Air Canada's new discount carrier will fly in July

Air Canada's new discount carrier will fly in July

TORONTO (AP) -- Air Canada says its new low-cost carrier, called Rouge, will begin flying on July 1.

Air Canada said Tuesday that Rouge will fly to Venice, Italy, and Edinburgh, Scotland, two destinations that currently aren't served by Air Canada.

The new airline will also serve Athens and other European destinations and the Caribbean from Montreal and Toronto.

The discount carrier will begin operations with two Boeing 767-300ER and two Airbus A319 aircraft that will be released from Air Canada's mainline fleet.

Additional planes will be added as Air Canada starts to take delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in 2014, ramping up to 50 planes.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline and the 15th largest airline in the world, serving more than 33 million passengers last year.

Facebook users hit 'like,' stores jump into action

Facebook users hit 'like,' stores jump into action

NEW YORK (AP) -- Facebook isn't just for goofy pictures and silly chatter. Whether shoppers know it or not, their actions online help dictate what's in stores during this holiday season.

After polling customers on the social media site, Macy's decided to carry denim jeans in bright neon hues rather than pastels. Wal-Mart for the first time decided to let customers vote on which toys they want discounted. And to better plan orders for the decorative flags she sells, a small business owner in Mississippi is running a contest that encourages customers to chime in about how they're decorating their homes this winter.

The impact of social media on a company's bottom line is tough to quantify, with no hard data on how millions of Facebook fans and Twitter followers translate into sales for stores. But during the holiday shopping season, a roughly two-month period when retailers can make up to 40 percent of their annual revenue, stores are uncovering a valuable use for all the seemingly useless online muttering: market research.

The result is that whenever folks press the "like" button to give their seal of approval for a particular company's page or make a comment on how much they like the leather boots they just bought, they're helping everyone from independently-owned small shops to the nation's biggest retailers make decisions about what products to stock up on, what to play up on the sales floor and what promotions to offer online.

For the first time this year, one of Macy's Inc.'s apparel buyers suggested the company solicit feedback on Facebook on which colors it should stock for "Else" brand jeans in the fall ahead of the holiday shopping season. Several weeks later, with about 2,500 "likes" and 750 comments, "Very Vivid" colors in bright blue, orange and red were declared the victor over softer shades such as baby pink and baby blue.

The company, which has more than 9 million "likes" on Facebook, followed up with another poll in July on whether it should carry a "Kensie" brand dress in a bird or floral print. About 4,000 people issued their verdicts within 48 hours, and the department store plans to carry the floral print this February.

Rather than simply using social media to tout promotions and new products, companies are just now realizing the value of making customers feel as though they're part of the decision making process, said Jennifer Kasper, who heads digital media at Macy's. In addition to making customers feel like insiders, she said it helps businesses better tailor their offers as well.

Matt Cronin, a founding partner of Web Liquid Group, a digital marketing agency, agreed that companies are still in the early stages of figuring out how to put their social media profiles to use. Until now, he noted that social media strategies have primarily been about capturing as many followers or fans as possible without really knowing where to go from there.

One hurdle for major retailers is that it's difficult to take the information they learn online and put it to use while the trends are still relevant, said Nicolas Franchet, head of retail e-commerce at Facebook.

That's one of the trickier aspects of Wal-Mart Store Inc.'s new "Toyland Tuesday" contest, which lets fans vote on which of two toys will be discounted on the following Tuesday. Once a winner is declared on Thursday, the retailer acts quickly to inform its 4,000 stores of how to adjust pricing and displays, says Wanda Young, senior director of social media for Wal-Mart, which has more than 25 million likes on Facebook.

Although it's the first time Wal-Mart is letting shoppers have a direct say in what merchandise gets discounted, the retailer is learning to use social media in more discreet ways as well. Last year, Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., acquired an analytics company called Kosmix that monitors online chatter to try and predict what products might suddenly become popular.

