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• Caution Prevails on Wall Street - 16 may 2011

With the month of May already half-way through, the general attitude on Wall Street appears to be one of caution, which analysts believe will continue into the coming week. Although stocks were doing well around two weeks ago, hitting levels that had not been seen in almost three years, investors are reportedly wary of the possible negative impact that the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s bond buying program, commonly referred to as QE2, at the end of June will have on markets. Moreover, falling home prices have resulted in growing number of homeowners having mortgages that are higher than the value of their homes, with some choosing to use their limited income to pay for utilities and daily necessities, and defaulting on their mortgages. Homeowners who have received short-term assistance with modified mortgages are facing the prospect of having to return to the original mortgage terms, paying more for a house than it is worth. President Barack Obama has been reported as saying that he wanted mortgage modifications for extended terms, as well as principal reductions; however this has not been received favorably by banking groups and it remains to be seen if homeowners will receive sufficient assistance to prevent foreclosures.

• US$ vs € as International Trade Currency - 14 April 2011

As the currency most often used in international transactions and one of the world's reserve currencies, the United States dollar (US$) has a history spanning more than 200 years. In addition to being the official currency of the United States, the US$ is either the official or de facto currency of the British Virgin Islands, the Caribbean Netherlands, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Turks and Caicos Islands, Palau, Panama, Cambodia, Lebanon, Liberia and Zimbabwe.

• Federal Reserve System: Formulating Monetary Policy - 7 April 2011

The Federal Reserve System of the United States came into being when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act on December 23, 1913. The Federal Reserve System, more commonly referred to as the Federal Reserve, or simply the Fed, was created by Congress in an effort to provide a stable monetary and financial system, while at the same time allowing for flexibility to cater for a rapidly developing nation. Initially drafted by incoming chairman of the House Banking and Currency Committee, Representative Carter Glass (D-VA), The Federal Reserve Act has evolved over the years and sets out the responsibilities and goals of the central bank.

• Numismatics – Money Makes the World Go 'Round - 10 March 2011

Numismatics is defined as the study of currency in all its forms. The term is used to describe the practice of coin collecting as a hobby, as well as the study of money and alternative methods of payment for goods or to settle debts. First used in 1829, the English word numismatics has French, Latin and Greek origins from words meaning coin or of coins.

• A Brief History of Trade – Part 1 - 29 July 2010

With the sophisticated methods of trading in the world today and stock exchanges handling billions of dollars on a daily basis, looking back at the challenges faced by early traders and the development of the modern commercial system can be quite fascinating. Trade is likely as old as mankind itself, with commodities and services being bartered long before different forms of currency were created. Some experts, including well respected historian Peter Watson, are of the opinion that commerce likely began around 150,000 years ago. Certainly, trade has featured prominently throughout recorded human history.

• Fed Expected to Relinquish Oversight of Smaller Banks - 18 March 2010

Following the unveiling of a bill initiated by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd outlining financial oversight reforms, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke took the opportunity of appearing before the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday (17 March) to defend the necessity for the Fed to retain its broad authority over banks of all sizes. In a prepared statement presented before a congressional hearing, Bernanke emphasized that the Central Bank's authority to supervise and regulate all banks, irrespective of their size, plays a significant role in improving the effectiveness of monetary policies, as well as carrying out its central banking functions, and thereby promoting financial stability.

• Start a Hedge Fund in Currencies Now! - 28 February 2008

You need not indulge in any unduly aggressive investing to deal with dollar, Euro, and RMB market conditions of 2008. A bank would typically employ an army of specialists to decide on short-selling, leverage, swaps, and other derivatives. The risks are not worthwhile from your individual stand-point because the market could take turns very differently from what people predict at this point of time.