Business Monitor International Warns Of China’s Economic Slowdown

Business Monitor International (BMI) has released the latest special report, “China 2012: From Miracle To Meltdown” outlining a case for a severe growth collapse in China driven by declining money supply growth rate, accelerating inflation and external slowdown with a threat of a double dip recession in the US.

According to BMI, the bearish outlook for China’s economy is more credible now than at any point in recent history. With China’s housing market exhibiting characteristics typically seen at the end of a bubble, a steep drop in house prices as developers offload inventory would pose a risk of a cash crunch to businesses operating in China, especially property developers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As the repayment capacity of loans given to local government investment vehicles increasingly comes under threat, BMI also expects a pronounced correction in investment spending and instability in China’s banking sector.

From banking sector exposure and weak fiscal and monetary position, the report also focuses on China’s consumer market and its ability to shoulder the burden of growth should Chinese export growth fall due to a weakening US dollar and lower import demand from the US and Europe.

Moreover “China 2012: From Miracle to Meltdown” assesses the impact of a Chinese hard landing on the regional economy. While no country would be immune from a Chinese hard landing, BMI argues that Australia is most precariously positioned to suffer the consequences of this severe economic slowdown. A Chinese hard landing would push the Australian economy over the edge, likely ushering in a recession and potentially triggering a financial crisis.

Given the importance of China to the global economy, the report enables global investors, strategists and decision-makers across the corporate spectrum to identify business growth opportunities, avoid market risks and aid strategic planning activities over the short, medium and long term.

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Reveals Motor Maintenance Ignorance Endangers The Safety Of Others

Confused.com has revealed that drivers know very little about car maintenance with a worrying 72% unaware how to check brake fluid levels, leaving them in potential danger at the wheel.

Moreover, 69% of motorists have no clue how to check their engine coolant, a fluid which prevents a vehicle from overheating and if left unchecked can cause serious damage to the motor.

In fact, 57% of drivers don’t even know how to change a tyre, while 47% are also unable to even locate the jack.

As Car Care week kicks off, Confused.com is urging drivers to take the time to get to know their motors and keep their cars roadworthy in a bid to keep Britain’s drivers and pedestrians safe.

Motorists are so laid-back about car maintenance that 48% haven’t even looked at their car manual, but with over 28.5 million cars on the road, Brake the road safety charity and Confused.com are urging drivers to love their cars more in a bid to cut down on accidents.

Katie Shephard, spokesperson for road safety charity, Brake, said: “Driving is one of the most dangerous things people do on a daily basis. It’s vital that all drivers are doing regular maintenance checks of their vehicle to ensure they are safe on the road. Shockingly, five people are killed and a further 65 are seriously injured on UK roads every day. Brake urges all drivers to check their vehicle regularly to ensure they’re not endangering their lives, and the lives of innocent road users.”

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com Head of Car Insurance added: “Car maintenance is essential. We all love a bit of TLC so don’t forget your cars need a helping hand to. A lack of car maintenance can cause road safety issues and 72% of drivers don’t know how to check their brake fluid. If a car has insufficient brake fluid, air can get into the brake lines and your vehicles ultimately could stop working and cause serious problems, not only for you but also for others.

“Make sure you do regular checks on your car and also ensure you have breakdown cover just in case the worst happens.Shop around for the breakdown cover you need as costs can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

To encourage the nation to care for its cars, Confused.com has put together a car maintenance video offering a solution to some of the problems highlighted.

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Research Reveals Weather Conditions Are Affecting Home Insurance Claims

From an Indian summer to predicted snowfall in a matter of weeks, Britain’s weather remains a mystery with adverse conditions severely affecting home insurance claims, Confused.com has found.

In the last year alone, storm related home insurance claims have risen by 68% overall, with policy holders in Central Scotland 117% more likely to claim for a storm.

Storms are not the only weather conditions affecting home insurance claims with lightning striking twice for 1 in 10 unlucky UK residents; particularly in Wales and the West where people are 89% more likely to be hit by lightning than the UK average. Surprisingly, London, known for its lack of green space is the area that is 47% more likely to make claims due to falling trees.

With unpredictable weather likely to continue as winter approaches, Confused.com is reminding customers to check their home insurance and make sure they are covered for adverse weather.

Mark Gabriel Head of Home Insurance said: “The consequences of having insufficient home cover are potentially severe. Many Insurers will offer home emergency cover as an optional extra on their contents policies – you will either be charged extra on your standard annual premium, or pay a monthly subscription fee.But make sure you shop around for cover as premiums can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

Interested customers can read the full ‘lightning strikes twice’ home insurance research here at Confused.com:
http://www.confused.com/press/releases/lightning-strikes-twice-for-nearly-1-in-10-customers-who-claim.

Via EPR Network
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