Category Archives: Investment

Investment

Business Monitor International Launches Latest Report in India

Business Monitor International (BMI) has announced the launch of its latest report on India’s Information Technology industry.

The report includes BMI’s market assessment and independent 5 forecast to end 2015, covering personal computers and software; semi-conductors, memory chips, integrated circuits and general components; the internet and IT solutions.

The India analysis report also analyses regulatory changes (licensing, customs and intellectual property protection) and competitive landscapes comparing multinational and national IT companies by products, sales, market share, investments, projects and expansion strategies.

BMI’s India Information Technology Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, IT associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the IT industry in India. The report is vital for all these groups to benchmark BMI’s independent 5-year IT industry forecasts to test other views – a key input for successful budgetary and strategic business planning in the India IT market. It is also vital because it allows them to target business opportunities and risks in India’s IT sector through reviews of latest Information Technology trends regulatory changes, and major deals, projects and investments in India. Finally, it allows these groups to assess the activities, strategy and market position of competitors, partners and clients via Company Profiles, including KPIs and latest activity.

In 2011, India’s potentially vast IT market should consolidate its strong performance in 2010 thanks to an improving economy and consumer sentiment. Computer shipments were up by around 30% in 2010 compared with 2009, and although growth is expected to moderate in 2011 due to base effects, it should remain comfortably in double-digits.

Less than 3% of people in India own a computer (about one-fifth of the level in China), meaning particular potential in the lower end product range. However, realisation of this long-term growth potential depends on fundamental drivers such as raising India’s low computer penetration, rising incomes, falling computer prices and the government’s ambitions to connect the vast rural areas to the outside world.

However, the key threat to the Indian IT sector is the global economic slowdown and rising costs that will impact on consumer and business sentiment.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Standard Life Reveals One In Eight UK Adult Can’t Wait For Greater Reward

Standard Life, the long term savings and investments specialist, has conducted a poll and found that one in eight of UK adults adopt a ‘live for the moment’ culture and would choose the instant gratification of a £640 holiday this year, rather than be willing to wait five years for a holiday worth £5,000 instead.*

The figures come from Standard Life’s UK-wide poll and prize draw**, in partnership with boutique hotel specialist i-escape.com, which investigates the nation’s attitudes to planning for the future. Entrants have to vote on which prize they would prefer; a short break this year worth £640, or a holiday of a lifetime in five years time worth £5,000.

Standard Life’s John Lawson said: “Planning five years ahead is something many people find difficult to imagine or do their best to avoid. Our poll shows that some people just seem too impatient to wait for greater rewards in the future, no matter how enticing they are. But being patient and taking a long term view on your finances is precisely what helps you achieve your goals and, ensures you remain financially secure. It might seem easier to take a short term view, but unless you plan ahead how else can you look forward to your future with confidence and optimism?”

Standard Life also points out that if everyone was this impatient, the world would be a far different place. If one in eight of the doctors employed by the NHS weren’t patient enough to finish their studies, the UK would have 14,061 fewer doctors**. Inventions such as the Dyson vacuum cleaner may also have never been made if the inventor Mr James Dyson has been impatient, as it took five years to develop the iconic bagless vacuum cleaner***.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Saxo Bank Announces Ole Sloth Hansen to Visit Dubai

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, has announced that Ole Sloth Hansen, senior commodity Manager at Saxo Bank, will be visiting Dubai in early June to discuss with investors and the financial media recent trends in commodity prices, which have risen dramatically over the past two years.

Total investments into commodities have risen 250 per cent from US $159 billion in 2008 to $400 billion in 2011, according to Barclays Capital, with investments in gold and silver rising three-fold during the period.

Hansen recently observed that investment flows into commodities have been very strong due to a combination of strong fundamentals and new inventions, such as exchange traded funds (ETFs), which has made the sector accessible to everyone.

“ETFs have had a strong impact on the commodities market, making them accessible to everyone from the biggest hedge fund managers to the retail investor,” said Hansen.

“May has been a month of setbacks across most commodities. Prior to this, commodities had been outperforming bonds, equity and currency investments, so it is most likely that this deceleration is just a temporary correction in an overall bullish market.”