The unit, now called (at)Walmartlabs, suggested that the retailer give juicers prominent display for the holidays last year, after a movie about an obese man who lost weight on a juice diet started trending online. Wal-Mart declined to give examples of how it used online chatter this holiday season but said it's slowly playing a bigger role in product decisions.

That's critical because companies are realizing shopping behavior is often more influenced by what's happening in pop culture, rather than their own past shopping patterns, said Shernaz Daver, a spokeswoman for (at)Walmartlabs.

"Social media has enabled us to understand intent," she said.

Melinda Vitale Shaw, owner of the two-store MeLinda's Fine Gifts in Picayune, Miss., is using the same concepts as the world's biggest retailer. Since setting up a Facebook page in 2010, she's used it as a sounding board for what to stock in her stores.

In the south, for example, it's common for people to change the decorative flags outside their homes depending on the season or the holiday. To get a better sense of what type of decorative flags might sell well next year, Vitale Shaw recently asked fans to post about the designs they were currently flying, or what they wished they were flying.

She was surprised to see several comments about snowman flags, since it doesn't snow much in the south. Even though Facebook sometimes proves her business instincts wrong, she called the site "a true retailer's friend."

In a more unusual case, the outdoor retailer Gander Mountain is handing the reins over to fans on social media. The chain, based in St. Paul, Minn., is running a promotion that lets customers determine the price of its products.

Every Thursday during the holiday season, customers can push down the price on five selected items by sharing them on Facebook or Twitter. The more shares an item gets, the lower the price goes; discounts start at 10 percent but can go as high as 50 percent. Shoppers can jump in and buy the items at any point, or wait for a lower discount but risk that the store will run out of the items.

"The customer has to decide. Do I buy it at 25 percent off or do I risk that Gander runs out of the jacket?" said Steve Uline, executive vice president of marketing of Gander Mountain, which has more than 500,000 "likes" on Facebook. "It makes it interesting for the consumer."

Venturecapitalworldwide.com is the brainchild of a group of experienced professionals in finance and business.

Venturecapitalworldwide.com is the brainchild of a group of experienced professionals in finance and business.
The closure of bank credit in recent years has led many businesses and people in the difficulty of finding resources to help grow their business. Venturecapitalworldwide.com creates the opportunity for customers to find new business around the world in the following areas:

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Coca-Cola expects 2013 earnings growth of 10 pct.

Coca-Cola expects 2013 earnings growth of 10 pct.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Bottling company Coca-Cola Enterprises expects its 2013 earnings per share will climb about 10 percent.

The company on Tuesday also predicted a mid-single-digit percentage rate increase in sales for the year, which accounts for declining gross margins and other factors.

Coca-Cola Enterprises' 2012 earnings per share are anticipated at the upper end of its prior forecast for $2.20 to $2.24 per share.

Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect $2.23 per share.

The company foresees 2012 sales climbing in a low to mid-single-digit percentage range.

In October Coca-Cola Enterprises reported a drop in third-quarter net income and revenue as it struggled with the weak economy in Europe and the drag of currency translations. The company, which is based in Atlanta but does all its business in Europe, also announced plans to restructure parts of its businesses.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is maintaining its long-term forecasts for earnings per share growth in the high single-digits and a sales increase of 4 percent to 6 percent.

In addition, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.'s board approved a new $1.5 billion stock repurchase program. The company plans at least $500 million in buybacks next year.

Coca-Cola Enterprises repurchased $780 million of its stock in 2012.

Shares of Coca-Cola Enterprises added 56 cents to $31.65 in morning trading.

The Beginners Guide to Forex Trading

The Beginners Guide to Forex Trading
In order to be a successful forex trader it is essential to understand all the basics of forex terminology. A quick search on various search engines or forex broker and trading websites will yield basic definitions.

Some of the most common forex terminology includes:
 Currency Pair: The price structure of currencies traded in the forex market, the value of one currency is always presented relative to the value of another.
 Bid Price: The price at which investors trade a currency pair.
 Ask Price: The price at which investors can buy a currency pair.

