on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】
候任美國總統特朗普在競選時曾承諾,會將製造業職位帶回美國,保住本土工人就業機會。早前曾明言會把廠房搬離美國的印第安納州冷氣機公司開利公司(Carrier
Corp.)周二表示,已與特朗普達成協議,會繼續維持現有的逾1000個職位。
特朗普於周二twitter證實事件,表示協議對工人來說是一個「大好消息」。特朗普將聯同候任副總統彭斯於周四會見開利公司代表人,商議有關協議細節。
由於製造成本上漲,美國多間公司曾打算將製造業職位搬離美國。今年2月,開利公司表示會將印第安納波利斯的廠房搬往墨西哥,該廠方聘有1400個職位,並於2017年開始分3年裁減員工。同屬母公司聯合科技(United
Technogies)的電子製造公司UTEC早前亦指會將700個印第安納州職位搬至墨西哥。
特朗普於競選期間,曾大力批評美國企業計劃撤離本國,又揚言會保住工人職位,指「不能再讓職位被外人偷走」。
2016年11月30日 星期三
美快餐店員工示威 促特朗普找數增最低工資
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國候任總統特朗普去年在競選時,曾一度稱現時的聯邦最低工資每小時7.25美元太高,惟到了今年5月卻轉軚,稱不明白民眾如何在這時薪下生活,揚言當選後會提高最低工資。美國全國多個城市在當地時間周二,有市民響應組織呼籲舉行集會示威,要求特朗普「找數」,上任後將聯邦最低工資增至每小時15美元。各地警方共拘捕了逾150人。
示威組織者表示,全國340個城市會響應名為「爭取$15(Fight for $15)」的示威,並形容是4年來最大規模和最具破壞性的一次。在新奧爾良,示威者在一間麥當勞快餐店外高舉標語和叫口號。在底特律,示威者坐在一間麥當勞餐廳外阻塞交通,警方到場拘捕逾50人,惟過程順利,無人反抗。
在洛杉磯,近2000名示威者於清晨約7時遊行到市中心一間麥當勞餐廳外,然後分散在一個道路交匯處,警方驅散不果,最後帶走近40人。在芝加哥奧黑爾國際機場,不隸屬任何工會的工人原本已罷工,亦遊行聲援。在紐約市,大批示威者亦舉行靜坐集會集會,約20人因為拒絕與警方合作被拘捕,當中包括多名政客及83歲的麥當勞員工卡里路(Jose Carillo)。
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國候任總統特朗普去年在競選時,曾一度稱現時的聯邦最低工資每小時7.25美元太高,惟到了今年5月卻轉軚,稱不明白民眾如何在這時薪下生活,揚言當選後會提高最低工資。美國全國多個城市在當地時間周二,有市民響應組織呼籲舉行集會示威,要求特朗普「找數」,上任後將聯邦最低工資增至每小時15美元。各地警方共拘捕了逾150人。
示威組織者表示,全國340個城市會響應名為「爭取$15(Fight for $15)」的示威,並形容是4年來最大規模和最具破壞性的一次。在新奧爾良,示威者在一間麥當勞快餐店外高舉標語和叫口號。在底特律,示威者坐在一間麥當勞餐廳外阻塞交通,警方到場拘捕逾50人,惟過程順利,無人反抗。
在洛杉磯,近2000名示威者於清晨約7時遊行到市中心一間麥當勞餐廳外,然後分散在一個道路交匯處,警方驅散不果,最後帶走近40人。在芝加哥奧黑爾國際機場,不隸屬任何工會的工人原本已罷工,亦遊行聲援。在紐約市,大批示威者亦舉行靜坐集會集會,約20人因為拒絕與警方合作被拘捕,當中包括多名政客及83歲的麥當勞員工卡里路(Jose Carillo)。
港商引入3D食物打印機 設計糕點拉花無難度
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 近年3D打印技術漸趨成熟,有香港公司引入家用食物打印機,讓廚房初哥亦能製作出精巧糕點和個人化的咖啡拉花圖案,並利用電腦軟件為蛋糕、曲奇和薄餅等食物重新設計外觀。
將由明日起至周六舉行的第12屆設計及創新科技博覽,有450個來自20國家的企業參展,其中以「城創新活」為主題的創意館開放公眾入場。該館展出多項生活趣味發明,包括管家機械人、太陽能車等。有參展商從台灣引入3D食物打印機,可從電腦讀取食物設計圖,打印出理想食物圖案和形狀,包括薄餅、麵包、班戟等,約10分鐘可打印2塊曲奇餅。
該參展商代表黃偉峯指,食客比過去重視個人化創作工序,如在蛋糕或食物上寫上慶生字眼等,預計食物打印機可普及至商用及家用層面。惟每部食物打印機價售價2至3萬港元,打印成品亦需加熱焗製,參展商預計每年可售出40至50台,且以教學團體購入作家政課等用途居多。
大會今年新加擴增及虛擬實境專區,公眾亦可在創意館體驗部分活動。在展示「沉浸式VR」裝置的攤位,使用者戴上VR眼鏡後可看到三面大螢幕的立體場境畫面,進行家居設計和玩運動類型的遊戲。攤位負責人黃夢婷指,該系統由10名香港人團隊以1年時間設計,售價約為10多萬港元。
【on.cc東網專訊】 近年3D打印技術漸趨成熟,有香港公司引入家用食物打印機,讓廚房初哥亦能製作出精巧糕點和個人化的咖啡拉花圖案,並利用電腦軟件為蛋糕、曲奇和薄餅等食物重新設計外觀。
將由明日起至周六舉行的第12屆設計及創新科技博覽,有450個來自20國家的企業參展,其中以「城創新活」為主題的創意館開放公眾入場。該館展出多項生活趣味發明,包括管家機械人、太陽能車等。有參展商從台灣引入3D食物打印機,可從電腦讀取食物設計圖,打印出理想食物圖案和形狀,包括薄餅、麵包、班戟等,約10分鐘可打印2塊曲奇餅。
該參展商代表黃偉峯指,食客比過去重視個人化創作工序,如在蛋糕或食物上寫上慶生字眼等,預計食物打印機可普及至商用及家用層面。惟每部食物打印機價售價2至3萬港元,打印成品亦需加熱焗製,參展商預計每年可售出40至50台,且以教學團體購入作家政課等用途居多。
大會今年新加擴增及虛擬實境專區,公眾亦可在創意館體驗部分活動。在展示「沉浸式VR」裝置的攤位,使用者戴上VR眼鏡後可看到三面大螢幕的立體場境畫面,進行家居設計和玩運動類型的遊戲。攤位負責人黃夢婷指,該系統由10名香港人團隊以1年時間設計,售價約為10多萬港元。
憂貶值 金管:11月首3周人幣存款跌幅更勁
money18.on.cc
金管局發言人表示,2016年10月底香港人民幣存款餘額下跌42億元人民幣,降至735億元人民幣。當局解釋,10月人民幣存款下跌,可能與部分市場人士對人民幣前景持審慎態度,以及投資者調整人民幣資產配置等因素有關。
發言人稱,尚未收到2016年11月的人民幣存款數字,從銀行方面了解得知,截至11月第3個星期,人民幣客戶存款較10月底出現較明顯跌幅。
金管局發言人表示,2016年10月底香港人民幣存款餘額下跌42億元人民幣,降至735億元人民幣。當局解釋,10月人民幣存款下跌,可能與部分市場人士對人民幣前景持審慎態度,以及投資者調整人民幣資產配置等因素有關。
發言人稱,尚未收到2016年11月的人民幣存款數字,從銀行方面了解得知,截至11月第3個星期,人民幣客戶存款較10月底出現較明顯跌幅。
跨國銀行又裁員 百業之母難自救
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 自2008年金融海嘯以來,全球大型銀行裁員、緊縮開支的浪潮,至今未見盡頭,派大信封之聲此起彼落,包括德銀較早前宣布裁員五分之一,過萬員工受影響而震撼市場,而早前表示無特別裁員計劃的渣打集團,也相繼瘦身,即使香港區業務表現不俗,也難獨善其身,被海外市場的不景氣所波及,曾被視為天之驕子的銀行家,今日換來人人自危的局面,叫人唏噓,也揭示銀行業好日子一去不返、復甦無期的現實。
全球經濟處於低氣壓,被稱為百業之母的銀行業,猶如泥菩薩過江,自身難保,近年經營環境的惡劣,可說是前所未見。既要面對環球商業活動收縮,放貸風險大增,為免放貸一去無回頭,惟有少做少錯,盡量採取保守策略,此舉亦直接影響盈利能力。
儘管採取了保守的策略,但在環球央行量寬成癮下,息口近乎零,今年歐、日央行,更動用了史無前例的負利率猛藥,至今對經濟的成效未見,卻率先重創借短放長的銀行業,傳統在長短期利率狹縫中套利的伎倆,等同即時被廢武功,生意不敢做大,開源不成惟有節流,望能慳字慳出頭,以往跨國銀行,藉東征西討四處併購,達致全球化,做大做強眼下已成絕響,縮皮裁員成為沒有選擇下的自保法門。
英倫銀行本周為7家大型英國銀行進行年度壓力測試,並加入了嚴格門檻,包括中國經濟衰退因素;而且作了事先張揚,落入測試名單之中的滙控及渣打等跨國銀行,最樂觀只會是勉強通過,一葉知秋,類似測試不過找個藉口,使大型銀行乖乖就範,採納更高規模風險管理。
回望過去,銀行家的貪婪引發金融海嘯,險些釀成一發不可收拾的全球金融大災難,最終由歐美政府為始作俑者埋單,自此全球對銀行業監管,由鐘擺一端走到另一極端,今時今日,大型銀行一舉一動都會被置於放大鏡下,不但生意難做,更要面對歐美政府及監管部門不時發出天價罰單,內部監察及訴訟開支與日俱增,經營環境更形嚴峻。
毫無疑問,環球經濟緊縮日子仍未見曙光,加上近年全球政經大事頻現黑天鵝,金融動盪較諸以前有過之而無不及。面對市場風險不斷增加,銀行業卻又找不到取替傳統放貸獲利的營運模式,在可見的日子,金融業全球化固然成為雞肋,瘦身縮皮,削減資產規模將會繼續成為跨國銀行營運的大方向。
【on.cc東網專訊】 自2008年金融海嘯以來,全球大型銀行裁員、緊縮開支的浪潮,至今未見盡頭,派大信封之聲此起彼落,包括德銀較早前宣布裁員五分之一,過萬員工受影響而震撼市場,而早前表示無特別裁員計劃的渣打集團,也相繼瘦身,即使香港區業務表現不俗,也難獨善其身,被海外市場的不景氣所波及,曾被視為天之驕子的銀行家,今日換來人人自危的局面,叫人唏噓,也揭示銀行業好日子一去不返、復甦無期的現實。
全球經濟處於低氣壓,被稱為百業之母的銀行業,猶如泥菩薩過江,自身難保,近年經營環境的惡劣,可說是前所未見。既要面對環球商業活動收縮,放貸風險大增,為免放貸一去無回頭,惟有少做少錯,盡量採取保守策略,此舉亦直接影響盈利能力。
儘管採取了保守的策略,但在環球央行量寬成癮下,息口近乎零,今年歐、日央行,更動用了史無前例的負利率猛藥,至今對經濟的成效未見,卻率先重創借短放長的銀行業,傳統在長短期利率狹縫中套利的伎倆,等同即時被廢武功,生意不敢做大,開源不成惟有節流,望能慳字慳出頭,以往跨國銀行,藉東征西討四處併購,達致全球化,做大做強眼下已成絕響,縮皮裁員成為沒有選擇下的自保法門。
英倫銀行本周為7家大型英國銀行進行年度壓力測試,並加入了嚴格門檻,包括中國經濟衰退因素;而且作了事先張揚,落入測試名單之中的滙控及渣打等跨國銀行,最樂觀只會是勉強通過,一葉知秋,類似測試不過找個藉口,使大型銀行乖乖就範,採納更高規模風險管理。
回望過去,銀行家的貪婪引發金融海嘯,險些釀成一發不可收拾的全球金融大災難,最終由歐美政府為始作俑者埋單,自此全球對銀行業監管,由鐘擺一端走到另一極端,今時今日,大型銀行一舉一動都會被置於放大鏡下,不但生意難做,更要面對歐美政府及監管部門不時發出天價罰單,內部監察及訴訟開支與日俱增,經營環境更形嚴峻。
毫無疑問,環球經濟緊縮日子仍未見曙光,加上近年全球政經大事頻現黑天鵝,金融動盪較諸以前有過之而無不及。面對市場風險不斷增加,銀行業卻又找不到取替傳統放貸獲利的營運模式,在可見的日子,金融業全球化固然成為雞肋,瘦身縮皮,削減資產規模將會繼續成為跨國銀行營運的大方向。
明日香港?新加坡向全球樓市「黃牌」警示
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 據外國傳媒報道,新加坡金管局剛向樓市投資者發「黃牌」警告!呼籲小心環球樓市前景。
新加坡金管局呼籲:「投資者在買入樓宇作投資前,應要警覺空置率正在上升、租金下跌,以及利率上揚。這些因素均預示不能再依賴租金收入償還按揭貸款。」
資料顯示,新加坡10月新盤銷售升至1,252間,遠高於9月的509間,為2015年7月以來最多。不過,樓價並未跟隨上揚,第3季私人住宅樓價按季下跌1.5%,為連續12季下滑,創2009年以來最長跌浪。由於供應增加,當地第3季樓宇空置率達8.7%,雖較第2季的8.9%有所下滑,但仍徘徊2000年以來高位。此外,由於經濟不明朗,小部分按揭還款者出現拖欠情況,拖欠還款30日以上的比例由去年9月的0.9%,升至今年9月的1%。
故此,新加坡金管局警告,投資者須警惕供求關係的轉變將影響樓市前景,尤其是經濟不明朗、貨幣異常波動,以及外國貨幣政策轉變,將影響還債能力及租金回報,若有意購入樓宇作長線投資須特別注意,因退休儲蓄及人口老化帶來挑戰。
該局指出,若按現有人口結構推算,到2030年,每4位新加坡人,就有1位超過65歲,退休儲蓄將抵銷買樓力量,從而影響長遠樓市前景。
為何香港人亦要留意?該局引述數據指出,全球商業房產投資由2009年金融危機以來已飆逾2倍,2009年是1,900億美元,2015年已是6,700億美元;亞洲區亦由2009年的500億美元,飆至近1,000億美元。新加坡金管局解釋,大量的不動產投資是因低息所致,投資者必須要注意,全球很多市場的商業房產價格升幅快過租金,一旦趨勢持續,將更脫離經濟基本因素,令樓市調整風險增加,投資者必須提高警覺,因商廈市場的波動會傳染至住宅市場。
新加坡金管局警告,在宏觀經濟遭遇逆風下,隨着當地商廈在2016至2018年踏入落成高峰期,投資樓市及房託基金(REITs)的相關回報極可能受影響,投資者在投資REITs前必須清楚計算回報。
【on.cc東網專訊】 據外國傳媒報道,新加坡金管局剛向樓市投資者發「黃牌」警告!呼籲小心環球樓市前景。
新加坡金管局呼籲:「投資者在買入樓宇作投資前,應要警覺空置率正在上升、租金下跌,以及利率上揚。這些因素均預示不能再依賴租金收入償還按揭貸款。」
資料顯示,新加坡10月新盤銷售升至1,252間,遠高於9月的509間,為2015年7月以來最多。不過,樓價並未跟隨上揚,第3季私人住宅樓價按季下跌1.5%,為連續12季下滑,創2009年以來最長跌浪。由於供應增加,當地第3季樓宇空置率達8.7%,雖較第2季的8.9%有所下滑,但仍徘徊2000年以來高位。此外,由於經濟不明朗,小部分按揭還款者出現拖欠情況,拖欠還款30日以上的比例由去年9月的0.9%,升至今年9月的1%。
故此,新加坡金管局警告,投資者須警惕供求關係的轉變將影響樓市前景,尤其是經濟不明朗、貨幣異常波動,以及外國貨幣政策轉變,將影響還債能力及租金回報,若有意購入樓宇作長線投資須特別注意,因退休儲蓄及人口老化帶來挑戰。
該局指出,若按現有人口結構推算,到2030年,每4位新加坡人,就有1位超過65歲,退休儲蓄將抵銷買樓力量,從而影響長遠樓市前景。
為何香港人亦要留意?該局引述數據指出,全球商業房產投資由2009年金融危機以來已飆逾2倍,2009年是1,900億美元,2015年已是6,700億美元;亞洲區亦由2009年的500億美元,飆至近1,000億美元。新加坡金管局解釋,大量的不動產投資是因低息所致,投資者必須要注意,全球很多市場的商業房產價格升幅快過租金,一旦趨勢持續,將更脫離經濟基本因素,令樓市調整風險增加,投資者必須提高警覺,因商廈市場的波動會傳染至住宅市場。
新加坡金管局警告,在宏觀經濟遭遇逆風下,隨着當地商廈在2016至2018年踏入落成高峰期,投資樓市及房託基金(REITs)的相關回報極可能受影響,投資者在投資REITs前必須清楚計算回報。
2016年11月29日 星期二
載巴西足球員客機哥倫比亞墜毀 釀76死
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 一架載着巴西甲組足球隊查比高恩斯(Chapecoense)球員等81人的客機CP-2933,周一由玻利維亞飛往哥倫比亞途中突然消失。哥倫比亞政府其後證實,客機在哥倫比亞墜毀,當局救出6名生還者,其中一人送院不治,死亡人數上升至76人,暫時找到25具屍體。初步懷疑,客機墜毀是燃油不足所致。
據悉,客機上合共有72名乘客及9名機組人員,於當地時間周一下午約3時35分先由巴西聖保羅出發,抵達玻利維亞稍作停留後,再轉飛到哥國第一大城市麥德林(Medellin)。及至晚上10時,客機疑燃油不足,在麥德林的山區墜毀。
事後麥德林市派出大批消防員及救護員趕往現場,該市市長古鐵雷斯(Federico Gutierrez)表示,事件屬大型慘劇,但相信會有生還者。哥國民航處亦已設立統一指揮中心,但礙於當地天氣狀況不佳,救援人員只能在地面搜救。
查比高恩斯的球員原定乘坐該班客機前往麥德林,準備於12月1日的南美球會盃決賽首回合對陣國民體育會(Atlético Naciona)。另外,網上流傳一段疑似查比高恩斯球員登機前,在櫃檯前拍攝的片段。
查比高恩斯於官方Facebook上發表聲明,指直至墜機事件評估完成前,不會對此發表任何意見,並表示:「願神與機上職球員、乘客及機組人員同在!」
【on.cc東網專訊】 一架載着巴西甲組足球隊查比高恩斯(Chapecoense)球員等81人的客機CP-2933,周一由玻利維亞飛往哥倫比亞途中突然消失。哥倫比亞政府其後證實,客機在哥倫比亞墜毀,當局救出6名生還者,其中一人送院不治,死亡人數上升至76人,暫時找到25具屍體。初步懷疑,客機墜毀是燃油不足所致。
據悉,客機上合共有72名乘客及9名機組人員,於當地時間周一下午約3時35分先由巴西聖保羅出發,抵達玻利維亞稍作停留後,再轉飛到哥國第一大城市麥德林(Medellin)。及至晚上10時,客機疑燃油不足,在麥德林的山區墜毀。
事後麥德林市派出大批消防員及救護員趕往現場,該市市長古鐵雷斯(Federico Gutierrez)表示,事件屬大型慘劇,但相信會有生還者。哥國民航處亦已設立統一指揮中心,但礙於當地天氣狀況不佳,救援人員只能在地面搜救。
查比高恩斯的球員原定乘坐該班客機前往麥德林,準備於12月1日的南美球會盃決賽首回合對陣國民體育會(Atlético Naciona)。另外,網上流傳一段疑似查比高恩斯球員登機前,在櫃檯前拍攝的片段。
查比高恩斯於官方Facebook上發表聲明,指直至墜機事件評估完成前,不會對此發表任何意見,並表示:「願神與機上職球員、乘客及機組人員同在!」
拆息急漲 加息殺埋身 供款人士點算好?
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國加息殺埋身,1個月拆息今日再升至0.39714厘,比昨升0.00785厘,為2010年7月以來的高位,較今年低位累升0.2厘。《東網》即為供款人士拆解原因同影響。
1、點解近期拆息上升?
市場認為美國聯儲局12月加息機會率達100%,美元拆息已率先上升至0.6厘,港息自然有上升壓力。
2、拆息仲有無得再升?
金融海嘯之後一直有大量資金湧入港元,港元資金市場比美元更充裕,所以同樣1個月拆息,港元升幅無跟足美元,銀行界估計美國12月加息為0.25厘,拆息升幅已經差不多,不過12月時的1個月拆息,會有跨年因素,預料就算再升都係短暫。
3、1個月拆息關邊個事?
準備買樓同供緊樓都關事!因為市場上主流的拆息按揭(H),都係以1個月拆息做基礎,即係佢升幾多,閣下按息就會升幾多,直至升到P按封頂位。
4、準備買樓咪要供多咗?
如果同今年中拆息低位時相比,你唔會供多咗!因為銀行減按息已經幫你抵銷拆息上升,唔怕「變相加息」!銀行6月至今減新做按息達20至25點子,即係由當時H加1.6厘(H為0.2厘,實際按息1.8厘),減至現時最低H加1.35厘(H為0.39厘,實際按息1.74厘),仲平咗!
5、本身供緊樓點算?
供緊樓的確係會因為拆息令供款上升,升20點子,每100萬元貸款額及25年期按揭為基礎,每月會供多100蚊!
不過!閣下如果已過罰息期,而按息高於H加1.35厘,可以立即申請轉按,享受較低按息之餘,拎埋1%現金回贈!
6、未過罰息的按揭客應如何部署?
硬食,然後捱多半年至兩年等過罰息期轉按。
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國加息殺埋身,1個月拆息今日再升至0.39714厘,比昨升0.00785厘,為2010年7月以來的高位,較今年低位累升0.2厘。《東網》即為供款人士拆解原因同影響。
1、點解近期拆息上升?
市場認為美國聯儲局12月加息機會率達100%,美元拆息已率先上升至0.6厘,港息自然有上升壓力。
2、拆息仲有無得再升?
金融海嘯之後一直有大量資金湧入港元,港元資金市場比美元更充裕,所以同樣1個月拆息,港元升幅無跟足美元,銀行界估計美國12月加息為0.25厘,拆息升幅已經差不多,不過12月時的1個月拆息,會有跨年因素,預料就算再升都係短暫。
3、1個月拆息關邊個事?
準備買樓同供緊樓都關事!因為市場上主流的拆息按揭(H),都係以1個月拆息做基礎,即係佢升幾多,閣下按息就會升幾多,直至升到P按封頂位。
4、準備買樓咪要供多咗?
如果同今年中拆息低位時相比,你唔會供多咗!因為銀行減按息已經幫你抵銷拆息上升,唔怕「變相加息」!銀行6月至今減新做按息達20至25點子,即係由當時H加1.6厘(H為0.2厘,實際按息1.8厘),減至現時最低H加1.35厘(H為0.39厘,實際按息1.74厘),仲平咗!
5、本身供緊樓點算?
供緊樓的確係會因為拆息令供款上升,升20點子,每100萬元貸款額及25年期按揭為基礎,每月會供多100蚊!
不過!閣下如果已過罰息期,而按息高於H加1.35厘,可以立即申請轉按,享受較低按息之餘,拎埋1%現金回贈!
6、未過罰息的按揭客應如何部署?
硬食,然後捱多半年至兩年等過罰息期轉按。
津巴布韋嚴重通脹 總統再豪賭發新貨幣
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 多年前非洲國家津巴布韋經歷超級通脹及經濟崩潰,民眾帶着一車車鈔票往購物的景象,震撼世界。津巴布韋總統穆加貝周一又宣布發行新貨幣,被指為「最後的賭博」。但國民擔憂這會掀起新一波嚴重通脹及經濟亂象。
92歲的穆加貝日前宣布有關決定,新貨幣為債券式票據(Bond Note),與美元以1兌1掛勾。津巴布韋中央銀行指,相信新貨幣能有助紓緩國內現資長期短缺的問題。
不過各界卻甚為擔心。有評論指,推出新貨幣只會加劇經濟衰退,蒸發國民積蓄,引起動盪。有民眾亦懷疑,新貨幣只會重蹈覆轍,會於短時間內貶值。有民眾組織街頭示威,抗議政府做法。當局已拘捕多人調查,更有傳示威者在扣查期間遭警察毒打。
受國家財困影響,津巴布韋近年失業率居高不下,政府多次延遲支薪予老師、醫生與軍人等公職,惹來各界不滿。津巴布韋於2008年曾發行新貨幣計劃改善貧困,可惜卻造成嚴重的通貨膨脹,逼使政府於翌年引入以美元,紓緩通脹。
【on.cc東網專訊】 多年前非洲國家津巴布韋經歷超級通脹及經濟崩潰,民眾帶着一車車鈔票往購物的景象,震撼世界。津巴布韋總統穆加貝周一又宣布發行新貨幣,被指為「最後的賭博」。但國民擔憂這會掀起新一波嚴重通脹及經濟亂象。
92歲的穆加貝日前宣布有關決定,新貨幣為債券式票據(Bond Note),與美元以1兌1掛勾。津巴布韋中央銀行指,相信新貨幣能有助紓緩國內現資長期短缺的問題。
不過各界卻甚為擔心。有評論指,推出新貨幣只會加劇經濟衰退,蒸發國民積蓄,引起動盪。有民眾亦懷疑,新貨幣只會重蹈覆轍,會於短時間內貶值。有民眾組織街頭示威,抗議政府做法。當局已拘捕多人調查,更有傳示威者在扣查期間遭警察毒打。
受國家財困影響,津巴布韋近年失業率居高不下,政府多次延遲支薪予老師、醫生與軍人等公職,惹來各界不滿。津巴布韋於2008年曾發行新貨幣計劃改善貧困,可惜卻造成嚴重的通貨膨脹,逼使政府於翌年引入以美元,紓緩通脹。
特朗普承諾支援對抗IS 伊總理拒石油作償還
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 伊拉克總理阿巴迪周一受訪稱,已跟美國候任總統特朗普通電話,對方承諾會提供更多後勤支援,打擊回教極端組織「伊斯蘭國」(IS)。
阿巴迪接受美聯社訪問稱,儘管IS不斷發動汽車炸彈襲擊等,殺死大批伊軍及平民,但長期死守摩蘇爾的IS分子已失去士氣。他形容,面對伊軍的攻勢,IS已節節敗退,「正在崩潰」。
阿巴迪又稱已跟特朗普通電話,預期下屆美國政府將給予伊拉克更多後勤支援對抗IS,但他不會考慮特朗普所建議的以石油作報酬。
【on.cc東網專訊】 伊拉克總理阿巴迪周一受訪稱,已跟美國候任總統特朗普通電話,對方承諾會提供更多後勤支援,打擊回教極端組織「伊斯蘭國」(IS)。
阿巴迪接受美聯社訪問稱,儘管IS不斷發動汽車炸彈襲擊等,殺死大批伊軍及平民,但長期死守摩蘇爾的IS分子已失去士氣。他形容,面對伊軍的攻勢,IS已節節敗退,「正在崩潰」。
阿巴迪又稱已跟特朗普通電話,預期下屆美國政府將給予伊拉克更多後勤支援對抗IS,但他不會考慮特朗普所建議的以石油作報酬。
賊爆回收店擸3噸銅 女店東:諗住價好啲就賣
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 回收店遭賊仔偷走3噸銅,店東慨嘆血本無歸。今晨6時許,西灣河康祥街2號一間五金回收店,一對夫妻如常返回開舖時,發現大門鐵閘被撬毀,於是慌忙入內查看,赫見一批銅喉和銅線不翼而飛,相信遭賊人偷走,姓賴(56歲)男店東立即報案。
警員趕抵現場,在附近100米外發現一個巨型垃圾桶,在車上尋回部分失去的銅管,相信是賊人在搬運贓物期間慌忙棄下,而店內的閉路電視硬盤亦遭賊人偷去,警方將翻查附近店舖的「天眼」蒐證。經點算後證實損失約10萬港元,案件列作爆竊案處理,交由東區警區重案組跟進。由於被偷去的銅料有約3噸重,難以運送他處,不排除賊人早有部署。
舖內有安裝閉路電視,但賴無奈稱:「拎走晒呀!閉路電視都偷鬼埋!」賴妻則表示,兩人在上址開業10多年,是首次發生失竊事件,被偷走的銅料儲起多時,分別存放在手推車及30多個紅白藍膠袋內,重約3噸。她指:「堆到成個房仔都滿晒㗎,叫咗老公好多次賣咗佢,本身諗住個價好啲咁就今日去賣,點知畀人偷晒!今次真係血本無歸,年尾先嚟搞啲咁嘅嘢。」
香港環保回收業總商會前主席梁沛倫表示,銅價最近有升幅,「高咗幾個percent(百分比),現價大概3萬1噸。」他表示,銅價時有升跌,相信賊人未必因銅價升而爆竊,估計是年尾爆竊黨出沒,才發生多宗類似案件。
【on.cc東網專訊】 回收店遭賊仔偷走3噸銅,店東慨嘆血本無歸。今晨6時許,西灣河康祥街2號一間五金回收店,一對夫妻如常返回開舖時,發現大門鐵閘被撬毀,於是慌忙入內查看,赫見一批銅喉和銅線不翼而飛,相信遭賊人偷走,姓賴(56歲)男店東立即報案。
警員趕抵現場,在附近100米外發現一個巨型垃圾桶,在車上尋回部分失去的銅管,相信是賊人在搬運贓物期間慌忙棄下,而店內的閉路電視硬盤亦遭賊人偷去,警方將翻查附近店舖的「天眼」蒐證。經點算後證實損失約10萬港元,案件列作爆竊案處理,交由東區警區重案組跟進。由於被偷去的銅料有約3噸重,難以運送他處,不排除賊人早有部署。
舖內有安裝閉路電視,但賴無奈稱:「拎走晒呀!閉路電視都偷鬼埋!」賴妻則表示,兩人在上址開業10多年,是首次發生失竊事件,被偷走的銅料儲起多時,分別存放在手推車及30多個紅白藍膠袋內,重約3噸。她指:「堆到成個房仔都滿晒㗎,叫咗老公好多次賣咗佢,本身諗住個價好啲咁就今日去賣,點知畀人偷晒!今次真係血本無歸,年尾先嚟搞啲咁嘅嘢。」
香港環保回收業總商會前主席梁沛倫表示,銅價最近有升幅,「高咗幾個percent(百分比),現價大概3萬1噸。」他表示,銅價時有升跌,相信賊人未必因銅價升而爆竊,估計是年尾爆竊黨出沒,才發生多宗類似案件。
滙豐:亞洲明年最大問題 是美元和利率
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 滙豐亞洲經濟研究聯席主管范力民指,特朗普當選美國總統已開始塵埃落定,亞洲面臨的挑戰正在變得更加明顯。
他認為,2017年將是2009年以來亞洲最為艱難的一年,當中,貿易是一個問題,出口已經陷入困境,同時出現政策驅動型復甦的可能性甚微;但更大的問題是美元和利率;亞洲金融狀況正在收緊,令國內需求受到擠壓。
他指出,儘管全球金融危機以來的復甦令人印象深刻,但亞洲近年來只是蹣跚而行。2013年美國聯儲局宣布削減量化寬鬆規模後出現的市場恐慌,給亞洲敲響了警鐘,亞洲勉強加以應對,避免了立即出現金融壓力。然而,亞洲經濟增速繼續下滑,2014年底以來出口尤其難以取得顯著進展,債務飽和令該地區需求承壓。
【on.cc東網專訊】 滙豐亞洲經濟研究聯席主管范力民指,特朗普當選美國總統已開始塵埃落定,亞洲面臨的挑戰正在變得更加明顯。
他認為,2017年將是2009年以來亞洲最為艱難的一年,當中,貿易是一個問題,出口已經陷入困境,同時出現政策驅動型復甦的可能性甚微;但更大的問題是美元和利率;亞洲金融狀況正在收緊,令國內需求受到擠壓。
他指出,儘管全球金融危機以來的復甦令人印象深刻,但亞洲近年來只是蹣跚而行。2013年美國聯儲局宣布削減量化寬鬆規模後出現的市場恐慌,給亞洲敲響了警鐘,亞洲勉強加以應對,避免了立即出現金融壓力。然而,亞洲經濟增速繼續下滑,2014年底以來出口尤其難以取得顯著進展,債務飽和令該地區需求承壓。
年輕人狂外遊 4大因由香港零售雪上加霜!
