Economics
Page 15
Gilt trip
Financial markets are gripped by gold fever, with prices potentially hitting $1,000 an ounce. Key to this secretive trade are the daily bullion flights between the world’s leading financial hubs.
Canal plus
Thousands of Venezuelans have fled to Panama, which is attracting everyone from US retirees to multinationals and emerging as Latin America’s most vibrant and strategic centre.
Out of Africa
While Chinese firms flock to Africa, a quieter phenomenon sees a steady stream of African businessmen moving into China. An estimated 10,000 of them now live and work in Guangzhou.
Spot the shopper
China’s booming economy has triggered a luxury-mall boom. Packed with the best brands, they lack just one thing: shoppers. Many companies have found success but many more could soon be packing up.
Business
Eau de Credit Suisse, this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and why Lada lives on.
Maltese crossing
Malta, the Mediterranean island with a population of 400,000, is booming thanks to EU membership and its adoption of the euro. It’s also perfectly poised to exploit renewed trade with Gaddafi’s Libya.
Power struggle
Sakhalin, in Russia’s far east, is a short hop from Japan, its former ruler. Marooned during the Soviet era, the region has seen little investment or spoils from its own huge oil reserves.
Business
Anyone in Russia's far east wanting to fly to the US must travel across Eurasia. But a Russian airline plans to launch the first trans-Pacific route to the States this summer.
Taking account
Three influential economists offer their predictions for 2008. Topics include the pressure on economies with ageing workforces, the importance of working with China and the rise of sovereign wealth funds in Asia.
Window of opportunity
Entering 2008 with a bonus or inheritance? Monocle has identified 10 business opportunities worthy of investment, a mixture of fresh ideas and proven concepts ready for other markets.