Trading Logic

In order to understand forex trading systems it is essential that traders understand the logic behind trading. Most of the professional forex traders perform a technical analysis to evaluate the market and decide upon their future trades. A technical analysis simply looks at the changes in exchange rates in order to estimate how the rates will change over time. Technical analysis is done with a candlestick chart. There are a number of online forex guides and forex trading websites such as FX Market Leaders where new traders can learn how technical analysis charts work. FXML signals are primarily based upon technical analysis.
Further Forex Trading Resources

It is easy to find a forex trading site or trading guide using a search engine. These sites provide traders with forex education materials which are essential to learning exactly how to trade. There are a number of trading guides for beginners, such as the Market Leaders Training Guide, which are the best way to start out. Traders can also use sites like eToro and FXCM to sit in on webinars and learn more about forex trading. A number of the guides and webinars feature expert traders who will cover a variety of vital topics to help improve a trader’s knowledge.

20 short thoughts on Forex Trading

20 short thoughts on Forex Trading
1.    You have to love trading in order to do the work that will take you over the hump and towards success.
2.    Successful Forex traders are not born; they are built through practicing, experience, and discipline.
3.    Trading is not complicated. It is all about finding your method, your winning strategy. And there are many great trading strategies to follow.
4.    You can make money while not knowing anything about the foreign exchange market, by copying Forex signals or following experts. However, it is always recommended to understand at least the basics in order to get oriented at the beginning.

5.    Technical analysis is best for short and medium term trading. Fundamental analysis is fantastic for longer term trading. Combining them both is best and can lead to astronomical profits in the long run.
6.    You will be surprised how interesting the Forex market is, as well as the other financial markets. Take a trading course, read a book, practice, visit forums, follow the news.
7.    Remember- Forex trading is no "Hit and Run" strategy. Forex trading is an investment.

8.    How do you win at trading? One day at time making great decisions day after day.
9.    Looking for new options beside Forex? Trade gold. You can do it on the same trading platform.
10. Smart trading can lead to the second income you have always dreamt of.
11. Don't believe those who say you can be a millionaire in one week. It doesn’t work like that. But do believe that the earnings potential in Forex trading is huge.
12. If you are a beginner, trade the majors only. The most recommended major currencies to trade as a beginner are Euro, U.S. Dollar, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen.
13. Listen to some kick-ass background music while you trade. It is fun:)

14. Follow Economic Calendars, as they can help you reach better decisions.
15. Traders must guard their minds carefully, and trade with their heads, not their ego.
16. Choose to be in the top 10% of traders, it is not hard. In fact, more than 90% of Forex traders lose because they believe they are in a huge casino, and they gamble without even understanding the basics of Forex trading.
17. Copy Forex signals. It will reduce your risk, spread your chances, and enlarge your profits.
18. Let the fear of failure motivate you to do the work to succeed.
19. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t succeed, guard your dreams.
20. Do not stop until you win and win BIG.
Have more? Share with us

Forex Trading VS Gambling

Forex Trading VS Gambling
Many people mistakenly think that Forex and Gambling are in some way alike. In fact you even get gambling sites requesting to advertise on Forex sites. However, the truth is that any comparison between the two is very superficial. There are in fact many differences between Forex trading (and any other kind of trading) and gambling.

Forex requires far more skill than sports betting, playing slot machines or betting on casino games. Furthermore, even though it takes years to become a true Forex expert, it is possible to make a consistent living out of it. Another important difference is that Forex isn’t addictive; those who fail at it tend to give up rather than bankrupt themselves. Also Forex is an investment. It is not a game, or done for ‘fun’, in the same way as gambling is.
Of course, gamblers will say that there is skill involved, especially in games such as poker. In fact, there are many people who make their living out of gambling, particularly poker and that with a professional attitude gambling ceases to be a game. Some will also argue that Forex is gambling as it is impossible to be 100% of how prices will change.

However, the truth is with proper analysis and understanding the risks from Forex trading are largely removed, this can never be the case with gambling. At the end of the day, the richest people in the world are traders, not gamblers.
What do you think? Share your opinion with us below.


