fancy new fridge to replace the slightly old, slightly odd smelling thing in the corner of your kitchen a landlord may be reluctant to replace it whilst it's still, technically, in working order.

Redecorating is another important factor, and something that can really make a place feel like home, rather than just somewhere you happen to live. Again, this is an expense many landlords will feel is unnecessary, but is an exercise which many do as soon as they buy.

Whilst renting can be a good way to get to know a new city or a particular area or suburb, if you are looking to stay in one place then long-term buying is generally seen as the best option. It may be that your landlord is looking to sell and you can turn this to your advantage. They may not always want to sell, but finding someone who does want to get rid of their home shouldn't necessarily be too hard.

Every city has countless estate agents, each with a vast array of houses for sale and, after checking with your bank manager or a mortgage lender as to what your budget should be, you will be able to get your keys and buy your own 'home, sweet home' doormat.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton

INVEST AT AUSTRALIA

2010-12-30T22:25:00.000-08:00

WHY INVEST IN AUSTRALIA?

• Australian companies have been rated number one in the world in creating wealth for shareholders in a 2010 study by the Boston Consulting Group.

• Australia is ranked number two in the world in the Financial Development World Index.

• Australia is ranked number three in the global rankings for the World’s Most Resilient Economies.

BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

2010-12-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

Finding a Bankruptcy Attorney Tips

Finding a Denver Bankruptcy Attorney Doesn't Have to Be Hard!

If you are looking for a Bankruptcy Attorney in Denver to help you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, it doesn’t have to be that difficult! Obviously, the first thing you will want to know is whether you even qualify to file for bankruptcy here in Denver under State and Federal guidelines. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can help you understand whether you pass the means test or not. Let’s look at a few things you should consider before hiring your bankruptcy attorney here in Denver!

Who does the work? Is it the attorney you are paying good money to or just their paralegal? “Small” oversights can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, it may save you $200 or $300 to use one of these bankruptcy attorneys, but they almost always end up being more expensive!
How hard is it to get a hold of an attorney? Call around, does it take hours or days to get call backs? If so, do you think it will be different after they already have your money?
Where can they meet? Do you have to meet downtown but live in Aurora or Thornton? This can take up valuable time. At least for the initial consultation, see if they will work with you on location.
Trial experience. Does your attorney have trial experience, or do they just push papers.

The most common question we hear is “How much does a bankruptcy cost?” and the answer is always “it depends on the complexity of the case.” If you are looking for a bankruptcy attorney here in Denver, give us a call and see how easy it can be to get through this rough time when you find the right bankruptcy attorney here in Denver!

http://www.bankruptcyattorney-denver.com

ONLINE NEWS HEADLINE

2010-12-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Online News Portals

The world is going online today, and news cannot be lagging behind. In fact, the importance of news portals has risen significantly over the past couple of years, as it has made it easier for people to keep themselves updated with sites like Forestlaneshul even when they are on the move. Newspapers could do that bit, but the comfort of sitting in an air-conditioned room and reading through the news online is simply awesome.

The primary benefit of the online news portals is that you can get all the information and updates about latest happenings in your city, state and country within minutes. Every minute, these news portals are being updated to give you the latest alerts and updates about something that you would like to known. Also, the breaking news is posted much ahead of any other medium, which makes it feasible and worth it.

Reading your news online saves a lot of time, while giving you the updates of the day. It also saves money, which you would otherwise spend on a bundle of newspaper. Also, you need not turn on your television or radio; you can look through the news portal and gather the information required even while you are in the office.

The online news portals today offer a lot of tools and other integrative medium that will not cost you a single penny. You can enjoy the different features and tools like online voting, polls, email alerts and many more. You can also avail the audio-video options, along with integrated audio, video and text news.

Online news portals also offer mobile updates and alerts in your home, which is an innovative feature. You can have the latest headlines, breaking news and front page news right in front of you at any given point of time.

