Sunday, November 22, 2009

Astrology Compatibility

Since the Rabbit and the Rooster are opposites on the Chinese Horoscope, they will have to work very hard to create a fulfilling relationship which can be sustained. As lovers the Rooster's need for control and penchant for nagging may well chase the Rabbit away. Their overall compatibility rating is 20%.

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Monday, November 16, 2009

The New Silk Road - Ben Simpfendorfer

Read this book by the RBS economist.
Interesting read on the history between China and the Middle East.

The New Silk Road - The Arab World Rediscovers China
... China only joined the WTO in 2001 and grew from 300bn to a 3tn economy in a couple of years. The Arabs facing US sanctions in 2001 and redirecting investments to Asia and London whereby the listings are less onerous.

Chinese Petrodollars and the competition for oil.
... The Arab has 28% of the world oil reserves. Chinese consumption going higher cos of domestic car sales. China strategic oil reserves and the export oil factories. US and China have 27% and 9% for the global oil consumption. Saudi wants to reduce dependency on the US but also needs technology from them as well. Looking for African oil but also vulnerable to the regimes. China policy of non-intervention.

The Arab Wealth Funds and the rise of an "Islamic Corridor"
... The Arab funds have abt USD 1.4 tn. ADIA hv 800bn and smallest out of the 7 UAE countries. Saudi with abt 300bn while having a population of 20mm. KIA with abt 260bn. Investing in the Islamic corridor from the Africa through the ME and then Asia. China stk mkt from 580bn in 2001 to 2.2tn in late 2008. The SAFE and the CIC were well covered except for the Arab funds.

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