money18.on.cc
「識玩識食」是時下年輕人寫照,只需假期數日,便隻身到外地「飛一轉」。如此「梳乎」,全因廉航普及,日韓台短途來回機票不過1,000港元,即便歐洲長途,最便宜也不過4,000元,價格較3年前大減3成,加上外幣兌港元持續貶值,年輕人海外消費購買力大增,本地消費銳減,令香港零售業雪上加霜!
以到法國旅遊為例,3年前總體消費支出約近2萬元,今年可節省5,200元(減幅約27%)(閱表),隨時又可「走多轉」日本。而年輕人海外消費大增,在港消費則大減,跟以下因素不無關係!
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
1. 外幣狂瀉 變相打折
首先,主要亞幣兌港元3年來均持續貶值,跌得最少的已是台幣,約6.75%,而韓圜、日圓及泰銖最少跌9%;歐美方面更是「重災區」,英鎊及歐元均無一幸免,分別跌24%及28%,外幣接連貶值,變相海外購物及訂酒店均有打折,吸引更多港人到海外消費。
去年6月每百日圓兌港元挨近6算,吸引大批港人及內地人蜂擁當地掃貨,年內往日本旅客至少增加30%。港元跟美元掛鈎,加上店舖租金昂貴,貨品定價的競爭力自然較低。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
2. 廉航興起 機票跌價
機票「身價」今非昔比,較3年前至少減少3成,減幅尤以歐洲長途最為顯著,兩年前由香港直航來回歐洲的機票連燃油附加費等約8,000元,今年單是機票價格已大減至5,000元,若然前往中東轉機,毋須4,000元便有交易,為不少傳統航空公司增添壓力,亦逐步下調其機票價格。
短途方面,藉着廉航興起,現時往返日韓台的機票連稅約800元起,比起3年前的1,500元幾乎便宜了一半,而廉航公司及航班亦愈來愈多,於香港的市佔率於2013年僅3%至5%,現時已升至雙位數字,對傳統航空公司的短途航班造成衝擊。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
3. 免燃油費 旅費更慳
機票價格高昂,「元兇」非燃油附加費莫屬。根據民航處2013年12月資料,長途航班的來回燃油附加費高達1,870元,旅行淡季時隨時高於票價,而短途來回則是458元。
不過,國際油價於2008年中起反覆向下,由高位每桶145美元,插至現時40美元水平,而民航處今年初亦停收燃油附加費,雖然比較「滯後」,但對於年輕人而言始終是「慳了一筆」。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
4. 港物價高 外地消費
中文大學工商管理學院助理院長李兆波表示,廉航提供平價機票,傳統航空公司亦上調行李重量上限,吸引了更多年輕人外出旅遊。再者,他認為在香港購物「搵笨」,不但價錢昂貴,而且服務態度不算理想,有朋友進入名店後亦無店員招待,「我依家着緊條牛仔褲都係上網買。」
另外,不少年輕人均有「父母幹」,所以去旅行時更無後顧之憂,加上不少父母會送樓予子女,變相令他們不用擔心未來10年置業等問題,而香港社會愈來愈富裕,故年輕人的消費力強勁,只是不在本地消費而已。
「所以都幾麻煩,你見好多舖頭都頂唔住貴租。」
「識玩識食」是時下年輕人寫照,只需假期數日,便隻身到外地「飛一轉」。如此「梳乎」,全因廉航普及,日韓台短途來回機票不過1,000港元,即便歐洲長途,最便宜也不過4,000元,價格較3年前大減3成,加上外幣兌港元持續貶值,年輕人海外消費購買力大增,本地消費銳減,令香港零售業雪上加霜!
以到法國旅遊為例,3年前總體消費支出約近2萬元,今年可節省5,200元(減幅約27%)(閱表),隨時又可「走多轉」日本。而年輕人海外消費大增,在港消費則大減,跟以下因素不無關係!
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
1. 外幣狂瀉 變相打折
首先,主要亞幣兌港元3年來均持續貶值,跌得最少的已是台幣,約6.75%,而韓圜、日圓及泰銖最少跌9%;歐美方面更是「重災區」,英鎊及歐元均無一幸免,分別跌24%及28%,外幣接連貶值,變相海外購物及訂酒店均有打折,吸引更多港人到海外消費。
去年6月每百日圓兌港元挨近6算,吸引大批港人及內地人蜂擁當地掃貨,年內往日本旅客至少增加30%。港元跟美元掛鈎,加上店舖租金昂貴,貨品定價的競爭力自然較低。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
2. 廉航興起 機票跌價
機票「身價」今非昔比,較3年前至少減少3成,減幅尤以歐洲長途最為顯著,兩年前由香港直航來回歐洲的機票連燃油附加費等約8,000元,今年單是機票價格已大減至5,000元,若然前往中東轉機,毋須4,000元便有交易,為不少傳統航空公司增添壓力,亦逐步下調其機票價格。
短途方面,藉着廉航興起,現時往返日韓台的機票連稅約800元起,比起3年前的1,500元幾乎便宜了一半,而廉航公司及航班亦愈來愈多,於香港的市佔率於2013年僅3%至5%,現時已升至雙位數字,對傳統航空公司的短途航班造成衝擊。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
3. 免燃油費 旅費更慳
機票價格高昂,「元兇」非燃油附加費莫屬。根據民航處2013年12月資料,長途航班的來回燃油附加費高達1,870元,旅行淡季時隨時高於票價,而短途來回則是458元。
不過,國際油價於2008年中起反覆向下,由高位每桶145美元,插至現時40美元水平,而民航處今年初亦停收燃油附加費,雖然比較「滯後」,但對於年輕人而言始終是「慳了一筆」。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
4. 港物價高 外地消費
中文大學工商管理學院助理院長李兆波表示,廉航提供平價機票,傳統航空公司亦上調行李重量上限,吸引了更多年輕人外出旅遊。再者,他認為在香港購物「搵笨」,不但價錢昂貴,而且服務態度不算理想,有朋友進入名店後亦無店員招待,「我依家着緊條牛仔褲都係上網買。」
另外,不少年輕人均有「父母幹」,所以去旅行時更無後顧之憂,加上不少父母會送樓予子女,變相令他們不用擔心未來10年置業等問題,而香港社會愈來愈富裕,故年輕人的消費力強勁,只是不在本地消費而已。
「所以都幾麻煩,你見好多舖頭都頂唔住貴租。」
邵志堯:內地Band 1城市樓價貴得有理
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 資深測量師邵志堯在東方日報專欄《名家筆陣》中表示,他曾經寫過,真正的專家在分析複雜的事情時,懂得化繁為簡,淺白得連菜市場的主婦也能輕易理解;而學者通常將一件簡單的事以專業用語闡釋,化簡為繁,令大眾一頭霧水,所以他喜歡用比喻去解釋社會狀況。
很多人都用癲價或泡沫去形容內地一線城市的樓價,現在的內地一線城市是北京、上海、廣州和深圳,分別處於華北、華東和華南。全國13億人口,若然他們有錢,便會千方百計取得上述地方的戶籍。記着中國和香港的情況不一樣,戶籍不能隨便變更,他們可能需要在當地購買物業才能轉換戶籍。
中國人民如能在上述四大城市定居是身份的象徵。因為在這四大城市,有的是商機,可以開拓最廣最佳的人脈,對大眾而言是發展事業的理想地點,所以在中科院發表的全國最具競爭力排名榜,這四個城市肯定名列前茅。
同樣道理,香港家長也熱衷於把子女送入名校,這些Band 1學校就如中國的一線城市,學生質素相對較好,學習氣氛濃厚,不會輸在起跑線。最重要的是若有人問子女在哪兒讀書,家長可以高八度的聲線,驕傲地說子女就讀名校,教人羨慕。
讀者又會問,如果四大城市是Band 1學校,那香港又是甚麼學校呢?他會將香港比喻為國際學校,比Band 1學校高一級,所以很多富豪都視香港為最後落腳點。
不過,隨着中國國力日強,這四個一線城市,在不久將來都會搖身一變成為國際城市,樓價也會和全球國際城市樓價接軌,甚至有過之而無不及。
很多人的視野只能從過去的認知去看事物,並用舊思維、小格局去思考問題。當香港是小漁村,深圳還是荒地,價格一定便宜,但兩地躍升為國際城市後,若大家仍以舊有眼光去看待,等於為自己套上枷鎖而已。他告訴大家,上述四大城市連同香港,很大機會成為全球最高樓價的地方,今天很多人認為是癲價的成交,他日倒過來看時便是一個低價。
他喜歡以大趨勢和較長時間軸去看事物,因為大勢形成,格局是很難改變。就如40年前,中國一間五百強公司也沒有,但今天中國已有過百家公司進入五百強,未來數字只會有增無減,中國夢完全掩蓋了美國夢。
中國的一線半城市,隨着四大城市躍升為國際城市後,升格為一線城市,這些城市包括武漢、重慶、成都和西安的省會,鄧小平說的「部分人先富起來」便是這個意思。記着,國際學校的學費從來都不便宜,未來的國際城市樓價也是一樣。
【on.cc東網專訊】 資深測量師邵志堯在東方日報專欄《名家筆陣》中表示,他曾經寫過,真正的專家在分析複雜的事情時,懂得化繁為簡,淺白得連菜市場的主婦也能輕易理解;而學者通常將一件簡單的事以專業用語闡釋,化簡為繁,令大眾一頭霧水,所以他喜歡用比喻去解釋社會狀況。
很多人都用癲價或泡沫去形容內地一線城市的樓價,現在的內地一線城市是北京、上海、廣州和深圳,分別處於華北、華東和華南。全國13億人口,若然他們有錢,便會千方百計取得上述地方的戶籍。記着中國和香港的情況不一樣,戶籍不能隨便變更,他們可能需要在當地購買物業才能轉換戶籍。
中國人民如能在上述四大城市定居是身份的象徵。因為在這四大城市,有的是商機,可以開拓最廣最佳的人脈,對大眾而言是發展事業的理想地點,所以在中科院發表的全國最具競爭力排名榜,這四個城市肯定名列前茅。
同樣道理,香港家長也熱衷於把子女送入名校,這些Band 1學校就如中國的一線城市,學生質素相對較好,學習氣氛濃厚,不會輸在起跑線。最重要的是若有人問子女在哪兒讀書,家長可以高八度的聲線,驕傲地說子女就讀名校,教人羨慕。
讀者又會問,如果四大城市是Band 1學校,那香港又是甚麼學校呢?他會將香港比喻為國際學校,比Band 1學校高一級,所以很多富豪都視香港為最後落腳點。
不過,隨着中國國力日強,這四個一線城市,在不久將來都會搖身一變成為國際城市,樓價也會和全球國際城市樓價接軌,甚至有過之而無不及。
很多人的視野只能從過去的認知去看事物,並用舊思維、小格局去思考問題。當香港是小漁村,深圳還是荒地,價格一定便宜,但兩地躍升為國際城市後,若大家仍以舊有眼光去看待,等於為自己套上枷鎖而已。他告訴大家,上述四大城市連同香港,很大機會成為全球最高樓價的地方,今天很多人認為是癲價的成交,他日倒過來看時便是一個低價。
他喜歡以大趨勢和較長時間軸去看事物,因為大勢形成,格局是很難改變。就如40年前,中國一間五百強公司也沒有,但今天中國已有過百家公司進入五百強,未來數字只會有增無減,中國夢完全掩蓋了美國夢。
中國的一線半城市,隨着四大城市躍升為國際城市後,升格為一線城市,這些城市包括武漢、重慶、成都和西安的省會,鄧小平說的「部分人先富起來」便是這個意思。記着,國際學校的學費從來都不便宜,未來的國際城市樓價也是一樣。
債券天王:美債息標升恐連累亞洲銀行體系
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 自特朗普勝出美國總統選舉後,十年期美國國債孳息率由1.85%,一度飆升至2.35%高位,債市拖垮環球金融市場的言論甚囂塵上。有「債券天王」之稱的Loomis Sayles資產管理公司副主席富斯(Dan Fuss)接受「東網」專訪時稱,美債孳息急升,除了誘發東南亞資金流向美國外,當地外債沉重的企業或無法還債,最終牽連整個亞洲銀行體系。
他亦估計,特朗普有意減少美國與亞洲的雙邊貿易,將窒礙美國及亞洲的經濟增長。富斯指出,美國債市一向瘋狂,美國基本利率成全球焦點,提醒高息或危及全球銀行體系。
他說,近年多數亞洲投資者捨美國國債而買入美國企業債,以對沖投資風險及冀望賺取更高息,但卻可能因近期美國企業債息遠遜於國債孳息,或令亞洲投資者蒙受虧蝕;與此同時,東南亞企業的借貸比率高,他們面對短債息率浮動危機之餘,一旦出口貨品未能提高價格,以彌補債息抽升的成本,或令企業無法還債,最終牽連整個亞洲銀行體系。
他續稱,另一觸發金融風暴的風險,是不少東南亞企業開支與收入均以當地貨幣計價,卻借美債周轉,導致有匯兌風險,一旦美債息持續上升,企業可能資不抵債。而美債息率上升,將令東南亞國家的資金流到美國,情況就跟日本於2013年與一些亞洲國家簽署雙邊貨幣互換協議類同,該協議期望貨幣流通,避免經濟蕭條及觸發類似九七年的金融風暴。
美國債息飆升,市場僅揣測是特朗普效應,投機炒作所導致,富斯又有另一解讀,指美國銀行體系向來依靠小型銀行運作,但近期不少小型銀行因經營困難而結業,銀行數目減少,所以華府把短期債息調升,以提高銀行借貸收入。當然市場預期美聯儲將加息,以及特朗普將增大國家基建開支及減稅,令美國財政赤字更大,需要發國債填補,這亦令債息抽升。他估計聯儲局將在12月加息25點子,而基建將成為美國經濟增長動力。
不過,作為特朗普的反對者,他揚言,特朗普的移民政策可能令駐美的墨西哥工人折返,美國將面對技術專才流失;而在美國生產貨品的人工成本增加,亦會令美國通脹速度比預期快。他批評特朗普的政治方針短視,料美國對外貿易將由開放轉向收縮,恐失去全球環球貿易優勢,包括減少美國與亞洲地區的雙邊貿易等,最終窒礙美國經濟增長。
對於環球經濟,他表示,亞洲企業的發展速度超越已發展國家,其經濟由國民人均消費增加所帶動,當中中國及印度的經濟增長特別迅速。但他補充,要衡量國家經濟狀況,除了考慮國家自身經濟活動外,各國之間的貿易關係亦是關鍵,並指中美關係將成為日後的環球經濟焦點。
【on.cc東網專訊】 自特朗普勝出美國總統選舉後,十年期美國國債孳息率由1.85%,一度飆升至2.35%高位,債市拖垮環球金融市場的言論甚囂塵上。有「債券天王」之稱的Loomis Sayles資產管理公司副主席富斯(Dan Fuss)接受「東網」專訪時稱,美債孳息急升,除了誘發東南亞資金流向美國外,當地外債沉重的企業或無法還債,最終牽連整個亞洲銀行體系。
他亦估計,特朗普有意減少美國與亞洲的雙邊貿易,將窒礙美國及亞洲的經濟增長。富斯指出,美國債市一向瘋狂,美國基本利率成全球焦點,提醒高息或危及全球銀行體系。
他說,近年多數亞洲投資者捨美國國債而買入美國企業債,以對沖投資風險及冀望賺取更高息,但卻可能因近期美國企業債息遠遜於國債孳息,或令亞洲投資者蒙受虧蝕;與此同時,東南亞企業的借貸比率高,他們面對短債息率浮動危機之餘,一旦出口貨品未能提高價格,以彌補債息抽升的成本,或令企業無法還債,最終牽連整個亞洲銀行體系。
他續稱,另一觸發金融風暴的風險,是不少東南亞企業開支與收入均以當地貨幣計價,卻借美債周轉,導致有匯兌風險,一旦美債息持續上升,企業可能資不抵債。而美債息率上升,將令東南亞國家的資金流到美國,情況就跟日本於2013年與一些亞洲國家簽署雙邊貨幣互換協議類同,該協議期望貨幣流通,避免經濟蕭條及觸發類似九七年的金融風暴。
美國債息飆升,市場僅揣測是特朗普效應,投機炒作所導致,富斯又有另一解讀,指美國銀行體系向來依靠小型銀行運作,但近期不少小型銀行因經營困難而結業,銀行數目減少,所以華府把短期債息調升,以提高銀行借貸收入。當然市場預期美聯儲將加息,以及特朗普將增大國家基建開支及減稅,令美國財政赤字更大,需要發國債填補,這亦令債息抽升。他估計聯儲局將在12月加息25點子,而基建將成為美國經濟增長動力。
不過,作為特朗普的反對者,他揚言,特朗普的移民政策可能令駐美的墨西哥工人折返,美國將面對技術專才流失;而在美國生產貨品的人工成本增加,亦會令美國通脹速度比預期快。他批評特朗普的政治方針短視,料美國對外貿易將由開放轉向收縮,恐失去全球環球貿易優勢,包括減少美國與亞洲地區的雙邊貿易等,最終窒礙美國經濟增長。
對於環球經濟,他表示,亞洲企業的發展速度超越已發展國家,其經濟由國民人均消費增加所帶動,當中中國及印度的經濟增長特別迅速。但他補充,要衡量國家經濟狀況,除了考慮國家自身經濟活動外,各國之間的貿易關係亦是關鍵,並指中美關係將成為日後的環球經濟焦點。
未足30歲申公屋青年 41%擁大專學歷
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 樓價高企,大學生亦要申請輪候公屋。據了解,房委會完成2016年公屋申請者統計調查,發現30歲以下,多達41%申請為大專或以上教育程度,較2012年時大增14%,雖然較去年輕微下跌,但估計與房委會去年初展開查核工作,剔除1.4萬宗水份申請個案有關。調查又發現,公屋單身申請入息中位數連續第4年下跌,只有2500港元,較12年少26%。
房委會在2016年首季進行公屋申請人調查,訪問3000個申請者。調查發現,一人申請者的入息中位數愈來愈低,由2012年的3400港元,下降至今年的2500港元,整體家庭收入中位數則由2012年的1萬港元,增至2016年的1.3萬港元。
調查發現,今年新登記的配額及計分制申請人年齡平均32歲,46%登記時為學生,較15年時增加6%。愈來愈多學生申請公屋,大專以上程度的比例亦增加。今年30歲以下的申請人中,有41%教育程度是大專或以上,較2012年的27%大幅增加,但較去年的43%輕微下跌,估計因房委會去年初抽查配額及計分制申請人,剔除1.4萬宗未合資格或未能聯絡的申請人有關。
房委會資助房屋小組委員會委員郭偉強指,香港樓價已超出很多市民的負擔能力,大學生申公屋,買個保險的心態很合理,但相信年青人勤奮拚搏,十多年後的生活條件會有改善。郭偉強又指,居民對房署的服務滿意度普遍下降,必須正視及加強,特別是舊邨的維修保養。
【on.cc東網專訊】 樓價高企,大學生亦要申請輪候公屋。據了解,房委會完成2016年公屋申請者統計調查,發現30歲以下,多達41%申請為大專或以上教育程度,較2012年時大增14%,雖然較去年輕微下跌,但估計與房委會去年初展開查核工作,剔除1.4萬宗水份申請個案有關。調查又發現,公屋單身申請入息中位數連續第4年下跌,只有2500港元,較12年少26%。
房委會在2016年首季進行公屋申請人調查,訪問3000個申請者。調查發現,一人申請者的入息中位數愈來愈低,由2012年的3400港元,下降至今年的2500港元,整體家庭收入中位數則由2012年的1萬港元,增至2016年的1.3萬港元。
調查發現,今年新登記的配額及計分制申請人年齡平均32歲,46%登記時為學生,較15年時增加6%。愈來愈多學生申請公屋,大專以上程度的比例亦增加。今年30歲以下的申請人中,有41%教育程度是大專或以上,較2012年的27%大幅增加,但較去年的43%輕微下跌,估計因房委會去年初抽查配額及計分制申請人,剔除1.4萬宗未合資格或未能聯絡的申請人有關。
房委會資助房屋小組委員會委員郭偉強指,香港樓價已超出很多市民的負擔能力,大學生申公屋,買個保險的心態很合理,但相信年青人勤奮拚搏,十多年後的生活條件會有改善。郭偉強又指,居民對房署的服務滿意度普遍下降,必須正視及加強,特別是舊邨的維修保養。
2016年11月28日 星期一
收市10大要知:德拉吉講話 道期挫80點
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 美元回落跌穿101關,現報100.85;油價反覆偏軟,布蘭特期油現報46.61美元;金價回揚,現貨金報1,194.2美元。歐央行行長德拉吉將出席歐洲議會經濟與貨幣事務委員會季度聽證會。道期現跌80點,報19,060點。以下為「收市10大要知」新聞:
1、歐股開市全線偏軟 能源股受壓
意大利即將在接下來的周日舉行憲法公投、沙特阿拉伯突暗示或毋須減產,加上美國總統大選關鍵州份開啟選票重點程序,投資者入市態度轉趨審慎,歐股3大指數開市全線偏軟,英國富時100指數報6,820點,跌20點或0.3%;德國DAX指數報10,655點,跌43點或0.41%;法國CAC指數報4,541點,跌8點或0.19%。
能源股受壓,英國石油、殼牌、道達爾均跌逾1%。
2、恒指二萬三關前卻步 騰訊中移內銀撐市
深港通落實下周一通車,港股在期指結算前夕曾升逾200點,惟未能攻破23,000大關,個別深港通概念股炒上。
恒生指數高開15點後升幅擴大,恒指重上100天線(22,780點);午後最多升過241點,高見22,964點。尾市有獲利回吐,收市報22,830點,升107點或0.47%。國企指數收報9,875點,升85點或0.87%。主板全日成交705億港元,港股通餘額99億人民幣;滬股通餘額115億人民幣。
深港通響槍,惟香港交易所先升後跌,收報204.8港元,跌0.1%。個別內地券商股回吐,中國銀河及華泰證券跌0.9%及0.3%。(板塊追蹤http://bit.ly/2axLJ99)
3、滬指收創近11個新高
受惠上月工業企業利潤增長加快、深港通下周一通車,以及大行預期滬綜指明年底料升至4,400點,內地股市普遍高收,滬綜指日中高位曾見3,288.34點,全日升15點或0.46%,收報3,277點,創近11個月收市新高;深成指升32點或0.29%,至11,068點;滬深300升13點或0.39%,至3,535點;創業板指數跌1點或0.07%,收報2,166點。
2市主板成交逾6,200億元人民幣。板塊方面,「中字頭」股份表現標青,造紙股漲2.6%,有色金屬股升幅擴大至1.7%,煤炭股升0.5%,次新股升幅縮至0.4%,惟金融及房地產齊跌0.3%,石油股跌幅擴大至0.7%,家具股跌0.8%。
4、中國10月全國鐵路貨運量同比增長11.2%
發改委數據顯示,10月份全國鐵路完成貨運量3.07億噸,同比增長11.2%,增幅大幅擴大。9月份全國鐵路完成貨運量2.86億噸,同比增長7%。
累計看,1-10月全國鐵路完成貨運量27.11億噸,同比下降3.3%,降幅繼續收窄。上半年,全國鐵路完成貨運量同比下降7.5%,降幅比1季度收窄1.5個百分點。
5、翠華半年少賺48% 大家樂中期多賺11%
翠華控股公布,截至今年9月底止6個月錄得股東應佔溢利約4,223.4萬港元,較去年同期純利約8,126.6萬元,按年倒退48%;每股盈利2.99仙,派中期息2仙。詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2gxhDaB。
大家樂公布,截至2016年9月30日止6個月中期業績,期內股東應佔溢利2.31億港元,按年升11.79%,每股盈利40.13仙,派中期息18仙。詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2fHiqVh。
6、新盤敦皓4伙可供發售 其餘傾向招標
豐泰地產投資資產管理區域董事吳財琴表示,西半山敦皓及何文田棗梨雅道3號,今年分別售出93伙及36伙,分別套現逾33億及逾10億港元,集團今年住宅項目共套現逾43億元。
豐泰地產投資資產管理助理副總裁張倚梨表示,敦皓平均成交呎價30,240元,最高約41,900元,項目餘下18伙,目前有4伙可供發售,其餘單位傾向招標推出,不排除削減優惠,項目最快本月底交樓,聖誕節前入伙,而項目車位方面,已售出45個,套現約1.5億元,其中有一組買家先後購入4個車位,合共逾1,600萬元,成交價介乎398萬至438萬元。
敦皓住客會所曝光,Click入http://bit.ly/2fDpxLa搶先睇!