The best part about online news portals is the personalized or customizes news feature. It will enable you to get all the news that you require in a user-friendly form, tailored to suit your specifications and requirements. You can get exam news, news related to the entertainment and technology world etc. This is one feature that no other medium can offer.

The online archives today are more interactive, less hassle and less expensive at the same time. What a better way to save time and money together than this!

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COMMODITY TRADING

2010-12-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Commodities represents one of the world's volatile markets. Political situations, fluctuating levels of supply and even changes in the weather can have dramatic effects on commodity prices.

Commodity markets

A major trait of the commodity markets is its susceptibility to fluctuating supply and demand. The ability to buy or sell forward on regulated exchanges gives producers, consumers and traders in raw materials the power to limit their risks by hedging against adverse price movements.

Investors are attracted to commodity futures markets by the potential for dramatic price movements and a trading mechanism that makes short selling as easy as buying.

Large choice of commodities

IG Markets offers a diverse range of commodities markets, including both Spot and Futures CFDs on some of our most popular markets. Deal in the headline-making energy markets, like Brent and US Light Crude Oil, or trade the key metals such as Gold and Silver and more. IG Markets clients also trade CFDs on a broad range of softs including Chicago Wheat and US Cotton. To see a full range of our commodities markets take a look at Commodities Contract Details.

Commodities CFD trading with IG Markets

Trading CFDs on commodities with IG Markets offers a number of advantages over trading the equivalent futures markets.

The ability to trade in smaller sizes than is possible in the underlying futures contracts
The flexibility to go long or short on a range of markets
SGD-denominated CFDs let you trade a range of internation commodities in Singapore dollars, eliminating your currency risk
The use of a range of Risk Management features, such as Guaranteed Stops and Trailing Stops

It is important to be aware that although commodity prices can remain relatively static for long periods, they can also make dramatic moves. Coffee and cocoa, for example, are capable of doubling or halving in price over a relatively short period. These risks are compounded by the fact that many of these markets operate a system of price limits which mean that you could be locked into mounting losses for several days in a row with no opportunity to cut your position. You cannot sell a contract which is 'limit down' or buy one which is 'limit up', either in the underlying market or with IG Markets. If you are concerned by this possibility, we would strongly suggest that you use Guaranteed Stops where you are guaranteed that, if the price gets to your stop level, your trade will be closed at your specified level regardless of market conditions.

Broaden your commodities knowledge

To learn more about what's happening in commodities markets, take a look at our weekly Commodities Update, released every Friday. Along with accompanying performance charts displaying recent price movements, our research analysts explain the factors influencing current trends in key commodities markets, such as Gold, Oil and Copper. You can also learn more about CFD trading and some of the techniques involved with one of our free online seminars.

HOW FOREX TRADING WORKS

2010-12-30T00:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.igmarkets.com.sg/cfd/forex.html

For all our forex trades, you simply 'buy' if you think the first-named currency in the quoted pair is going to rise, and you 'sell' if you think the first-named currency is going to weaken.

If you are looking to take a short-term view, trade on our Spot price. All our Spot prices have extremely narrow spreads. If you want to take a longer-term view choose a Forward contract.

For all our forex contracts a point, or a pip, is the last full digit of our quote. For more details on placing forex trades please see this example.

IG Markets Forex Trading

Trading forex with IG Markets gives you a flexible way to back your judgement in the forex markets with no commission to pay.

Benefit from instant execution, and there is no need to worry about the daily rollover on trades. Cut out the hassle and paperwork that accompanies traditional forex trading. For more information please refer to our Risk Disclosure Notice.

OPTIONS TRADING

2010-12-29T22:58:00.000-08:00

Looking to trade options? We explain the principles and how you can trade them.

What is an Option?

A type of derivative, an option is a financial instrument that allows you to trade on the future position of an underlying market. It offers you the right, but not the obligation to buy (a call option) or sell (a put option) to trade a market in the future at a set price.

Trading gold with options

Let's look at trading gold as an example. It's a commodity that you'd like to sell at the highest possible rate and buy at the cheapest.