Ole Sloth Hansen is a specialist in traded futures with over 20 years experience, both on the buying and selling side. He joined Saxo Bank in 2008 and today works as a senior manager analysing a diversified range of products from fixed income to commodities. He previously worked for 15 years in London, most recently for a multi-asset Futures and Forex Hedge fund where he was in charge of the trade execution team.

Ole Sloth Hansen will be in Dubai 7/8 June to discuss the commodities landscape at present and the new strategies for entering the market through ETFs.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Standard Life Reveals That One In Six Don’t Plan Their Future Finances

Standard Life has found that people in the UK live for the moment rather than the long term, with more than one in six (17%) failing to plan their finances at all, according to recent research from the savings and investments company.

The research, which looks into the UK’s fascination with living for now, finds that almost half of Brits (45%) only plan their finances just a year ahead, or less, with only a fifth of them (22%) planning up to five years into the future. Alarmingly, only one in six people (16%) plan more than six years ahead which underlines the real necessity for the UK to start addressing their long term savings plan. Doing this is critical if they are to be financially secure, achieve their future goals and live the lifestyle they want.

Of the UK regions, it was found that those from London were the top financial planners, with one in six (17%) planning six years or more ahead. In contrast, those from Scotland came out as the least likely to make long term financial plans, with only one in ten (11%) planning more than six years ahead.

To find out more about the nation’s attitudes to planning for the future, Standard Life is launching a UK-wide poll and prize draw and linking up with boutique hotel specialist i-escape.com. Entrants have to vote on which prize they would prefer; a short break this year with accommodation from i-escape.com, or a holiday of a lifetime in five years. The results will show whether people in the UK favour instant gratification or greater long term rewards. This issue of desiring instant gratification presents an on-going challenge for the UK because people are living longer and their financial security cannot be guaranteed. It represents a huge challenge for providers and advisers who are keen to help consumers plan ahead so they can look to the future with confidence and optimism.

Bruce Kelsall, group and UK marketing director at Standard Life, said: “The growth in our ageing population has created a dramatic need to shift from a culture of spending to one of saving. People are completely comfortable making financial plans for a summer holiday; planning and investing in your future is no different. You may have to finance your lifestyle up to the age of 90 or even longer and while planning for this eventuality is essential, it needn’t be stressful. Even the smallest actions now can have a dramatic effect on your long term finances.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Standard Life Reveals Brits Think They Cannot Live on £140 a Week

Standard Life’s new research* has revealed that almost two out of three people (63%) think they could not live on £140 a week in retirement, rising to 72% for the 55 and over’s. Only 17% of the 55 and over’s think they could live on £140 a week. The Government has recently proposed a single-tier flat-rate state pension worth around £140 a week, and are currently consulting on how this might be introduced in 2015 at the earliest.

John Lawson, head of pensions policy at Standard Life said: “The introduction of state pensions of £140 a week for all is to be welcomed. This makes it clear and easy for people to understand what they will receive from the government as a pension. However, people clearly recognise that£140 a week will not likely be enough to live on in retirement.”

The research also found there were significant differences of opinion between age groups, with the young more likely to think £140 a week was OK, while those in the older age ranges having had a reality check at the cost of living.

John Lawson concluded with tips for improving overall financial health: “Set up a savings plan to put money away for your future needs. Pensions and are enough to meet the savings needs of 99% of the population. If you are saving for a retirement income, a pension is the most tax efficient home for your money.

“Investing in cash, whilst generally safe, often means that your savings don’t even keep pace with inflation, so don’t be afraid to take some risk, particularly if you are investing for the longer-term. Savings providers now offer personalised investment portfolios, such as Standard Life’s MyFolio, that match the level of risk you are comfortable with.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Saxo Bank Provides Retail Derivatives Trading to TD Waterhouse

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, has announced it will provide TD Waterhouse, the UK’s leading execution only broker, with an online derivatives trading platform for retail investors. Through Saxo Bank’s technology and service, TD Waterhouse will enhance its offering to enable customers to take control of their trading through TD Derivatives Trading for Contracts for Differences (CFDs), FX and Futures.

