Design 21: Social Design Network

http://www.slideshare.net/cadbeard/milestone-amg-a-look-at-the-scandinavia-economies

Milestone AMG has been regarded by its peers as one of the best Independent Financial Advisory firms consistently providing the latest and most profitable financial solutions to today’s investors. We believe that even though the markets change on a daily basis, the principles for investing always remain constant. Our investment research is not just based on the major indexes. When we look for new and exciting opportunities we will search all indices for the right recommendations. Today we look at Scandinavia (also referred to as the ‘Nordic’ region) as we research the four countries that make up the region: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

THE NORDIC ECONOMY

Economic Growth The regional economy grew by a healthy 2.5% in2011, but lost momentum towards the end of the year. Growth is expected to slow down in 2012, but contraction is not anticipated for any of the Nordic countries. GDP is forecasted to rebound to some 2% in 2013. Public finances remain relatively well contained and all maintained triple-A ratings on government debt. With the current European crisis in full motion, the Nordic economies offer an alternative to the major European markets.

Interest Rates Long term interest rates remained low across the region in the first quarter of 2012. Yields on 10-year government bonds were below inflation in Denmark, Norway and Sweden again proving the region’s economic streng...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xv0xerimproved-personal-finance-jobs-fuelling-dubai-consumer-confidence-emirates-24-7news

Department of Economic Development's Consumer Confidence Index shows positive sentiment

Consumers and business owners in Dubai have stepped into the final quarter of 2012 with renewed confidence and a brighter outlook on jobs and spending, according to the quarterly Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) published by the Department of Economic Development.

Positive sentiment guiding consumer behaviour and planning was largely visible across Dubai during the July-September 2012 period. Overall consumer confidence recorded in Dubai during the third quarter was 129, well above the average of 100 and seven points higher than Q2 2012.

CCI recorded in the third quarter of 2012 is the highest since the corresponding quarter of the previous year. A growing confidence on personal finances is among the highlights of the third quarter index. Nearly 77 per cent of the consumers sounded positive on their current financial situation and 86 per cent have a brighter outlook for the next 12 months.

Consumer perceptions on Dubai’s economy has also shown remarkable improvement in Q3 2012 with 66 per cent people expressing positive sentiment on the current state of economy as against 55 per cent in the second quarter. Dubai’s economy is also set to improve in the next 12 months, according to 84 per cent of the respondents.

Two-third of the consumers rated job prospects d...

http://www.design21sdn.com/share/21349

Business Development and Value Enhancement

The best time to engage United Advisory Partners, Inc. is when you are creating value.. We are knowledgeable and experienced across the spectrum of most business models. From boardroom to backroom, your United Advisory Partners, Inc. principal can be a trusted and effective advisor on a variety of strategic and tactical topics.

Most of us evolved into M&A professionals from backgrounds as business owners and corporate executives. We appreciate the wisdom of Stephen Covey's habit - "begin with the end in mind". When the end objective is creating wealth for shareholders, begin with a United Advisory Partners, Inc. principal as your trusted advisor along the way. The boundaries of the consulting services we provide are constantly evolving. Our traditional services include: Business Valuation Strategic Planning Business Plan Development Marketing and Sales Organization Development

Business Development and Value Enhancement

The best time to engage United Advisory Partners, Inc. is when you are creating value.. We are knowledgeable and experienced across the spectrum of most business models. From boardroom to backroom, your United Advisory Partners, Inc. principal can be a trusted and effective advisor on a variety of strategic and tactical topics.

Most of us evolved into M&A professionals from backgrounds as business owners and corporate executives. We appreciate the wisdom of Stephen Covey's habit - "begin with the end in mind". When the end objective is creating wealth for shareholders, begin with a United Advisory Partners, Inc. principal as your trusted advisor along the way. The boundaries of the consulting services we provide are constantly evolving. Our traditional services include: Business Valuation Strategic Planning Business Plan Development Marketing and Sales Organization Development

lhttp://www.tnk-bp.ru/en/center/releases/2010/09/911/

TNK-BP announces that all of its Russian retail assets have been consolidated within the TNK-BP Holding group of companies.

In a transaction between a subsidiary of TNK-BP Holding and STBP Holdings Ltd., the TNK-BP Holding group has consolidated retail business of STBP Holdings Ltd. within Moscow city limits and the Moscow region. The transaction was valued at approximately USD 1.1 bn by an independent appraiser, S&G Partners. With the deal closed, TNK-BP Holding owns 733 retail sites across Russia under BP and TNK brands.

“Complete consolidation of Russian retail assets within a Russian company makes for a crucial step in the implementation of TNK-BP’s strategy for greater transparency and efficiency of its business; moreover, it is a key prerequisite for its ongoing successful development”, — says Jonathan Muir, Chief Financial Officer, TNK-BP.

Background for Editors:

OJSC TNK-BP Holding is an open joint-stock company established in November 2004, registered and operating in Russia. TNK-BP Holding owns the majority of Russian assets of TNK-BP. Minority shareholders own c. 5% in OJSC TNK-BP Holding; indicative quotations for company shares are posted on the RTS Board information system (TNBPI.RTS).

TNK-BP is Russia’s third largest oil company, 50% held by BP and 50% held by the AAR Consortium (Alfa Group, Access Industries, and Renova). TNK-BP also owns close to 50% of another Russian oil and gas company...

http://www.dollarversity.com/dont-wait-for-your-tax-refund-increase-your-take-home-pay-today/

Let’s face it, we can all use more in our weekly/bi-weekly/semi-monthly paychecks. Yes, it would be difficult to walk into the boss’ office today and judiciously argue your merits for a raise with the economy in the state of disarray it is (regardless of short-term optimism). There are, however, ways in which you can increase your net income today–or just as soon as your HR Department can process the changes. They are quite easy, but do require that you give up your large tax refund which may turn some people off. What’s more, is that by getting more of your income in your paychecks, you can accomplish your financial goals faster. That last line may be just the motivation some people need to adjust the way they view their big tax refund preference

Those financial goals I mentioned? Think about this–if you have more money in your paychecks, you have more money to put toward your debt which means that you will be carrying smaller balances and therefore paying less money in interest charges. Don’t have debt? Then with that extra money you can build your emergency fun faster. Already have an emergency fund you are happy with? Then use the extra money to contribute to your retirement plan or investment account and take advantage of the power of time particularly if you invest in dividend-paying stocks. Whatever the case, when you have the money sooner, you have time on your sid...