7、湯文亮:警惕加息潮!今明兩年會加5次
紀惠集團行政總裁湯文亮撰文指,美國總統大選後會立刻加息,並預計明年加4次息將會是最低要求。現在加息已經迫在眉睫,有專家反而認為不會加息,無論誰是誰非,最擔心是市場對加息掉以輕心。
湯文亮稱,市場有足夠時間準備迎接加息,就不會出亂子。現在大家對加息掉以輕心,加息就會變成突如其來,對市場殺傷力就較預期大得多。因為開始加息後,就不知道何時停止。即使停止,利息已經處於高位,如果負債比率太高,就會長時間被折磨,物業資產價值亦會因為利息高企而作出調整。如果輕視加息,當感覺到加息殺傷力的時候,就為時已晚。
8、深港通車:部分證券行開戶人數增
因應上周五公布深港通,有部分證券行的開戶人數有增加趨勢。耀才證券大埔分行助理經理楊子立表示,「過去周六、日分行都有營業,都多炒開滬股通嘅銀行客落分行開戶,佢哋對深股都好有興趣。」
楊子立稱,「大埔分行今日魚缸客人數較平日多1成,但股友對深港通反應仍然維持觀望態度,早前有人入定AH差價股鞍鋼股份,現時仍然持有;今日有唔少股份小注追入香港證券股,同埋其他中小型股,例如協鑫新能源,不過暫時未食胡。」他又稱,大部分散戶對港股及深港通抱中性看法。
9、三星「拆骨」壓力增 Note 7之後又一炸?
據外國傳媒報道,受智能手機Note 7爆炸、需全面回收困擾的南韓三星電子,現時面對更大的分拆壓力。三星董事會將會於周二舉行會議,或公布決定。三星股價今日收報167.7萬韓圜,升1.64%,接近紀錄新高的170.6萬韓圜。
報道引述消息人士指,三星管理層與對沖基金股東Elliott一同在美國與南韓會見投資者。Elliott在會上清楚表達了「拆骨」的意願,不少股東亦對三星的Note 7爆炸引發危機表示不滿,因這造成最少60億美元的損失;再者,受到南韓政治危機影響,三星電子辦公室近期遭兩次特擊捜查。
10、打擊跨境逃稅有乜招?對你有甚麼影響?
不法分子跨境逃稅、洗黑錢等層出不窮,令國際金融機構心驚驚,恐置身不法之徒的「犯法渠道」。事實上,為堵塞相關漏洞,多國政府已積極收緊稅務條例,而作為國際金融中心的香港,在今年6月修訂了《稅務條例》,更將實施「自動交換財務帳戶資料」,響應打擊跨境逃稅。究竟這些新招是甚麼?對投資者又有甚麼影響?詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2fHlLDT。
【on.cc東網專訊】 美元回落跌穿101關,現報100.85;油價反覆偏軟,布蘭特期油現報46.61美元;金價回揚,現貨金報1,194.2美元。歐央行行長德拉吉將出席歐洲議會經濟與貨幣事務委員會季度聽證會。道期現跌80點,報19,060點。以下為「收市10大要知」新聞:
1、歐股開市全線偏軟 能源股受壓
意大利即將在接下來的周日舉行憲法公投、沙特阿拉伯突暗示或毋須減產,加上美國總統大選關鍵州份開啟選票重點程序,投資者入市態度轉趨審慎,歐股3大指數開市全線偏軟,英國富時100指數報6,820點,跌20點或0.3%;德國DAX指數報10,655點,跌43點或0.41%;法國CAC指數報4,541點,跌8點或0.19%。
能源股受壓,英國石油、殼牌、道達爾均跌逾1%。
2、恒指二萬三關前卻步 騰訊中移內銀撐市
深港通落實下周一通車,港股在期指結算前夕曾升逾200點,惟未能攻破23,000大關,個別深港通概念股炒上。
恒生指數高開15點後升幅擴大,恒指重上100天線(22,780點);午後最多升過241點,高見22,964點。尾市有獲利回吐,收市報22,830點,升107點或0.47%。國企指數收報9,875點,升85點或0.87%。主板全日成交705億港元,港股通餘額99億人民幣;滬股通餘額115億人民幣。
深港通響槍,惟香港交易所先升後跌,收報204.8港元,跌0.1%。個別內地券商股回吐,中國銀河及華泰證券跌0.9%及0.3%。(板塊追蹤http://bit.ly/2axLJ99)
3、滬指收創近11個新高
受惠上月工業企業利潤增長加快、深港通下周一通車,以及大行預期滬綜指明年底料升至4,400點,內地股市普遍高收,滬綜指日中高位曾見3,288.34點,全日升15點或0.46%,收報3,277點,創近11個月收市新高;深成指升32點或0.29%,至11,068點;滬深300升13點或0.39%,至3,535點;創業板指數跌1點或0.07%,收報2,166點。
2市主板成交逾6,200億元人民幣。板塊方面,「中字頭」股份表現標青,造紙股漲2.6%,有色金屬股升幅擴大至1.7%,煤炭股升0.5%,次新股升幅縮至0.4%,惟金融及房地產齊跌0.3%,石油股跌幅擴大至0.7%,家具股跌0.8%。
4、中國10月全國鐵路貨運量同比增長11.2%
發改委數據顯示,10月份全國鐵路完成貨運量3.07億噸,同比增長11.2%,增幅大幅擴大。9月份全國鐵路完成貨運量2.86億噸,同比增長7%。
累計看,1-10月全國鐵路完成貨運量27.11億噸,同比下降3.3%,降幅繼續收窄。上半年,全國鐵路完成貨運量同比下降7.5%,降幅比1季度收窄1.5個百分點。
5、翠華半年少賺48% 大家樂中期多賺11%
翠華控股公布,截至今年9月底止6個月錄得股東應佔溢利約4,223.4萬港元,較去年同期純利約8,126.6萬元,按年倒退48%;每股盈利2.99仙,派中期息2仙。詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2gxhDaB。
大家樂公布,截至2016年9月30日止6個月中期業績,期內股東應佔溢利2.31億港元,按年升11.79%,每股盈利40.13仙,派中期息18仙。詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2fHiqVh。
6、新盤敦皓4伙可供發售 其餘傾向招標
豐泰地產投資資產管理區域董事吳財琴表示,西半山敦皓及何文田棗梨雅道3號,今年分別售出93伙及36伙,分別套現逾33億及逾10億港元,集團今年住宅項目共套現逾43億元。
豐泰地產投資資產管理助理副總裁張倚梨表示,敦皓平均成交呎價30,240元,最高約41,900元,項目餘下18伙,目前有4伙可供發售,其餘單位傾向招標推出,不排除削減優惠,項目最快本月底交樓,聖誕節前入伙,而項目車位方面,已售出45個,套現約1.5億元,其中有一組買家先後購入4個車位,合共逾1,600萬元,成交價介乎398萬至438萬元。
敦皓住客會所曝光,Click入http://bit.ly/2fDpxLa搶先睇!
7、湯文亮:警惕加息潮!今明兩年會加5次
紀惠集團行政總裁湯文亮撰文指,美國總統大選後會立刻加息,並預計明年加4次息將會是最低要求。現在加息已經迫在眉睫,有專家反而認為不會加息,無論誰是誰非,最擔心是市場對加息掉以輕心。
湯文亮稱,市場有足夠時間準備迎接加息,就不會出亂子。現在大家對加息掉以輕心,加息就會變成突如其來,對市場殺傷力就較預期大得多。因為開始加息後,就不知道何時停止。即使停止,利息已經處於高位,如果負債比率太高,就會長時間被折磨,物業資產價值亦會因為利息高企而作出調整。如果輕視加息,當感覺到加息殺傷力的時候,就為時已晚。
8、深港通車:部分證券行開戶人數增
因應上周五公布深港通,有部分證券行的開戶人數有增加趨勢。耀才證券大埔分行助理經理楊子立表示,「過去周六、日分行都有營業,都多炒開滬股通嘅銀行客落分行開戶,佢哋對深股都好有興趣。」
楊子立稱,「大埔分行今日魚缸客人數較平日多1成,但股友對深港通反應仍然維持觀望態度,早前有人入定AH差價股鞍鋼股份,現時仍然持有;今日有唔少股份小注追入香港證券股,同埋其他中小型股,例如協鑫新能源,不過暫時未食胡。」他又稱,大部分散戶對港股及深港通抱中性看法。
9、三星「拆骨」壓力增 Note 7之後又一炸?
據外國傳媒報道,受智能手機Note 7爆炸、需全面回收困擾的南韓三星電子,現時面對更大的分拆壓力。三星董事會將會於周二舉行會議,或公布決定。三星股價今日收報167.7萬韓圜,升1.64%,接近紀錄新高的170.6萬韓圜。
報道引述消息人士指,三星管理層與對沖基金股東Elliott一同在美國與南韓會見投資者。Elliott在會上清楚表達了「拆骨」的意願,不少股東亦對三星的Note 7爆炸引發危機表示不滿,因這造成最少60億美元的損失;再者,受到南韓政治危機影響,三星電子辦公室近期遭兩次特擊捜查。
10、打擊跨境逃稅有乜招?對你有甚麼影響?
不法分子跨境逃稅、洗黑錢等層出不窮,令國際金融機構心驚驚,恐置身不法之徒的「犯法渠道」。事實上,為堵塞相關漏洞,多國政府已積極收緊稅務條例,而作為國際金融中心的香港,在今年6月修訂了《稅務條例》,更將實施「自動交換財務帳戶資料」,響應打擊跨境逃稅。究竟這些新招是甚麼?對投資者又有甚麼影響?詳情請Click入http://bit.ly/2fHlLDT。
澳洲政府讓步 背包客稅下調至15%
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 澳洲政府原打算對到當地工作假期的背包客,制定高達32.5%的「背包客稅」,但在農民及旅遊業界的強烈反對下一度暫緩。澳洲財政部長莫里森於今早宣布,有關稅率將下降至15%,希望本周內通過有關法案。
每年約有60萬海外背包客到澳洲打工,他們擁有與當地居民一樣的18200澳元(約10萬5千港元)免稅額,但政府計劃於本年7月1日對他們徵收入息稅,即每一澳元的收入均需繳稅0.325澳元(約1.8港元)。由於當地農業及旅遊業界相當依賴背包客的勞動力,憂慮稅項降低他們來澳的意欲,故強烈反對,政府亦只得將計劃推遲至來年1月,並再商討稅率問題。
政府在上周提出將稅率下降至19%,但在野工黨、綠黨及無黨派人士,則提出要與新西蘭睇齊,將稅率定在10.5%。財長莫里森於今日宣布,提出稅率在會兩者間折衷的15%。若法案仍未能於本周通過,背包客稅將維持在32.5%,於來年推出。
雖然反對派堅持稅率應定在10.5%,否則勞動力將流失到新西蘭等地,但莫里森斥責工黨在玩政治遊戲,指出其稅率將會讓澳洲在未來4年損失1.2億澳元(約7億港元)。
【on.cc東網專訊】 澳洲政府原打算對到當地工作假期的背包客,制定高達32.5%的「背包客稅」,但在農民及旅遊業界的強烈反對下一度暫緩。澳洲財政部長莫里森於今早宣布,有關稅率將下降至15%,希望本周內通過有關法案。
每年約有60萬海外背包客到澳洲打工,他們擁有與當地居民一樣的18200澳元(約10萬5千港元)免稅額,但政府計劃於本年7月1日對他們徵收入息稅,即每一澳元的收入均需繳稅0.325澳元(約1.8港元)。由於當地農業及旅遊業界相當依賴背包客的勞動力,憂慮稅項降低他們來澳的意欲,故強烈反對,政府亦只得將計劃推遲至來年1月,並再商討稅率問題。
政府在上周提出將稅率下降至19%,但在野工黨、綠黨及無黨派人士,則提出要與新西蘭睇齊,將稅率定在10.5%。財長莫里森於今日宣布,提出稅率在會兩者間折衷的15%。若法案仍未能於本周通過,背包客稅將維持在32.5%,於來年推出。
雖然反對派堅持稅率應定在10.5%,否則勞動力將流失到新西蘭等地,但莫里森斥責工黨在玩政治遊戲,指出其稅率將會讓澳洲在未來4年損失1.2億澳元(約7億港元)。
Cash is for Criminals – Taxing Cash Withdrawals from ATMs
銀行家還是想控制你的財富 !
www.armstrongeconomics.comWe are entering a very dark phase in this battle to retain out liberty. A proposal now being whispered behind the curtain in Europe is to impose a tax on withdrawing your own money from an ATM. The banks support this measure as a whole because they see this as preventing bank runs.
Nobody will look at the direction we are headed. I am deeply concerned that these type of proposals will send the West in a real revolution not much different from that of Russia in 1917. The divide between left and right is getting much deeper and the left is hell bent on stripping those who produce of their liberty and assets. This type of confrontation is in line with our War Cycle, which we will update in 2017.
This is the most dangerous period we are heading into for governments will respond only to their own self-interest to survive. The socialists hate those who produce. That is just the bottom line. Nobody should have wealth more than they and this is the same human emotion that has cost tens of millions of lives in civil conflicts. We will review all our models and update this after the U.S. inauguration since the socialists are trying to figure out how to steal the election from Trump. There is no way to overturn Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania without fraud. Otherwise, California is being used to justify handing the crown to Hillary despite the fact she conceded. This will not end nicely. The divide will only get bigger. The future is anything but stable and safe.
The war on cash is in full swing. The whispers behind the curtain are starting to get louder. The headlines in Australia demonstrate how the press is already conspiring against the people. The new slogan rising is Cash is for Criminals.
ABC of Australia ran the story:
Cash is for criminals: Why we should scrap big notes
湯文亮:警惕加息潮!今明兩年會加5次
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 紀惠集團行政總裁湯文亮撰文指,美國總統大選後會立刻加息,並預計明年加4次息將會是最低要求。現在加息已經迫在眉睫,有專家反而認為不會加息,無論誰是誰非,最擔心是市場對加息掉以輕心。
湯文亮稱,市場有足夠時間準備迎接加息,就不會出亂子。現在大家對加息掉以輕心,加息就會變成突如其來,對市場殺傷力就較預期大得多。因為開始加息後,就不知道何時停止。即使停止,利息已經處於高位,如果負債比率太高,就會長時間被折磨,物業資產價值亦會因為利息高企而作出調整。如果輕視加息,當感覺到加息殺傷力的時候,就為時已晚。
【on.cc東網專訊】 紀惠集團行政總裁湯文亮撰文指,美國總統大選後會立刻加息,並預計明年加4次息將會是最低要求。現在加息已經迫在眉睫,有專家反而認為不會加息,無論誰是誰非,最擔心是市場對加息掉以輕心。
湯文亮稱,市場有足夠時間準備迎接加息,就不會出亂子。現在大家對加息掉以輕心,加息就會變成突如其來,對市場殺傷力就較預期大得多。因為開始加息後,就不知道何時停止。即使停止,利息已經處於高位,如果負債比率太高,就會長時間被折磨,物業資產價值亦會因為利息高企而作出調整。如果輕視加息,當感覺到加息殺傷力的時候,就為時已晚。
意大利公投︰或引爆銀行業危機
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 英國《金融時報》報道,多名官員和資深銀行人士表示,如果意大利總理倫齊在有關憲法改革的公投中失利,隨之引發的市場動盪或令投資者不敢對意大利銀行進行資本重組,那麽,意大利就有多達8家這樣的銀行面臨倒閉風險。
意大利已知有8家銀行處於不同階段的困境,包括資產排名第3的西雅那銀行(Monte dei Paschi di Siena);3家中等規模銀行:維琴察大眾銀行(Popolare di Vicenza)、威尼托銀行(Veneto Banca)及卡里奇銀行(Carige);以及4家去年受到救助的小銀行:伊特魯里亞銀行(Banca Etruria)、CariChieti銀行、馬爾凱銀行(Banca delle Marche)及CariFerrara銀行。
今年,由於擔心意大利各銀行的不良貸款,這些銀行的市值已縮水一半以上。
【on.cc東網專訊】 英國《金融時報》報道,多名官員和資深銀行人士表示,如果意大利總理倫齊在有關憲法改革的公投中失利,隨之引發的市場動盪或令投資者不敢對意大利銀行進行資本重組,那麽,意大利就有多達8家這樣的銀行面臨倒閉風險。
意大利已知有8家銀行處於不同階段的困境,包括資產排名第3的西雅那銀行(Monte dei Paschi di Siena);3家中等規模銀行:維琴察大眾銀行(Popolare di Vicenza)、威尼托銀行(Veneto Banca)及卡里奇銀行(Carige);以及4家去年受到救助的小銀行:伊特魯里亞銀行(Banca Etruria)、CariChieti銀行、馬爾凱銀行(Banca delle Marche)及CariFerrara銀行。
今年,由於擔心意大利各銀行的不良貸款,這些銀行的市值已縮水一半以上。
打擊跨境逃稅有乜招?對你有甚麼影響?
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 不法分子跨境逃稅、洗黑錢等層出不窮,令國際金融機構心驚驚,恐置身不法之徒的「犯法渠道」。事實上,為堵塞相關漏洞,多國政府已積極收緊稅務條例,而作為國際金融中心的香港,在今年6月修訂了《稅務條例》,更將實施「自動交換財務帳戶資料」,響應打擊跨境逃稅。究竟這些新招是甚麼?對投資者又有甚麼影響?
●「自動交換財務帳戶資料」(AEOI)
在AEOI之下,若果你在所屬居留的司法管轄區以外,擁有資產或賺取入息,相關財務資料會被交到你所屬的居留司法管轄區;當稅局得到資料後,就可用作識辨逃稅者。那麼甚麼資料會「被交換」?包括利息、股息、帳戶結餘或價值、某類保險產品的收入、出售財務資產所得收益等。
●「共同匯報標準」(CRS)
CRS的準則已被納入《稅務條例》,在此框架下,銀行、保險公司、財富及資產管理等財務機構,將收集客戶的財務資料,而香港及中國均承諾於2018年起進行自動交換資料。
以上兩個準則對香港影響較大。
●美國《海外帳戶稅務合規法案》(FATCA)
FATCA早於2014年7月生效,以防止美國納稅人利用海外金融帳戶逃稅。
舉例:內地人買香港保險
若內地人到港購買分紅類的投資性壽險,要向保險公司遞交稅務編號等詳細資料,否則不能完成投保程序。而由於分紅壽險涉及利息收入,在CRS框架下中國稅局將可獲悉投保人呈交的相關資料,意味內地投保人難以隱藏境外資產。
值得注意的是,中國稅局只是「獲得」資料,投保人會否被徵稅則是後話。
【on.cc東網專訊】 不法分子跨境逃稅、洗黑錢等層出不窮,令國際金融機構心驚驚,恐置身不法之徒的「犯法渠道」。事實上,為堵塞相關漏洞,多國政府已積極收緊稅務條例,而作為國際金融中心的香港,在今年6月修訂了《稅務條例》,更將實施「自動交換財務帳戶資料」,響應打擊跨境逃稅。究竟這些新招是甚麼?對投資者又有甚麼影響?
●「自動交換財務帳戶資料」(AEOI)
在AEOI之下,若果你在所屬居留的司法管轄區以外,擁有資產或賺取入息,相關財務資料會被交到你所屬的居留司法管轄區;當稅局得到資料後,就可用作識辨逃稅者。那麼甚麼資料會「被交換」?包括利息、股息、帳戶結餘或價值、某類保險產品的收入、出售財務資產所得收益等。
●「共同匯報標準」(CRS)
CRS的準則已被納入《稅務條例》,在此框架下,銀行、保險公司、財富及資產管理等財務機構,將收集客戶的財務資料,而香港及中國均承諾於2018年起進行自動交換資料。
以上兩個準則對香港影響較大。
●美國《海外帳戶稅務合規法案》(FATCA)
FATCA早於2014年7月生效,以防止美國納稅人利用海外金融帳戶逃稅。
舉例:內地人買香港保險
若內地人到港購買分紅類的投資性壽險,要向保險公司遞交稅務編號等詳細資料,否則不能完成投保程序。而由於分紅壽險涉及利息收入,在CRS框架下中國稅局將可獲悉投保人呈交的相關資料,意味內地投保人難以隱藏境外資產。
值得注意的是,中國稅局只是「獲得」資料,投保人會否被徵稅則是後話。
中銀香港推物業估值區塊鏈技術
money18.on.cc
香港首家銀行推區塊鏈應用,中銀香港(02388)正式推出物業估值區塊鏈技術,並成功透過該技術與物業估價公司完成首宗物業估值。該行指,新技術有助加快物業估值及貸款審批程序,確保資料準確無誤,節省成本,包括每年減省20萬張紙張。
中銀香港資訊科技部總經理鄭松岩指,銀行定價與成本有關,區塊鏈技術將令客戶受惠。
該行每年估價逾2萬次,主要合作的2間估價公司已加入區塊鏈平台,另外1家中資銀行及1家華資銀行已同意加入,明年1月或之前成事。他透露,中銀香港與其他3至4家銀行,由金管局統籌研究區塊鏈於貿易融資的應用,相信是香港銀行第2款區塊鏈應用。
除樓宇按揭流程外,中銀香港研究將區塊鏈技術應用於其他領域,包括電子證件管理及跨境支付等。
另該行最快下月推出分行靜脈生物認證,亦研究推自動櫃員機靜脈生物認證提款,取代密碼。
香港首家銀行推區塊鏈應用,中銀香港(02388)正式推出物業估值區塊鏈技術,並成功透過該技術與物業估價公司完成首宗物業估值。該行指,新技術有助加快物業估值及貸款審批程序,確保資料準確無誤,節省成本,包括每年減省20萬張紙張。
中銀香港資訊科技部總經理鄭松岩指,銀行定價與成本有關,區塊鏈技術將令客戶受惠。
該行每年估價逾2萬次,主要合作的2間估價公司已加入區塊鏈平台,另外1家中資銀行及1家華資銀行已同意加入,明年1月或之前成事。他透露,中銀香港與其他3至4家銀行,由金管局統籌研究區塊鏈於貿易融資的應用,相信是香港銀行第2款區塊鏈應用。
除樓宇按揭流程外,中銀香港研究將區塊鏈技術應用於其他領域,包括電子證件管理及跨境支付等。
另該行最快下月推出分行靜脈生物認證,亦研究推自動櫃員機靜脈生物認證提款,取代密碼。
切爾諾貝爾「新石棺」將啟用 阻洩輻射百年
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 烏克蘭切爾諾貝爾核電廠1986年發生堪稱史上最嚴重的核事故,至今已經30年。當年為防核輻射洩漏,前蘇聯政府於4號核反應堆所建造的石棺現時已經接近崩塌。烏克蘭政府為此早已建造新石棺,將於周二揭幕。
新石棺耗資約21億歐元(約168億港元),由大量鋼鐵枝架構成,它高108米、長162米、及闊257米,重量超過3.1萬噸,不但能夠抵受黎克特制6級地震及龍捲風,陣設有通風、防火等系統,烏克蘭政府預計新石棺的壽命為100年。
有政府官員表示,安裝在新石棺內的各種儀器將於明年底運作,而舊石棺亦會同時逐步拆除。
【on.cc東網專訊】 烏克蘭切爾諾貝爾核電廠1986年發生堪稱史上最嚴重的核事故,至今已經30年。當年為防核輻射洩漏,前蘇聯政府於4號核反應堆所建造的石棺現時已經接近崩塌。烏克蘭政府為此早已建造新石棺,將於周二揭幕。
新石棺耗資約21億歐元(約168億港元),由大量鋼鐵枝架構成,它高108米、長162米、及闊257米,重量超過3.1萬噸,不但能夠抵受黎克特制6級地震及龍捲風,陣設有通風、防火等系統,烏克蘭政府預計新石棺的壽命為100年。
有政府官員表示,安裝在新石棺內的各種儀器將於明年底運作,而舊石棺亦會同時逐步拆除。
2016年11月27日 星期日
商戶安裝費大減 信用卡公司迎戰手機支付商
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 隨着手機支付興起,手機支付商正挑戰傳統信用卡地位!信用卡公司終極反擊,Visa環球推出「0元商戶安裝費」mVisa服務,全速吸小微商戶,首階段印度等4個地區已採用。Visa創新及戰略合作關係部高級副總裁Matt Dill指出,過往Visa主要服務高端行業,現時科技令服務伸展至更遠,料未來幾年接受Visa支付的商戶數量將倍增。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●mVisa服務是甚麼?
屆時Visa客戶只需以手機掃一掃代表商戶銀行帳戶的QR code便可支付,商戶安裝成本近乎零,即使是普通司機等個體商戶亦負擔得起。Matt Dill接受《東網》訪問時指出:「我們的服務已遍布全球,但以往傾向高端市場,現時科技令(信用卡)支付更普及,擴大Visa的服務群。」
目前Visa環球商戶數目超過4,000萬,他稱:「隨着發展小商戶市場,數字將會翻一、兩倍。」預測未來幾年商戶數量將爆發式增長。過去商戶安裝信用卡收款機時,每部成本高達700美元(約5,460港元),故一直未能打入小微商戶市場,亦令安裝費用較低的本土支付商(香港八達通、內地支付寶等)逐步壯大。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●Visa講明要攻智能手機
隨着智能手機普及,信用卡支付亦走出故有「實體卡」加「收款機」的昂貴硬件組合,將信用卡綁定智能手機,並採用支付寶等「掃QR Code」(二維碼)的收款方式,剔除收款機的成本。該支付服務名為mVisa,現時印度的食肆、零售商戶,以至tuk tuk均已支援,亦逐步打入、尼日利亞、肯尼亞及盧旺達市場。
另一信用卡公司MasterCard於本月推出「Masterpass QR Service」,與mVisa類似,惟香港區似乎不見信用卡公司新服務的蹤影,主因是服務需香港銀行配合採用,為商戶安排才可成事。對於銀行保守,阻礙科技普及的說法,Matt Dill認為不應「一竹竿打一船人」,有些銀行積極採用新技術,有些需時觀察市場發展,他相信為客戶提供新服務的銀行將跑贏同業,屆時市場力量將推動金融科技發展,自然可普及服務。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●Visa不再純粹是信用卡公司
坊間一直認為,Visa僅是信用卡公司,不過,隨着科技發展,Visa早以轉型成為金融科技(Fintech)專家,過半數員工為工程師,2年間設立6家實驗室進行研發工作,助銀行追上Fintech潮流。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●乜嘢係手機支付?
以香港為例,大家以往可選擇以八達通、信用卡,還是現金支付。到現時已唔同喇,香港市場的主流手機支付品牌包括八達通、TNG、拍住賞、WeChat Pay、支付寶HK、Apple Pay及Android Pay。其中Apple Pay及Android Pay必須信用卡或記帳卡配合才可使用,其他則可不涉及信用卡,已「架空」信用卡的電子支付地位。
換句話說,將來真的可以廣泛地購物不需付現鈔。這個趨勢不能不知!