The TD Derivatives Trading account, which will be provided by Saxo Bank, has been developed to respond to the needs of sophisticated derivatives traders. Clients can tradeCFDs with commissions starting from 0.15% (minimum £15) on all markets. They can also take advantage of one of the leading FX Trading offerings available, with access to more than 160 FX currency pairs. The account also includes Futures, enabling customers to trade over 450 instruments on live market prices from exchanges around the world. TD Derivatives Trading clients can also create their perfect trading environment using two, free customisable platforms that can be adapted to their exact specifications.

Darren Hepworth, trading and customer services director at TD Waterhouse commented: “We always strive to ensure our customers have access to the best products and services. With the launch of TD Derivatives Trading, our customers can take control of their trading needs and create their perfect trading environment.”

Albert Maasland, CEO of Saxo Bank London added: “We are thrilled to be working with the preeminent execution only broker, TD Waterhouse. Their decision to adopt Saxo Bank’s technology and service are testament to the effectiveness of our offering in the retail market place. We strive to develop a collaborative business model, and the launch of this service reinforces the strength of our Institutional solutions.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Business Monitor International Launches Report on China’s Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industry

Business Monitor International (BMI) has announced its latest report, China Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Report.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical analysis includes Business Monitor International’s five and ten year forecast for drugs and healthcare expenditure, imports and exports, and focuses on the growth outlook for the prescription, OTC, patented drugs and generics market segments. The forecasts are based on in depth analysis into industry trends and new developments.

The China Analysis report is designed to provide industry professionals, market investors and corporate and financial services analysts with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the Chinese pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. The report is vital to these groups so that they can benchmark BMI’s independent five and ten year pharmaceutical and healthcare industry forecasts on Chine, target business opportunities and risks in the Chinese pharmaceutical and healthcare sector and asses the activities, strategy and market position of pharmaceutical competitors, partners and clients.

Following the outcome of Q1 2011, BMI now predicts China will become the most attractive pharmaceutical market in Asia Pacific within the next five years. China has the world´s most attractive emerging pharmaceutical market. Driven by a booming economy and underpinned by political stability, demand for medicines, both generic and patented, will continue to increase. However – the key downside risk is further pricing pressures, which could intensify in the event of an economic slowdown.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Standard Life Reveals The Most Popular Retirement Top-Up Plans

Standard Life research* has revealed the most popular retirement top-up plans for people who have saved into a pension. Alongside using other investments (43%), nearly a quarter (24%) are expecting inheritance will help fund their retirement, while others are planning equity release on their main home (10%), using rental income / sale of a property (23%) or using a partner or spouse’s income (16%).

The research found that 7% of over-55s don’t plan to retire or have a pension plan, even though they had been saving into a pension. Using the state pension or other state benefits (76%) was the favoured choice of the majority of people. 23% of women are expecting to receive a retirement top-up from their spouse, while 13% of men make the same assumption.

John Lawson, head of pensions policy at Standard Life said: “Nearly half a million people in the UK over 55 are not planning to retire. This shows our attitudes towards retirement are changing, as people consider the implications of working and living longer than ever before. We know that many people want to continue working on their own terms, while some will want to start a new business or learn a new skill.

“Unfortunately, some may not have got their financial planning quite right. The realisation of reaching 65 and having to fund another 30 years in retirement has made them rethink their future plans.

“Relying on certain sources of income, for example an inheritance, could leave you short changed, so seeking the right financial advice early on and taking practical steps to ensure you don’t have all your eggs in one basket may prove a prudent move in later years.”

To help support people when making investment decisions, Standard Life has recently launched a range of investment funds, called MyFolio**. The MyFolio funds are a family of carefully constructed risk-based portfolios that offer clients a choice of active and passive investment strategies across five risk levels. Three styles are available to suit each clients’ investment philosophy: MyFolio Market Funds, Standard Life MyFolio Funds and MyFolio Multi-Manager Funds.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

TradingFloor.com Releases Video on Margin Pressure

TradingFloor.com, the home of Saxo Bank’s trading commentary, financial research and analysis, has released a video discussing the first quarter earnings wrap and specifically what happened to margin pressure.

It seems margin pressure hardly emerged and that its effects (on the back of higher commodities), especially for consumer driven companies, will instead first kick in later in the year. The underlying momentum for stocks remains strong. Pro-cyclical companies, in particular, posted good results largely driven by emerging markets), and this was confirmed in their earnings outlooks for more growth ahead – which is good news for stocks and the overall economy. Peter Garny, equity strategist for Saxo Bank discusses these issues in TradingFloor.com’s latest video.

