The U.S. stock market's recent gyrations have many investors ready to look overseas for better returns. But it's a complicated world out there, which is why many less-experienced investors are still sitting on the global sidelines. Here's what you need to know make investing in emerging markets a little less scary.
It looks like an ordinary cash machine, and you type in your PIN without a second thought. But there's a hidden device recording your ATM card's magnetic strip, and capturing your PIN. Big money is about to vanish from your bank account. Or maybe not: Here's how to prevent skimmers from getting their hands on your data.
By the end of 2012, one-third of the world's travel sales will be booked online. But the majority of bookings still happen through the traditional brick-and-mortar travel agents, which is why Expedia's new Travel Agent Affiliate Program is a smart growth move for the OTA.
Nike is already the global leader in the athletic footwear, apparel and equipment business, and globally is where its future growth lies. Its online sales have surged, and with increasing Internet penetration in emerging markets, Trefis sees more impressive online sales growth ahead.
Sky-high oil prices may slow U.S. economic growth in the quarters ahead, so prudent investors may want to put some money into companies with strong international operations that can take advantage of growth elsewhere. Here are three impressive options.
In case you didn't know, foreign investments now make up half of the successful VC deals. It's a trend that's shifting the landscape for investors and entrepreneurs alike, and it's only likely to accelerate.
The moods that dictate underlying prices can quickly swing from one extreme to the other. Such swings often create opportunities for investors. For instance, the rush back to domestic markets is leaving opportunity on the table overseas again.
Higher raw materials costs, supply problems in Brazil and poor sales in Russia drove the cosmetics company's quarterly sales and income.
In its latest report, the IMF applauds national policymakers for stabilizing credit markets and putting the global economy on a recovery track. However, thorny problems remain -- including how to prevent overheating in emerging markets, and how to cut the U.S. deficit while lowering its unemployment rate.
Without a doubt, this country's debt overhang needs to be chopped considerably. But does a large national debt doom a nation to economic ruin? Only if you believe that countries like Germany, France, and Japan are economic basket cases, too.
They're gearing up for a potentially damaging round of currency interventions to help keep their economies competitive, especially against China. Says Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega: "This is a currency war that is turning into a trade war."
Starbucks said Wednesday that it plans to grow its worldwide sales by expanding its 220 stores in mainland China to "at least" 1,500 by 2015. The world's largest coffee chain also is planning to add stores in Brazil, Russia and India.
Considering where the iconic carmaker has been in recent years, the pending IPO -- and robust investor demand for shares -- is a remarkably positive step. But GM still has plenty of problem spots that will need fixing if this historic event is to have lasting meaning.
The world economy is poised for more of the same in 2011: booming growth in China, India and Brazil, and a sluggish crawl in much of the rest of the developed world. Here are the five most important factors driving sluggish economic growth in the U.S.