【on.cc東網專訊】 隨着手機支付興起,手機支付商正挑戰傳統信用卡地位!信用卡公司終極反擊,Visa環球推出「0元商戶安裝費」mVisa服務,全速吸小微商戶,首階段印度等4個地區已採用。Visa創新及戰略合作關係部高級副總裁Matt Dill指出,過往Visa主要服務高端行業,現時科技令服務伸展至更遠,料未來幾年接受Visa支付的商戶數量將倍增。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●mVisa服務是甚麼?
屆時Visa客戶只需以手機掃一掃代表商戶銀行帳戶的QR code便可支付,商戶安裝成本近乎零,即使是普通司機等個體商戶亦負擔得起。Matt Dill接受《東網》訪問時指出:「我們的服務已遍布全球,但以往傾向高端市場,現時科技令(信用卡)支付更普及,擴大Visa的服務群。」
目前Visa環球商戶數目超過4,000萬,他稱:「隨着發展小商戶市場,數字將會翻一、兩倍。」預測未來幾年商戶數量將爆發式增長。過去商戶安裝信用卡收款機時,每部成本高達700美元(約5,460港元),故一直未能打入小微商戶市場,亦令安裝費用較低的本土支付商(香港八達通、內地支付寶等)逐步壯大。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●Visa講明要攻智能手機
隨着智能手機普及,信用卡支付亦走出故有「實體卡」加「收款機」的昂貴硬件組合,將信用卡綁定智能手機,並採用支付寶等「掃QR Code」(二維碼)的收款方式,剔除收款機的成本。該支付服務名為mVisa,現時印度的食肆、零售商戶,以至tuk tuk均已支援,亦逐步打入、尼日利亞、肯尼亞及盧旺達市場。
另一信用卡公司MasterCard於本月推出「Masterpass QR Service」,與mVisa類似,惟香港區似乎不見信用卡公司新服務的蹤影,主因是服務需香港銀行配合採用,為商戶安排才可成事。對於銀行保守,阻礙科技普及的說法,Matt Dill認為不應「一竹竿打一船人」,有些銀行積極採用新技術,有些需時觀察市場發展,他相信為客戶提供新服務的銀行將跑贏同業,屆時市場力量將推動金融科技發展,自然可普及服務。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●Visa不再純粹是信用卡公司
坊間一直認為,Visa僅是信用卡公司,不過,隨着科技發展,Visa早以轉型成為金融科技(Fintech)專家,過半數員工為工程師,2年間設立6家實驗室進行研發工作,助銀行追上Fintech潮流。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
●乜嘢係手機支付?
以香港為例,大家以往可選擇以八達通、信用卡,還是現金支付。到現時已唔同喇,香港市場的主流手機支付品牌包括八達通、TNG、拍住賞、WeChat Pay、支付寶HK、Apple Pay及Android Pay。其中Apple Pay及Android Pay必須信用卡或記帳卡配合才可使用,其他則可不涉及信用卡,已「架空」信用卡的電子支付地位。
換句話說,將來真的可以廣泛地購物不需付現鈔。這個趨勢不能不知!
人幣狂貶!央行解畫:基本保持穩定
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 據內地傳媒報道,人民銀行副行長易綱表示,人民幣匯率將基本保持穩定。
針對近期人民幣兌美元連續數周波動,人行表示,從數據看,人民幣在全球貨幣體系中仍表現出穩定強勢貨幣特徵,近期人民幣兌美元雖然有所貶值,但相對於一些主要貨幣仍升值。
人行強調,現時中國經濟保持平穩增長,並實行積極的財政政策和穩健的貨幣政策,外匯儲備接近全球外儲的30%,國際收支基本平衡,貨物貿易仍保持較大順差,人民幣完全有條件繼續保持在合理均衡水平。
【on.cc東網專訊】 據內地傳媒報道,人民銀行副行長易綱表示,人民幣匯率將基本保持穩定。
針對近期人民幣兌美元連續數周波動,人行表示,從數據看,人民幣在全球貨幣體系中仍表現出穩定強勢貨幣特徵,近期人民幣兌美元雖然有所貶值,但相對於一些主要貨幣仍升值。
人行強調,現時中國經濟保持平穩增長,並實行積極的財政政策和穩健的貨幣政策,外匯儲備接近全球外儲的30%,國際收支基本平衡,貨物貿易仍保持較大順差,人民幣完全有條件繼續保持在合理均衡水平。
迷你自拍無人機 細到可放入手機殼
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 航拍機現在已非常普遍,不過體積仍是頗大,而且一般都只適宜於戶外使用,外國一間創投公司設計出一款細到可以放進手機殼內的迷你航拍機,就能解決這問題。
迷你航拍機外殼由鋁合金製成,僅重52克,機身大小為3.72x2.65x0.42吋,比手機還小。它內置4個螺旋槳,可在20米高處飛行和盤旋,加上配備的500萬像素攝像機,可拍攝高質素照片和短片。
迷你航拍機內置Micro USB插槽,可插入4GB記憶卡儲存短片及照片,用家經WiFi將迷你航拍機與不同平台智能裝置連接後,可透過專屬應用程式操控,並即時將短片或照片上載社交網與人分享。
迷你航拍機充滿電每次雖只可連續飛行約3分鐘,但隨機附有一個後備充電器,充滿電可給迷你航拍機充電20次。迷你航拍機有多款配合熱門手機的手機殼供選擇,現時在網上集資。
【on.cc東網專訊】 航拍機現在已非常普遍,不過體積仍是頗大,而且一般都只適宜於戶外使用,外國一間創投公司設計出一款細到可以放進手機殼內的迷你航拍機,就能解決這問題。
迷你航拍機外殼由鋁合金製成,僅重52克,機身大小為3.72x2.65x0.42吋,比手機還小。它內置4個螺旋槳,可在20米高處飛行和盤旋,加上配備的500萬像素攝像機,可拍攝高質素照片和短片。
迷你航拍機內置Micro USB插槽,可插入4GB記憶卡儲存短片及照片,用家經WiFi將迷你航拍機與不同平台智能裝置連接後,可透過專屬應用程式操控,並即時將短片或照片上載社交網與人分享。
迷你航拍機充滿電每次雖只可連續飛行約3分鐘,但隨機附有一個後備充電器,充滿電可給迷你航拍機充電20次。迷你航拍機有多款配合熱門手機的手機殼供選擇,現時在網上集資。
Indian Government Seeks To Quell Panic: "No Plan To Restrict Gold Holdings"
www.zerohedge.com
Amid increasing social unrest, a collapsing currency (against the dollar), and an economy at a standstill, there has been another growing fear in India that has spooked many around the world.
The rumors and speculation of an Indian gold import ban (or even an outright ban on gold ownership) have sparked panic-buying of the precious metal sending retail premia soaring at local jewelers. In an effort to quell the 'uproar', a top Indian finance minister has confirmed the government is not considering an plans to restrict holdings of gold by individuals.
As a reminder, Acting-Man.com's Pater Tenebrarum notes that in the recent past, India’s government has also launched several initiatives aimed at reducing gold purchases by Indian citizens. For one thing, it is asserted that the gold hoards held by citizens are “unproductive” and a sign of India’s backwardness that needs to be eradicated in the name of modernization.
Another official reason is that government wants to lower the country’s trade deficit. Since India isn’t producing much gold, it is importing quite a lot; in recent years gold imports oscillated around 700 tons per year.
The world’s governments are almost without exception comprised of economically ignorant mercantilists who believe that a trade deficit is a symptom of declining wealth. Naturally, India’s government is no different in this respect. This mercantilist view of trade is one of the most “sticky” and widespread economic errors in history (evidently, not only prices and wages are “sticky”…). It is a direct result of viewing the economy through a collectivist lens instead of through the lens of methodological individualism. The government’s efforts included raising a tariff on gold imports (ever since, India’s gold import statistics are no longer reliable, as a lot of gold is smuggled in), as well as urging the creation of assorted “paper gold” products by commercial banks.
The latter were supposed to entice citizens to deposit their gold with banks in exchange for paper receipts. You have one guess why the government would be eager to see that happen.
India’s citizens have a traditional affinity for gold. Gold is not only a “love trade” for Indians though, as our friend Ronnie Stoeferle puts it. They also buy gold because they don’t trust their government and its economic policies.
As has just been demonstrated again, this is quite a healthy attitude – even if the government of the day is widely considered to be “good for the economy” (Mr. Modi’s government has indeed adopted a number of positive economic reforms as well in the past). Not only can it be very costly to trust the government, there is obviously also a big difference between looking at and fondling actual metal, as opposed to a bank receipt for a gold deposit. If you try it, you will see it is just not the same. Indian women love gold adornments and gold jewelry plays a major role as a wedding present that concurrently serves as a store of wealth. Hence the government’s efforts to “wean the citizenry off gold” have completely failed to gain traction.
It remains to be seen if the government will get away unscathed with the recent demonetization of large denomination banknotes. As Jayant has pointed out, Mr. Modi has actually enjoyed widespread popular support for the measure – at least initially. Certain segments of society continue to be supportive, depending on the degree to which they are actually affected by the ban.
After two weeks of increasing chaos and ample demonstrations of government ineptitude, the political opposition has finally decided to join the fray and is now beginning to forcefully denounce the measure.
Parliament was adjourned after an “uproar” over the currency ban, the opposition is organizing an “all India protest” for November 28, as it is now united in opposing the ban. Moreover, allegations that the plan was leaked to certain people in advance have surfaced (that wouldn’t surprise us one bit).
As Jayant has rightly pointed out in the third part of his articles on the currency ban, the evolving situation is forcing the government to continually issue new ad hoc decrees in order to stop people from successfully fighting the edict.
Similar to the attempts of the post-revolutionary assembly of France to defend the assignat in the late 18th century, it is resorting to increasingly repressive steps (the most recent one is that it has apparently suddenly shortened the grace period for banknote exchanges, concurrently with announcing that it will impose a tax penalty on “too large” deposits).
This has led to speculation that gold may be in the government’s cross hairs next. As the thinking goes, if it can ban certain banknotes, surely it can also enact a ban on gold imports? As an aside, an outright ban on gold ownership seems highly unlikely, as that would probably cause more than just an “uproar”.
Also, some of the largest gold hoards are held by temples – in other words, the country’s religious establishment would undoubtedly be less than amused.
* * *
And so, clearly seeking to calm these fears, a top finance ministry source said on Friday that the government is not considering any proposal to restrict holdings of gold by individuals. As The India Times reports, following the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, there were apprehensions among people that the government might impose some kind of restrictions on gold holding by individuals.
Of course, we note that there was no official denial of any proposals to impose a gold import ban.
Amid increasing social unrest, a collapsing currency (against the dollar), and an economy at a standstill, there has been another growing fear in India that has spooked many around the world.
The rumors and speculation of an Indian gold import ban (or even an outright ban on gold ownership) have sparked panic-buying of the precious metal sending retail premia soaring at local jewelers. In an effort to quell the 'uproar', a top Indian finance minister has confirmed the government is not considering an plans to restrict holdings of gold by individuals.
As a reminder, Acting-Man.com's Pater Tenebrarum notes that in the recent past, India’s government has also launched several initiatives aimed at reducing gold purchases by Indian citizens. For one thing, it is asserted that the gold hoards held by citizens are “unproductive” and a sign of India’s backwardness that needs to be eradicated in the name of modernization.
Another official reason is that government wants to lower the country’s trade deficit. Since India isn’t producing much gold, it is importing quite a lot; in recent years gold imports oscillated around 700 tons per year.
The world’s governments are almost without exception comprised of economically ignorant mercantilists who believe that a trade deficit is a symptom of declining wealth. Naturally, India’s government is no different in this respect. This mercantilist view of trade is one of the most “sticky” and widespread economic errors in history (evidently, not only prices and wages are “sticky”…). It is a direct result of viewing the economy through a collectivist lens instead of through the lens of methodological individualism. The government’s efforts included raising a tariff on gold imports (ever since, India’s gold import statistics are no longer reliable, as a lot of gold is smuggled in), as well as urging the creation of assorted “paper gold” products by commercial banks.
The latter were supposed to entice citizens to deposit their gold with banks in exchange for paper receipts. You have one guess why the government would be eager to see that happen.
India’s citizens have a traditional affinity for gold. Gold is not only a “love trade” for Indians though, as our friend Ronnie Stoeferle puts it. They also buy gold because they don’t trust their government and its economic policies.
As has just been demonstrated again, this is quite a healthy attitude – even if the government of the day is widely considered to be “good for the economy” (Mr. Modi’s government has indeed adopted a number of positive economic reforms as well in the past). Not only can it be very costly to trust the government, there is obviously also a big difference between looking at and fondling actual metal, as opposed to a bank receipt for a gold deposit. If you try it, you will see it is just not the same. Indian women love gold adornments and gold jewelry plays a major role as a wedding present that concurrently serves as a store of wealth. Hence the government’s efforts to “wean the citizenry off gold” have completely failed to gain traction.
It remains to be seen if the government will get away unscathed with the recent demonetization of large denomination banknotes. As Jayant has pointed out, Mr. Modi has actually enjoyed widespread popular support for the measure – at least initially. Certain segments of society continue to be supportive, depending on the degree to which they are actually affected by the ban.
After two weeks of increasing chaos and ample demonstrations of government ineptitude, the political opposition has finally decided to join the fray and is now beginning to forcefully denounce the measure.
Parliament was adjourned after an “uproar” over the currency ban, the opposition is organizing an “all India protest” for November 28, as it is now united in opposing the ban. Moreover, allegations that the plan was leaked to certain people in advance have surfaced (that wouldn’t surprise us one bit).
As Jayant has rightly pointed out in the third part of his articles on the currency ban, the evolving situation is forcing the government to continually issue new ad hoc decrees in order to stop people from successfully fighting the edict.
Similar to the attempts of the post-revolutionary assembly of France to defend the assignat in the late 18th century, it is resorting to increasingly repressive steps (the most recent one is that it has apparently suddenly shortened the grace period for banknote exchanges, concurrently with announcing that it will impose a tax penalty on “too large” deposits).
This has led to speculation that gold may be in the government’s cross hairs next. As the thinking goes, if it can ban certain banknotes, surely it can also enact a ban on gold imports? As an aside, an outright ban on gold ownership seems highly unlikely, as that would probably cause more than just an “uproar”.
Also, some of the largest gold hoards are held by temples – in other words, the country’s religious establishment would undoubtedly be less than amused.
* * *
And so, clearly seeking to calm these fears, a top finance ministry source said on Friday that the government is not considering any proposal to restrict holdings of gold by individuals. As The India Times reports, following the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, there were apprehensions among people that the government might impose some kind of restrictions on gold holding by individuals.
"There is no such proposal before the government on restricting domestic gold holding," the source said.
There were reports that many people have converted their black money into gold following the announcement of demonetisation of high denomination currency notes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8.
Of course, we note that there was no official denial of any proposals to impose a gold import ban.
無法承受的現場 日本遺品整理師見證孤獨死
所以家庭和親人是好重要的 !
on.cc東網專訊【on.cc東網專訊】 「在那樣的室內環境居住,絕對會死掉吧。」一個陽光燦爛的早上,遺品整理師石見良教獲委託前往東京一個小區,上門清理一間住宅。大門一打開,陣陣刺鼻的血腥味迎面傳來,向屋內瞥見的第一眼,看到在屋中到處亂飛的蟲子,若隱若現地聽到幾隻老鼠在吱吱叫,慢慢向下望,四處漫走的蟑螂和一灘灘啡黑色的屍水......一幕幕挑戰人類感官的畫面,正是遺品整理人多年來重覆面對的工作環境。
「男性通常要3星期才被人發現,女性則要一周。」
石見良教接受東網記者訪問時,先向記者解釋何謂「孤獨死」。他說:「孤獨死又稱孤立死,是指無人陪伴照顧、死掉亦無人察覺的人,在住所孤獨地離世。」孤獨死的死者通常都是無聲無息地去世,死後屍體慢慢腐爛,屍水會滲入地板,直至惡臭驚動鄰居才被人發現。石見稱:「不少日本人聽到『孤獨死』,通常會想起老人家。」
事實上,死於「孤獨死」的人除了獨居長者外,亦不乏曾在大公司工作的無業中年人。然而,無論甚麼年紀及性別,他們都因為某些原因而變得無依無靠,只能獨自一人生活,直至離世也無人發現。
「我時常提醒自己,緊記不要回望已經過去的事。」
他後來提到自己的入行經歷,指從事遺品整理工作前,本身亦從事葬儀相關的工作,投身遺品整理業界似是理所當然。入行13年,石見良教曾去過不少「孤獨死」的現場,對於該種境況亦已司空見慣。見盡無數悲慘的死亡現場和臉容,記者問石見,有沒有甚麼最難忘的經歷,他坦言:「我無法回答這一條問題」。他續指:「每次清理完一個現場後,我都會把看過的一切忘掉。一次又一次地背負着目睹的一切,會變得難以前行。」
「在清理孤獨死現場同時,我不自覺地便會聯想起死者之前的生活,感受到他們生前的孤獨感。」
現場環境往往令石見體會到死者生前的孤獨感,如骯髒的碗碟、散落一地的書本、四散的信件,全部都是死者曾在屋內生活的痕迹。他向記者表示,在清理孤獨死現場期間,往往不自覺地聯想起死者的人生、他平日的生活和家人等,「手中拿着遺品,便會自然地想到關於死者生前的事」。
「外人眼中的『垃圾』,對死者而言,可能是一直珍而重之的寶物。」
石見認為,遺物代表死者的歷史,每件遺物都仿佛向他訴說死者的故事。他指出,一個人死後遺下的物件可重達3000公斤,即使每天處理30公斤,亦要花上100天時間整理所有東西。兒時的玩具,大學的畢業證書,兒子的畫作,與朋友的合照,亡夫的皮鞋.......這堆多年來存放在死者家中的雜物,對死者而言,全都是充滿情感和回憶,一直珍而重之的寶物,絕不可能扔棄,這些寶物往往亦能成為在生者思念亡者時的依靠。
「初心是會隨時間改變的。」
從事遺品整理工作多年,石見憶述最初踏入遺品整理這行業時,曾於一間過分追求利益,甚至以欺騙手段營業的公司工作。可是,長久以來的經歷令他明白,遺品整理人的工作不應只是清掃死亡現場。他深明與其停在過去,執着地記掛悲傷的事,倒不如用行動改變現況,以舉辦講座等的方式,減少類似的死亡事件在未來重複發生。
「遺品整理不單是整理物件,也需要整理人心。」
石見認為,「心」和「物」雖然是兩件矛盾的東西,但整理時必需一起考慮。他後來於現今工作的公司設立遺品整理部門,並本着「同時整理物和心」的理念,不收分毫地持續於日本首都圈,包括東京都、千葉縣、神奈川縣等多個地方遊走,舉行關於孤獨死的講座。他讓參加者體會孤獨死現場的狀況,同時使他們了解獨居長者垃圾問題,以及生前預先處理遺物的重要,至今已舉行了多達340場講座。他又不時呼籲社會多支援長者,特別是要加強為獨居長者提供看護等服務。
石見長年站於孤獨死問題的最前線,他希望分享自身經歷,配合實際行動減少類似事件發生,亦盼望有天可以看到孤獨死問題得以解決。
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 「經常出入孤獨死的現場,有甚麼特徵都自然看得透。」日本遺品整理人石見良教處理過眾多孤獨死案例,他敢說一句,孤獨死不限於老人,近年愈來愈多中年人步其上一代的後塵,甚至沒法孤獨終老,便在壯年時遽然永別人世。石見總結了兩種孤獨死最常見的十個模式如下:
● 中年的孤獨死
1. 經常把窗簾關得密不透光,房內昏天暗地
2. 室內垃圾堆積如山,骯髒不堪
3. 患有糖尿病等中年常見疾病
4. 明明吃藥就好,偏偏不吃藥
5. 屋內酒樽、空瓶、汽水罐散落一地
6. 經歷過裁員,失業了,卻未到退休的時候
7. 以前過着幸福的婚姻生活,後來離職、離婚、然後離群索居
8. 落得如斯境況,也不好聯絡家人、親戚、朋友,變得形單隻影
9. 水電煤等費用久久未繳清,催討信如山似海
10. 最終向財務公司招手,然後追數信又蜂擁而至
● 老人的孤獨死
1. 屋內垃圾堆積如山,比中年孤獨死的現場更不堪
2. 生前異常珍視舊時的西裝
3. 經常流連街頭,喜歡「執垃圾」回家
4. 買下很多加工食品和罐頭存貨
5. 用不着的零錢放滿一屋
6. 不准他人踏足屋內
7. 屋內有蟑螂老鼠仍若無其事
8. 有被害妄想
9. 離群獨處
10. 孑然無依
孤獨死的老人「生前異常珍視舊時的西裝」,正正是緬懷一去不返的風光。他們是日本經濟騰飛年代的主人公,很多人年輕時靠打拼換來成功,卻在1990年代經濟泡沫爆破後一舖清袋,老來無依無靠,甚或淪為不受歡迎的「老害」。年老多病加上社會資源不足,進一步令他們邊緣化,與社會隔絕。
至於中年一代,他們生於經濟峰頂,卻活於下坡,不少人經歷過「失業、失婚、失去拼勁」,逐漸向下流,沉落至社會底層,最終走上如斷六親、自我放棄之路。由中年到老年的孤獨死,處處可見日本經濟泡沫爆破以來,持續不景氣以至人口老化問題,如何在這兩代人身上奏響了令人默然的悲歌。
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 隨着出生率不斷下跌,日本的人口漸趨老化。社會人口結構轉變,加上未婚率持續上升,以及家庭核心化等的社會現況,「孤獨死」及其帶來的遺品處理問題,成為了日本急需面對的疑難。
根據日本總務省今年公布的2015年人口普查數據,65歲以上長者有3342萬人,佔總人口比例達26.7%,首次超過四分一,達至世界最高水平。相反,15歲以下人口只有1586萬,佔總人口比例12.7%,水平世界最低。日本全國47個都府縣,所有地區的老年人口都多過15歲以下人口,總人口連續7年減少。
家庭核心化令人與人之間的關係變得疏離,獨居老人難以與他人建立聯繫,估計到了2030年,每3名逾50歲的男性中,就有一人未婚,而每2名長者便有一人可能死於「孤獨死」。
所謂「孤獨死」,即是沒有人理會、獨自生活的人,在自家內因病發等原因,突然死去的事件。遺品整理人石見良教表示,日本每年有至少3萬人死於「孤獨死」,「這個數字只是推算出來,相信真正數目更多」。死者中包括獨居長者,亦有無業的中年單身人士。男死者的遺體平均需要3周才被人發現;由於女性的社交能力較高,女死者普遍死後約一周後便會被人發現。
由於有人發現時,死者大多已死去一段時間,事發現場不時留有腐屍遺下的液體或污垢,需要一些特殊方法處理。同時,現場留有大量垃圾、遺物,亦需要時間和人手去整理。正因如此,日本在最近十多年間,慢慢衍生了一種負責處理「孤獨死」亡者遺物及清掃現場穢物等,被稱為「遺品整理」的行業。
在人口老化的社會,整理遺品的工作更被視為日本未來20年最賺錢的工作。然而,遺品整理只能事後協助解決「孤獨死」帶來的問題,對於事前預防「孤獨死」,成為日本政府近年最重要的任務。
樓價與市民負擔力脫節 港府稱需推措施應對
香港樓價, 來年真係升跌難估 !
on.cc東網專訊【on.cc東網專訊】 港府早前為壓抑樓巿會推出「加辣」措施,財經及庫務局局長陳家強指,在全球化下,香港與倫敦、紐約或悉尼,都有很多市民面對樓價飆升的問題,強調即使信奉自由經濟,但當樓價與本地市民的負擔能力完全脫節,政府都應為照顧這些人士的利益而推出若干措施,重點或難題是如何拿揑準確、取得平衡,以最恰當的方法應對警號。
陳家強今發表網誌,提及主張反自由貿易的特朗普當選美國總統,以及歐洲的保護主義抬頭,自由貿易主義面對越來越多的挑戰,令人擔心全球會否從此抽離一體化或摒棄自由貿易。他認為現時亞洲作為推動全球經濟增長的主要動力,要發展和鞏固區內的自由貿易,從而帶動整體投資、貿易和民心相通,但不能忽視保護主義抬頭帶來的啟示,如很多人認為全球一體化造成地方財富不均,自由貿易導致外地工人搶本地工人飯碗等。
不過,陳家強指,作為政府有責任多作解釋,防止不滿情緒擴散,以為自由貿易就是問題的根源,最終窒礙經濟發展,同時政府需解決財富不均、機會不等的情況,亦有責任幫助被邊緣化的人,因此政府難免要有限地介入市場運作。
日本恐防北韓核襲 小冊子教國民應變
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 自北韓展開連串核試以來,日本當局首次向國民發出如何應對核戰的可怕指引。政府警告國民,為北韓發動核襲做好準備,並教導倘若北韓領導人金正恩按動紅色按鈕時應如何應變。
可以下載的小冊子,現在可在民防網站上取得。名為《保護自己,防範武裝襲擊和恐怖主義》的小冊子,概述萬一北韓向日本射導彈需採取的緊急措施。
小冊子提出,在室內的時候,應關緊所有門窗;關掉煤氣、水源和通風系統;坐在遠離門口牆壁和窗口地方。在戶外的時候,躲到堅固的建築物或附近地下購物商場;正在駕駛時就要棄車逃命,但切記把沒有上鎖汽車留在馬路左邊,空出路面讓緊急車輛通過。
小冊子提醒人們留意電視和電台最新廣播,倘若發生核爆,不要張望核爆引起的火焰或火球,因為那可能導致失明;應立即躲在有堅固保護物的地方;盡量以大衣遮蓋身體各部分,口鼻則以手拍掩蓋;遠離爆炸現場,逃走時避開背風方向。
【on.cc東網專訊】 自北韓展開連串核試以來,日本當局首次向國民發出如何應對核戰的可怕指引。政府警告國民,為北韓發動核襲做好準備,並教導倘若北韓領導人金正恩按動紅色按鈕時應如何應變。
可以下載的小冊子,現在可在民防網站上取得。名為《保護自己,防範武裝襲擊和恐怖主義》的小冊子,概述萬一北韓向日本射導彈需採取的緊急措施。
小冊子提出,在室內的時候,應關緊所有門窗;關掉煤氣、水源和通風系統;坐在遠離門口牆壁和窗口地方。在戶外的時候,躲到堅固的建築物或附近地下購物商場;正在駕駛時就要棄車逃命,但切記把沒有上鎖汽車留在馬路左邊,空出路面讓緊急車輛通過。
小冊子提醒人們留意電視和電台最新廣播,倘若發生核爆,不要張望核爆引起的火焰或火球,因為那可能導致失明;應立即躲在有堅固保護物的地方;盡量以大衣遮蓋身體各部分,口鼻則以手拍掩蓋;遠離爆炸現場,逃走時避開背風方向。
2016年11月26日 星期六
人行出招 為防貶值加劇跨境人幣或納入MPA
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 在人民幣貶值和資本流出壓力增大的背景下,人民銀行近期或將採取行動壓止。《財新網》昨引述接近監管層人士消息,人民銀行或將跨境人民幣業務風險管理納入宏觀審慎評估體系(MPA)。
報道所指,將跨境人民幣業務風險管理納入MPA,即是其總收支規模、淨流出額佔該機構的本外幣淨流出額比例,及流出額增速等均視作考核的範圍。《財新網》又引述業內人士稱,人行此舉目的是迫令內地銀行「多做人民幣流入業務,少做人民幣流出業務」,並認為這對內地銀行的威懾力很大,即使利潤高及客戶需求上升,內地銀行在整體國際收支上需重新權衡利弊。
中金首席經濟學家梁紅早前發表研究報告就預期,過去一年人民幣流出大幅增加,自去年十月銀行涉外人民幣收付款轉為逆差,至今累計淨支付額已高達2萬億元人民幣。因此,人行短期內有必要而且可能為保持人民幣匯率基本穩定,加強對資本流出的管理,將其納入MPA中。她又指,此舉或對離岸人民幣市場發展造成短期影響。
至於MPA,其實乃綜合眾多財務指標,人行是以A、B、C三級制來評估內銀每季業績的穩健狀況,並處以懲罰或獎勵性利率。現有MPA指標體系中,跨境融資風險分為三個指標,包括跨境融資風險加權餘額超出上限的幅度(佔60分)、幣種(佔20分)和期限(佔20分),據指,新增跨境人民幣考核指標後,四項考核指標將各佔25%。
【on.cc東網專訊】 在人民幣貶值和資本流出壓力增大的背景下,人民銀行近期或將採取行動壓止。《財新網》昨引述接近監管層人士消息,人民銀行或將跨境人民幣業務風險管理納入宏觀審慎評估體系(MPA)。
報道所指,將跨境人民幣業務風險管理納入MPA,即是其總收支規模、淨流出額佔該機構的本外幣淨流出額比例,及流出額增速等均視作考核的範圍。《財新網》又引述業內人士稱,人行此舉目的是迫令內地銀行「多做人民幣流入業務,少做人民幣流出業務」,並認為這對內地銀行的威懾力很大,即使利潤高及客戶需求上升,內地銀行在整體國際收支上需重新權衡利弊。
中金首席經濟學家梁紅早前發表研究報告就預期,過去一年人民幣流出大幅增加,自去年十月銀行涉外人民幣收付款轉為逆差,至今累計淨支付額已高達2萬億元人民幣。因此,人行短期內有必要而且可能為保持人民幣匯率基本穩定,加強對資本流出的管理,將其納入MPA中。她又指,此舉或對離岸人民幣市場發展造成短期影響。
至於MPA,其實乃綜合眾多財務指標,人行是以A、B、C三級制來評估內銀每季業績的穩健狀況,並處以懲罰或獎勵性利率。現有MPA指標體系中,跨境融資風險分為三個指標,包括跨境融資風險加權餘額超出上限的幅度(佔60分)、幣種(佔20分)和期限(佔20分),據指,新增跨境人民幣考核指標後,四項考核指標將各佔25%。
喪普,你是股市「災星」還是「福星」?
