Deutsche Bank researchers examine the impact of speculative trading on the price of crude oil, based on variables in weekly market reports from the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission and econometric procedures. Researchers conclude that speculators' dispersion in beliefs, not their activities, drive crude oil prices.
Hotels can be lucrative investments, but they also can be disastrous investments. As an operating business with high capital costs and many employees, hotels have unique obligations and liabilities that potential investors must assess carefully. In this paper, HVS Hotel Management lays out the key issues for investors to consider as part of the due diligence process.
In response to representations made since the Pre-Budget Report, HMRC announced that the draft legislation released in December and, in particular, the definition of a "bank" did not actually reflect their intentions and that the legislation will be substantially amended in this regard. Withers Worldwide provides a summary of the amendments and their future implications.
Although wealthy philanthropists vary in their interests, backgrounds and styles of giving, some patterns emerge. Researchers for Barclays Wealth create profiles for six types of givers – privileged youth, eco givers, altruistic entrepreneurs, reactive donors, cultural inheritors and professional philanthropists – and identify each group's source of wealth, key causes, mode of giving, donation level and motivation.
For individuals who believe private equity offers compelling portfolio diversification and historical outperformance of the public equity markets the key is to find a way to control the J-Curve to reduce its depth yet retain the upside. One solution is mezzanine funds, says TAC Group.
Collectibles often satisfy an emotional need, but they also may offer benefits similar to those of financial assets. Noting the ability of collections to deliver superior investment returns while helping to diversify a portfolio, Robert W. Baird & Company makes the case for treating private collections like other assets.
A global outbreak of influenza, such as that anticipated with this year's H1N1 virus, can have a major effect on all aspects of the world economy. Having a contingency plan can make a difference for businesses and individuals, says HUB International Personal Insurance, which offers suggestions for creating such a plan.
In the latest issue of Private Banking Newsletter, Baker & McKenzie examines the case of Centre Trustees (CI) Ltd & Another v Van Rooyen & Others, in which the Royal Court of Jersey endorsed the removal of the protector who had put himself in a position where his own interests were in serious conflict with the interests of the trust beneficiaries.
The dollar's value is one vital sign of the health of the U.S. economy vis-à-vis other economies as it reflects expectations about inflation and interest rates. Therefore, tracking and understanding the dollar and other currencies is key to understanding the investment environment, says this paper from Rockefeller & Co. Inc.
In the latest issue of Global Giving Matters, the Synergos Institute explores the personal story of a philanthropist's inner journey and relationship with her giving, which has included support of initiatives with highly marginalized groups. This issue also collects brief news items from Argentina, Chile, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.