The current underlying price of gold is $1200 per ounce, and you think it is set to rise. You'd like to buy it at or around the same price. So you decide to purchase an option to trade gold at $1210 (a Call Option). It offers you the right, but not the obligation, to buy it at $1210, on or before a certain expiry time.

This level is referred as your 'strike price' - the premium you've paid for the option.

If the price of gold increases and reaches $1300 per ounce, your option to buy gold at $1210 (a much lower price than the current market value) will be attractive as you'll be able to sell the option or buy the gold at a cheaper rate for a profit.

However, if the price of gold was to go down to $1150 (when your option expires) it would be worthless. Your right to buy gold at $1210 would be of no value as no one would want to buy gold at a higher price than the current market level. You would therefore lose the premium you paid. If you have a longer-term option though, you could retain it and hope the underlying price moves back in your favour, before it expires.

Options can be a highly effective tool, particularly when markets are volatile. They allow you to essentially trade on future volatility itself.

It's important to know that you are not physically selling or buying an option and that it can never be exercised. You are trading on the value of the option.

How it works

There are several factors that will impact the price of an option:

the level of the underlying market compared to the strike price
the time the option has left to expiry
the underlying volatility of the market

CFD trading options are split into two: Puts and Calls

A put option is the right to sell an underlying instrument at a certain price
A call option is the right to buy an underlying instrument at a certain price

You can find out more about the types of options available.

Learn more about options

To find out more, take a look at our options examples, or view our seminar for the basics and some simple options dealing strategies.

You can also find explanations for some of the terms used in our trading glossary.

http://www.igmarkets.com.au/cfd/options.html

CFD TRADING

2010-12-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Getting started

I'm new to CFDs; how do I get started?

The first step is making sure you understand what CFDs are, how they work and what the risks are. All this information is available in our Product Disclosure Statement, and we also have a number of 30-minute seminars available. Once you feel you have a good understanding, opening an account is the next step. You can apply online in just a few minutes using our automated form, or download and print a PDF form if you would prefer.

Do I need to send any documents?

In the vast majority of cases you will not need to send us any supporting documents as we can verify your details online. Occasionally we will be unable to confirm your identity online (for example if you have moved house recently); in such cases you will be required to provide documentation to verify your identity, we will contact you if documentation is required.

Do I need to deposit funds straight away?

You don't need to send any money to activate you account, though you will have to deposit funds to begin trading.

How do I fund my account?

Once your account has been approved and you have obtained your login details, you may deposit funds using any of the following methods:

Payment Option	Processing	Charges
BPAY®	Next day*	Free
MasterCard Debit Card	Instant	Free
Visa Debit Card	Instant	0.5%
MasterCard Credit Card	Instant	1.5%
Visa Credit Card	Instant	1.5%

*BPAY payments are usually credited the next working day subject to bank cut-off times and the inclusion of the correct reference to identify the funds.

You will receive the BPAY details including your unique reference number once your account has been approved.

Debit card and Credit card payments are also accepted and can be made electronically once you log into the platform.

Will I need to download any software before I start trading?

Our award-winning dealing platform, PureDeal, is completely browser-based and means that you don't need to download any software. You can also access your account through your mobile, PDA, BlackBerry or iPhone. Stay in touch 24-hours-a-day from anywhere around the world!

How soon can I begin trading?

If you apply online, providing we are able to verify your identity and once you have deposited funds to your account, you could be up and running within minutes.

Can I apply from outside Australia?

We can open an Australian account for people from most countries, but it may be more convenient for you to deal with an office closer to home – we have offices in the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, USA, Germany, France, Spain and Singapore.

I would like someone to deal on my behalf. Can I appoint a Power of Attorney to trade for me?

Yes. Initially, please open an account in the usual way. Once your account is open, we will send you a Power of Attorney form which will allow a nominated third party to access your account.

Alternatively, you can download the PDF form.

Types of accounts

Which type of account should I apply for?