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國候任總統特朗普未上任,美元已亢奮起來,升至近14年新高,環球股市亦唯獨美股可再創新高,究竟這是好兆頭還是市場表錯情?事實上,現在金融市場前所未有的混亂,聽取名家之言,當然不能只選「啱聽」的一方,以下這些金融界名人的分析,或者可以幫你找出特朗普效應下的「股市方程式」。
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1、美股創新高 其實熊市已到?
美股不斷創新高,道指本周升穿19,000點大關,之後會點?這是否預示美股明天會更好?
美國著名「財演」、近期一直是「大淡友」、9月預警美股或已見歷史新高的Northman Trader創辦人Sven Henrich再度發炮,表示自己之前預計美股8月已見頂,雖然現時再創新高,但要注意不等如牛市未死。他強調,不是為唱淡而唱淡,而是有理由的,熊市恐已悄悄來臨。
【標指】
首先,標指在美國大選正式投票日前,跌破2014年11月的新高位,破壞了上升形態。從本文附上的圖顯示,標指期貨走勢仍是「熊市」模式,現時已升至「上升楔形」阻力。更值得留意的是,「上升楔形」的兩條升軌已相交,更能印證升市已屆尾聲中的尾聲,一旦掉頭,恐怕難以反彈。
所謂的「上升楔形」,是走勢上呈現「上窄下闊」的形態,即反映股市雖上升,但波動範圍逐漸收窄,最終兩條線會相遇,一旦跌穿下線的上升軌,就預示跌市或來臨。「上升楔形」往往是牛市終結的訊號。
儘管標指屢創新高,但觀察到負面訊號,就是成分股處於其50天移動平均線以下的股份遠多於50天線以上的股份,預示僅靠小數股份「撐市」,令大跌市機會十分大。
【羅素2000指數】
代表美國細價股的羅素2000指數亦出現「熊市」特徵。從本文附上的圖顯示,該指數由2009年引申的上升軌早已跌穿,現時只屬跌穿後的「後抽」,已迫近阻力,兼且相對強弱指數(RSI)出現「超買」。
【恐慌指數】
此外,俗稱「恐慌指數」的VIX指數又有異象,反映市場已過度自滿。從本文附上的圖顯示,VIX指數有3個「裂口(GAP)」未填補,而且是在指數頂部,意味金融市場一定會再經歷極度恐慌,因股市大跌,VIX指數才會大升。歷史顯示,所有「裂口」最終會被填補。
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2、最準股災預言家:快沽 股市會跌到唔識彈
以上大淡友「失準」,未夠說服力?著名「股災預言家」、早在去年5月22日中港股民仍陷「大時代」瘋狂時警告環球股災近眼前、之後在去年11月18日及12月16日再預言環球股災開始,結果今年1至2月全球瘋狂拋售、在11月美國總統大選前高呼誰當選股市都要狠插25%的美國前總統列根政府預算總監David Stockman又預警,投資者是時候「賣掉一切」!
他說:「我之前叫大家在總統大選前沽貨,現時股市較當時的呼籲升了約5%,但這是毫無意義,只是機械程式令股市再創新高。於我而言,2017年經濟衰退正來臨,股市只會向下,而且是長期及嚴峻的唔識彈大跌市,將為25年以來最可怕,因已沒有救市招數。」
Stockman為美國前著名官員,被譽為「列根經濟學」之父。更奇的是,每當他警告股災時,股市每每在未來數月內大幅下跌,之後才反彈。
這位「列根經濟學」之父警告,特朗普絕對不能與「列根時代」比較。「列根時代能對症下藥,拉攏國會合作,特朗普根本不能做到兩黨合作。」
值得一提的是,Stockman早於6月時預言特朗普會當選。
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3、美股6大指標 揭示今次「牛市」史上最貴
除了預言家「吹水」,亦有數據支持!美國投資通訊及專欄作家Mark Hulbert本周發現,隨着美股不斷創新高,過去2周已升至「過熱」,而且已遠超過往牛市的狂勢程度。從本文附上的圖顯示,6大用來量度股市過熱的指標均顯示,現時股市相比1900年以來的36次牛市頂部,均「貴」79至95%。以下是6大指標現時的概況:
●PB(市帳率),現時是2.7倍。該指標由1920年代「發明」以來,現水平是過去29次牛市見頂中,高於其中的23次。
●PS(市銷率),現時是1.9倍。該指標由1950年代中期開始,現水平是過去19次牛市見頂中,高於其中的18次。
●股息率,現時是2.1%。自1900年代開始,現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的31次。
●經周期調整後的市盈率(CAPE),現時是26.6倍。該指標是由耶魯大學著名教授席勒所創。自1900年代開始,現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的30次。
●Q比率。該指標是由諾貝爾經濟學奬得主James Tobin編輯,涉及計算資產重置成本。現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的30次。
●市盈率,現時最流行的說法,現時處於24.4倍,高於過去牛市平均數89%。
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4、歐元10連跌+美債息飆=大災難來臨?
除了股市有警號,還有甚麼?美債孳息升至約1年新高;歐元兌美元上周連跌10日,有何啟示?
●美債息急飆!過去20年準確預測危機
今年以來回報表現突出、曾預期環球股市仍會有「終極一跌」的Horseman Global對沖基金公司掌門人Russell Clark警告,過去20年,每次凡有特大危機爆發前,都有一個共同點,就是美債孳息急飆!
從本文附上的圖顯示,美債孳息急飆往往預示危機!包括1987年股災、1994年墨西哥危機、1997年亞洲金融風暴、1999年科網爆破、2007年次按危機、2011年歐債危機、2014年油價見頂。
●歐元10連跌!上次4日後金融海嘯
現時市場甚為關注歐元,因上周創下1999年以來連跌10日的紀錄。花旗分析師Brent Donnelly明言令人不安,因根據歐元兌美元有史以來的17年歷史,連跌10日的情況只發生過一次,就是在2008年9月,當年連跌9日,4天後「雷曼兄弟」就破產,繼而引發金融海嘯。今次呢?
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5、歐央行警告:全球資產調整風險增強
以上專家「吹水」?美股與港股無關?那麼,央行預警又點睇?歐央行本周警告,隨着發達國家政治風險不斷升溫,加上美國通脹上揚令貨幣政策出現變化,已危害歐元區穩定及經濟增長。這不確定因素可以令到「全球」資產市場調整,而且可能性正在強化。
歐央行明確指出:「美國經濟政策轉變,會影響歐元區的金融穩定,今次是高度不確定,因歐元區貿易可能會受美國加息及通脹升溫預期而產生溢出效應。自從美國候任總統特朗普當選後,全球債市1周已蒸發1萬億歐元,歐元區也受累。」
歐央行承認,歐洲銀行正受到考驗,歐元區經濟復甦脆弱及壞帳處於高位,將影響盈利能力,最終風險將蔓延至實體經濟,尤其是債務穩定程度。
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6、特朗普廢TPP 全球大蕭條來臨?
或許有人會問,為何特朗普令人憂慮?本周他表示,上任後第一件事是宣布美國退出跨太平洋戰略經濟夥伴關係協定(TPP)。
所謂TPP,是今年2月4日,美國、日本、澳洲、文萊、加拿大、智利、馬來西亞、墨西哥、新西蘭、新加坡、越南等12個國家,正式簽署協議。在整個環太平洋地區,只有中國、韓國、印尼等少數國家被排除在外。當時分析員普遍認為,對中國而言是重大挫折,因TPP就是下一步全球貿易秩序的基礎,將中國邊緣化。
特朗普把TPP廢了,是要順應美國國內「反全球化」聲音。由於特朗普需要兌現部分競選承諾,他一定要揀最容易實現的,TPP就中正下懷,不用經過國會,靠總統權力就可以推倒,又可以向選民交代。不過,倘若他明年上任後真的廢了TPP,就標誌着全球自由貿易倒退,隨時會令全世界陷入經濟危機!
1929年就是活生生的例子。當時的美國總統胡佛為了履行競選承諾,一意孤行推行貿易保護政策,大幅調升入口貨品關稅,目的是要保護當地農民。
回顧1929年12月,在美股股災的2個月後,胡佛宣稱「經濟形勢基本上是好的」;過了3個月,又說「最壞情況將在60天內結束」。結果呢?1930年5月底,他又說「經濟將在當年秋天恢復正常」;到該年底,他依然說「美國經濟基本沒有受損」。結果呢?1929年股災最後演變成「經濟大蕭條」之餘,全球亦受累,更導致了兩次世界大戰。
好明顯是,胡佛為了兌現承諾,代價不菲。他原來預計頂多受害半年,殊不知「大蕭條」好幾年。如果「有早知」,他就不會簽署這法案。當時不少經濟學家極力反對「保護主義」,最後連企業家也反對,結果苦口婆心也無用。
現時回顧,可能大家也會罵胡佛愚蠢、匪夷所思!不過,現時特朗普也可能是在複製其錯誤。最憂心的是,廢除TPP會引起「反全球化」的骨牌效應。
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7、大好友「唔信邪」:特朗普將創出大牛市
特朗普是否真的那麽可怕?大好友又點睇?華爾街著名的「死硬派大好友」也睇淡!去年8月及今年初大跌市時仍堅稱牛市、不斷叫人低撈、今年4月預測美股遲早創新高、6月英國脫歐公投後仍叫人放心買股的股票研究企業Fundstrat Global Advisors聯合創辦人Tom Lee接受外國傳媒訪問時表示,特朗普的總統任期內美股料將創出大牛市,足以媲美歷史上美股兩段最長的牛市周期。
Tom Lee表示,值得留意是,歷史上持續時間最長的兩輪牛市,分別出現在1953至1974年,以及1982至1999年,都是在共和黨「改革」後發生的。
他續稱,在50年代,時任總統艾森豪威爾擴大基建;至於80年代,列根政府主張減稅和放鬆監管,而這正正就是特朗普競選時主張的政策!
他還指出,雖然大選後金融股已大幅上漲,但該板塊過去7年表現一直落後大市,所以仍有可能在未來5至6年跑贏大市。
正所謂「何為邪鬼何為神,神鬼如何兩不分。」究竟特朗普是「神」還是「鬼」?留待閣下判斷了。
【on.cc東網專訊】 美國候任總統特朗普未上任,美元已亢奮起來,升至近14年新高,環球股市亦唯獨美股可再創新高,究竟這是好兆頭還是市場表錯情?事實上,現在金融市場前所未有的混亂,聽取名家之言,當然不能只選「啱聽」的一方,以下這些金融界名人的分析,或者可以幫你找出特朗普效應下的「股市方程式」。
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1、美股創新高 其實熊市已到?
美股不斷創新高,道指本周升穿19,000點大關,之後會點?這是否預示美股明天會更好?
美國著名「財演」、近期一直是「大淡友」、9月預警美股或已見歷史新高的Northman Trader創辦人Sven Henrich再度發炮,表示自己之前預計美股8月已見頂,雖然現時再創新高,但要注意不等如牛市未死。他強調,不是為唱淡而唱淡,而是有理由的,熊市恐已悄悄來臨。
【標指】
首先,標指在美國大選正式投票日前,跌破2014年11月的新高位,破壞了上升形態。從本文附上的圖顯示,標指期貨走勢仍是「熊市」模式,現時已升至「上升楔形」阻力。更值得留意的是,「上升楔形」的兩條升軌已相交,更能印證升市已屆尾聲中的尾聲,一旦掉頭,恐怕難以反彈。
所謂的「上升楔形」,是走勢上呈現「上窄下闊」的形態,即反映股市雖上升,但波動範圍逐漸收窄,最終兩條線會相遇,一旦跌穿下線的上升軌,就預示跌市或來臨。「上升楔形」往往是牛市終結的訊號。
儘管標指屢創新高,但觀察到負面訊號,就是成分股處於其50天移動平均線以下的股份遠多於50天線以上的股份,預示僅靠小數股份「撐市」,令大跌市機會十分大。
【羅素2000指數】
代表美國細價股的羅素2000指數亦出現「熊市」特徵。從本文附上的圖顯示,該指數由2009年引申的上升軌早已跌穿,現時只屬跌穿後的「後抽」,已迫近阻力,兼且相對強弱指數(RSI)出現「超買」。
【恐慌指數】
此外,俗稱「恐慌指數」的VIX指數又有異象,反映市場已過度自滿。從本文附上的圖顯示,VIX指數有3個「裂口(GAP)」未填補,而且是在指數頂部,意味金融市場一定會再經歷極度恐慌,因股市大跌,VIX指數才會大升。歷史顯示,所有「裂口」最終會被填補。
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2、最準股災預言家:快沽 股市會跌到唔識彈
以上大淡友「失準」,未夠說服力?著名「股災預言家」、早在去年5月22日中港股民仍陷「大時代」瘋狂時警告環球股災近眼前、之後在去年11月18日及12月16日再預言環球股災開始,結果今年1至2月全球瘋狂拋售、在11月美國總統大選前高呼誰當選股市都要狠插25%的美國前總統列根政府預算總監David Stockman又預警,投資者是時候「賣掉一切」!
他說:「我之前叫大家在總統大選前沽貨,現時股市較當時的呼籲升了約5%,但這是毫無意義,只是機械程式令股市再創新高。於我而言,2017年經濟衰退正來臨,股市只會向下,而且是長期及嚴峻的唔識彈大跌市,將為25年以來最可怕,因已沒有救市招數。」
Stockman為美國前著名官員,被譽為「列根經濟學」之父。更奇的是,每當他警告股災時,股市每每在未來數月內大幅下跌,之後才反彈。
這位「列根經濟學」之父警告,特朗普絕對不能與「列根時代」比較。「列根時代能對症下藥,拉攏國會合作,特朗普根本不能做到兩黨合作。」
值得一提的是,Stockman早於6月時預言特朗普會當選。
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3、美股6大指標 揭示今次「牛市」史上最貴
除了預言家「吹水」,亦有數據支持!美國投資通訊及專欄作家Mark Hulbert本周發現,隨着美股不斷創新高,過去2周已升至「過熱」,而且已遠超過往牛市的狂勢程度。從本文附上的圖顯示,6大用來量度股市過熱的指標均顯示,現時股市相比1900年以來的36次牛市頂部,均「貴」79至95%。以下是6大指標現時的概況:
●PB(市帳率),現時是2.7倍。該指標由1920年代「發明」以來,現水平是過去29次牛市見頂中,高於其中的23次。
●PS(市銷率),現時是1.9倍。該指標由1950年代中期開始,現水平是過去19次牛市見頂中,高於其中的18次。
●股息率,現時是2.1%。自1900年代開始,現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的31次。
●經周期調整後的市盈率(CAPE),現時是26.6倍。該指標是由耶魯大學著名教授席勒所創。自1900年代開始,現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的30次。
●Q比率。該指標是由諾貝爾經濟學奬得主James Tobin編輯,涉及計算資產重置成本。現水平是過去36次牛市見頂中,高於其中的30次。
●市盈率,現時最流行的說法,現時處於24.4倍,高於過去牛市平均數89%。
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4、歐元10連跌+美債息飆=大災難來臨?
除了股市有警號,還有甚麼?美債孳息升至約1年新高;歐元兌美元上周連跌10日,有何啟示?
●美債息急飆!過去20年準確預測危機
今年以來回報表現突出、曾預期環球股市仍會有「終極一跌」的Horseman Global對沖基金公司掌門人Russell Clark警告,過去20年,每次凡有特大危機爆發前,都有一個共同點,就是美債孳息急飆!
從本文附上的圖顯示,美債孳息急飆往往預示危機!包括1987年股災、1994年墨西哥危機、1997年亞洲金融風暴、1999年科網爆破、2007年次按危機、2011年歐債危機、2014年油價見頂。
●歐元10連跌!上次4日後金融海嘯
現時市場甚為關注歐元,因上周創下1999年以來連跌10日的紀錄。花旗分析師Brent Donnelly明言令人不安,因根據歐元兌美元有史以來的17年歷史,連跌10日的情況只發生過一次,就是在2008年9月,當年連跌9日,4天後「雷曼兄弟」就破產,繼而引發金融海嘯。今次呢?
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5、歐央行警告:全球資產調整風險增強
以上專家「吹水」?美股與港股無關?那麼,央行預警又點睇?歐央行本周警告,隨着發達國家政治風險不斷升溫,加上美國通脹上揚令貨幣政策出現變化,已危害歐元區穩定及經濟增長。這不確定因素可以令到「全球」資產市場調整,而且可能性正在強化。
歐央行明確指出:「美國經濟政策轉變,會影響歐元區的金融穩定,今次是高度不確定,因歐元區貿易可能會受美國加息及通脹升溫預期而產生溢出效應。自從美國候任總統特朗普當選後,全球債市1周已蒸發1萬億歐元,歐元區也受累。」
歐央行承認,歐洲銀行正受到考驗,歐元區經濟復甦脆弱及壞帳處於高位,將影響盈利能力,最終風險將蔓延至實體經濟,尤其是債務穩定程度。
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6、特朗普廢TPP 全球大蕭條來臨?
或許有人會問,為何特朗普令人憂慮?本周他表示,上任後第一件事是宣布美國退出跨太平洋戰略經濟夥伴關係協定(TPP)。
所謂TPP,是今年2月4日,美國、日本、澳洲、文萊、加拿大、智利、馬來西亞、墨西哥、新西蘭、新加坡、越南等12個國家,正式簽署協議。在整個環太平洋地區,只有中國、韓國、印尼等少數國家被排除在外。當時分析員普遍認為,對中國而言是重大挫折,因TPP就是下一步全球貿易秩序的基礎,將中國邊緣化。
特朗普把TPP廢了,是要順應美國國內「反全球化」聲音。由於特朗普需要兌現部分競選承諾,他一定要揀最容易實現的,TPP就中正下懷,不用經過國會,靠總統權力就可以推倒,又可以向選民交代。不過,倘若他明年上任後真的廢了TPP,就標誌着全球自由貿易倒退,隨時會令全世界陷入經濟危機!
1929年就是活生生的例子。當時的美國總統胡佛為了履行競選承諾,一意孤行推行貿易保護政策,大幅調升入口貨品關稅,目的是要保護當地農民。
回顧1929年12月,在美股股災的2個月後,胡佛宣稱「經濟形勢基本上是好的」;過了3個月,又說「最壞情況將在60天內結束」。結果呢?1930年5月底,他又說「經濟將在當年秋天恢復正常」;到該年底,他依然說「美國經濟基本沒有受損」。結果呢?1929年股災最後演變成「經濟大蕭條」之餘,全球亦受累,更導致了兩次世界大戰。
好明顯是,胡佛為了兌現承諾,代價不菲。他原來預計頂多受害半年,殊不知「大蕭條」好幾年。如果「有早知」,他就不會簽署這法案。當時不少經濟學家極力反對「保護主義」,最後連企業家也反對,結果苦口婆心也無用。
現時回顧,可能大家也會罵胡佛愚蠢、匪夷所思!不過,現時特朗普也可能是在複製其錯誤。最憂心的是,廢除TPP會引起「反全球化」的骨牌效應。
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
7、大好友「唔信邪」:特朗普將創出大牛市
特朗普是否真的那麽可怕?大好友又點睇?華爾街著名的「死硬派大好友」也睇淡!去年8月及今年初大跌市時仍堅稱牛市、不斷叫人低撈、今年4月預測美股遲早創新高、6月英國脫歐公投後仍叫人放心買股的股票研究企業Fundstrat Global Advisors聯合創辦人Tom Lee接受外國傳媒訪問時表示,特朗普的總統任期內美股料將創出大牛市,足以媲美歷史上美股兩段最長的牛市周期。
Tom Lee表示,值得留意是,歷史上持續時間最長的兩輪牛市,分別出現在1953至1974年,以及1982至1999年,都是在共和黨「改革」後發生的。
他續稱,在50年代,時任總統艾森豪威爾擴大基建;至於80年代,列根政府主張減稅和放鬆監管,而這正正就是特朗普競選時主張的政策!
他還指出,雖然大選後金融股已大幅上漲,但該板塊過去7年表現一直落後大市,所以仍有可能在未來5至6年跑贏大市。
正所謂「何為邪鬼何為神,神鬼如何兩不分。」究竟特朗普是「神」還是「鬼」?留待閣下判斷了。
衞計委首評全面2孩:1750萬嬰孩出生符預期
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 中國全面二孩政策於今年1月1日實施,國家衛計委副主任王培安在一個公開場合上表示,2016年出生人口將逾1,750萬,大致相當於2000年前後的人口出生規模,與全面兩孩政策出台時的預判基本脗合。
他又指,2010年以來中國總和生育率在1.54至1.64之間波動。全面兩孩政策實施近一年,累積的生育勢能釋放還需要時間,預計「十三五」期間總和生育率將在1.8左右。
據內地媒體報道,全面二孩實施後,生育二孩不再需要審批,因此衛計委很難掌握準確的二孩生育人數。至於本次衛計委數據,根據計劃生育、住院分娩統計和各省出生人口與孕情資料綜合研判。
【on.cc東網專訊】 中國全面二孩政策於今年1月1日實施,國家衛計委副主任王培安在一個公開場合上表示,2016年出生人口將逾1,750萬,大致相當於2000年前後的人口出生規模,與全面兩孩政策出台時的預判基本脗合。
他又指,2010年以來中國總和生育率在1.54至1.64之間波動。全面兩孩政策實施近一年,累積的生育勢能釋放還需要時間,預計「十三五」期間總和生育率將在1.8左右。
據內地媒體報道,全面二孩實施後,生育二孩不再需要審批,因此衛計委很難掌握準確的二孩生育人數。至於本次衛計委數據,根據計劃生育、住院分娩統計和各省出生人口與孕情資料綜合研判。
中國明年或提延遲退休方案 以緩財政壓力
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 內地媒體引述人社部養老保險司原副司長張建明表示,延遲退休方案原計劃在今年出台,明年進行公示,並保持3至4年的公示期,初步計劃在2021年開始執行。「目前方案還在報批中,預計明年出台方案,並在下屆政府任期推行。」
據了解,延遲退休方案推出,是為緩解養老金的財政壓力,成為養老金改革的一個重要內容。數據顯示,中國參加企業職工養老保險的退休人士逾8,000萬人,平均退休年齡不到55歲,與大多數國家65歲退休的做法相差甚遠。
張建明又指,財政部於1999年首次補貼養老金,金額為4億元人民幣(下同),16年過去,目前財政補貼的規模達到了上千億元,財政支出壓力很大。
財政部早前發布2015年全國社會保險基金決算的報告,顯示2015年收入26,554億元,其中基本養老保險費收入21,096億元,比上年增加2370億元,財政補貼收入3,893億元,比上年增加624億元。
【on.cc東網專訊】 內地媒體引述人社部養老保險司原副司長張建明表示,延遲退休方案原計劃在今年出台,明年進行公示,並保持3至4年的公示期,初步計劃在2021年開始執行。「目前方案還在報批中,預計明年出台方案,並在下屆政府任期推行。」
據了解,延遲退休方案推出,是為緩解養老金的財政壓力,成為養老金改革的一個重要內容。數據顯示,中國參加企業職工養老保險的退休人士逾8,000萬人,平均退休年齡不到55歲,與大多數國家65歲退休的做法相差甚遠。
張建明又指,財政部於1999年首次補貼養老金,金額為4億元人民幣(下同),16年過去,目前財政補貼的規模達到了上千億元,財政支出壓力很大。
財政部早前發布2015年全國社會保險基金決算的報告,顯示2015年收入26,554億元,其中基本養老保險費收入21,096億元,比上年增加2370億元,財政補貼收入3,893億元,比上年增加624億元。
Forget The Pullback, A Legend Connected In China At The Highest Levels Just Predicted Price Of Gold Will Surge More Than A $1,000 From Current Levels
kingworldnews.com
As we approach the end of November, in what has been an extremely tough environment in the gold and silver markets, a legend in the business that is connected in China at the highest levels says forget the pullback and predicted that the price of gold will see a staggering 86 percent spike or more than a $1,000 upside surge.
Price Of Gold To Surge More Than $1,000
By John Ing, Maison Placements
November 26 (King World News) – After the Trump tsunami, predictions including our own were fortunately relegated to the dustbin of history. While visiting Hong Kong, we watched Trump’s victory with gold skyrocketing over $30 and the market meltdown was some 800 points. However, the next morning, gold was off $30 and not the $100 an ounce spike we expected, with the market closing up 300 points.
Everyone hates uncertainty and the Donald’s success as President raised fears of a black hole as the glass that was half full, is now half empty. Rather like his victory, investors saw what they wanted…
His presidential demeanor made the President-elect look, more presidential – he must be president then. Near term, the outcome outweighed the uncertainties. However, the realities of political deal-making and his inevitable fence mending will likely leave investors in the dark for some time.
The Republicans will control the White House and both chambers of Congress. Of course, there is no certainty that the Republicans will support their leader. After all, they did not support him during the election. Bad blood between the two parties is only surmounted by bad blood within their parties. America is divided. To be sure important problems such as the tax code, America’s record debt, infrastructure requirements or even immigration needs fixing. But Mr. Trump is caught in a vicious circle where he will cut taxes and red tape with a focus on domestic issues which will result in higher interest rates, trade tariffs and higher inflation.
The President-elect’s victory was one of the biggest upsets in modern US history, shocking America’s power structure, popular media, Wall Street and just about everybody else, but Main Street. Who knew those so called deplorables would number more than 60 million of Americans?
Trump did. Britain’s vote to leave the European Union and Trump’s victory has fueled concerns that populism is gaining, at the expense of the status quo. The upcoming December 4th Italian constitutional referendum and elections in France and Germany next year are yet another test that could pave the path for another euro exit. In the wake of Trump’s victory, the shifting geopolitical balance will impact globalization, immigration and the establishment, all targets of Mr. Trump.
So many words are wasted on what Trump will or won’t do. The media, Democrats, world leaders and even his own party who were against his election are now giving unsolicited advice on what he should or not do and some even suggest he abandon his freestyling ways that upset the well entrenched and financed political elite. To be sure, Mr. Trump’s every move and tweet will be magnified. The media narrative, as usual has taken a literal view of his previous pronouncements comparing them against recent announcements in a “gotchya” attempt. In essence there are two Trumps, the candidate versus the president. Campaign rhetoric is one thing, the president is another. Which one will surface?
