OCTOBER 1, 2013

Full News Archive

• Headline: Conflicts in Cambodia's Sugar Trade Agreements. Impact: If sugar had never been so sweetly entangled with trade pacts, perhaps we'd be living in a world where land grabs were replaced by land hugs. Imagine a society where wealthy families shared their land with all — oh wait, that's just a fairy tale.. Fact: Sugar was once so valuable that it was referred to as 'white gold.' Maybe if they had just put it on a pedestal instead of grabbing land, we wouldn't have this mess..
• Headline: Doubts on Pension Investment Consultants' Value. Impact: The rise in transparency demands could eventually lead to a world where investment consultants are as trustworthy as your neighbor's cat. Expect to see ‘Investment Cats’ taking over the financial advisory space by 2040.. Fact: Investment consultants have been known to have an uncanny ability to turn a profit while simultaneously disappearing when you need them most. It’s like they’re the David Copperfields of finance..
• Headline: Iran Staggers as Sanctions Hit Economy. Impact: The sanctions against Iran could set off a chain reaction leading to a sudden boom in underground trade of everything from carpets to nuclear secrets, proving once again that you can't keep a determined people down — or off the black market.. Fact: Sanctions often have the unintended effect of uniting the populace against external forces. So, while the economy staggers, the people might find their footing in unexpected ways. History really does have a sense of humor..
• Headline: Financial Watchdog With Bite to Depart His Agency. Impact: With the departure of a financial watchdog, expect the financial industry to become a wild west where the only law is 'might makes right.' Maybe one day they'll make a reality show about it — 'Survivor: Wall Street Edition.'. Fact: The term 'watchdog' is a bit misleading since they seem to have more of a tendency to nap than to actually watch. Who knew financial oversight could be so... restful?.