With the larger companies in the S&P 500 in mind Peter discusses how many investors at the beginning of the earnings season were talking about a margin squeeze. In actual fact margins have actually expanded slightly in April, as well as year on year. So, margin pressure is by and large not evident yet, and the only disappointment lay on the top line in terms of revenue, which has slowed down somewhat. However, Peter is hopeful that this will grow again as the economy continues to grow throughout the year.

Peter then tackles how companies have dealt with the pressure of rising input costs. He commented that many of the large companies still have tight controls in place, meaning they have managed to keep their operating costs low. Most companies are also operating with long term contracts, which mean that rising spot prices in commodities are yet to kick in.

To finish, Peter talks about how large shipping companies and steel makers have recently reported better than expected earnings and growth, and what can be deduced from this in terms of economic growth. The numbers from these big procyclical companies, combined with the better than expected GDP numbers from the Eurozone show that the underlying momentum in the economy and on the corporate side is strong. However, as there is no great pick up in either Europe or the U.S., the emerging markets are clearly driving these numbers. This is a good sign for economic recovery, because when big companies affirm their outlooks for 2011, it generally means it should be a good year for stocks.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Reliable Forex Signal Service

After almost 3 years of trading, development and back-testing, Reliable Solutions is proud to announce the launch of the Reliable FX Signals subscription service.

For the first time ever, Reliable Solutions introducing “Automated Trading System” in Forex industry. By this service, subscribers need not to wait for email or SMS to receive trade signals. Instead of that all the trade signals will automatically executed on subscribers Metatrader 4 account. All subscriber need to do is to check increasing balance daily.

Each day, Reliable FX Signal subscribers will be sent at least 1 trading signal a day. If subscribers PC and Internet are online then that trade will be executed automatically and it will also set take profit, stop loss levels at the time of execution. Reliable FX Signal will also manage risk of subscribers account. We also offer 100% money back guarantee to our subscribers. It means, at the end of the month if subscribers account balance stays below of beginning balance then we will give 100% subscription charges back to subscriber. Development of own profitable, stable, viable trading system may take several years. Normally, this process faces some dangers. Plus add to that the fact that you are going to make some big mistakes on your way which means that you will lose lots of money. Often, these mistakes devastate the account, and injure the incentives of the beginner so much, that he gives up his work with Forex and makes no further tries. Our signals will help you avoid this huge mistake.

Our experienced and professional traders strive to identify the market current trend (short or long) ¬ so you can reap the benefits and make money constantly. We hope that you will take full advantage of all we have to offer in our website.

For more information about the signal subscription service, Reliable FX Signals, you can go to the company website at http://www.reliablefxsignals.com.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Will the Catholic Church & the U.S. Courts Embrace Advanced Cell Technologies?

Advanced Cell Technology with laboratory facilities in Marlborough Massachusetts has pioneered a solution to the ethical, moral & legal debate raging in regards to protection of a human embryo. ACT has developed the “single-blastomere” technique. Patent Number 7,893,315 a non-destructive alternative for deriving human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines.

This achievement in Regenerative medicine is a ground breaking feat for both Catholic and U.S. law.
• The 1995 encyclical The Gospel of Life, of which Pope John Paul II wrote: “Human embryos obtained in vitro are human beings and are subjects with rights; their dignity and right to life must be respected from the first moment of their existence. It is immoral to produce human embryos destined to be exploited as disposable ‘biological material'” (1,5 )
• The Dickey Amendment (also known as the Dickey-Wicker Amendment) is the name of an appropriation bill rider attached to a bill passed by United States Congress in 1995, and signed by former President Bill Clinton, which prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using appropriated funds for the creation of human embryos for research purposes or for research in which human embryos are destroyed.

