« February 2006 | Main | April 2006 »
March 21, 2006
Race Against the Dollar
With news about the Medicare, Social Security and fiscal deficit problems becoming increasingly depressing, many powerhouse investors are guiding their strategies against the US dollar. This means investing in assets that are not US-dependent, like foreign stocks, commodities and internationally-traded tangible goods.
Perhaps we would be wise to follow in their footsteps before it's too late?
Posted by Michelle Smith at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2006
Fears of the Polish Plumber
Before the EU expanded to 10 more countries in May of 2004, a big obstacle to negotiations for enlargement was foreign labor. Nobody in the West wanted the new Eastern kids on the block raiding their countries and taking away jobs from the locals. This hurdle was so great that the only way to not have the parties walk away from the table was to compromise and give the veterans 7 full years to transition to an open-door policy.
But, surprisingly, despite all the fuss over not letting foreign labor in until the last possible moment, it looks like the Westerners are starting to jump the gun. This week, three EU nations, Spain, Portugal and Finland, reduced restrictions on foreign labor – early by 5 years. Was this a gesture of fraternization for the new members of the European club? Or could it be that the Westerners are anticipating to one day need a cup of sugar from their new neighbors?
Posted by Michelle Smith at 09:45 PM | Comments (0)