The Apprentice In Waiting
A perfect example is the fear or hype of a full-blown trade war with America’s biggest creditor China, on concerns of a new era of US protectionism. We believe a more practical approach is likely because China is the largest trading partner of the United States. While Mr. Trump threatened to slap a whopping 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports and name the country as a currency manipulator, a fight would boost consumer prices hurting his mainstream constituency in the pocketbook.
More relevant is that China’s $1.3 trillion of US Treasuries could be unloaded pretty quickly, sending interest rates higher which would have a much more negative consequence on the domestic economy. Besides, it seems that every president before him has threatened to impose trade barriers and the most recent, Mr. Obama actually imposed a tariff on Chinese tires which was quickly dismantled when China, in a tit-for-tat move, put its own tariff on US car parts and chicken. This time Apple phones, Boeing airliners and Hollywood movies are in China’s arsenal.
Trump’s tearing up of the TPP, Brexit and the Belgium hold up of the Canada-EU Pact are part of the slippery slope of protectionism, reminiscent of the Dirty Thirties and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act which seized up trade in the Thirties and of course contributed to the Great Depression. Competitive devaluation is one barrier to trade. Tariffs, of course are another. Tariffs still protect Canada’s milk producers for example. The essence of the trade deals is not the loss of jobs but the free flow of goods and services at much lower prices. Tariffs simply subsidize jobs. Today, Canada, Europe, China and the US are reliant on trade. China remains the American’s major trading partner but 80 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States. What our populist leaders will soon discover that by erecting trade barriers, as in the Thirties, they might protect some jobs but those US working class families won’t be able to afford their cars, vacuum cleaners, Walmart or Apple products.
And that is something even Trump can understand.
Simply everyone must take a deep breath and relax. A new day has come and who knows, Mr. Trump might well make a decent president. We believe that China and the United States could actually be facing a new era of cooperation with shared responsibilities for stability in the world.
To be sure, over the next few years, Mr. Xi and Mr.Trump will have numerous opportunities for both strongmen to get to know each other.
After all it took Nixon, that other Republican, to normalize relations with China, which changed the world. The good news is that this non-politician president could act in a business-like manner – he has a transactional mindset, whether it is positive remains to be seen. The bad news, is that no one can tell this apprentice, he is fired.
Yet there were losers. The Mexican peso is off more than 10 percent. US Treasuries took their biggest plunge in five years on fears that Trump will ramp up spending to revive the economy. Other losers were the interest rate sensitive stocks. Gold futures were also losers as gold fell to six month lows on fears of a Yellen interest rate increase in December.
Ironically by reviving growth, inflation will pick up as well which will be good for gold. We believe there is still much uncertainty and the lack of clarity on the policies of the new administration plus the Italian vote in December will keep investors cautious. And while the promised tax cuts plus $1 trillion of spending will be enough to revive the economy, Mr. Trump’s debt binge could go bust.
Global bond markets swooned while the greenback strengthened to 13 year highs as investors bet that Mr. Trump will unveil an inflation fueling economic stimulus package of tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Instead of unconventional central bank monetary policy, it will be replaced by a massive printing exercise that monetizes Treasuries at a time when its creditors are dumping Treasuries. Obviously bonds are in bubble territory and the valuations of equities are rich but noteworthy is that global debt continues to rise from the 2008 crisis, to levels never witnessed before. With higher rates, the cost of debt will rise. Also with Mr. Trump likely to remove the thousands of pages of complex financial regulation and by unwittingly dismantling the nanny state coddling of the banking system, he could leave it exposed for failure. In the past, government rescue plans benefitted a handful of Wall Street firms at the expense of society. This time it may be different.
Inflation is Back
We also believe inflation is more likely. In 2008, central banks experimented with everything from quantitative easing to negative interest rates with debt increasing to record levels, which fueled asset bubbles abroad and at home. Historically, inflation is a product of too much money chasing too few goods. Deflation on the other hand is a symptom of too little money but this time, thanks to the central banks, we have too much money. To be sure, producer prices appear to be edging up as the excess capacity built up in anticipation of a Chinese supercycle finally was extinguished. Oil at $50 a barrel, cheap by the standards of the past decades is still higher than the lows of January. The recent increase occurred not because of OPEC jawboning but because excess capacity was shutdown, finally meeting demand. Similarly, the shutdown of excess coal and steel capacity has resulted in a resurgence of prices. It is clear that with prices stabilizing, the next step is a ratcheting up, as demand increases.
We are at a second inflection point as we move from a deflationary era to a reflationary era. Mr. Trump’s victory will ensure a revival in prices. Eventually, the normal economic rules will prevail and the past extraordinary measures by the central banks, which resulted in an excess supply of dollars will erode the attraction of American money. In the UK too, the likelihood of a sharp rise in inflation is substantial given the plunge in sterling to all-time lows. Britain also faces a £100 billion Brexit budget hole. Exchange rates have become volatile feeding the embers of inflation. We believe this toxic combination of depreciating currencies will catch policymakers unaware. Inflation is back.
Land of Silk and Money
China’s One Belt, One Road project is the largest infrastructure plan in the world, linking over 65 countries along transportation corridors that follow the path of the ancient Silk Road which stretched from China through Central Asia into Europe. While much of the plan is not yet spelled out, Chinese banks and the newly formed Chinese AIIB infrastructure bank are expected to finance a major part of the route.
China has thirty agreements with countries along the route with more to follow. Energy investments in Russia and Central Asia will see pipelines carry the energy into China. The plan emulates the Marshall Plan which was an American initiative to help rebuild the European economies after the war, using America’s spare industrial capacity. The Marshall Plan also entrenched the US dollar in the world’s global architecture which of course benefitted American businesses. The investment in the One Belt, One Road is expected to reach $3 trillion, overshadowing the post World War II Marshall Plan which cost roughly $13 billion.
President Xi Jinpeng has shifted the Chinese economy more towards consumer spending but still capital investment remains key. China ascent to superpower status was driven by a state capitalism system. His One Belt, One Road is expected be a major contributor to businesses, enabling goods and resources to travel from Europe to China on land and sea, financed by the renminbi, making the renminbi more of a convertible currency.
In China, the Singles’ Day shopping extravaganza falls on November 11 that resembles four sticks, and in Chinese, the word for bachelors. November 11 is not a recorded holiday nor does it represent any religious or political association but in China, thanks to Alibaba, it is a celebration of singlehood and consumerism. Alibaba has turned the day into 24 hours of frenzied online shopping that encourages consumerism and this year surpassed $17 billion of gross merchandising value. Online sales made up almost 12 percent of China’s total sales in the first nine months of this year. Of course the use of smart phones has resulted in an increase in spending. Of interest is that the courier business delivered an estimated billion packages. China’s economy is alive.
Make Gold Great Again
Uncertainty in Mr. Trump’s book, is a strength. In making America Great Again, there are also downsides. Mr. Trump threatens to undo America’s hegemony and dismantle the global architecture that saw US national interests embedded in the international economic and financial system. It is expected that while Trump is preoccupied with domestic issues, China will fill the void moving the axis in the now-stalled 12 nation Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which accounts for 40 percent of the world economy, from the United States to China. TPP was to be about the US showing leadership in the regime. Backing away will help accelerate the decline of US influence. Already America’s global power is threatened by China and other rising states, like Persian states demanding a stronger voice in managing the international financial system. China is set to assume leadership in this new monetary order.
There is no question that debt has skyrocketed just about everywhere else. The IMF calculates world debt at 225 percent of gross domestic product including combined public and private debt. To be sure debtors have benefited from ultralow interest rates and in fact there is an inducement to borrow even more. However, should interest rates edge up as they inevitably will, debtors will lose the ability to repay. One of Mr. Trump’s biggest problem is money. The United States is $20 trillion in debt and large deficits will be the norm. We believe questions will arise about the United State’s fiscal sustainability, particularly given Trump’s stimulus plans, usage of debt and offhanded comments about renegotiating America’s debt. The dollar’s strength is transitory.
We believe Trump’s election is an inflection point and the dollar, once considered a haven, is vulnerable. In the Forties, the British pound was the haven currency because of Britain’s balance sheet, military might and strong alliances. However, the cost of war saw the US replace Britain as the world’s superpower with the dollar replacing the pound. In a déjà vu moment, America’s record debt is set to grow, her alliances are threatened and a protectionist stance could push its creditors who have now the power to topple the dollar’s reserve status. Gold would be a good thing to have then.
Central Banks, Creators and Controllers
For years, we have warned about fiat money, particularly after almost a decade of unconventional monetary policies. We believe the era of paper money and its loss of value is finally coming to an end as well as the tenure of their alchemists, the central banks. Their role is under review. Markets have become distorted by the flood of paper currencies created by the central bankers in their war on savers, hoping to get them to spend. Negative rates was the latest move, but now India has demonetized their existing 500 and 1,000 rupees currency notes (valued at $7.50 and $15.00 respectively) causing a spike in gold purchases.
These notes make up about 85 percent of India’s total currency supply and were deemed worthless to eliminate the black market and the hoarding of cash. Such a shock treatment has been seen before in Germany, the Soviet Union and recently Zimbabwe. The currency crunch and confiscation of wealth in India is a symptom of money not being money and a war on savers. Then there is Sweden’s Riksbank, the world’s oldest central bank, considering moving away from cash to a digital currency. Central banks are part of the problem. They were once stewards of money but having created money, now want to control money.
“The dollar is our currency, but it’s your problem”. That is what US Treasury Secretary John Connally said to his peers at the Rome G-10 meeting in November 1971, right after President Nixon ended the dollar’s convertibility into gold which made the greenback, the world’s reserve currency. Since then the dollar reigned supreme, protected by a system of trade tariffs but came under pressure twice as tariffs were dismantled.
Creditors sought other currencies and gold to protect themselves from the flood of dollars that allowed America to consume beyond its means. Today, America can no longer finance its debt domestically. Thus, the dollar’s hegemonic role is being questioned by America’s creditors and there are clamors for a new monetary order. We believe gold is a good thing to have. It is a hedge against monetary disorder and protection against the central banks’ growing move to control savings and money. No wonder there is a shortage of gold.
Gold A Hedge Against Debt Monetization
And, around the globe, the carry trade of borrowing dollars, investing the proceeds in higher- yielding bonds elsewhere is particularly risky. Floating currencies have been in a stealth currency war. China, the biggest trader has seen its currency decline some 6 percent. The US is the world’s biggest debtor. The potential nightmare is that America’s trading partners, in particular Asia tire of buying US Treasury bonds and then the flood of paper could swamp the market. To be sure an adjustment is necessary and inevitable. Meantime the general tone is darkening.
Gold was money for thousands of years but in the last 50 years, gold has been relegated to the monetary sidelines. However, China and Russia have been accumulating gold every month for the past 20 months as a protector and hedge against the stacks of dollars they hold in reserves.
The coming inflection point is that a Trump announcement or attempt to fix the system may have collateral damage of a lower US dollar, particularly when borrowers seek to get liquid or when creditors worried about repayment, trigger massive distress selling. The herd instinct would take place here. Gold is a good thing to have against debt remonetization, currency devaluation and the expected pickup in inflation. We continue to believe gold will reach $2,200 per ounce, within 18 months.
King World News note: John Ing is connected in China at the highest levels and it is interesting that he is going against the herd of pessimism and anti-gold propaganda by issuing such a remarkable prediction. For gold to skyrocket more than $1,000 from current levels would represent a jaw-dropping 86 percent surge. One thing is certain, gold is in a secular bull market and no amount of manipulation by Western central banks or mainstream media anti-gold propaganda can stop it. This bull market in gold will end the way all bull market do — in a mania.
As we approach the end of November, in what has been an extremely tough environment in the gold and silver markets, a legend in the business that is connected in China at the highest levels says forget the pullback and predicted that the price of gold will see a staggering 86 percent spike or more than a $1,000 upside surge.
Price Of Gold To Surge More Than $1,000
By John Ing, Maison Placements
November 26 (King World News) – After the Trump tsunami, predictions including our own were fortunately relegated to the dustbin of history. While visiting Hong Kong, we watched Trump’s victory with gold skyrocketing over $30 and the market meltdown was some 800 points. However, the next morning, gold was off $30 and not the $100 an ounce spike we expected, with the market closing up 300 points.
Everyone hates uncertainty and the Donald’s success as President raised fears of a black hole as the glass that was half full, is now half empty. Rather like his victory, investors saw what they wanted…
His presidential demeanor made the President-elect look, more presidential – he must be president then. Near term, the outcome outweighed the uncertainties. However, the realities of political deal-making and his inevitable fence mending will likely leave investors in the dark for some time.
The Republicans will control the White House and both chambers of Congress. Of course, there is no certainty that the Republicans will support their leader. After all, they did not support him during the election. Bad blood between the two parties is only surmounted by bad blood within their parties. America is divided. To be sure important problems such as the tax code, America’s record debt, infrastructure requirements or even immigration needs fixing. But Mr. Trump is caught in a vicious circle where he will cut taxes and red tape with a focus on domestic issues which will result in higher interest rates, trade tariffs and higher inflation.
The President-elect’s victory was one of the biggest upsets in modern US history, shocking America’s power structure, popular media, Wall Street and just about everybody else, but Main Street. Who knew those so called deplorables would number more than 60 million of Americans?
Trump did. Britain’s vote to leave the European Union and Trump’s victory has fueled concerns that populism is gaining, at the expense of the status quo. The upcoming December 4th Italian constitutional referendum and elections in France and Germany next year are yet another test that could pave the path for another euro exit. In the wake of Trump’s victory, the shifting geopolitical balance will impact globalization, immigration and the establishment, all targets of Mr. Trump.
So many words are wasted on what Trump will or won’t do. The media, Democrats, world leaders and even his own party who were against his election are now giving unsolicited advice on what he should or not do and some even suggest he abandon his freestyling ways that upset the well entrenched and financed political elite. To be sure, Mr. Trump’s every move and tweet will be magnified. The media narrative, as usual has taken a literal view of his previous pronouncements comparing them against recent announcements in a “gotchya” attempt. In essence there are two Trumps, the candidate versus the president. Campaign rhetoric is one thing, the president is another. Which one will surface?
The Apprentice In Waiting
A perfect example is the fear or hype of a full-blown trade war with America’s biggest creditor China, on concerns of a new era of US protectionism. We believe a more practical approach is likely because China is the largest trading partner of the United States. While Mr. Trump threatened to slap a whopping 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports and name the country as a currency manipulator, a fight would boost consumer prices hurting his mainstream constituency in the pocketbook.
More relevant is that China’s $1.3 trillion of US Treasuries could be unloaded pretty quickly, sending interest rates higher which would have a much more negative consequence on the domestic economy. Besides, it seems that every president before him has threatened to impose trade barriers and the most recent, Mr. Obama actually imposed a tariff on Chinese tires which was quickly dismantled when China, in a tit-for-tat move, put its own tariff on US car parts and chicken. This time Apple phones, Boeing airliners and Hollywood movies are in China’s arsenal.
Trump’s tearing up of the TPP, Brexit and the Belgium hold up of the Canada-EU Pact are part of the slippery slope of protectionism, reminiscent of the Dirty Thirties and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act which seized up trade in the Thirties and of course contributed to the Great Depression. Competitive devaluation is one barrier to trade. Tariffs, of course are another. Tariffs still protect Canada’s milk producers for example. The essence of the trade deals is not the loss of jobs but the free flow of goods and services at much lower prices. Tariffs simply subsidize jobs. Today, Canada, Europe, China and the US are reliant on trade. China remains the American’s major trading partner but 80 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States. What our populist leaders will soon discover that by erecting trade barriers, as in the Thirties, they might protect some jobs but those US working class families won’t be able to afford their cars, vacuum cleaners, Walmart or Apple products.
And that is something even Trump can understand.
Simply everyone must take a deep breath and relax. A new day has come and who knows, Mr. Trump might well make a decent president. We believe that China and the United States could actually be facing a new era of cooperation with shared responsibilities for stability in the world.
To be sure, over the next few years, Mr. Xi and Mr.Trump will have numerous opportunities for both strongmen to get to know each other.
After all it took Nixon, that other Republican, to normalize relations with China, which changed the world. The good news is that this non-politician president could act in a business-like manner – he has a transactional mindset, whether it is positive remains to be seen. The bad news, is that no one can tell this apprentice, he is fired.
Yet there were losers. The Mexican peso is off more than 10 percent. US Treasuries took their biggest plunge in five years on fears that Trump will ramp up spending to revive the economy. Other losers were the interest rate sensitive stocks. Gold futures were also losers as gold fell to six month lows on fears of a Yellen interest rate increase in December.
Ironically by reviving growth, inflation will pick up as well which will be good for gold. We believe there is still much uncertainty and the lack of clarity on the policies of the new administration plus the Italian vote in December will keep investors cautious. And while the promised tax cuts plus $1 trillion of spending will be enough to revive the economy, Mr. Trump’s debt binge could go bust.
Global bond markets swooned while the greenback strengthened to 13 year highs as investors bet that Mr. Trump will unveil an inflation fueling economic stimulus package of tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Instead of unconventional central bank monetary policy, it will be replaced by a massive printing exercise that monetizes Treasuries at a time when its creditors are dumping Treasuries. Obviously bonds are in bubble territory and the valuations of equities are rich but noteworthy is that global debt continues to rise from the 2008 crisis, to levels never witnessed before. With higher rates, the cost of debt will rise. Also with Mr. Trump likely to remove the thousands of pages of complex financial regulation and by unwittingly dismantling the nanny state coddling of the banking system, he could leave it exposed for failure. In the past, government rescue plans benefitted a handful of Wall Street firms at the expense of society. This time it may be different.
Inflation is Back
We also believe inflation is more likely. In 2008, central banks experimented with everything from quantitative easing to negative interest rates with debt increasing to record levels, which fueled asset bubbles abroad and at home. Historically, inflation is a product of too much money chasing too few goods. Deflation on the other hand is a symptom of too little money but this time, thanks to the central banks, we have too much money. To be sure, producer prices appear to be edging up as the excess capacity built up in anticipation of a Chinese supercycle finally was extinguished. Oil at $50 a barrel, cheap by the standards of the past decades is still higher than the lows of January. The recent increase occurred not because of OPEC jawboning but because excess capacity was shutdown, finally meeting demand. Similarly, the shutdown of excess coal and steel capacity has resulted in a resurgence of prices. It is clear that with prices stabilizing, the next step is a ratcheting up, as demand increases.
We are at a second inflection point as we move from a deflationary era to a reflationary era. Mr. Trump’s victory will ensure a revival in prices. Eventually, the normal economic rules will prevail and the past extraordinary measures by the central banks, which resulted in an excess supply of dollars will erode the attraction of American money. In the UK too, the likelihood of a sharp rise in inflation is substantial given the plunge in sterling to all-time lows. Britain also faces a £100 billion Brexit budget hole. Exchange rates have become volatile feeding the embers of inflation. We believe this toxic combination of depreciating currencies will catch policymakers unaware. Inflation is back.
Land of Silk and Money
China’s One Belt, One Road project is the largest infrastructure plan in the world, linking over 65 countries along transportation corridors that follow the path of the ancient Silk Road which stretched from China through Central Asia into Europe. While much of the plan is not yet spelled out, Chinese banks and the newly formed Chinese AIIB infrastructure bank are expected to finance a major part of the route.
China has thirty agreements with countries along the route with more to follow. Energy investments in Russia and Central Asia will see pipelines carry the energy into China. The plan emulates the Marshall Plan which was an American initiative to help rebuild the European economies after the war, using America’s spare industrial capacity. The Marshall Plan also entrenched the US dollar in the world’s global architecture which of course benefitted American businesses. The investment in the One Belt, One Road is expected to reach $3 trillion, overshadowing the post World War II Marshall Plan which cost roughly $13 billion.
President Xi Jinpeng has shifted the Chinese economy more towards consumer spending but still capital investment remains key. China ascent to superpower status was driven by a state capitalism system. His One Belt, One Road is expected be a major contributor to businesses, enabling goods and resources to travel from Europe to China on land and sea, financed by the renminbi, making the renminbi more of a convertible currency.
In China, the Singles’ Day shopping extravaganza falls on November 11 that resembles four sticks, and in Chinese, the word for bachelors. November 11 is not a recorded holiday nor does it represent any religious or political association but in China, thanks to Alibaba, it is a celebration of singlehood and consumerism. Alibaba has turned the day into 24 hours of frenzied online shopping that encourages consumerism and this year surpassed $17 billion of gross merchandising value. Online sales made up almost 12 percent of China’s total sales in the first nine months of this year. Of course the use of smart phones has resulted in an increase in spending. Of interest is that the courier business delivered an estimated billion packages. China’s economy is alive.
Make Gold Great Again
Uncertainty in Mr. Trump’s book, is a strength. In making America Great Again, there are also downsides. Mr. Trump threatens to undo America’s hegemony and dismantle the global architecture that saw US national interests embedded in the international economic and financial system. It is expected that while Trump is preoccupied with domestic issues, China will fill the void moving the axis in the now-stalled 12 nation Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which accounts for 40 percent of the world economy, from the United States to China. TPP was to be about the US showing leadership in the regime. Backing away will help accelerate the decline of US influence. Already America’s global power is threatened by China and other rising states, like Persian states demanding a stronger voice in managing the international financial system. China is set to assume leadership in this new monetary order.
There is no question that debt has skyrocketed just about everywhere else. The IMF calculates world debt at 225 percent of gross domestic product including combined public and private debt. To be sure debtors have benefited from ultralow interest rates and in fact there is an inducement to borrow even more. However, should interest rates edge up as they inevitably will, debtors will lose the ability to repay. One of Mr. Trump’s biggest problem is money. The United States is $20 trillion in debt and large deficits will be the norm. We believe questions will arise about the United State’s fiscal sustainability, particularly given Trump’s stimulus plans, usage of debt and offhanded comments about renegotiating America’s debt. The dollar’s strength is transitory.
We believe Trump’s election is an inflection point and the dollar, once considered a haven, is vulnerable. In the Forties, the British pound was the haven currency because of Britain’s balance sheet, military might and strong alliances. However, the cost of war saw the US replace Britain as the world’s superpower with the dollar replacing the pound. In a déjà vu moment, America’s record debt is set to grow, her alliances are threatened and a protectionist stance could push its creditors who have now the power to topple the dollar’s reserve status. Gold would be a good thing to have then.
Central Banks, Creators and Controllers
For years, we have warned about fiat money, particularly after almost a decade of unconventional monetary policies. We believe the era of paper money and its loss of value is finally coming to an end as well as the tenure of their alchemists, the central banks. Their role is under review. Markets have become distorted by the flood of paper currencies created by the central bankers in their war on savers, hoping to get them to spend. Negative rates was the latest move, but now India has demonetized their existing 500 and 1,000 rupees currency notes (valued at $7.50 and $15.00 respectively) causing a spike in gold purchases.
These notes make up about 85 percent of India’s total currency supply and were deemed worthless to eliminate the black market and the hoarding of cash. Such a shock treatment has been seen before in Germany, the Soviet Union and recently Zimbabwe. The currency crunch and confiscation of wealth in India is a symptom of money not being money and a war on savers. Then there is Sweden’s Riksbank, the world’s oldest central bank, considering moving away from cash to a digital currency. Central banks are part of the problem. They were once stewards of money but having created money, now want to control money.
“The dollar is our currency, but it’s your problem”. That is what US Treasury Secretary John Connally said to his peers at the Rome G-10 meeting in November 1971, right after President Nixon ended the dollar’s convertibility into gold which made the greenback, the world’s reserve currency. Since then the dollar reigned supreme, protected by a system of trade tariffs but came under pressure twice as tariffs were dismantled.
Creditors sought other currencies and gold to protect themselves from the flood of dollars that allowed America to consume beyond its means. Today, America can no longer finance its debt domestically. Thus, the dollar’s hegemonic role is being questioned by America’s creditors and there are clamors for a new monetary order. We believe gold is a good thing to have. It is a hedge against monetary disorder and protection against the central banks’ growing move to control savings and money. No wonder there is a shortage of gold.
Gold A Hedge Against Debt Monetization
And, around the globe, the carry trade of borrowing dollars, investing the proceeds in higher- yielding bonds elsewhere is particularly risky. Floating currencies have been in a stealth currency war. China, the biggest trader has seen its currency decline some 6 percent. The US is the world’s biggest debtor. The potential nightmare is that America’s trading partners, in particular Asia tire of buying US Treasury bonds and then the flood of paper could swamp the market. To be sure an adjustment is necessary and inevitable. Meantime the general tone is darkening.
Gold was money for thousands of years but in the last 50 years, gold has been relegated to the monetary sidelines. However, China and Russia have been accumulating gold every month for the past 20 months as a protector and hedge against the stacks of dollars they hold in reserves.
The coming inflection point is that a Trump announcement or attempt to fix the system may have collateral damage of a lower US dollar, particularly when borrowers seek to get liquid or when creditors worried about repayment, trigger massive distress selling. The herd instinct would take place here. Gold is a good thing to have against debt remonetization, currency devaluation and the expected pickup in inflation. We continue to believe gold will reach $2,200 per ounce, within 18 months.
King World News note: John Ing is connected in China at the highest levels and it is interesting that he is going against the herd of pessimism and anti-gold propaganda by issuing such a remarkable prediction. For gold to skyrocket more than $1,000 from current levels would represent a jaw-dropping 86 percent surge. One thing is certain, gold is in a secular bull market and no amount of manipulation by Western central banks or mainstream media anti-gold propaganda can stop it. This bull market in gold will end the way all bull market do — in a mania.
