High prices in Singapore

I went to the Challenger Store to look a laser presentation remote device. They should me a few Targus models costing more than $120 each. This was rather expensive, as my friend told me that he bought a device for less than $30 in Sim Lim Square.

I went online to search for this item. A few Targus controllers were offered at Amazon store at around USD 50 (excluding shipping). This seemed to be at about half of the price charged by Challenger. I finally decided to buy another brand and paid less than $20 including delivery charges.

This episode seems to show that prices are really expensive in Singapore! It must be due to the high rental and staff cost.

Forex trading - developing the skill

Here are some tips on how you can develop your skills in forex trading, without having to pay high fees to attend a course. It also warns you that trading is like gambling, similar to visiting a casino. But it can be fun.

http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=594&PK=576c64ff5af6102f8aebde1ae83d78a1

Settlement without admitting wrong-doing

If big banks get to settle with the SEC without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, what good does a settlement do in the end?

By Eleanor Bloxham, CEO of The Value Alliance and Corporate Governance Alliance

FORTUNE -- To admit or deny -- that is the question -- or one of them anyway, that the SEC will have to address when they respond to Judge Jed S. Rakoff's review of the regulator's recent settlement with Citigroup. Although Citi has agreed to pay $285 million and make minor reforms, the bank is neither admitting nor denying that they failed to properly disclose the risks of mortgage-related investments to clients in the run up to the housing crisis.

http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/11/07/big-bank-sec-settlements-toothless-face-savers/?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29

My comment: At least this is one step better than Singapore, where wrong doings go unchallenged - due to lack of regulatory action.

Warren Buffet and stocks

Warren Buffet is confident about investing in US stocks during the current global uncertainty. He takes a long term perspective.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/07/markets/buffett_stocks/index.htm?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29

Here is the fundamental to back his optimism. Profit of companies are at a record level.

http://www.cnbc.com//id/45195111

Customers move to credit unions

Quote:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Credit unions and small banks say they've seen big jumps in new account openings thanks to this weekend's "Move Your Money" and "Bank Transfer Day" initiatives, but do the big banks even care?

Digital Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in New England with 330,000 total members, welcomed 133 new members on Saturday. That's 56% higher than the average 85 account openings it sees on a typical Saturday.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/07/pf/move_your_money_day/index.htm?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29

Note: Credit unions are member based organisations, like the cooperative societies in Singapore, that provide basic services to members, including savings and loans.

Scam - Delivery of Gifts

This is a new scam in Singapore, involving delivery of gifts.
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=593

Big increase in suicides?

I received a regular e-mail on suicide cases. It seems that there is a big increase in suicides in Singapore - Bedok Reservoir, MRT tracks, fall from HDB flats. This is suspected to be linked to gambling losses at the casino. 

Reduce cost through contract employees

Government employees are now being put on contract at half of the usual wages in the USA. The government has to take this measure to cut the budget deficit, because they are not able to collect sufficient taxes to pay the employees adequately. In other places, these measures are taken to reduce cost, but it is a form of exploitation of workers. The contract workers barely earn enough to pay their bills.

http://www.cnbc.com//id/45187246