US Dollar (Part III)

By Ahmad Hassam

Prior to September 11, US Dollar was considered one of the premier safe haven currencies in the world because the risk of severe US instability was considered to be very low. United States was known to have one of the safest and the most developed capital markets in the world.

Almost 76% of the global currency reserves were in US Dollar. This allowed United States to attract investments from all over the world at a discounted rate of return. Foreign investors and the Central Banks are not so sure about the US Dollar due to the increased US uncertainty like the present recession and decreasing interest rates.

Important countries that peg their currencies to US Dollar are China and Hong Kong. Many developing and emerging countries peg their local currencies to US Dollar. China is a very active participant of the global currency markets because its maximum float per day is controlled within a narrow band based on the previous days closing US Dollar rates. Any fluctuations beyond this band will invite intervention by the Chinese Central Bank that may include buying and selling US Dollars.

The emergence of Euro is also threatening the US Dollar as the worlds premier reserve currency. Recently a group of countries like China, France and others have called for the introduction of a new global reserve currency by the IMF that should replace the US Dollar. If this happens in the next few years, it may have far reaching implications of the US Dollar and the US economy.

Due to the present financial crisis in the United States, many analysts fear a major devaluation of US Dollars. Many central banks have already begun to diversify their foreign exchange reserves by reducing their US Dollar holdings and increasing their holdings in Euro and the gold. Interest rate differentials can be a very strong indicator of potential currency movements because the US markets are the largest markets in the world and the investors all over the world are very sensitive to the yields offered by the US assets. The interest rate differentials between the US Treasuries and foreign bonds are followed by the professional forex traders with keen interest.

Market participants also closely watch the US Dollar Index as an indicator of overall US Dollar strength or weakness. The USDX is a futures contract traded on the New York Board of Trade (NYBOT). It is important to follow this index because when the market analysts are talking of general US Dollar weakness, they are referring to this index.

Cross border merger and acquisitions are also very important for forex traders to watch. US Dollar is also impacted by the US Stock and Bond markets.

The following economic indicators are important for the US Dollar: Employment, Nonfarm payrolls, Consumer Price Index, Produced Price Index, GDP, International Trade, Employment Cost Index, Industrial Production, Consumer Confidence, Retail Sales, TIC Data etc. - 23204

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam has done Masters from Harvard University. He is interested in day trading stocks and currencies. Try Strignano's Forex Signals free. Discover a revolutionary Forex Robot Trading System!

Real Estate Investing For The Rest Of Us

By Marcus Myer

Location - don't jump in to get a property simply because the market is bearish. Consider the position of the property very scrupulously. The reality is a property with a bad location won't fetch you a great price even when the market is bullish. If you have an interest in buying property then ensure that the property is suitably located.

It should be in the vicinity of shopping complexes, malls, hospitals, colleges parks and should be easily accessible by road and mass transit systems. It may be right that a property will cost you comparatively more if it is well found. Nevertheless, you will be ready to fetch a more acceptable price when the market picks up.

long-term - making an investment in property is a long-term offer with convincing returns over a period. However, you have the assurance of your incomes continuously over a few number of years provided you use a prudent and disciplined approach when you invest in property. A property that can fetch good rental earnings is a gold mine.

Don't think of selling such a property. Lease it out instead. Always put aside a certain portion of the revenue for upkeep and maintenance. Many backers who flipped properties found themselves in the middle of a property market crash and were saddled with properties that they couldn't dispose off.

You need to sell or hire it straight out. The renter will ask for deductions on the rent with the debate that these be changed against the down-payment and closing costs. In all likelihood, the renter will not buy the property at the end of the lease and the proprietor would have lost a lot of money in terms of kickbacks on the rent. The lease agreement should have a clause that stops the tenant-buyer from defaulting on the purchase by allowing you to forfeit the deposit.

Focus on the idea of investing in buying local property ; at least at the start of your real estate investment career. Do not rush to buy property in another state or country, as you would not be so informed about the conditions. Investing in property in other states will increase your expenses in terms of commuting. Consider the proven fact that as a potential owner you will have to inspect the property to determine if there is any damage every month. You will also have to ensure that the property is not being misused in any way. For example there could be more renters living in the property than is permissible as per state and federal laws.

