»October 1, 2007: The Next Phase of Globalization: Global Integration
The past two decades have witnessed a steady and gradual progress of globalization. The world has seen unsurpassed reduction of poverty and economic progress in many regions, as a result of the economic liberalization policies. Even though opening up of economies have produced a certain level of unsettlement in some segments of the society, the rewards have far exceeded the drawbacks. The liber... ... (MORE)
)»August 28, 2007: The Rating Agencies: The Subprime Crash Circle is Finally Complete
The circle is coming to a completion with the rating agencies filling in the last dots. Yes, the lenders were lenient. Yes, the borrowers were not thinking. Yes, the investment bankers packaged the loans into securities. And, finally, yes, the rating agencies did provide the best investment grade ratings to the securities based on doubtful loans. The subprime mess has no one to blame. Yet, the ... ... (MORE)
»August 27, 2007: A Minsky Moment!
Hyman Minsky was an academic who did not view his life separate from economics. He had been a long time proponent of the theory that financial markets will experience bouts of speculation that may end up in crises based on how long the speculation lasts. His proposition was contrary to the belief in the efficiency of the financial markets. The Wall Street has coined a term called the "Mins... ... (MORE)
»August 20, 2007: Trade-based Money Laundering : A Complex Scheme for Terror Financing
As international banking and finance systems are becoming increasingly regulated, transparent, and scrutinized, the terrorists are seeking new avenues to channel funds to finance the malign ploys. One of the novel mechanisms of terror funding is tied up directly to the global commodity trading machinery. The technical term for the illegal commodity-based trading is "trade-based money laund... ... (MORE)
»July 27, 2007: The Mackey-ian Sin: Playing Rahodeb Online
We are at a critical cross-point as a nation in terms of regulating the behavior of individuals, groups, and communities. The current regulatory framework, whether corporate or otherwise, seems to foster a hyper-environment in which anything can be a subject of serious inquiry, litigation, and possible correction. The quality of being human is becoming a rarity as result of the inhibitory steps... ... (MORE)
»July 16, 2007: A Personal Kudos! "Hey, Blog: Its 10 Years!"
Blogs have a come a long way since the first blog was created by Robot Wisdom site owner, Jorn Barger, to gather links that aroused his curiosity. The blogosphere is now 10 years old and it has created trillions of blog lines. From mere ramblings of confused minds to in-depth analyses on specific topics, blogs empower ordinary people like me to come to the forefront and become journalists of th... ... (MORE)
»July 12, 2007: Made in China: Boon or Bane
The Chinese goods have a bigger-than-comprehended role in supporting the American lifestyle. However, the increasing affordability of the lifestyle has come with swath of compromises harmful to both human-kind and the environment. The recent developments have prompted millions of American consumers to reflect upon the question, "Whether Chinese products are worth their value when viewed o... ... (MORE)
»June 28, 2007: May be the End of the Current Private Equity Boom
The recent withdrawal of planned junk bond issues by corporations across the major financial markets hints at a worrisome pulse among the investor community. The trouble at the Bear Stearns sub-prime mortgage hedge funds, the debacle of the US Foodservices buyout deal, etc. broadcast the loud voices of a sounding "No" from the investors, who are becoming increasingly wary of highly le... ... (MORE)
»June 21, 2007: On the likes of Henry Paulson, Michael Bloomberg, etc.
The entry of business people to mainstream politics have always created a lot of ballyhoo due to the inefficiencies in our political bureaucracy. As most of us have experienced at least once in our life time, governments are known for lagging behind the changes in the society. This creates a vicious cycle of reactionary fixes and slow progress/gradual regress in the society. Additionally, the c... ... (MORE)
»June 8, 2007: The Potential Threats of the Global Food Supply Chain
The global food supply chain has expanded with increasingly liberal trade policies. The diversification of the chain has multiplied the food sources of the developed nations and opened up new opportunities for the producer nations, which are primarily the emerging economies. However, the international trade of food has also brought new threats to the door steps of the importing countries.The th... ... (MORE)