 

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Tags: forex gambling , gambling
Categories: Articles
Location: Blogs   Expert's Corner
2 comment(s) so far...

Re: Forex Trading VS Gambling

I agree.... and in fact, if FOREX Trading is to be classified with Gambling, then one needs to do the same with any form of investment in any asset class.

By Clinton on   12/19/2012 10:24 AM
Re: Forex Trading VS Gambling

I totally agree that Forex is a serious calculated Risk type of investment deal. Gambling is just mere sport with a prize attached to it if you win. I am a Forex'er for life now. I really like trading Forex on Binary Options as well

By Jamil Brown on   12/19/2012 8:11 PM

Myths and Truths in Forex Trading

Myths and Truths in Forex Trading
No matter what your level of experience in the world of forex trading, you cannot avoid the common myths that haunt the world of online trading.  Here you will finally find a clear and concise guide to understanding the truths and myths of forex trading.
How many times have you heard that forex trading is the easiest way to get rich quick?  It’s important to abandon this idea right away.  Like anything else, forex trading requires time and patience.  The race to the finish line is best won by the “tortoise” who takes his time, analyses his options, and acts consistently and conservatively.   The bold and brash will be left behind, scratching his head and wondering why the “get rich quick” myth didn’t come to fruition.

Many of you might have heard that forex trading works best as a short term method to get rich quick.  Again, this belief is false.  The best forex traders study long term trends and dedicate their energies towards the big picture, not allowing themselves to be derailed by sudden currency changes that occur from day to day.
The third common trading myth is that you can do no wrong; no matter what trading decisions you make, you will walk away with heavier pockets.  The truth is that no matter who you are, where you come from, or how experienced you are, you will lose money at some point in your forex trading career.  The wise trader will learn how to deal with the ups and downs of the market and adapt in order to come out earning money in the long term.  
No doubt that you have heard that the key to profit lies in simply copying other traders.  This used to be a myth, but today it has been proved a reality.  Nowadays with the help of FXMarketLeaders’ trading signals, you can copy absolutely any trade you wish and make equal gains.  Using these new tools you benefit from others’ trading habits and come out on top.

Now That's What We Call High Return On Investment!

With FX Market Leaders's FREE trading signals you don't have to be an expert to know when it's the right time to buy or sell. Simply follow us and watch your profits grow!
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Our experts alert you in real time to trading opportunities

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Don't have an account? Open a FREE account with one of our recommended brokers (it takes less than 3 minutes)

3. CASH OUT your profit once the trade closes
Sit back and watch how your investment grows as you ride the success of the pros

Certification, Disclaimer and Terms of Use

Certification, Disclaimer and Terms of Use

Please note, company listings on this site are only suitable for accredited investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with private investments. Any Investor who intends to utilize this website must be an accredited, qualified or sophisticated investor according to local or national regulations that apply. There has been no investigation to the accuracy of any information or terms contained herein. There may be errors in the information posted on this site and we strongly suggest that you seek legal advice prior to commencement of any potential transaction. All content on this site is strictly for informational purposed only and does not constitute business, financial, investment, hedging, trading, legal, regulatory, tax or accounting advice or services. Angel Investment Network Ltd and its affiliated companies are not a registered broker or dealer or any other regulated entity. Angel Investment Network Ltd and its affiliated companies do not sell or offer to sell any securities and no information contained on this site is intended to constitute or to be interpreted as any such offer. Any investor requesting to contact a company listed within the site, does so at his/her own risk and is solely responsible for conducting any legal, accounting or due diligence review.

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Please read both statements and check which one applies to you.

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I declare that I am a self-certified sophisticated investor for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Financial Promotion) Order 2001.

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I can receive financial promotions that may not have been approved by a person authorised by the Financial Services Authority;

The content of such financial promotions may not conform to rules issued by the Financial Services Authority;

by signing this statement I may lose significant rights;

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o (i) the Financial Services Authority; or 

o (ii) the Financial Ombudsman Scheme;

I may have no right to seek compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

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I accept that I can lose my property and other assets from making investment decisions based on financial promotions.