We offer a number of different types of accounts, each suited to varying levels of experience and risk capital. If you are new to CFDs you may want to consider our Limited Risk Account, where Guaranteed Stop Losses must be attached to all trades so that you know exactly how much is being risked.

In addition to individual accounts, we also offer corporate, trust and joint accounts. To apply for these, simply download an application form.

Can I use Guaranteed Stops on all account types?

Yes, all account types allow access to Guaranteed Stops.

Learn more about CFDs

How can I learn more about trading CFDs?

We offer a free, dedicated educational resource called TradeSense; a six-week course designed to guide you through your first steps in CFD trading. We also have an extensive range of live and archived online seminars available to help further your CFD education with IG Markets.

Can you tell me a bit more about TradeSense?

TradeSense is an educational programme for new clients, designed to help you become acquainted with trading CFDs and the financial markets. It's free to join, just check TradeSense on the application form to join the programme.

When you sign up to the TradeSense programme, you will have the option to receive the 6 modules free via email. Each module concentrates on different aspects of CFD trading.

Plus, when you join TradeSense, you can place deals at a reduced minimum size (from as little as 5 cents/point) for the duration of the programme More...

Do you charge your clients for any of your seminars?

No, we provide our clients with opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills through a dedicated education area, which includes our TradeSense training resource and a growing range of online seminars. Our educational programme is managed by our experienced Head of Client Education, Adam Lewis.

Can I open a Demo account?

Yes, we offer free two-week Demo accounts, but many of our clients find it easier to open a full account. We do not require a minimum account opening balance and through our TradeSense programme you can trade from as little as 5 cents/pip. We also offer a full range of mini contracts on our more popular markets...

What is Direct Market Access?

Direct Market Access (DMA) allows you to trade directly into the order book of equity exchanges worldwide. Place orders inside the market spread, gain full access to prices in size and gauge the liquidity on either side of the exchange.

You can trade DMA with us through PureDMA. Our Head of Client Education, Adam Lewis, has recorded a special online seminar 'A Guided Tour of PureDMA' to help get you started.

What are Guaranteed Stops?

As part of our Risk Management suite, we offer Guaranteed Stops. They put an absolute limit on your liability in the event of a violent market movement, without restricting your profit potential. When you place a Guaranteed Stop you set a maximum/minimum exit price for your trade. Your position will be closed at exactly your selected level should the market move against you, even if there is a very sharp overnight move.

See an example of how a Guaranteed Stop works.

More about IG Markets

IG Markets – First for CFDs

IG Markets specialises in financial derivatives, principally Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on shares and indices, as well as being a leading dealer in margined Foreign Exchange. Clients include brokers, fund managers and trading companies plus private investors.

Originally founded in 1974 as IG Group, a spread betting company in London, the group rapidly expanded its offerings and markets.

In July 2002, IG Markets became the first CFD provider in Australia.

IG Markets is a leading CFD provider with offices in Melbourne, London, Tokyo, Milan, Chicago, Dusseldorf, Paris, Madrid and Singapore.

IG Markets is part of IG Group Holdings plc which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The publicly listed company is currently valued at over A$2 billion which ranks the group just outside the FTSE100.

IG Group currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Read more...

Is my money safe with IG Markets?

Yes, when your funds are held by us they are in a separate trust account and are not passed on to any third parties. They cannot, under any circumstances, be passed on to any third parties unless agreed by both you and us in writing. See Strength and Security.

Where can I find out more about the IG Group of companies?

To learn more about IG Group's range of successful brands, please visit www.iggroup.com.

Types of Fees

How do you charge commission?

IG Markets either quotes a commission charge (for equity products) or a spread charge (difference between a buy and sell price).

Our standard commission rate for Australian share CFDs is a competitive 0.1% with a minimum charge of just $8. For more information, see our Market Leading Rates.

What is the funding rate charged for holding a position overnight?

When positions are held overnight, IG Markets will charge a funding fee for the value of the position, or if a position is held in a fixed expiry future contract this funding charge is built into the price of the product.