銀公:港人幣資金池將逐步增加
文匯報
香港文匯報訊(記者 吳靜儀)銀行公會署理主席譚何錦文昨表示,市場預期美國加息在即。美元持續走強,離岸人民幣兌美元一度創新低,目前香港人民幣資金池錄得輕微下跌,預料短期內人民幣兌美元有機會進一步下跌,令香港人民幣存款繼續下降。不過她相信,長遠而言,由於人民幣正式納入特別提款權(SDR)及在人民幣國際化推進下,無論香港或其他離岸市場的人民幣資金池均會逐步增加。
人幣兌一籃子貨幣相對穩定
她又指,雖然人民幣持續貶值,但在過去幾個月,CFETS人民幣匯率指數亦能保持窄幅上落,反映人民幣兌一籃子的貨幣相對穩定。近日中國經濟數據轉趨穩定,工業生產穩步上升,投資意慾亦加快,預期人民幣兌一籃子貨幣的匯價,將會繼續保持相對穩定。譚何錦文續稱,人民幣貶值對出口為主行業,會有較正面的影響,如刺激行業的銷售;亦不排除會有更多資金南下香港,投資股票市場、房地產等。
距離港銀加息仍有一段時間
至於息口方面,她稱,近日倫敦同業拆息上升,反映美國在12月的加息預期;過去一個月期及三個月期香港銀行同業拆息,同樣錄得輕微上升,但由於目前香港銀行體系結餘維持接近2,600億元的高水平,因此對香港資金狀況十分樂觀。她指,以往經驗來說,當最優惠利率及同業拆息之間,有3厘至4厘的息差,銀行才會考慮調整最優惠利率。在過去3個月,銀行同業拆息及最優惠利率仍有超過4厘的差距,因此,距離銀行上調最優惠利率仍有一段時間。
譚何錦文又表示,由於銀行同業拆息的升幅仍十分溫和,相信短期內,對於業主影響有限。不過由於市場正預期美國加息步伐會加快,因此提醒市民在考慮置業時,需審慎計算個人的負擔能力,及可承受風險的能力。
另外,她提到政府加辣僅3個星期,暫時未見明顯影響樓價及按揭宗數;地產代理提供的數據反映二手物業交投明顯減少,預期此影響會很快表現在銀行業務上。
香港文匯報訊(記者 吳靜儀)銀行公會署理主席譚何錦文昨表示,市場預期美國加息在即。美元持續走強,離岸人民幣兌美元一度創新低,目前香港人民幣資金池錄得輕微下跌,預料短期內人民幣兌美元有機會進一步下跌,令香港人民幣存款繼續下降。不過她相信,長遠而言,由於人民幣正式納入特別提款權(SDR)及在人民幣國際化推進下,無論香港或其他離岸市場的人民幣資金池均會逐步增加。
人幣兌一籃子貨幣相對穩定
她又指,雖然人民幣持續貶值,但在過去幾個月,CFETS人民幣匯率指數亦能保持窄幅上落,反映人民幣兌一籃子的貨幣相對穩定。近日中國經濟數據轉趨穩定,工業生產穩步上升,投資意慾亦加快,預期人民幣兌一籃子貨幣的匯價,將會繼續保持相對穩定。譚何錦文續稱,人民幣貶值對出口為主行業,會有較正面的影響,如刺激行業的銷售;亦不排除會有更多資金南下香港,投資股票市場、房地產等。
距離港銀加息仍有一段時間
至於息口方面,她稱,近日倫敦同業拆息上升,反映美國在12月的加息預期;過去一個月期及三個月期香港銀行同業拆息,同樣錄得輕微上升,但由於目前香港銀行體系結餘維持接近2,600億元的高水平,因此對香港資金狀況十分樂觀。她指,以往經驗來說,當最優惠利率及同業拆息之間,有3厘至4厘的息差,銀行才會考慮調整最優惠利率。在過去3個月,銀行同業拆息及最優惠利率仍有超過4厘的差距,因此,距離銀行上調最優惠利率仍有一段時間。
譚何錦文又表示,由於銀行同業拆息的升幅仍十分溫和,相信短期內,對於業主影響有限。不過由於市場正預期美國加息步伐會加快,因此提醒市民在考慮置業時,需審慎計算個人的負擔能力,及可承受風險的能力。
另外,她提到政府加辣僅3個星期,暫時未見明顯影響樓價及按揭宗數;地產代理提供的數據反映二手物業交投明顯減少,預期此影響會很快表現在銀行業務上。
不滿工作環境 倫敦地鐵司機下月罷工24小時
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 英國鐵路海事及運輸工會宣布,倫敦地鐵司機將於下月6日,由晚上9時半起,罷工24小時。據工會日前透露,這次發起工業行動,主要由於不滿一些路線的工作環境所致。
工會日前表示,地鐵司機被置於一個脆弱的工作環境,在別無選擇的情況下,揭露事件,避免造成進一步損害。勞資雙方的調解機構(Mike Cash)稱,他們仍然歡迎談判,而地鐵方面則指,工會過早作出罷工決定,而他們已提出化解糾紛方案,現正等待工會回覆。
南部鐵路火車公司的員工早前也決定,下月6日舉行工業行動,為期2天,而該公司職員亦有意在12月22至24日,以及12月31至明年1月2日,進行工業行動,抗議公司取消列車稽查人員,由司機一人控制整部列車運作,擔心會進一步裁員,和影響公眾安全。
【on.cc東網專訊】 英國鐵路海事及運輸工會宣布,倫敦地鐵司機將於下月6日,由晚上9時半起,罷工24小時。據工會日前透露,這次發起工業行動,主要由於不滿一些路線的工作環境所致。
工會日前表示,地鐵司機被置於一個脆弱的工作環境,在別無選擇的情況下,揭露事件,避免造成進一步損害。勞資雙方的調解機構(Mike Cash)稱,他們仍然歡迎談判,而地鐵方面則指,工會過早作出罷工決定,而他們已提出化解糾紛方案,現正等待工會回覆。
南部鐵路火車公司的員工早前也決定,下月6日舉行工業行動,為期2天,而該公司職員亦有意在12月22至24日,以及12月31至明年1月2日,進行工業行動,抗議公司取消列車稽查人員,由司機一人控制整部列車運作,擔心會進一步裁員,和影響公眾安全。
做淡人仔都要輸!邊間大行咁「𤓓」?
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 近期人民幣持續走弱,在市場一致看淡下,卻有「大行」因做空人民幣而招致損失。
內媒報道,摩根士丹利本月10日的報告中推薦通過無本金交割遠期(NDF)的方式做空離岸人民幣/印度盧比,入場價位9.92,目標9.6,止損9.98。據此計算,這筆交易計劃獲利3.22%,止損空間為0.6%。
但不幸的是,大摩的入場價剛好落在市場低位上。
美國大選後亞洲貨幣兌美元匯價紛紛展現下跌勢頭,當然包括人民幣和印度盧比,但後者的跌幅更大,導致人民幣對盧比價格事實上上漲。
大摩至本周五止損,大摩認虧0.6%,黯然離場。
大摩對上述交易總結只有一句話:「我們止損了做空離岸人民幣/印度盧比NDF的交易,印度盧比對美元比我們預期的更敏感,對美元的跌幅大於離岸人民幣。」
【on.cc東網專訊】 近期人民幣持續走弱,在市場一致看淡下,卻有「大行」因做空人民幣而招致損失。
內媒報道,摩根士丹利本月10日的報告中推薦通過無本金交割遠期(NDF)的方式做空離岸人民幣/印度盧比,入場價位9.92,目標9.6,止損9.98。據此計算,這筆交易計劃獲利3.22%,止損空間為0.6%。
但不幸的是,大摩的入場價剛好落在市場低位上。
美國大選後亞洲貨幣兌美元匯價紛紛展現下跌勢頭,當然包括人民幣和印度盧比,但後者的跌幅更大,導致人民幣對盧比價格事實上上漲。
大摩至本周五止損,大摩認虧0.6%,黯然離場。
大摩對上述交易總結只有一句話:「我們止損了做空離岸人民幣/印度盧比NDF的交易,印度盧比對美元比我們預期的更敏感,對美元的跌幅大於離岸人民幣。」
2016年11月25日 星期五
等到了!深港通12月5日啟動 共涉1298股份
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 中港證券監管機構聯合公布,深港通於12月5日正式啟動,為第2階段的中港股市互聯互通揭開新的一頁。其中,深股通可供買賣股份有881隻,港股通可供買賣股份有417隻,兩地共有1,298隻股份可供買賣。
有「港A股專家」之稱的招銀國際資產管理投資董事鄭磊表示,港股將受惠深港通開通,預期今年國企指數可上望13,500點,即現價計約有近4成潛在上升空間。「原因是之前國指走勢較恒指健康,要上的話應該會更順利」;建議重點布局優質中小型紅籌股及H股。
他並預期,一旦聯儲局加息令資金流出港股,可望由內地資金全部抵銷。深港通開通後,港股正常情況下日均成交應該約2,000億元,當中內地背景資金佔比會由目前約3成增至5成;屆時歐美及內地資金將「各玩各」,前者傳統領域是大股,反觀中小股將益顯內地風格,中資不久將取得其定價權,「東風壓倒西風」步伐會加快。
倘香港投資者要投資深圳股票,鄭磊建議必須徹底改變觀念,除以基本面為股票的估值定下底線,還要盯盤及做波段性操作,再持有1、2年就可以。而深圳股市「新經濟概念股」較香港多,同時相關企業經營還是挺好,新技術、消費、醫藥醫療3個板塊比較值得去看。
百達資產管理高級副總裁謝志豪表示,深港通是一個「互補」、「各取所需」的概念,不同於海外投資者關注深市的「新經濟」概念股,內地基金會吼藍籌股,特別是一些高息股,以及熟悉而南下有折讓的中國企業;原因是內地已有甚多高增長的選擇,內地機構投資者和險企等「北水」,不用為此特別來港。因此,銀行股有機會成為「北水」最愛。
至於內地散戶,他們最關注是辛苦賺來的人民幣會否貶值,就算拿到外面投資,都未必揀選高增長或高風險的股份,因此,同樣藍籌和派息股是他們的首選。
謝志豪預期,深港通開通後,「北水南下」將多過「南水北上」。倘香港投資者要在高增長概念的深市揀股,可以發掘「國策下要革新及追上成熟市場」的科技,如機械人科技;創新科技背後的支援產業,如電池,其技術不但能支援中國,也可打入外國市場。
他又提到,中國一直爭取MSCI明晟將A股納入指數,以吸引資金流入,市值較大者會備受外資青睞,科技股有中興通訊(000063.SZ)(00763);工業股有中航飛機(000768.SZ);消費股有美的集團(000333.SZ)、格力電器(000651.SZ)和萬達院線(002739.SZ);鋰電池股有天齊鋰業(002466.SZ)。
回顧滬港通於2014年11月17日開通,之後各界均關注深港通何時通車。其中最傳奇的是,於2015年11月初,人民銀行在其官方網站發表行長周小川的一篇文章,表示2014年股市推出滬港通,2015年還要推出深港通,一度令市場熱議深港通有望在2015年底前通車。不過,隨後人行在網頁上澄清,該文摘自周小川於「5月27日」在人行「三嚴三實」專題教育黨課上的講話,令市場空歡喜一場。
其後在2016年3月12日,有記者追問中證監主席劉士余「深港通今年會不會通?」他以「肯定通」回應。此後深港通多次傳出啟動時間,例如會在7月1日香港回歸紀念日公布、又例如在國家領導人訪港時或公布,結果一一落空。
直至近日,港交所行政總裁李小加直言,深港通將於短期內公布開通,但不知道確實日子。
【on.cc東網專訊】 中港證券監管機構聯合公布,深港通於12月5日正式啟動,為第2階段的中港股市互聯互通揭開新的一頁。其中,深股通可供買賣股份有881隻,港股通可供買賣股份有417隻,兩地共有1,298隻股份可供買賣。
有「港A股專家」之稱的招銀國際資產管理投資董事鄭磊表示,港股將受惠深港通開通,預期今年國企指數可上望13,500點,即現價計約有近4成潛在上升空間。「原因是之前國指走勢較恒指健康,要上的話應該會更順利」;建議重點布局優質中小型紅籌股及H股。
他並預期,一旦聯儲局加息令資金流出港股,可望由內地資金全部抵銷。深港通開通後,港股正常情況下日均成交應該約2,000億元,當中內地背景資金佔比會由目前約3成增至5成;屆時歐美及內地資金將「各玩各」,前者傳統領域是大股,反觀中小股將益顯內地風格,中資不久將取得其定價權,「東風壓倒西風」步伐會加快。
倘香港投資者要投資深圳股票,鄭磊建議必須徹底改變觀念,除以基本面為股票的估值定下底線,還要盯盤及做波段性操作,再持有1、2年就可以。而深圳股市「新經濟概念股」較香港多,同時相關企業經營還是挺好,新技術、消費、醫藥醫療3個板塊比較值得去看。
百達資產管理高級副總裁謝志豪表示,深港通是一個「互補」、「各取所需」的概念,不同於海外投資者關注深市的「新經濟」概念股,內地基金會吼藍籌股,特別是一些高息股,以及熟悉而南下有折讓的中國企業;原因是內地已有甚多高增長的選擇,內地機構投資者和險企等「北水」,不用為此特別來港。因此,銀行股有機會成為「北水」最愛。
至於內地散戶,他們最關注是辛苦賺來的人民幣會否貶值,就算拿到外面投資,都未必揀選高增長或高風險的股份,因此,同樣藍籌和派息股是他們的首選。
謝志豪預期,深港通開通後,「北水南下」將多過「南水北上」。倘香港投資者要在高增長概念的深市揀股,可以發掘「國策下要革新及追上成熟市場」的科技,如機械人科技;創新科技背後的支援產業,如電池,其技術不但能支援中國,也可打入外國市場。
他又提到,中國一直爭取MSCI明晟將A股納入指數,以吸引資金流入,市值較大者會備受外資青睞,科技股有中興通訊(000063.SZ)(00763);工業股有中航飛機(000768.SZ);消費股有美的集團(000333.SZ)、格力電器(000651.SZ)和萬達院線(002739.SZ);鋰電池股有天齊鋰業(002466.SZ)。
回顧滬港通於2014年11月17日開通,之後各界均關注深港通何時通車。其中最傳奇的是,於2015年11月初,人民銀行在其官方網站發表行長周小川的一篇文章,表示2014年股市推出滬港通,2015年還要推出深港通,一度令市場熱議深港通有望在2015年底前通車。不過,隨後人行在網頁上澄清,該文摘自周小川於「5月27日」在人行「三嚴三實」專題教育黨課上的講話,令市場空歡喜一場。
其後在2016年3月12日,有記者追問中證監主席劉士余「深港通今年會不會通?」他以「肯定通」回應。此後深港通多次傳出啟動時間,例如會在7月1日香港回歸紀念日公布、又例如在國家領導人訪港時或公布,結果一一落空。
直至近日,港交所行政總裁李小加直言,深港通將於短期內公布開通,但不知道確實日子。
變種木馬呃認證 手機「自拍」洩密
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 新型手機銀行木馬程式,殺入香港!銀行木馬程式過往甚少針對某些地區,但專門為香港「度身訂造」的變種木馬程式,例如「Acecard」,近月殺入香港,多人中招。它可偽裝成Google Play、WhatsApp或Line,甚至銀行程式,以認證為藉口,誘騙用戶自拍身份證明文件,還指明要提交香港身份證資料,也有新變種以新加坡為目標。香港金管局證實接獲有銀行報告有關未經授權的網上股票交易,不排除部分是不法之徒,透過流動裝置上的惡意程式竊取進行交易。警方提醒市民,不要下載來源或性質可疑的程式。
該款稱為「Acecard」的銀行木馬程式,主要針對Android用家,騙取客戶網上理財資料,它會截取短訊內容,一旦用戶開啟某些網上理財或交易程式時,木馬會彈出一些虛假視窗,誘騙用戶輸入個人資料及信用卡號碼。它可偽裝成Google Play、WhatsApp、Line等手機常用程式,運作方式與其他的銀行木馬相似,當用戶下載並安裝已嵌入木馬程式時,它便會潛藏在手機內。
據國際電腦防毒公司Kaspersky的報告,香港已有4個銀行程式成為目標。它最近更出現新變種,以確認身份作為幌子,要求用戶手持身份證明文件自拍上傳。在過去3個月,香港曾位列最常受Acecard攻擊城市第8位。
另一間國際電腦防毒公司McAfee的報告指出,Acecard更會要求中招用戶,提交香港身份證資料,可見它針對攻擊香港手機用戶;而新變種亦以新加坡手機用戶作為攻擊目標。
Kaspersky香港總代理Lapcom總經理郭偉僑指出,遭攻擊的手機用戶中,香港用戶佔約1%。他提醒手機用戶要加倍小心,有需要時可安裝防毒程式保障手機。
金融管理局因應去年銀行已發現可疑流動應用程式的報告增加,去年更新電子銀行服務指引,並在網頁加入了「可疑流動應用程式」分類,今年至今,共有4次相關報告。發言人指有接獲銀行報告關於未經授權的網上股票交易,懷疑一些客戶密碼被盜用;受影響的客戶,不一定知悉其密碼被盜用的原因,不排除部分可能是不法之徒透過流動裝置上的惡意程式竊取。此外,警方提醒市民,不要下載來源或性質可疑的軟件和應用程式。
【on.cc東網專訊】 新型手機銀行木馬程式,殺入香港!銀行木馬程式過往甚少針對某些地區,但專門為香港「度身訂造」的變種木馬程式,例如「Acecard」,近月殺入香港,多人中招。它可偽裝成Google Play、WhatsApp或Line,甚至銀行程式,以認證為藉口,誘騙用戶自拍身份證明文件,還指明要提交香港身份證資料,也有新變種以新加坡為目標。香港金管局證實接獲有銀行報告有關未經授權的網上股票交易,不排除部分是不法之徒,透過流動裝置上的惡意程式竊取進行交易。警方提醒市民,不要下載來源或性質可疑的程式。
該款稱為「Acecard」的銀行木馬程式,主要針對Android用家,騙取客戶網上理財資料,它會截取短訊內容,一旦用戶開啟某些網上理財或交易程式時,木馬會彈出一些虛假視窗,誘騙用戶輸入個人資料及信用卡號碼。它可偽裝成Google Play、WhatsApp、Line等手機常用程式,運作方式與其他的銀行木馬相似,當用戶下載並安裝已嵌入木馬程式時,它便會潛藏在手機內。
據國際電腦防毒公司Kaspersky的報告,香港已有4個銀行程式成為目標。它最近更出現新變種,以確認身份作為幌子,要求用戶手持身份證明文件自拍上傳。在過去3個月,香港曾位列最常受Acecard攻擊城市第8位。
另一間國際電腦防毒公司McAfee的報告指出,Acecard更會要求中招用戶,提交香港身份證資料,可見它針對攻擊香港手機用戶;而新變種亦以新加坡手機用戶作為攻擊目標。
Kaspersky香港總代理Lapcom總經理郭偉僑指出,遭攻擊的手機用戶中,香港用戶佔約1%。他提醒手機用戶要加倍小心,有需要時可安裝防毒程式保障手機。
金融管理局因應去年銀行已發現可疑流動應用程式的報告增加,去年更新電子銀行服務指引,並在網頁加入了「可疑流動應用程式」分類,今年至今,共有4次相關報告。發言人指有接獲銀行報告關於未經授權的網上股票交易,懷疑一些客戶密碼被盜用;受影響的客戶,不一定知悉其密碼被盜用的原因,不排除部分可能是不法之徒透過流動裝置上的惡意程式竊取。此外,警方提醒市民,不要下載來源或性質可疑的軟件和應用程式。
Harvey Organ Holiday Report: HUGE RAID!
金銀價繼續回吐, 要等12月美息走勢才可以知金銀價是升定落 !
有可能美加息後金銀價會反彈 !
www.silverdoctors.comMASSIVE RAID ON GOLD AND SILVER BY THE CROOKED BANKERS/ HUGE DROP IN THE YUAN VALUE, THE YEN VALUE, INTEREST RATES SHOOT UP AGAIN WITH THE 10 YR AT 2.36
In silver, the total open interest ROSE by 709 contracts UP to 168,952 with YESTERDAY’S trading. In ounces, the OI is still represented by just less THAN 1 BILLION oz i.e. .844 BILLION TO BE EXACT or 120% of annual global silver production (ex Russia & ex China).
In November, in silver, 0 notice(s) filings: FOR NIL OZ
In gold, the total comex gold FELL by 21,657 contracts DESPITE THE RISE IN THE PRICE OF GOLD ($1.10 with yesterday’s trading ).The total gold OI stands at 461,062 contracts. The gold specs have been blown out of the water
In gold: we had 16 notice(s) filed for 1600 oz
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With respect to our two criminal funds, the GLD and the SLV:GLD:
We had another huge change in tonnes of gold at the GLD, a withdrawal of 4.66 tonnes of gold
Inventory rests tonight: 904.91 tonnes
.
SLV
we HAD A HUGE CHANGE at the SLV/. A WITHDRAWAL OF 3.083 MILLION OZ
THE SLV Inventory rests at: 347.099million oz
2016年11月24日 星期四
ECB Warns There Is "Significant Risk Of Abrupt Market Reversal"
www.zerohedge.com
One week after the BIS issued an unexpectedly stern, if completely ignored warning, that the surge in the USD is leading to an abrupt tightening in financial conditions around the globe, making the repayment of trillions in USD-denominated cross-border debt increasingly more difficult and suggesting that the Dollar index itself is the new "fear indicator", overnight another central bank, the European Central Bank warned that the risk of "abrupt" global asset market corrections "have intensified" on the back of rising political uncertainty, posing a threat to banks, stability and economic growth.
“More volatility in the near future is likely and the potential for an abrupt reversal remains significant amid heightened political uncertainty around the globe and underlying emerging market vulnerabilities,” the ECB warned in its twice-yearly Financial Stability Review published on Thursday.
“Elevated geopolitical tensions and heightened political uncertainty amid busy electoral calendars in major advanced economies have the potential to reignite global risk aversion and to trigger a major confidence shock.”
The good news is that “despite relatively volatile global
financial markets, bank and sovereign systemic stress indicators for the
euro area have remained fairly stable at low levels.”
The ECB also warned about the risk of a return of market pressure on the region’s highly-indebted countries as the spread of populism hinders reforms. “Higher political uncertainty may lead to more domestically focused, growth-hindering policy agendas,” the report said. “This, in turn, could delay much needed fiscal and structural reforms and could in a worst-case scenario reignite pressures on more vulnerable sovereigns” and that “concerns about debt sustainability might re-emerge despite relatively benign financial market conditions.”
It also cautioned about Europe's failure to address its hundreds of billions in NPLs, noting that “banking sector structural challenges stem from high stocks of non-performing loans, high operating costs and excess capacity, with different incidence across countries.”
Speaking at a press conference in Frankfurt, ECB Vice President Vitor Constancio said that “we are in a new phase of weaker world trade” and that “if, on top of that, there would be a wave of protectionist measures, world trade, and world growth would suffer.” Constancio confirmed that the despite the risk build-up, the ECB still sees euro-area growth around 1.6 percent in 2017, with inflation rising to about 1.25 percent in the spring. Even so, he stressed that some of the region’s lenders remain weak and need to continue addressing excessive costs and a high burden of non-performing costs.
Ultimately, the ECB threw the problem at the politicians' feet, warning them that if they succumb to "populist" whims, i.e., democracy, then all bets are off and the ECB's "whatever it takes" will be retracted: “Higher political uncertainty may lead to more domestically focused, growth-hindering policy agendas. This, in turn, could delay much needed fiscal and structural reforms and could in a worst-case scenario reignite pressures on more vulnerable sovereigns.”
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 據外國傳媒報道,歐央行警告,隨着發達國家政治風險不斷升溫,加上美國通脹上揚令貨幣政策出現變化,已危害歐元區穩定及經濟增長。這不確定因素可以令到「全球」資產市場調整,而且可能性正在強化。
歐央行明確指出:「美國經濟政策轉變,會影響歐元區的金融穩定,今次是高度不確定,因歐元區貿易可能會受美國加息及通脹升溫預期而產生溢出效應。自從美國候任總統特朗普當選後,全球債市1周已蒸發1萬億歐元,歐元區也受累。」
歐央行承認,歐洲銀行正受到考驗,歐元區經濟復甦脆弱及壞帳處於高位,將影響盈利能力,最終風險將蔓延至實體經濟,尤其是債務穩定程度。
「溢出效應」是指某事物的發展帶動了其他方面的發展。
One week after the BIS issued an unexpectedly stern, if completely ignored warning, that the surge in the USD is leading to an abrupt tightening in financial conditions around the globe, making the repayment of trillions in USD-denominated cross-border debt increasingly more difficult and suggesting that the Dollar index itself is the new "fear indicator", overnight another central bank, the European Central Bank warned that the risk of "abrupt" global asset market corrections "have intensified" on the back of rising political uncertainty, posing a threat to banks, stability and economic growth.
“More volatility in the near future is likely and the potential for an abrupt reversal remains significant amid heightened political uncertainty around the globe and underlying emerging market vulnerabilities,” the ECB warned in its twice-yearly Financial Stability Review published on Thursday.
“Elevated geopolitical tensions and heightened political uncertainty amid busy electoral calendars in major advanced economies have the potential to reignite global risk aversion and to trigger a major confidence shock.”
In its report, the ECB
warned about the recent period of dramatic, unexpected political results
that started with the Brexit vote and culminated with Donald Trump’s
victory, which have increased volatility and herald profound
economic-policy changes whose implications for the euro area are still
hard to gauge.
“Financial stability implications for the euro
area stemming from changes in U.S. economic policies are highly
uncertain at this point in time.”
The Central bank noted out that while the currency bloc’s economy and
financial system have remained resilient so far, more political
instability in coming months may put pressure on weak banks and
countries with high sovereign debt.
The ECB also focused on domestic banks and admitted that “vulnerabilities remain significant for euro-area banks,”
confirming the ongoing Deutsche Bank lament that “profitability
prospects overall remain low across the euro area in a subdued economic
growth environment.” The good news is that - largely unexpectedly - the
Trump victory has spurred a pick-up in bank stocks as investors saw the
risk of ever tighter regulation recede. If sustained, this would
“provide some support for euro area banks’ profitability prospects,”
according to the ECB. The ECB also said that steeper yield curves “may
provide some support for euro-area banks’ profitability prospects."
The ECB also warned about the risk of a return of market pressure on the region’s highly-indebted countries as the spread of populism hinders reforms. “Higher political uncertainty may lead to more domestically focused, growth-hindering policy agendas,” the report said. “This, in turn, could delay much needed fiscal and structural reforms and could in a worst-case scenario reignite pressures on more vulnerable sovereigns” and that “concerns about debt sustainability might re-emerge despite relatively benign financial market conditions.”
It also cautioned about Europe's failure to address its hundreds of billions in NPLs, noting that “banking sector structural challenges stem from high stocks of non-performing loans, high operating costs and excess capacity, with different incidence across countries.”
Speaking at a press conference in Frankfurt, ECB Vice President Vitor Constancio said that “we are in a new phase of weaker world trade” and that “if, on top of that, there would be a wave of protectionist measures, world trade, and world growth would suffer.” Constancio confirmed that the despite the risk build-up, the ECB still sees euro-area growth around 1.6 percent in 2017, with inflation rising to about 1.25 percent in the spring. Even so, he stressed that some of the region’s lenders remain weak and need to continue addressing excessive costs and a high burden of non-performing costs.
Ultimately, the ECB threw the problem at the politicians' feet, warning them that if they succumb to "populist" whims, i.e., democracy, then all bets are off and the ECB's "whatever it takes" will be retracted: “Higher political uncertainty may lead to more domestically focused, growth-hindering policy agendas. This, in turn, could delay much needed fiscal and structural reforms and could in a worst-case scenario reignite pressures on more vulnerable sovereigns.”
【on.cc東網專訊】 據外國傳媒報道,歐央行警告,隨着發達國家政治風險不斷升溫,加上美國通脹上揚令貨幣政策出現變化,已危害歐元區穩定及經濟增長。這不確定因素可以令到「全球」資產市場調整,而且可能性正在強化。
歐央行明確指出:「美國經濟政策轉變,會影響歐元區的金融穩定,今次是高度不確定,因歐元區貿易可能會受美國加息及通脹升溫預期而產生溢出效應。自從美國候任總統特朗普當選後,全球債市1周已蒸發1萬億歐元,歐元區也受累。」
歐央行承認,歐洲銀行正受到考驗,歐元區經濟復甦脆弱及壞帳處於高位,將影響盈利能力,最終風險將蔓延至實體經濟,尤其是債務穩定程度。
「溢出效應」是指某事物的發展帶動了其他方面的發展。
Relentless Dollar Surge Continues: Asian Currencies Plunge To 7 Year Lows, Hitting Emerging Markets
www.zerohedge.com
While most global equity markets were subdued due to the US Thaksgiving holiday, the FX world was very busy overnight, marked by the relentless dollar surge on expectations of a rate hike not only in December but further in 2017, sending Asian currencies to the weakest level in 7 years: the Bloomberg-JPMorgan Asia Dollar Index reached 103.32, the lowest level since March 2009.
The regional FX plunge will likely deter regional central banks from easing monetary policies as the prospects of higher U.S. rates spurred capital outflows according to Toru Nishihama, an emerging-market economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute who added that depreciating currencies are making it very hard for central banks to ease on concerns about inflationary pressure and acceleration of fund outflows.
The dollar also pushed its way past more of last year's peaks against the euro to hit $1.0550 in early European action, with only the March 2015 high of $1.0457 standing in the way of a drive toward parity, likewise the yen skidded to an eight-month low and China's yuan to an 8-1/2 year low, while the highly sensitive Turkish lira and Indian rupee hit new historic troughs, although the USD has since given up some of the gains.
"There doesn't seem to be anything stopping U.S. yields going higher in the near-term so I think people are going to stay on the dollar trend," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.
"The only risk to this are that the dislocations in markets outside of the U.S., particularly in emerging markets, get to a point where they start to feed back into concerns (for the Federal Reserve as it looks to raise interest rates)," he said.
While so far US equity markets have ignored the jump in the DXY to a near 14 year highs, dollar gains reverberated through emerging markets. India’s rupee and Vietnam’s dong slid to records, while the Philippine peso dropped to its weakest level in eight years. In Turkey, the lira rebounded from an all-time low after the central bank unexpectedly raised interest rates, although even that move has now been faded. Copper’s surge pulled a gauge of commodities higher for a fourth day, the longest rally in a month. Rosneft PJSC approved a $17 billion bond program, the biggest ever by a Russian company as the nation’s largest oil producer refinances debt. Copper was set to close at its highest level in more than a year.