It makes for better business sense for you to think local and buy local. - 23204

About the Author:

Everything they never told you about how to select a good investment property revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure and check out real estate agent wildwood nj

Discover The Dubai Luxury Realty

By Andriano Smith

Dubai has been a favorite get away with both celebrities and common folk. Dubai is well known for its exquisite beauty and comfort. Dubai hosts a series of luxurious real estates. You need to choose for yourself very carefully keeping your style, budget and comfort in consideration.

Dubai is well known for its rich architectural designs and advancements. Their architectural techniques are unmatched. You can choose an apartment, villa, or a penthouse. If you are looking out for most luxurious real estate in Dubai here is a list for you:

Business Bay: La Residence At The Lotus

This piece of great architecture speaks of great elegance. The architecture is inspired by the exquisiteness of nature. It is a construction surrounded by water, which lends its uniqueness. The petals of flowers motivate its architecture. It is four pillars standing on the circular podium. There is tapering at the top and the bottom. Its lighting makes its fascia look breathtaking during night. Cross ventilation keeps the place fresh and cheerful. There is no gloomy look.

This hotel boosts some of the exquisite luxuries. The rooms are done keeping both traditional and contemporary in consideration. You can find 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. If you want to pamper yourself, then you must look forward to a stay at La Residence At The Lotus. Swimming pool, sauna, steam, spa and massage and buffet system lends the place a touch of exclusivity.

Damac Heights at Dubai Marina

Damac Heights at Dubai Marina has always a hot pick by people that want to enjoy their life to the full. Designed by 'Aedas' the architecture is amazing and awe-inspiring. It would not be wrong to term this 90-storied building 8th man-made wonder. You can even enjoy the Marina Lifestyle. The view of marina and Palm Jumeirah is lovely. Fresh breeze you will experience sitting in the balcony is relaxing.

You can choose apartments, penthouses and duplexes according to your convenience. This is a place of all possible luxuries. The interior of the place is a perfect amalgamation of tradition and contemporary. The amenities offered are spa, private cinema, indoor pool and jet sauna.

Lotus Heights in the Business Bay

At Business Bay, Lotus Heights is the superior real estate. It is located in the area which is full of hustle and bustle of commercial and residential activities. This 64 storied tower speaks of sumptuousness. It features Signature apartments on 34 floors, Signature residences on 20 floors and Signature penthouses on 10 floors. The rooms feature exclusive luxuries and they are done well keeping the style and comfort in consideration.

Palm Springs

This mind blowing waterfront architecture is breath-taking and is positioned in palm Jebli. It is a real estate which promises true comfort and opulence. The superlative amenities hosted here makes the real estate a true palace, where you can pamper yourself to the heights. The barbeque area, lounge, professional housekeeping and valet parking facilities make it an ideal and most luxurious real estate in Dubai.

The Dubai Park Tower

Park tower in DIFC, a residential 30 storied two tower project is amazing. It features 400 apartments and each speaks of the extravagance and splendor of Dubai. Also tradition is blended well into its architecture. Each apartment boasts a balcony which adds to the comfort of the apartment. You can enjoy a lovely evening and weather with your family and friends and take pleasure in watching cafes, entertainment and financial district

Burjside Boulevard

This 36 storied manifestation, first level is committed to leisure and three levels of podium. The apartments are fully furnished and well equipped with luxury amenities. Swimming pool, gym, health club and lounge makes your stay pleasurable. The view it offers of vast water view and green expanses is magnificent. The landscape is a real stress buster.

With coming of Internet, it is no more a dream to own the luxurious real estate in Dubai. You can search for various options available online and ask for price quotes. Compare and contrast the prices and amenities and make a choice for yourself. - 23204

About the Author:

If you consider purchasing Arabic Properties it is important for you to understand more information on buying properties in UAE to secure yourself from big miscalculations.