The single-blastomere technology uses a one-cell biopsy approach similar to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which is widely used in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process and does not interfere with the embryo’s developmental potential. The stem cells generated using this approach are healthy, completely normal, and differentiate into all the cell types of the human The safety record for one-cell biopsy as part of PGD now has a 15-year track record, and is carried out routinely as part of IVF processes around the world. ACT’s technique of protecting the human embryo from harm can be expounded to the smallest blood transfusion in the world. As does a human being give millions of blood cells in a pint of blood so does ACT’s “single blastomere” process take but “one cell” from a 2 day old embryo. As the blood removed from a human donor “regenerate” the removed pint of blood so does the human embryo “regenerate” the one cell. Both of these procedures leave the human body & two day old embryo healthy. Both procedures are similar in that they both provide life saving material to those whom need them most to due to disease and other aliments of a medical nature.

Advanced Cell Technology has been granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a Phase I/II multicenter clinical trial using retinal cells derived from human embryonic stem cells for both Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy (SMD), one of the most common forms of juvenile macular degeneration in the world and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) the most common form of macular degeneration in the world affecting an estimated 150 million people. ACT is using RPE cells developed from the patented (SCB) technique for this trial. The trial will take place at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute in California. Because of the biological nature of the human eye the trial will be able to provide a 100% irrefutable proof that the (hESC) derived RPE cells used attached to the Bruch’s membrane. Before and after state of the art imaging will take place.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

RBS Invoice Finance Launches New External Website

RBS Invoice Finance has launched its new external website. The new site comes after several months of development and planning, as well as talking to staff, clients and introducers alike.

The improved site sees the information architecture of the site being completely overhauled, allowing easier access to the information on the site for different audiences.

The new site aims to be turnover-based for those who are keen to understand the types of services RBS Invoice Finance offers; sector-based, for those who are keen to see examples of the services and clients in sectors such as theirs and product-based, for those who know what they are looking for.

The site also features new and improved content including richer content, to help engage visitors and keep them browsing the site, animation to bring ‘Approve/Fund/Collect/Protect’ to life and video client case studies to help tell the RBS Invoice Finance story through the voice of the client.

Ross McFarlance, director of UK sales and client relations, commented: “The digital world is constantly changing, so it’s important that we invest to give our site prominence in search engine results. To ensure this happens, RBS Invoice Finance has appointed bigmouthmedia as its retained search engine optimisation agency. They will help RBS Invoice Finance to continually review and improve its performance in online search engines.

“This is a significant investment in the online channel and one which RBS Invoice Finance is confident will yield increased online visibility, site traffic and new business lead flow.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Advanced Cell Technology (OTC:ACTC) vs. Geron Corp. (NASDAQ:GERN)

Regenerative medicine is a highly complicated and vastly misunderstood science. Investor Stem Cell is dedicated to bringing investors and stakeholders together in thoughtful discussion to educate and publicize the incredible advancements unfolding in the regenerative medicine sector. A quantum leap in health care is upon the world. Will you profit from this emerging sector & help bring cures to millions? Find out now what the street thinks at www.investorstemcell.com.

Side by side comparison of Advanced Cell Technology & Geron Corporation:

Geron Corporation (NASDAQ:GERN), Approved by the FDA to use human embryonic stem cell (hESC) treatments to treat spinal cord injuries. The research Goliath is a well-funded machine employing the top minds in the world working on everything from mid-stage oncology trials to promising (hESC) drugs for spinal cord injuries, heart disease & cancer.

Snap shot of Goliath: Geron Corpoartion-(NASDAQ:GERN)-
• Seven oncology Phase 2 trials currently underway, and has several big Pharma joint venture agreements in oncology animal and human trials
• Five hESC areas of investigation underway. GRNOPC1 is the lead candidate. Geron destroys the human embryo through its (hESC) R&D, of which the company uses the blastocyst embryo formation at day five after fertilization from IVF clinics
• Cash, restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities: $221,274.000.00
• Total operating expenses in 2010: $114,730,000.00
• 175 employees; over 100 hold PhD or MD degrees
• Geron Corporation was founded in 1990 and is based in Menlo Park, California
• Trades on the NASDAQ providing liquidity & large institutional investors
• Corporate financial statements:http://www.geron.com/investors/reports/GeronAnnualReport2010.pdf

Advanced Cell Technology not too long ago was the predominant leader in the field of regenerative medicine. It fell from that distinction in part due to executive management hubris and ultimately the credit crisis in mid-2008. ACT was able to resurrect itself from near bankruptcy in June 2008 and now has the distinction of holding two out of the three FDA approved (hESC) trials. ACT is led by a competent executive management team and employs several of the most predominant regenerative researcher(s) in the world.

