As any good entrepreneur knows, advertising is key to a successful business. It’s not a surprise, then, that General Motors has hired a new advertising agency for Chevrolet, its largest, most successful automobile brand by sales. The project will be handed over to Commonwealth Advertising, the partnership between Goodby, Silverstein & Partners of Omnicom Group… Continue Reading
The debt crisis in Europe has yet to be truly resolved, and the euro has been bobbing up and down in value as the situation changes. This past week, it deterred investors due to an upcoming week of risks such as an additional finance minister summit. Jeremy Stretch of CIBC World Markets said: “If the… Continue Reading
Though the world seems to sense an economic upbeat, an investor with management of over $25 billion has expressed his skepticism and lingering concerns. According to George Osborne, the Office for Budget Responsibility claims that the UK’s economy is expected to grow throughout 2012’s first quarter. He explained that the OBR expect the British economy… Continue Reading
This year’s World Bank Doing Business report has listed the top nine countries for startup businesses. The rankings consider the starting ease and conditions, as well as minimum cost, time and available assets. Rather surprisingly, the U.S. didn’t make the list. These countries did, however: New Zealand, with 1 day to start a business Australia,… Continue Reading
Despite global retail struggles and general confusion, the high-end luxury market in China appears to be peaking. In 2010, luxury goods sales raked in 212 billion yuan, growing an additional 25-30% in 2011. More than 60% of the retail burst was a result of designer brands like Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Christian Dior, Burberry, Prada and Gucci,… Continue Reading
Diary of a Hedge Fund Manager, by Keith McCullough and Rich Blake, discusses the hedge fund industry and provides an insider perspective on asset management. Some of the most memorable quotes include: "I might not have fully appreciated the value of preparation, but I’ve since found it trumps all else, in sports or business." "By… Continue Reading
The alternative investment industry includes hedge funds, funds of funds, managed future funds and others. Alternative investments are unconventional investment products, unlike other investments which generally focus on assets like property, cash and stocks. According to Managed Fund Association, “Alternative investment managers are distinguished by their objective to deliver absolute returns, regardless of market conditions.… Continue Reading
Moody’s Investors Service recently revealed that Apple Inc., the most valuable business on the planet, collected $1.24 trillion in cash in 2011. This figure sets Apple ahead of most U.S. companies as concerns of a recession and credit crisis slowly begin to disperse. Moody’s analysts added that though revenue and cash flow have been increasing… Continue Reading
The U.S. dollar has risen to an eleven-month high as market predictions for the United States economy become more optimistic, while German data continues to boost European shares. The economic upturn has also lowered government bonds, while raising oil prices. ZEW, the German think tank, has revealed that investors have a much more positive outlook… Continue Reading
Whether it is starting a business or keeping it going, the challenges are certainly formidable. “To open a shop is easy, to keep it open is an art.” –Chinese Proverb “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” –Peter F. Drucker “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately… Continue Reading