Long Positions: The cost of borrowing is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR, a rate charged on overnight loans between financial intermediaries). So, for a long position, you will pay 2.5% above LIBOR.

Let’s say LIBOR is currently 3.25%, you would therefore pay 5.75%. This is an annual rate, but the financing is calculated on a daily basis. For each day that you hold the position, you therefore accrue a financing cost that is calculated and debited from your account of a daily basis.

Short Positions: Funding short positions works in the opposite manner for long positions. In most cases, rather than pay interest, you receive interest for being short.

In the same way that rates on loans are generally higher than savings rates, the amount you receive for being short is not as much as the amount you pay for being long.

Are there any hidden charges?

At IG Markets, we have no hidden charges. There are no administration charges such as margin call fees, tax statement fees, audit fees for disputes or platform fees.

You will also not be charged for withdrawing funds, phone dealing or incur any monthly account keeping fees.

What fees will IG pass on to the client?

Administration fees on fund transfers from MasterCard and Visa credit cards, and Visa debit cards. There is no fee applied on transfers from debit MasterCard cards
Telegraphic transfers $15
Exchange fees are levied if a client opts to receive live streaming data ASX Exchange fees are waived if at least four trades are transacted in a given month on ASX shares - there is no charge for delayed data
Charting fees will be charged if a client opts get access to our pro-level charting package
Charting fees will be waived if at least four trades are transacted in a given month

What is the cost of DMA?

You can access DMA for free via our PureDMA platform.

What is the cost of Data feeds?

The share prices on PureDeal are actual exchange prices. When you open your account, we automatically grant you free access to delayed shares data, allowing you to view data from several exchanges from around the world without incurring any exchange fees.

For Live Prices: You will need to subscribe to live prices via the ‘Data Feeds’ section of the ‘My Account’ area in PureDeal. This does incur a fee from any exchange to which you subscribe. Exchange fees are waived on ASX data feeds if at least four trades are transacted in a given month on ASX shares.

For example, let’s say you are interested in dealing Australian shares that trade on the ASX. The data fee for this is $37.50 and will be debited from your account on a monthly basis and reimbursed at the end of the month when at least 4 trades have been completed.

For Real-time Charts: You will need to activate Real-time charts in your Account Preferences within PureDeal. This does incur a fee of $60 per month to which you subscribe. This fee will be waived if at least four trades are transacted in a given month.

What is the cost of Guaranteed Stops?

There is a one-off extra charge, in effect an insurance premium, for this Limited Risk protection. In most cases this is just 0.3% of the underlying transaction value. Limited Risk protection is not available on all shares and the size of the position on which we may be able to offer this facility may be limited. We will be happy to advise you of the facilities available for any particular share.

Learn More at http://www.igmarkets.com.au/

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

2010-12-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

The foreign exchange market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world. Traders include large banks, central banks, institutional investors, currencyspeculators, corporations, governments, other financial institutions, and retail investors. The average daily turnover in the global foreign exchange and related markets is continuously growing. According to the 2010 Triennial Central Bank Survey, coordinated by the Bank for International Settlements, average daily turnover was US$3.98 trillion in April 2010 (vs $1.7 trillion in 1998).^[3] Of this $3.98 trillion, $1.5 trillion was spot foreign exchange transactions and $2.5 trillion was traded in outright forwards, FX swaps and other currency derivatives.

Trading in London accounted for 36.7% of the total, making London by far the most important global center for foreign exchange trading. In second and third places respectively, trading in New York City accounted for 17.9%, and Tokyo accounted for 6.2%.^[4]

Turnover of exchange-traded foreign exchange futures and options have grown rapidly in recent years, reaching $166 billion in April 2010 (double the turnover recorded in April 2007). Exchange-traded currency derivatives represent 4% of OTC foreign exchange turnover. FX futures contracts were introduced in 1972 at theChicago Mercantile Exchange and are actively traded relative to most other futures contracts.