Snap shot of David: Advanced Cell Technology-(OTC:ACTC)-
• Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Program is their lead program-(HESC) trials for both SMD/AMD are expected to start in week(s) Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA ) will conduct the 2 (hESC) trials for Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy (SMD) and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Filed a European Clinical Trial Application for Phase 1/2 study using (hESC) to treat macular degeneration
• Issued a broad patent for hESC-derived RPE cells in China
• Seeking funding & joint venture partner for Myoblast program for the treatment of cardiovascular disease Phase 2 approved by the FDA
• Joint ventured with Korean medical giant CHA to form “Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International” (SCRMI). This partnership expected to file an investigational new drug application (IND) with the FDA in Q-4 of this year. CHA biotech is waiting for final approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration for (hESC) trial for AMD
• Issued patent on its “single-blastomere” technique. Patent Number 7,893,315 broadly covers ACT’s proprietary single-blastomere technology that provides a non-destructive alternative for deriving hESC lines. This “Embryo-Safe” one-cell biopsy approach similar to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which is widely used in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process and does not interfere with the embryo’s developmental potential
• 22 full-time employees, six hold PhD or MD degrees-Formed in 1994, HQ in Menlo Park, California with laboratory facilities in Marlborough, MA
• Total operating expenses in 2010: $22,044,701
• Cash, restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities: $34,889,409
• Trades on the OTC:BB ACTC is a Sarbanes–Oxley Act SEC reporter
• Corporate financial statements: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/...

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Cainvest Acquired Sul America International Bank

Cainvest controlled by the Cohab/Aboulafia family from Brazil has announced the acquisition of the totality of shares of Sul America International Bank (Cayman) Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. Cainvest announced an investment of US$ 30 million and renamed the acquired Bank to Cainvest International Bank Ltd.

“We were very impressed with the high level of regulation from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and the number of top-of-class service providers with physical presence in the Island. We understand now why the country ranks as the fifth-largest banking center in the world and look forward for a long lasting presence in the country.” states Charles Aboulafia, co-founder and managing director of Cainvest.

The Cohab/Aboulafia family owns an asset manager specialized in Latin American Corporate Eurobonds and a boutique Investment Bank in Brazil. The family also controls Trisoft Group, a conglomerate of manufacturing companies leader in the non-woven industry in Brazil.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Saxo Bank Publishes OTC FX Options Market Information And Client Position Data

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, is first to publish market data from the FX Options OTC market. The data, which will be published three times a day on Tradingfloor.com, will greatly enhance traders’ understanding and ability to profitably trade FX as an asset class.

This initiative signifies Saxo Bank’s unique position as a leading market maker in the interbank OTC markets and exemplifies the value that Saxo Bank’s active participation offers to its FX clients.

Information included in the posts is:
– ATM volatilities, which shows the change in volatility of currency pairs
– 25-Delta Risk Reversal, the most widely used parameter in gauging market direction
– OTC Volume index, based on interbank OTC FX Options trade activity
– Market Pin Risk, which shows large strikes that have traded in the interbank market and may act as magnetic levels for the spot price in the future
– Charts, the graphical illustration of Risk Reversals and Implied vs. Historic Volatility
– Retail Position Ratio, which shows client sentiment (bullish/bearish) based on actual client positions
– Current FX Options Board Prices, which allows interested parties to see the competitiveness of Saxo Bank’s streaming quotes

Events in the OTC FX Options market have a direct impact on the development in the Forex spot market. Therefore, this type of data has historically been extraordinarily difficult and costly for traders to acquire. Saxo Bank is making this information publicly available to anyone interested in the Forex market, the largest and most liquid market in the world.

