globalEDGE Newsletter
July 2005
Vol. 4 - Issue 4
The Academy section was recently expanded to include four new subsections. This expansion continues on our focus on the needs of teachers, researchers, students, and professionals interested in academic research. Career Resources have been significantly expanded to include Job Posting Sites, Career Advice, and University Human Resource Sites. Also added was a new Course Syllabi Subsection that contains syllabi from a number of different courses at several universities that pertain to international business.
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European Economies: U.K. Jobless Increase for 5th Month in June
Bloomberg.com, by Laura Humble (July 13, 2005)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=a3kQsuFz8SWw&refer=uk
The longest consecutive jobless increase in more than 12 years has analyst predicting a drop in interest rates in the UK. Due to reduced consumer spending, many stores have had to cut jobs due to revenue loss. Factories have had similar problems as orders for products have decreased. Although the Bank of England remains cautious on inflation, it is likely that interest will drop in August to fight job loss.
Senate Approves Controversial CAFTA
The Boston Globe, by Susan Milligan (July 1, 2005)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/07/01/senate_approves_controversial_cafta/
It has been over a decade since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was enacted. With the results of free trade more evident, the new Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) will face less ambiguity about its impacts but will once again test the symbolic nature of free trade. United States senators have just passed CAFTA, but it is expected that passage of the agreement in the House of Representatives will be tougher. Critics claim that CAFTA will only cost U.S. jobs and lead to the deterioration of working conditions and wages in Central American countries. Proponents argue that it will stabilize the region and be a benefit to all member countries.
More "Media Updates" from globalEDGE at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/KnowledgeRoom/MediaUpdate/
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A sample of some of our recently added sites:
GoCurrency.com
http://www.GoCurrency.com/
GoCurrency.com provides up-to-date exchange rates and offers a simple to use converter. In addition, there is a wide range of information concerning the foreign exchange market. Information includes market commentary, currency forecasts, and tips for travelers on how to get the best rates. GoCurrency.com also provides a free JavaScript that can be used to add their currency converter to any website.
Listed in the following category: Reference: Standards and Conversions
UNICEF
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html
UNICEF is usually known for its charity work for children. However, its website also provides news, articles, and background information on each country. Most of the content concerns children but the extensive statistical information that is given cover a wide range of topics including, economics, nutrition, health, education, and demographics. This site is also available in French, Spanish, and Arabic.
Listed in the following category: Research: Multi-Country
Seek and Source
http://www.seekandsource.com/
This B2B website provides free information for buyers regarding products and companies. In addition, it is possible to contact the businesses listed via email through Seek and Source. For sellers, Seek and Source provides a fee-based service to list its products on the website.
Listed in the following category: Trade: Trade Leads
A list of recently added sites to globalEDGE is available at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/whatsnew.asp
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Featured Discussion: Effects of the Recent G8 Summit
The recent G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland marked unprecedented changes within the G8. The G8 consists of the leaders of eight industrial nations, which include the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, France, and the United States. The group of leaders agreed to boost aid to Africa by fifty billion dollars and offer debt-cancellation deals for African countries. Also at the summit, the Untied States formally recognized that global warming is a reality and is caused by human activity. It has pledged to bring the country into the post-Kyoto process. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also played a central role at the summit. This marked the first time that NGOs were able to voice societal concerns.
Do you believe that these breakthroughs can translate into change? What change will the increased aid in Africa have on eliminating poverty on the continent? What effect will these agreements have on international business?
Join our online community to discuss this and many other current business topics!
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