According to the latest findings of the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) 2008, mainland China has the highest number of privately held businesses expecting to grow through acquisition (67%) or IPO (60%) in the next three years, far above the global average. The results indicate that despite the current turbulence in the world financial markets, privately held businesses in mainland China are growing rapidly and seeking fund externally.
Fitch Ratings says the ongoing illiquid and volatile conditions in global financial markets are continuing to put pressure on bank ratings. In Q108, the negative shift in the ratio of Positive to Negative Outlooks continued, while the number of negative rating actions taken during the quarter remained at a comparatively high level.
Over 90% of mobile operator EBITDA growth came from emerging markets in Q4 2007, according to a new Strategy Analytics report, "Wireless Operator Performance Benchmarking, Q4 2007." Over two-thirds of mobile operators in Western Europe saw margins fall in the quarter, highlighting the need to look further afield for growth.
In March, employers took 1,571 mass layoff actions, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported.
Market down 77 on profit taking ahead of long weekend and perhaps in reaction to a market that went up 88 yesterday on a 104 point fall in Wall St. Option expiry may have something to do with it. Financials down 1.7% after strong rise yesterday post the ANZ results. Resources down with Woodside and Newcrest both struggling. Light volumes today.
Zero2IPO Group, a leading integrated service provider in China's venture capital and private equity industries, announced recently that China's VC industry remained at a relatively high level of development with funds raised and amount invested increasing substantially during the first quarter of 2008. In terms of exit strategy, both entrepreneurs and venture capitalists also made significant achievements.
An economy plagued by uncertainty is refueling debates over the impact of offshoring U.S. jobs. Which jobs are at risk? Are more companies planning to displace American workers? And what are the short-term and long-term effects of sending jobs overseas on the growth and stability of the U.S. job market?
In February 2008 compared with January 2008, the euro area (EA15) industrial new orders index grew by 0.6%. In January the index grew by 2.2%. In the EU27 new orders remained stable in February 2008 and fell by 1.0% in January. Excluding ships, railway & aerospace equipment industrial new orders decreased by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU27. In February 2008 compared with February 2007, industrial new orders increased by 9.9% in the euro area and by 9.2% in the EU27. Total industry excluding ships, railway & aerospace equipment grew by 7.2% in the euro area and by 6.3% in the EU27.
The most immediate and visible fallout from the global credit market turmoil has been an increase in volatility in emerging East Asian bond markets, says a new report issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