As Bloomberg writes this morning, central banks worldwide are being pushed to take action in the face of the stronger dollar.
In Turkey, policy makers opted to support the nation’s beleaguered currency, while the European Central Bank warned that the risk of an abrupt global market correction on the back of rising political uncertainty has intensified, posing a threat to banks, stability and economic growth. The market odds of a December rate hike in the U.S. are 100 percent and traders are adding to bets that Fed Chair Janet Yellen will lead further action in 2017. U.S. equity benchmarks extended records last session before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The dollar has been really strong in anticipation of Yellen’s move next month and that strength in the U.S. dollar is ultimately going to mean that emerging-market assets would be seen as disadvantaged,” said Nicholas Teo, a strategist at KGI Fraser Securities in Singapore.
The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.1 percent, while Japan’s Topix index climbed for a 10th straight day, on the back of the ongoing surge in the USDJPY, its longest streak since June 2015. Europe’s top equity market this month, Greece, is giving signs of overheating: A technical indicator hit its most-overbought level since October 2013, meaning that gains might have come too quickly to be maintained.
US equity futures were unchanged at 2201.
European sovereign bonds were broadly higher as ECB Governing Council Member Francois Villeroy de Galhau was quoted by Expansion as saying the central bank was mulling many options for its debt-purchase program. They partially reversed a selloff from Wednesday that was fueled by a report that the ECB is planning to lend out securities in an effort to boost bond-market liquidity and reduce shortages in the repurchase market. France’s 10-year bond yield fell three basis points to 0.76 percent. Portugal led gains in the region, with the nation’s 10-year yield falling nine basis points to 3.59 percent. Indonesia’s 10-year sovereign bonds retreated for a sixth day, sending yields to the highest since March 2.
While most global equity markets were subdued due to the US Thaksgiving holiday, the FX world was very busy overnight, marked by the relentless dollar surge on expectations of a rate hike not only in December but further in 2017, sending Asian currencies to the weakest level in 7 years: the Bloomberg-JPMorgan Asia Dollar Index reached 103.32, the lowest level since March 2009.
The regional FX plunge will likely deter regional central banks from easing monetary policies as the prospects of higher U.S. rates spurred capital outflows according to Toru Nishihama, an emerging-market economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute who added that depreciating currencies are making it very hard for central banks to ease on concerns about inflationary pressure and acceleration of fund outflows.
The dollar also pushed its way past more of last year's peaks against the euro to hit $1.0550 in early European action, with only the March 2015 high of $1.0457 standing in the way of a drive toward parity, likewise the yen skidded to an eight-month low and China's yuan to an 8-1/2 year low, while the highly sensitive Turkish lira and Indian rupee hit new historic troughs, although the USD has since given up some of the gains.
"There doesn't seem to be anything stopping U.S. yields going higher in the near-term so I think people are going to stay on the dollar trend," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.
"The only risk to this are that the dislocations in markets outside of the U.S., particularly in emerging markets, get to a point where they start to feed back into concerns (for the Federal Reserve as it looks to raise interest rates)," he said.
While so far US equity markets have ignored the jump in the DXY to a near 14 year highs, dollar gains reverberated through emerging markets. India’s rupee and Vietnam’s dong slid to records, while the Philippine peso dropped to its weakest level in eight years. In Turkey, the lira rebounded from an all-time low after the central bank unexpectedly raised interest rates, although even that move has now been faded. Copper’s surge pulled a gauge of commodities higher for a fourth day, the longest rally in a month. Rosneft PJSC approved a $17 billion bond program, the biggest ever by a Russian company as the nation’s largest oil producer refinances debt. Copper was set to close at its highest level in more than a year.
As Bloomberg writes this morning, central banks worldwide are being pushed to take action in the face of the stronger dollar.
In Turkey, policy makers opted to support the nation’s beleaguered currency, while the European Central Bank warned that the risk of an abrupt global market correction on the back of rising political uncertainty has intensified, posing a threat to banks, stability and economic growth. The market odds of a December rate hike in the U.S. are 100 percent and traders are adding to bets that Fed Chair Janet Yellen will lead further action in 2017. U.S. equity benchmarks extended records last session before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The dollar has been really strong in anticipation of Yellen’s move next month and that strength in the U.S. dollar is ultimately going to mean that emerging-market assets would be seen as disadvantaged,” said Nicholas Teo, a strategist at KGI Fraser Securities in Singapore.
The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.1 percent, while Japan’s Topix index climbed for a 10th straight day, on the back of the ongoing surge in the USDJPY, its longest streak since June 2015. Europe’s top equity market this month, Greece, is giving signs of overheating: A technical indicator hit its most-overbought level since October 2013, meaning that gains might have come too quickly to be maintained.
US equity futures were unchanged at 2201.
European sovereign bonds were broadly higher as ECB Governing Council Member Francois Villeroy de Galhau was quoted by Expansion as saying the central bank was mulling many options for its debt-purchase program. They partially reversed a selloff from Wednesday that was fueled by a report that the ECB is planning to lend out securities in an effort to boost bond-market liquidity and reduce shortages in the repurchase market. France’s 10-year bond yield fell three basis points to 0.76 percent. Portugal led gains in the region, with the nation’s 10-year yield falling nine basis points to 3.59 percent. Indonesia’s 10-year sovereign bonds retreated for a sixth day, sending yields to the highest since March 2.
港人低估退休開支 銀髮月光族機率急升!
好多年無講過了: 小心惡性通脹 !
money18.on.cc想退休?但低估退休後開支,分分鐘變成「銀髮月光族」!康宏金融集團一項退休調查發現,香港人理想的平均退休年齡係58.2歲,有16.3%仲打算50歲之前就「退落嚟」,而且愈後生的就愈想早退休。
然而,受訪者嚴重低估退休後的每月開支,只預計退休之後每個月使1.26萬港元,較政府估計的2.26萬元存巨額落差。換言之,好有可能加入銀髮大隊後唔夠錢「搣」,隨時成為「銀髮月光族」!
調查又發現,有33%受訪者未為退休做準備,平均去到29.3歲先開始為退休進行儲蓄。而就算有準備,當中有37.9%只係依靠強積金做退休投資工具,可悲嘅係,大家認為自己份強積金只係夠「搣」6.4年,所以有92%認為強積金唔夠支撐退休生活。
香港樓價租金升到嘭嘭聲,調查亦發現,有43.9%受訪者認為退休後的最大開支係房屋,而且今年對住屋的憂慮更甚,較去年大幅增加7.2%;另兩大退休開支為醫療(54.4%)同日常生活使費(52.5%)。
調查由康宏金融集團委託機構於9月至10月電話訪問了802名強積金供款人。
Putin "Buys The Dip" - Russia's Gold Buying In October Largest This Millenium
www.zerohedge.com
Submitted by Mark O'Byrne via GoldCore.com,
Russia gold buying accelerated in October with the Russian central bank buying a very large 48 metric tonnes or 1.3 million ounces of gold bullion.
This is the largest addition of gold to the Russian monetary reserves since 1998 and could be seen as a parting 'gift' by Putin to his rival ex-President Obama.
Commerzbank went with the simple explanation:
However, the Russian Central Bank has quietly been buying huge volumes of gold over the last 10 years. This diversification into gold accelerated since the financial crisis and since relations with the U.S. deteriorated in recent years. Russia bought gold systematically both when the ruble was strong and when it was weak.
In 2015, Russia added a record 208 tons of gold to her reserves compared with 172 tons for 2014.
According to the World Gold Council, only the central banks of the U.S., Germany, Italy, France and China currently hold larger gold reserves than Russia.
The Central Bank of Russia has outpaced the People's Bank of China (PBOC) by nearly 150 tonnes in the last seven years, and has been the world’s largest central bank buyer of gold reserves for some time. This trend is expected to continue.
Total gold mining production globally is around 3,200 metric tonnes per year. Thus, Russia's purchase of 48 metric tonnes is around 1.5% of total annual global gold production. This is a very large amount for one country to buy in just one month.
Some of the gold bought will have come from Russian gold production which is currently at about 26 metric tonnes per month. In 2014, Russia was the third largest gold miner in the world at 266.2 tonnes, just six tonnes short of Australia in second place and China in first place.
The Russian central bank is buying all of Russian gold production and sometimes buying gold on the international market. This demand is solely from the Russian central bank. There is little data regarding investor, high net worth (HNW) and ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals including family offices who are diversifying into gold in Russia.
Russia is an increasingly wealthy nation with thousands of millionaires and hundreds of billionaires including mega rich oligarchs. It seems likely that some of these Russian investors are also diversifying into gold. Clearly, Russia puts great strategic importance on its gold reserves. Both Prime Minister Medvedev and President Putin have been photographed on numerous occasions holding gold bars and coins. The Russian central bank declared in May 2015 that Russia views gold bullion as “100% guarantee from legal and political risks.”
Submitted by Mark O'Byrne via GoldCore.com,
Russia gold buying accelerated in October with the Russian central bank buying a very large 48 metric tonnes or 1.3 million ounces of gold bullion.
This is the largest addition of gold to the Russian monetary reserves since 1998 and could be seen as a parting 'gift' by Putin to his rival ex-President Obama.
The Russian central bank gold purchase is the biggest monthly gold purchase of this millennium.
Concerns about systemic risk, currency wars and the devaluation of the
dollar, euro and other major currencies has led to ongoing
diversification into gold bullion purchases by large creditor nation
central banks such as Russia and China.
Commerzbank went with the simple explanation:
“Clearly the central bank was taking advantage of the stronger ruble – which has made gold cheaper in local currency – to buy more gold.”
“By contrast, the Chinese central bank bought only around four tons of gold last month – the second-lowest gold purchases since China began publishing monthly figures back in June 2015. The currency is likely to have played a role here, too – the yuan has been depreciating noticeably since the end of September.”
However, the Russian Central Bank has quietly been buying huge volumes of gold over the last 10 years. This diversification into gold accelerated since the financial crisis and since relations with the U.S. deteriorated in recent years. Russia bought gold systematically both when the ruble was strong and when it was weak.
In 2015, Russia added a record 208 tons of gold to her reserves compared with 172 tons for 2014.
According to the World Gold Council, only the central banks of the U.S., Germany, Italy, France and China currently hold larger gold reserves than Russia.
The Central Bank of Russia has outpaced the People's Bank of China (PBOC) by nearly 150 tonnes in the last seven years, and has been the world’s largest central bank buyer of gold reserves for some time. This trend is expected to continue.
Total gold mining production globally is around 3,200 metric tonnes per year. Thus, Russia's purchase of 48 metric tonnes is around 1.5% of total annual global gold production. This is a very large amount for one country to buy in just one month.
Some of the gold bought will have come from Russian gold production which is currently at about 26 metric tonnes per month. In 2014, Russia was the third largest gold miner in the world at 266.2 tonnes, just six tonnes short of Australia in second place and China in first place.
The Russian central bank is buying all of Russian gold production and sometimes buying gold on the international market. This demand is solely from the Russian central bank. There is little data regarding investor, high net worth (HNW) and ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals including family offices who are diversifying into gold in Russia.
Russia is an increasingly wealthy nation with thousands of millionaires and hundreds of billionaires including mega rich oligarchs. It seems likely that some of these Russian investors are also diversifying into gold. Clearly, Russia puts great strategic importance on its gold reserves. Both Prime Minister Medvedev and President Putin have been photographed on numerous occasions holding gold bars and coins. The Russian central bank declared in May 2015 that Russia views gold bullion as “100% guarantee from legal and political risks.”
人仔貶值 深圳海關頻截港客走私人民幣出境
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 人民幣匯率持續波動之際,深圳海關今日(23日)通報,該關今年1至10月在口岸旅檢渠道查獲貨幣案件高達1012宗,案值折合1.71億元人民幣(約1.9億港元),同比增長分別為38.8%和24.5%。深圳海關近日亦接連在羅湖、福田等口岸,查獲違規及走私攜帶人民幣出境案件,部分案件現金高達100萬元人民幣(約112萬港元),另有多宗案件涉及香港旅客。深圳海關表示,目前不排除有「地下錢莊」利用水貨客偷帶進行跨境洗錢,又指此類行為嚴重破壞內地金融秩序,海關將予以嚴厲打擊。
根據通報,內地羅湖海關關員今日下午例行抽查時,發現一名香港女旅客出境時未向海關申報,以手提包攜帶3綑新簇簇的人民幣現金,每綑10萬元人民幣(約11.2萬港元),合共30萬元人民幣(約33.6萬港元)。該女子辯稱,該筆現金是為了到香港裝修房子用。羅湖海關按規定放行當中2萬元人民幣(約2.2萬港元)後,超帶部分已立案處理。
無獨有偶,羅湖海關於周日(20日)下午亦在一名香港旅客的斜背包內,查獲超帶23萬元人民幣(約25.8萬港元)。約1小時後,再在另一名香港旅客的背囊內查獲超帶28萬元人民幣(約31.4萬港元),用牛皮紙包裹着;當事人聲稱,因近期人民幣貶值,故攜帶至境外兌換或理財。上述案件因數額較大,均已被海關相關部門立案處理。
深圳海關負責人指,在查獲的貨幣案件中,有相當一部分的當事人是專門幫人攜帶,並以此非法牟利,故不排除是有「地下錢莊」利用水客偷帶進行跨境洗錢,而這類水客也被稱為「金融螞蟻」,是海關嚴厲打擊的重點對象之一。
深圳海關表示,海關將實時關注人民幣、美元等主要貨幣匯率變動情況,總結查獲貨幣案件的時段、幣種、攜帶人群等訊息,有針對性地打擊高風險人群,特別是重點打擊以收取代工費為目的走私集團。
此外,海關亦將加強與邊檢、公安、稅務、工商、銀行、外匯管理局等部門的配合,建立訊息通報和案件移交機制,收集「地下錢莊」等非法組織走私貨幣的情報,共同分析總結高風險旅客入境時段、穿着特徵等情況,實現聯合防治、精確打擊。
【on.cc東網專訊】 人民幣匯率持續波動之際,深圳海關今日(23日)通報,該關今年1至10月在口岸旅檢渠道查獲貨幣案件高達1012宗,案值折合1.71億元人民幣(約1.9億港元),同比增長分別為38.8%和24.5%。深圳海關近日亦接連在羅湖、福田等口岸,查獲違規及走私攜帶人民幣出境案件,部分案件現金高達100萬元人民幣(約112萬港元),另有多宗案件涉及香港旅客。深圳海關表示,目前不排除有「地下錢莊」利用水貨客偷帶進行跨境洗錢,又指此類行為嚴重破壞內地金融秩序,海關將予以嚴厲打擊。
根據通報,內地羅湖海關關員今日下午例行抽查時,發現一名香港女旅客出境時未向海關申報,以手提包攜帶3綑新簇簇的人民幣現金,每綑10萬元人民幣(約11.2萬港元),合共30萬元人民幣(約33.6萬港元)。該女子辯稱,該筆現金是為了到香港裝修房子用。羅湖海關按規定放行當中2萬元人民幣(約2.2萬港元)後,超帶部分已立案處理。
無獨有偶,羅湖海關於周日(20日)下午亦在一名香港旅客的斜背包內,查獲超帶23萬元人民幣(約25.8萬港元)。約1小時後,再在另一名香港旅客的背囊內查獲超帶28萬元人民幣(約31.4萬港元),用牛皮紙包裹着;當事人聲稱,因近期人民幣貶值,故攜帶至境外兌換或理財。上述案件因數額較大,均已被海關相關部門立案處理。
深圳海關負責人指,在查獲的貨幣案件中,有相當一部分的當事人是專門幫人攜帶,並以此非法牟利,故不排除是有「地下錢莊」利用水客偷帶進行跨境洗錢,而這類水客也被稱為「金融螞蟻」,是海關嚴厲打擊的重點對象之一。
深圳海關表示,海關將實時關注人民幣、美元等主要貨幣匯率變動情況,總結查獲貨幣案件的時段、幣種、攜帶人群等訊息,有針對性地打擊高風險人群,特別是重點打擊以收取代工費為目的走私集團。
此外,海關亦將加強與邊檢、公安、稅務、工商、銀行、外匯管理局等部門的配合,建立訊息通報和案件移交機制,收集「地下錢莊」等非法組織走私貨幣的情報,共同分析總結高風險旅客入境時段、穿着特徵等情況,實現聯合防治、精確打擊。
2016年11月23日 星期三
科技券正式推出
www.itf.gov.hk
科技券計劃旨在資助本地中小型企業(下稱「中小企」)使用科技服務和方案,以提高生產力或升級轉型。計劃由創新及科技基金提供五億港元設立,從2016年11月起先推行三年。
符合以下條件的企業均可提出申請:
科技券計劃就科技服務和方案的項目提供資助,以助申請企業提高生產力或升級轉型。科技券計劃涵蓋的典型科技服務及/或方案列表載於申請指南的附件二。申請企業可提出其他能達到科技券計劃目標的科技服務及方案。申請科技券計劃資助的企業,必須事先獲得批准,方可開始推行項目。
何謂科技券計劃?
科技券計劃旨在資助本地中小型企業(下稱「中小企」)使用科技服務和方案,以提高生產力或升級轉型。計劃由創新及科技基金提供五億港元設立,從2016年11月起先推行三年。
誰合資格提出申請?
符合以下條件的企業均可提出申請:
- 根據《商業登記條例》(第310章)在香港登記;
- 在本港有實質業務運作最少一年,而該業務在提交申請時須與申請項目相關;及
- 符合政府訂明的中小企定義,即在申請科技券計劃時,在本港僱用少於100人的製造業企業,或在本港僱用少於50人的非製造業企業。
什麼類型的項目能獲得科技券計劃資助?
科技券計劃就科技服務和方案的項目提供資助,以助申請企業提高生產力或升級轉型。科技券計劃涵蓋的典型科技服務及/或方案列表載於申請指南的附件二。申請企業可提出其他能達到科技券計劃目標的科技服務及方案。申請科技券計劃資助的企業,必須事先獲得批准,方可開始推行項目。
東京初雪 英法刮寒風 極端寒流襲全球
on.cc東網專訊
【on.cc東網專訊】 香港近日受寒流影響,氣溫將大幅急降。據美國冰雪數據中心(NSIDC)早前公布的資料顯示,融冰速度加快,令寒流有可能大肆南下到港,一日之內氣溫大跌。極端天氣絕非本港獨有現象,全球多國均受寒流影響;日本東京都54年來首次在11月迎來初雪;英國東南部持續狂風暴雨,洪水氾濫導致最少一人死亡;美國、澳洲及法國亦分別出現風雪或極端天氣,令民眾生活苦不堪言。
日本氣象部門今日表示,首都東京將於今晚迎來初雪,情況極為罕見,屬54年來,東京都市中心首次在11月下雪,比以往早了近40日迎來初雪。明日東京多個地區氣溫亦會急降,其中橫濱降至攝氏2度、宇都宮攝氏3度、千葉市則為攝氏4度。北海道明日亦會迎來暴風雪,當局呼籲民眾駕車時,要留意路面狀況。
遠在地球另一端的歐洲亦難逃寒流侵襲,英國北部多個地區周四始受風雪吹襲,其中西北部的坎布里亞郡,一座海拔1300米高的山峰被兩吋厚積雪覆蓋;來往米德蘭茲及蘇格蘭的一條公路亦被鋪滿積雪,令駕駛狀況變得極為危險。氣象部門已向英格蘭北部、蘇格蘭及愛爾蘭發出嚴峻天氣警示。嚴寒天氣在未來一周更會席捲全國多地。該國中部持續暴雨,肯特郡福克斯通一名39歲女子,在惡劣天氣中墮海,當局出動直升機將她救起,但最終不治。英國環境部發言人表示:「市議會已準備好迎接大風雪,將竭力保護市民,及盡力減低風雪帶來的破壞。」
與歐洲隔了個大西洋的美國紐約,周一也迎來入冬後首場大雪,賓厄姆頓在當日凌晨一時錄得4呎厚積雪;格林縣截至清晨7時,錄得6.5吋大雪;來往東部阿姆斯特丹至利特爾福爾斯的高速公路,被每小時1至2吋的大風雪覆蓋。氣象部門表示,預料暴風雪仍會陸續有來。
在南半球的澳洲墨爾本,周一遭受強烈雷暴的吹襲,逾1.3萬戶停電。風暴吹起大量花粉等刺激物,令當地不少民眾的哮喘病發,最少有4名哮喘病人病發身亡。歐洲的法國也受風雪影響,首都巴黎本月初的一場大雪令當地交通癱瘓,一度出現長540公里的車龍,市民生活大受影響。
各國陷入極端寒流之中,專家認為這跟全球暖化不無關係。氣溫上升加速北極海冰融解,同時令結冰速度減漫,甚至影響明年北極的海冰數量。以今年情況為例,北極在10月及11月的海水溫度,較平常平均溫度高攝氏4度;北冰洋更錄得有史以來最少海冰的11月。
科學家發現,隨着海冰減少,更大面積的海水暴露於大氣中,熱量從海水中釋放到海面以上的冷空氣中,使北極地區變暖。由於空氣變暖使氣壓不穩,最終導致氣流模式發生變化。氣候學家認為,這一假設足以解釋極端炎熱與極端寒冷天氣的出現。
從氣象學角度而言,海冰融解的速度愈快,周邊氣溫下降得愈明顯。英國設菲爾德大學教授漢娜(Edward Hanna)表示:「過去20年北極溫度不斷上升,導致氣流模式變化所帶來的影響加劇,這或許是導致美國東岸、東南亞及英國出現極端寒流的原因。」
【on.cc東網專訊】 香港近日受寒流影響,氣溫將大幅急降。據美國冰雪數據中心(NSIDC)早前公布的資料顯示,融冰速度加快,令寒流有可能大肆南下到港,一日之內氣溫大跌。極端天氣絕非本港獨有現象,全球多國均受寒流影響;日本東京都54年來首次在11月迎來初雪;英國東南部持續狂風暴雨,洪水氾濫導致最少一人死亡;美國、澳洲及法國亦分別出現風雪或極端天氣,令民眾生活苦不堪言。
日本氣象部門今日表示,首都東京將於今晚迎來初雪,情況極為罕見,屬54年來,東京都市中心首次在11月下雪,比以往早了近40日迎來初雪。明日東京多個地區氣溫亦會急降,其中橫濱降至攝氏2度、宇都宮攝氏3度、千葉市則為攝氏4度。北海道明日亦會迎來暴風雪,當局呼籲民眾駕車時,要留意路面狀況。
遠在地球另一端的歐洲亦難逃寒流侵襲,英國北部多個地區周四始受風雪吹襲,其中西北部的坎布里亞郡,一座海拔1300米高的山峰被兩吋厚積雪覆蓋;來往米德蘭茲及蘇格蘭的一條公路亦被鋪滿積雪,令駕駛狀況變得極為危險。氣象部門已向英格蘭北部、蘇格蘭及愛爾蘭發出嚴峻天氣警示。嚴寒天氣在未來一周更會席捲全國多地。該國中部持續暴雨,肯特郡福克斯通一名39歲女子,在惡劣天氣中墮海,當局出動直升機將她救起,但最終不治。英國環境部發言人表示:「市議會已準備好迎接大風雪,將竭力保護市民,及盡力減低風雪帶來的破壞。」
與歐洲隔了個大西洋的美國紐約,周一也迎來入冬後首場大雪,賓厄姆頓在當日凌晨一時錄得4呎厚積雪;格林縣截至清晨7時,錄得6.5吋大雪;來往東部阿姆斯特丹至利特爾福爾斯的高速公路,被每小時1至2吋的大風雪覆蓋。氣象部門表示,預料暴風雪仍會陸續有來。
在南半球的澳洲墨爾本,周一遭受強烈雷暴的吹襲,逾1.3萬戶停電。風暴吹起大量花粉等刺激物,令當地不少民眾的哮喘病發,最少有4名哮喘病人病發身亡。歐洲的法國也受風雪影響,首都巴黎本月初的一場大雪令當地交通癱瘓,一度出現長540公里的車龍,市民生活大受影響。
各國陷入極端寒流之中,專家認為這跟全球暖化不無關係。氣溫上升加速北極海冰融解,同時令結冰速度減漫,甚至影響明年北極的海冰數量。以今年情況為例,北極在10月及11月的海水溫度,較平常平均溫度高攝氏4度;北冰洋更錄得有史以來最少海冰的11月。
科學家發現,隨着海冰減少,更大面積的海水暴露於大氣中,熱量從海水中釋放到海面以上的冷空氣中,使北極地區變暖。由於空氣變暖使氣壓不穩,最終導致氣流模式發生變化。氣候學家認為,這一假設足以解釋極端炎熱與極端寒冷天氣的出現。
從氣象學角度而言,海冰融解的速度愈快,周邊氣溫下降得愈明顯。英國設菲爾德大學教授漢娜(Edward Hanna)表示:「過去20年北極溫度不斷上升,導致氣流模式變化所帶來的影響加劇,這或許是導致美國東岸、東南亞及英國出現極端寒流的原因。」
Gold & Silver: Key Levels For Buyers – Stewart Thomson
www.silverdoctors.com
Professional investors buy weakness, sell strength, and do so very aggressively…
Submitted by Stewart Thomson, Graceland Updates:
Professional investors buy weakness, sell strength, and do so very aggressively…
Submitted by Stewart Thomson, Graceland Updates:
- Most amateur gold market investors look for “road signs” that suggest gold is in a bull market or a bear market.
- In contrast, professional bank and FOREX traders focus on price levels.
- These levels are powerful support and resistance zones where professional investors buy weakness, sell strength, and do so very aggressively.
- Investors should not waste too much time trying to discern whether gold is going to “hold” at a certain level when the price goes there.
- When the price of gold enters a key buy or sell zone, it’s better to think less, and simply act with firm buy or sell action!
- There were a lot of reasons why gold should have gone higher in the $1305 – $1320 area, and it did go to about $1380, but that doesn’t change the fact that $1305 – $1320 is a selling level of importance.
- Likewise, I’m sure that most gold investors are nervous now. They likely have many reasons why the $1230 – $1200 area should not be bought.
- Unfortunately, I don’t believe that analysing a key support zone builds any wealth. Buying it does.
- It’s true that gold can move lower than $1200, like it moved higher than $1320, but that doesn’t change the fact that $1200 is a good buying area.
- Please click here now. Central banks continue to buy substantial amounts of gold, and that’s generally price-supportive.
- Next, please click here now. While most investors wonder if the dollar is beginning a new leg higher, Barron’s master analyst Shuli Ren wonders if it’s time to unwind long positions!
- I think so, and the unwind could be the catalyst for a major gold price rally. On Friday, I sold the bulk of my long dollar/short yen position at the 110 price level.
- To view the current key price levels for the dollar against the yen, please click here now. Double-click to enlarge.
- For investors whose main focus is getting richer, it doesn’t matter whether the dollar is in a bull market or a bear market. What matters are key buy and sell price levels, and the dollar is at a key sell level right now against the safe haven yen.
- RBC Bank economists turned positive on oil in the fall, and now Goldman’s heavyweight team of analysts are joining the upside prediction fun.
- On that note, please click here now. Goldman is tactically bullish, and with good reason.
- Oil is the largest component of most commodity indexes. The oil price has a huge effect on institutional inflation expectations.
- RBC believes an OPEC deal with teeth is I agree. To view the price action, please click here now. Double-click to enlarge this eight hour bars oil chart.
- Goldman’s fundamentally-oriented analysts have a $55 target now, and I’ll note that if oil can hit $55, it would take out some key highs on the chart. That should usher in substantial commodity fund buying of both gold and oil.
- A rollover in the dollar would add to the oil price rally.
- What about gold stocks? Well, please click here now. Double-click to enlarge this GDX daily chart.
- GDX has arrived at the key $20 round number level. It’s done that just as gold has moved into the $1200 area buy zone. That’s significant.
- Eager gold stock enthusiasts can be buyers here in the $20 zone. Note the action of my 14,7,7 Stochastics oscillator, at the bottom of the chart. It’s very positive right now. Also, Chinese jewellery companies are poised to begin their buying for the upcoming New Year celebratory season, and that tends to precede a great January rally for GDX. As Christmas approaches, tis the GDX season to be jolly!