In a statement, Edward Voorhees, Global Head of Foreign Exchange at Saxo Bank, said:
“For market makers in the OTC FX Options market the trend has for some years been risk aversion, which has led to major institutions dramatically reducing their market making activities. Saxo Bank has remained very committed to its market making activities in the FX options space. The reward for being an active market participant is the valuable insight we gain. The options team at Saxo Bank is very proud to be able to share these insightful flow details with all our clients at no added cost.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Saxo Bank Scoops Six Awards at the Euromoney Annual FX Survey 2011

Saxo Bank has picked up no less than six awards at the Euromoney annual FX survey 2011. The categories in which the online trading and investment specialist was voted into the top spot for are:

– Best Improved Overall Market Share By Volume ($10bn – $25bn)
– Best Improved Overall Market Share By Volume ($5bn – $10bn)
– Best Speed of Execution
– Best Research and Analytics
– Best Effective Risk Management and Execution Strategies
– Best Integrated Workflow and Compliance Solutions

Albert Maasland, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive of Saxo Bank London said at the awards ceremony in London last night: “These awards are an accolade to Saxo Bank’s experience in the online trading business and its recognition in the market place. Saxo Bank received more award wins this evening than ever before in our history. This follows our best full-year results ever. I am honoured to accept these awards on behalf of our two founders and my colleagues. All six awards reflect our ongoing commitment to respond to our broad client base and provide the FX market with consistent competitive pricing and leading value-adding products and services.”

The Euromoney annual Foreign Exchange survey is in its 22nd year. The survey is the industry’s leading review of FX trading, research and e-business capabilities and is widely considered as the benchmark league table for the FX market. The awards are a reflection of the efforts of the wider FX industry to provide the tools and functionality that make trading FX more efficient. Results are based on qualitative responses from thousands of companies around the world. Last year over 11,700 votes were cast in the survey, including those of treasurers, traders and investors.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Prudential Reveals Two In Five Planning To Retire In 2011

Prudential has announced that two in five people are planning their retirement for 2011, even though many have received no advice or have relied solely on non-professional advice.

Two in every five people planning to retire in 2011 will do so having relied on non-professional advice as their main financial information source in the run up to retirement. Prudential’s Class of 2011 research studied the financial plans of this year’s retirees and found that 43 per cent have received no professional advice or relied on the internet or the media for most of their pension advice.

However, more than a quarter (28 per cent) of people intending to retire this year received most of their financial information from an IFA – a figure that remains unchanged since last year. But the study shows there is an increasing trend for people to conduct their own research before seeking pre-retirement financial advice. Half of those who said that an IFA was their main source of retirement income advice had also carried out research online and via the media – an increase from one in three in 2010.

Prudential also found that nearly one in ten (9 per cent) are relying on employers for pre-retirement financial advice advice while another 16 per cent are putting their faith in a mix of friends and family, pension providers and banks.

Russell Warwick, distribution strategy director at Prudential, said: “These results show that there is a genuine advice gap for people in the run-up to retirement. The majority of people due to retire this year will miss out on professional advice and could potentially be making mistakes when planning for their retirement income.

“It is imperative for people looking to secure their retirement income to start saving as much as they can as early as they can and in the years immediately prior to retirement I would also recommend a consultation with a professional adviser on an annual basis.

“Our research has also found that the numbers seeking financial advice prior to retirement in 2011 have not changed since last year. This highlights the work that we as an industry will need to undertake to increase consumer understanding of the value that advisers can add in the run up to the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review next year.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Prudential Reveals More than a Third are Delaying Retirement

Prudential has revealed that more than a third of people are delaying their retirement and putting their dreams on hold.

More than a third (38 per cent) of people due to retire in 2011 are cancelling their plans and delaying retirement and working longer, and a significant proportion (22 per cent) of these are doing so because they can’t afford to stop working.

The findings, from Prudential’s Class of 2011 study, revealed that those delaying retirement this year for financial reasons, had, on average, hoped to stop working at age 62 but now expect to be 68 years old before they can finally take up their state pension. The study, now in its fifth year, questioned people who had planned to retire during 2011.

Two fifths (40 per cent) of those delaying retirement in 2011 due to the financial strain that it will create, believe that they will have to keep working until they are 70 years old, or older, in order to retire with a comfortable income.

Prudential’s study shows that of all those planning to retire in 2011, 22 per cent now say they can’t afford to – a figure that has increased since 2010 when it was 15 per cent. In addition, 16 per cent of those planning to retire in 2011 do not want to quit working.

Vince Smith-Hughes, head of business development at Prudential said: “The only realistic option for those who want to avoid having to delay their planned retirement is to start saving as much as they can as early as they can.