To Learn Forex

By Bart Icles

As much as you give yourself time to learn the basics of the forex market, as well as some advanced ideas about it, it also helps to learn forex trading myths to keep yourself aware. These myths can as easily trick you to making the biggest mistakes in forex trading that can prove to be damaging, especially to newcomers to the currency market. More often than not, there are many newcomers who fall into the array of forex traders who end up losing their money because they are all too caught up in believing that forex trading is a get-rich-quick scheme. This is just one of the many forex myths that you should learn so you can keep yourself from making the biggest forex trading markets that any trader can commit.

Forex trading is not a simple buy and sell thing and it does not offer any get-rich-quick promises. Currency trading requires a thorough understanding of what the different trading systems are and how you can use trading signals to your advantage. To learn forex trading basics is just the start. This unpredictable market might require you to go through a series of losses first before you can fully understand the different crafts used in the trade. Keep in mind that forex trading is far from child?s play.

With this said, it also helps to take note that forex trading is far from playing online casino games. There are those who equate trading to gambling but this should not be the case. In forex trading, your success does not totally rely on luck. Your success can also be defined by how well you are able to understand and use macroeconomic indicators to your advantage.

If you are thinking that forex trading is just for the rich and famous strategists, you can never be more wrong. The currency market is by far one of the easiest markets that newcomers can join. You simply need a computer, an internet connection, some spare time to spend on trading, and about a couple of dollars in capital. If you were able to spend enough time to learn forex basics and myths, you will be able to distinguish which things to do best in certain situations that will eventually help you rake in profits.

So remember, to learn forex basics is not enough. You should also learn about the different forex myths so you can develop ways son how to avoid them. Awareness can just become your key to success in this rewarding yet unpredictable market. - 23204

About the Author:

Your forex training video course starts with a desire to learn and a drive to become a great trader. Using a forex trader training takes dedication and a good teacher. But once you learn how to trade and do so successfully your life will change and you have options and financial resources you never had before.

When The Time Has Come For A Luxury House

By Albert Northerly

What exactly is a luxury home and how does one go about acquiring it? The answer is that real estate -- meaning properties and homes -- that is of a certain price level (usually starting at $1 million and going significantly upwards from there) will qualify as such real estate. These are not typical run-of-the-mill residences, by the way.

However, luxury houses stands in a class all by itself. If curious about what such real estate is, think in terms of at least a cool million dollars and imagining your mind a scene from a movie about a superrich billionaire industrialist who lives on a cliff front home in Malibu, California, for instance. These are the kinds of homes that made up the show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."

What might come as a slight shock to some people is that, these days, many such properties can be had at prices that just weren't possible a couple of years ago. This is partly due to the global decline in real estate prices, though it even at a discount we're still talking about millions of dollars and lots of maintenance and overhead.

This is actually the part that people who are considering moving into luxury properties fail to take into account, and that is the matter of maintenance and upkeep. While it's true that the $10 million home can now be had for maybe $6 million, it's also true that the cost of maintaining at home haven't decreased all that much. Still, a luxury home experts would say that if you have to ask how much it costs you probably can't afford it anyway.

Barring all that, if a luxury home is in your future and the time has come to consider moving into something that's decidedly upscale, there are certainly websites and brokerages that exists that deal only in homes costing at least $1 million, though in this world, 1 million would be equivalent to someone buying a three-bedroom brick ranch in a suburb of Cleveland, for example.

For an example of what this means, consider that the home that was depicted in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is currently on the market for around $2.3 million. This is a princely sum indeed, but the people who are considering buying the home are more interested in the property and plan on demolishing the home to erect an even bigger house. That's saying a lot about the kinds of people who can afford to get into a luxury home.

That's another thing to keep in mind when it comes to a luxury property; in many cases the land under which the home sits can be far more valuable than the home itself. This is the case in areas like Malibu or the North Shore of Hawaii, in the United States or just about any property in downtown Tokyo, where land sells for thousands of dollars per square foot.

For the most part, many people will not ever reach a point in their lives where they want to consider purchasing a luxury home even if they could afford it. But for those who are all about their homes and the sheer joy of living in something that would make Donald Trump jealous, it may just be the best time in the last 50 years to begin the search for such property. - 23204

About the Author:

The real estate market continues to devalue, with even luxury real estate falling in price, and perhaps making some luxury homes more affordable than was previously the case.