“However, as inflation reaches 5.5 per cent and disposable incomes are reduced, Prudential’s research shows that people are postponing retirement to either build up their pension pots further or simply to continue in a job that they enjoy. When economic factors are combined with changes in legislation, such as the abolition of the Default Retirement age and an increasing trend of choosing to continue at work, it is easy to understand why more people are postponing their retirement plans.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Saxo Bank First To Offer Direct Online Trading In Brazilian Market

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, has launched four futures that will, for the first time, offer investors who are not residents in Brazil direct access to the Brazilian market. The products include the Bovespa Index and USD/BRL cross and enable investors to gain exposure to one of the currently most buoyant economies and hedge risks in their portfolios.

With this launch, Saxo Bank provides investors with four futures investment instruments – the BOVESPA Index, IBOVSPA Index Mini, BMF US Dollar Future and Mini BMF US Dollar – that are available on all of the bank’s platforms (SaxoTrader, SaxoWebTrader and SaxoMobileTrader).

Moreover, Saxo Bank expands its coverage to over 20 futures markets and more than 80 trading venues which can be accessed via a product range comprising more than 22,000 financial instruments.

In a statement, Pedro Brigham, director of the Latin region for Saxo Bank, said: “The rise in commodity prices has put Brazil on investors’ radars. Its excellent economic growth, political stability and a liquid market where over 3.5 billion US dollars are traded on a daily basis have made the country the clear leader in Latin America at a time when investors increasingly demand greater access to emerging markets”.

Claus Nielsen, executive vice president and head of markets at Saxo Bank, added: “The launch of futures trading in Brazil marks a significant milestone for Saxo Bank, and we are proud to be able to offer our global client base access to this vibrant economy. We look forward to expanding the list of available instruments in Brazil and to further add trading venues in emerging countries to our platform.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Business Monitor International Releases Japan Earthquake Implications Report

Business Monitor International has released a new special report which covers the probable economic and market implications of the Japan earthquake to the world economy.

Since the devastating Tohoku earthquake in Japan on March 11 and its terrible aftermath, there has been much speculation on the scale and scope of a potential nuclear disaster and the implications the disaster will have on the world financial markets. The special report seeks to provide some insight into some of the main economic repercussions ranging from the disruption to Japanese economic growth and markets through to the impact on commodity prices and the infrastructure sector.

Currently at least 6,000 people are known to have died and many thousands are still missing, with local authorities reporting that the final toll could exceed 10,000, which would be greater than the 6,400 killed in the Kobe (Hanshin) quake of 1995. However, while the human toll is disastrous, the infrastructure analysis provides the relatively positive news, if there is any, that Japan is better placed than many other disaster prone countries to respond to the crisis and Japan’s social cohesion should help it withstand a disaster of this magnitude better than many other countries. The participation of China and South Korea in the rescue efforts could also boost the previously strained relations between Japan and its neighbours.

Figures in the report show that there will be severe disruption to economic activity and that recession risks have returned to the fore, although at this stage the full impact is difficult to estimate. This comes at a time when it looked like export growth would boost overall GDP in 2011 following a 1.2% annualised contraction in Q410. While Tohoku is not a major economic centre, it still accounts for 8% of GDP and has numerous factories. Meanwhile, power outages across large parts of Japan, including Greater Tokyo, and supply chain concerns mean that major exporting companies such as Sony and Toyota have halted some operations indefinitely. Assuming that net exports place a sizeable drag on headline growth as exports cool and capital imports surge (as following the Hanshin earthquake in 1995), Japan may continue to suffer negative sequential growth in H111.

Other insights from the Japan analysis indicate that the Japanese government will need to spend heavily to rebuild the damage in the Tohoku region, around the city of Sendai, which will generate economic activity, but the costs will worsen Japan’s already dire fiscal deficit and debt burdens, and could put gross government debt through the JPY1,000trn level this year (an estimated 204% of GDP). Additionally, while markets will remain volatile in the short term, indications are that the authorities’ response to the crisis means that the medium-term view of a weaker yen (to JPY85.00/US$ in the first instance) remains on track, and the longer-term view of an eventual fiscal crisis is reinforced.

Other major areas looked at by the report include the risks for oil & gas prices, shipping, agriculture, automotive manufacture and the base metals industry, as well as important regional economic outlooks.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases