The Top 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World in 2012

You’ve probably wondered which are the most expensive cities to live in right now, and, thanks to the new Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living Survey we have an answer to that. The survey compares the cost of living in 140 cities from 93 countries and it looks at the prices of goods and services such as food, transportation, schools, domestic help and so on.

New York is used as the base for the Economist survey with a score of 100. The first two cities from this year’s list, Zurich and Tokyo have a score of 170 and 166 respectively which means they’re 70% and 66% more expensive to live in than New York city. The top ten costliest cities were divided equally between Europe and Asia-Pacific.

No city from US broke the top 10, with New York dropping on 47th place tied with Chicago and below Los Angeles. We’re now presenting the top 10 most expensive cities in the world in 2012, according to the Economist survey.

1. Zurich, Switzerland

For the first time in the last 20 years, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, Zurich, ranks as the most expensive city in the world, overtaking Tokyo which held this spot for most of the last two decades. The Swiss city had a swing of 34 percentage points and went up four places from last year to take the first spot.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is still 66% more expensive than New York, and was just slightly overtaken by Zurich in this year’s survey. Its index score is almost the same as it was last year.

3-4. Geneva, Switzerland

Third and fourth places are split between Geneva, Switzerland, and Osaka, Japan. The Swiss town rose from ninth to third place, thanks to a 30 percent point rise. These major ups came because the Swiss have one of the strongest currencies in the world and thus life in Switzerland costs way more.

3-4.  Osaka, Japan

Same thing could be said about Osaka and Japan as well. The Japanese currency is also really strong at the moment and even though Osaka is the second most important city of the country, it’s still pretty close to Tokyo in terms of cost of living.

5. Oslo, Norway

The Fifth place on the list is occupied by Norway’s capital, Oslo. The northern life just got more expensive, or so it seems but it’s definitely a price to pay to live in one of the most beautiful cities from Europe.

6. Paris, France

Speaking of beautiful cities in Europe, on the next spot, the sixth, lies one of the most renowned cities in the world, Paris. France has it put here thanks to its exquisiteness and unique style and probably because it’s one of the best travel destinations in the entire world.

7. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is now almost 50 per cent more expensive than the glam and glitz of New York. The coast of bread has almost doubled in the last decade, while petrol prices have risen three times and rice and other expenses even four or more times

8. Melbourne, Australia

The second city from Australia to make it in this top 10 is Melbourne, which has almost the same prices for everything as Sydney. Maybe Sydney is a bit more expensive because it’s a bit more popular, but they’re definitely close.

9. Singapore

The city state is still one of the most expensive cities in the world, 42% more expensive than New York and over cities like Hong Kong and even London.

10. Frankfurt, Germany

The last in this list but not last in the survey is Frankfurt, one of the most important cities from Germany. Frankfurt is the financial and transportation centre of Germany and the largest financial centre in continental Europe with the headquarters of seven major banks in here.

As a surprise, Hong Kong, renowned for its prices in the past, is now ranked 22^nd, knowing a fall of 19 spots, 10 years ago occupying the third spot.

The overall number of cities that took part in the survey is 130, sharing 400 individual prices throughout 160 types of products, from clothing, private schools, transport and food to rents. There’s also a known petrol price variation per liter, from $0.96 in Moscow to $2.17 in Paris. In spite of all these, Western Europe has 24 major cities scattered in the first 50 of the list, while Asia shares a more modest number, of 14.

"Weak Unions, Weak Economy: Why the Decline of Organized Labor Makes it Harder to Revive Growth""

"If we had more freight to haul, we'd be doing more hiring," trucking executive Barbara Windsorexplained to President Obama earlier this year. From the small businesses suffering weak sales and a shortfall of customers to the large companies now stockpiling tens of billions in cash the fundamental problem with our economy is the same: a lack of consumer demand means substantial investment and hiring in the U.S. are often irrational from a business perspective. The nation’s sky-high unemployment and underemployment rates are the biggest immediate cause of the anemic demand. But a closer look at the long-term trends underlying consumer spending power suggests another, less recognized culprit lurking in the weeds: union busting.

To understand how a decades-long legacy of union busting is making our recovery harder, consider the role that organized labor has traditionally played in ensuring that working people – who make up most consumers -- receive a larger share of the economy’s gains and thus have money to spend consuming. Unions bargain collectively for better wages and benefits for their members. But unions also raise compensation for workers they don’t represent: a recent studyby professors Bruce Western and Jake Rosenfeld finds that by scaring non-union employers into raising wages to avoid unionization, promoting norms of fair pay, and lobbying for public policies that raise wages, unions substantially boost compensation for non-union employees in addition to their own members. In short, high unionization boosts the share of economic growth going to working people rather than to corporate profits or the very highest earners. That is good for consumer spending given that Americans of moderate means are more likely to spend additional money than the wealthy, who already are consuming at their desired level, or corporations, which may just pile up more cash.

Unfortunately, though, unionization rates have been in decline for decades and the share of national income going to the middle class has fallen too. Meanwhile, the proportion of pay held by the highest-income Americans has shot up dramatically: in 2007, the top ten percent of households earned 49.7 percent of the nation’s income. Factors like globalization, technological change, and especially the demand for highly skilled workers that has put a premium on the value of a college education contribute to the divergence between the middle class and the wealthy, but Western and Rosenfeld make a powerful case that the decline of union representation was also a major influence – contributing as much as third to the growth of income inequality among working men since 1973. Without unions or any other organized force to fight for workers’ share of economic gains, the middle class is dwindling – and so is its purchasing power. This trend was obscured during the early 2000s as Americans tapped credit cards and rising home equity to support their consumer spending.

The disempowerment of working people is so complete that American workers have received just over one percent of income growth since the recession technically ended in the second quarter of 2009. Meanwhile 88 percent of real national income went to corporate profits. “The absence of any positive share of national income growth due to wages and salaries received by American workers during the current economic recovery is historically unprecedented” pronounced economists at Northeastern University who analyzed the numbers. No wonder corporations are sitting on tremendous cash reserves and working people can’t generate enough demand to give businesses a reason to hire.

Polls show that far more American workers would like to be part of a union than is now the case. The decline of organized labor can be attributed to a number of factors, including the decline of traditionally unionized industries in manufacturing and the unwillingness of some union leadership to invest in new organizing. But another major factor is also at work: a decades-long effort by big business lobbyists to water down the nation’s labor regulations so that corporations can, with near impunity, obstruct their employees’ efforts to choose a union.-.

An analysis of union elections from 1999 to 2003 revealed that when workers attempted to organize a union, 96 percent of employers mounted a campaign against their effort. Three quarters of employers hired outside consultants. So while many workers wish to join unions, they often change their minds after an intimidating one-on-one anti-union meeting with their direct supervisor once a week or more leading up to a union election (a tactic employers used in 66 percent of organizing campaigns), after their boss threatens to close down the workplace if workers decide to unionize (57 percent of organizing campaigns), or after those co-workers who most openly support the union are fired (34 percent of organizing campaigns). 

The wide prevalence of modern day union-busting helps explain stagnant household incomes for the middle class amid record corporate profits. Long term, though, it is hard to see business can thrive in an economy where workers have limited spending power as the lion’s share of income gains goes to top earners. Moreover, simply adding new jobs won’t reverse this situation if those jobs pay low wages, which is now the case.

In the Great Recession, the economy lost the most middle-class jobs, but the new jobs created since are disproportionally low-wage positions. To the extent we are seeing new job growth, it is disproportionately for positions like retail sales, cashiers, and food preparation workers, jobs with a median wage between $9 and $11 an hour and often no benefits.

In the heyday of union organizing, collective bargaining transformed poorly paid jobs like these into decent positions that enabled working people to support their families and earn a middle-class standard of living, supporting consumption that, in turn, sustained the economy. This can happen again if elected leaders take action to reinforce the nation’s weakened labor laws, making it easier for workers to join unions and expand their slice of the economic pie. The most important step Congress could take is to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would streamline the process of forming unions in the workplace and prohibit some current forms of union-busting by employers. 

Two Years ago, the EFCA was buried in the Senate by the threat of filibuster and its prospects in Congress remain bleak. But, with consumer spending remaining flat and GDP growth anemic, it is time that Congress recognized the stronger unions are one obvious way to put more into the pockets of Americans workers and get this economy moving again.

10 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

(#№ 10) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the largest cities in Austria, known for the winter competitions held there every year. Surrounded by the Alps , Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe due to its architecture, mountain scenery and city history.

(#№ 9) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Athens

Probably one of the most well-known and most beautiful cities in Europe, Athens is the capital of Greece. Athens still is the city of ancient Greek gods, aspect that can be still seen in the city monuments and remains. Athens is for sure one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

(#№ 8) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a retro-chic city where girls are pretty and party is cheap. So they say. Budapest is situated on the Danube banks and is well-known for its magnificent bridges that unite the two halves of the city, Buda and Pesta. Budapest is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

(#№ 7) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Barcelona

We can safely say that Barcelona is the “capital” of Catalonia, the south-eastern part of Spain, where the spoken language is catalane. Barcelona is the city of ingenious architect Gaudi, who has shaped the entire city with the buildings that look as if they flow and hang down. Definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe due to Gaudi and the Mediterranean shore.

(# №6) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Prague

Prague a city with a very extensive historic centre that speaks about the shaky past of this metropolis. If you wish to visit one of  the most beautiful cities in Europe, we recommend the Prague castle, the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. You will definitely fall for this city.

(# №5) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Vienna

Vienna is another very important city in Europe, and one of the most beautiful city on the continent. Why? Perhaps Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace will let you know why. Also, there are very many museums to visit, the marvelous streets and city square centre will take your breath away for sure.

(# №4) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is probably the most expensive but at the same time the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is well known for Formula 1, its casinos and royal family, but also for the magnificent views and rough landscape. If you wish to go with luxury, choose Monte Carlo for your next vacation destination.

(#№ 3) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Venice

Venice is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, in fact it is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole world. Venice is well-known for its unique placement and hence architecture, for the gondolas, canals and Romeo and Juliet. If you wish to go for a romantic trip, choose Venice, one of Europe`s most beautiful cities.

(#№ 2) Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Rome

All roads lead to Rome. That`s how they used to say and practically, if we look at the city`s center, we can pretty much see it. There are many reasons why Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but we`ll give you only a few and the rest will let you discover.

The ancient Coliseum, the Pantheon, Trajan`s Market and the Forum Romanum. Rome is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

(# №1) Most Beautiful City in Europe

Paris

Paris, mon amour! Yes! Paris is the most beautiful city in Europe. The reasons are numerous, like the grandiose Eiffel Tower, the island Île de la Cité, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palate of Justice and the famous  Champs-Élysées boulevards. Besides, it`s a green city and pretty much the most visited city in the entire world.

We shouldn`t wonder why. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and also in the world.

Most socially responsible country

Russia holds the second place in the ranking of countries applying in practice the principles of corporate social responsibility - this is the result of Grant Thornton International conducted (Grant Thornton International) study. Worse than in Russia, the situation in Turkey, which closes the score.
The main motive, as noted by the compilers of this study, forcing local entrepreneurs to pursue a policy of corporate social responsibility (CSR), is attracting and retaining key, most important, people. Thus, according to Grant Thornton International, 63% of respondents named this factor the main driver of CSR, while 60% are implementing the principles of social responsibility in the hope of reducing costs. In the world average of these two items called for the motives of ethical practice 56% of the companies.
Not unimportant for the Russian business were and investor relations. About 57% of companies believe that the introduction of ethical business practices contributes to the development of these relations.
It is noteworthy, but 56% of domestic companies are implementing CSR principles in order to save the planet, which is higher than the world average (36%). At the highest level of care for the environment is not recorded anywhere, but in Georgia (81%) and the lowest, as it may seem, - the "most vocal" champions of the environment - United States (13%).

Activities in the field of CSR, companies conducted in 2010 (% of respondents)
Number Country Providing training (%) Flexible working hours (%) Health Care (%)
1 Philippines 83 71 94
2 Thailand 83 85 87
3 South Africa 80 60 88
4 Botswana 72 66 86
5 Canada 67 72 88
6 Finland 95 92 90
7 New Zealand 70 84 82
8 Ireland 66 77 74
Chile 9 72 76 89
United Kingdom 10 73 79 73
...............
37 Russia 66 50 39
To download the entire table, click on her arm
In order to reduce the pressure on the government business, CSR practice is carried out 52% of companies in Russia, to reduce the tax burden, strengthening the brand and influence on public sentiment - 55% of respondents. Globally, the company, as before, the focus on CSR, mainly to strengthen the brand, attract and retain key employees and to obtain new contracts. More than half of surveyed firms of Grant Thornton have identified as priorities for these advantages.
"In countries with developed economies struggle with the effects of the recession has forced businesses to focus on real income, developing countries also, however, to a greater extent take on CSR initiatives," - said General Director of Grant Thornton International, Ed Nusbaum. The realization of the principles of social responsibility can bring commercial benefits if the policy is aimed at CSR involvement of skilled personnel and the creation of brand value, he said.

CSR in practice

When asked, "what actions your company has taken over the last year in terms of CSR," the largest number (66%) of the Russian respondents said they gave their employees the opportunity to undergo training and internships. Flexible working hours offered 50% of Russian companies participated in the survey, and in 2008 there were slightly more (55%). Medical conditions have improved in the last year for their employees 39%, whereas in a survey of 2008 respondents was 52%.
"Often, Russian companies are adopting CSR policies to create a positive image, enhance the company's reputation, which, in turn, works to attract and retain talented employees. The correct approach to this question gives us every chance to improve profitability, "- said the personnel manager of Grant Thornton in Russia Lyudmila Gaidai.
But with the charity is not so good. According to a study in charity last year, was attended by about 39% of domestic companies, which is significantly lower than in 2008, when to hold various charity events claimed 59% of respondents. Dropped significantly over the past three years, and the desire of companies to diversify their staff work, according to the Grant Thornton. At least, if in 2008 62% of respondents stated that their employees have provided ample opportunity, in 2011 these companies were only 22%.
In general, experts say, Russian companies have shown an increase in only two directions of CSR - education and training and the efficient use of energy. All other items in the survey in 2008 looked much more positive than it is today. For example, earlier participation in social activities took 45% of companies now - 31%. On the change in the product line in order to reduce environmental and social impacts in the past, the study said 34% of the companies, the latter survey found only 15% of respondents. The number of companies that help other companies develop their business (coaching), decreased in three years from 28% to 14%.

Activities in the field of CSR, held by Russian companies in 2010 (% of respondents)
 2011 2008
Education / training 66 60
Flexible hours 50 55
Health care 39 52
Promoting opportunities 22 62
Go to the efficient use of energy 39 37
Better control over the production of waste 28 28
Participation in social activities 31 45
Charity 39 59
Changing the product line to reduce the environmental impact 15 34
Mentoring 14 28
The use of environmentally friendly products June 22
"So in fact taken in the last year in CSR initiatives, Russia ranked 38th out of 39. Despite the fact that 56% of Russian companies called concern for the environment the most important driver of the implementation of CSR practices actually implemented initiatives demonstrate a strong gap between the world average, "- summarize the experts from the Grant Thornton International.

Most favorable to the life of the country

This year Russia won the 66th place in the ranking of human development, while last year the country was at 65 positions, according to the twenty-first in a row, "Human Development Report" of the United Nations. Perhaps a similar reduction in the rating of the crisis has affected the domestic economy.Nevertheless, the human development index increases with age, for example, in 2005 the figure was 0.725 Russia, at the present time, it rose to 0.755, according to the dynamics of the HDI. In the report there is an assumption that the growth index is often associated with the environmental condition of the country. In general, the HDI takes into account such factors as the average achievements of the country's three main criteria: health and longevity, knowledge and decent living conditions. It is calculated and published in the report since 1990, inclusive.The main indicators of Russia is the average life expectancy at birth - 68.8 years, mean duration of education - 9.8 years, the average expectancy of education - 14.1 years, the gross national income (GNI) per capita - 14,561 dollars a year.As reported in a study on indicators of Russia negatively affect social inequality, environmental problems, besides low life expectancy, more typical of disadvantaged countries. Just because the last factor, surprising was the fact that Russia surpassed countries such as Cuba and Libya, where life expectancy is higher than in our country.
Ranking of countries by Human Development InNumber Countries Human Development Index (HDI)1 Norway 0.9432 Australia 0.9293 Netherlands 0.9104 U.S. 0.9105 New Zealand 0.9086 Canada 0.9087 Ireland 0.9088 Lichtenstein 0,9059 Germany 0,90510 Sweden 0.904To download the entire table, click on her arm

In addition, experts note that in Russia and other countries that export oil and gas in the former Soviet Union, made a very strong emphasis on the use of natural resources, not to diversify the economy, which could seriously affect the stability and the stability of human development in the coming years. It should be noted that Russia, however, is ahead in the ranking of its neighbors in the BRIC countries. Among the largest states with the fastest growing economies in Brazil takes place in the ranking of 84, China - 101 places, and India - 134 place.This year, with Russia, Belarus and adjacent to Grenada. Belarus is the highest rating among the CIS countries, and among former Soviet countries of Belarus ahead of Russia and the Baltic countries that were able to enter into the first group of countries with very high levels of human development: Estonia (in the ranking is 34th), Lithuania (in the ranking 40th), Latvia (in the ranking is 43rd place). Along with Russia, there are such states of the former Soviet Union such as Kazakhstan (in the ranking is 68th), Georgia (in the ranking is 75th place), Ukraine (in the ranking is 76th place). Other post-Soviet states included in the group of countries with medium level of development: Turkmenistan (102 in the ranking takes place), Moldova (in the ranking is 111 nd place - the lowest in Europe).Norway is recognized as the most prosperous country in the world this year.Recall that from 2001 to 2006 headed the Scandinavian country this rating, then was shifted to second place by Iceland, but in 2008 returned to Norway leadership.The level of life expectancy in Norway is among the highest in the world - 81.1 years, average annual per capita income - 57 130 dollars. Also, the country's low inflation and unemployment, but it is called Norway and one of the most expensive countries.In five of the most prosperous countries included Australia, the Netherlands, the United States and New Zealand. The last in the ranking were Burundi, Niger and Congo. These countries are characterized by low life expectancy - from 40 to 50 years, unfavorable socio-economic environment, low literacy rate of the population - can read and write no more than 30% of all residents, and per capita income of less than 1000 dollars per person per year. In some countries, these figures are compounded by the devastating effects of armed conflict.

50 most expensive cities in the world for the life of foreigners

Mumbling about 50 expensive cities for foreigners№ City Country Place at the 2011 Changing placesA Tokyo, Japan February 1Luanda, Angola 2 1 -13 Osaka, Japan, June 3Moscow, Russia 4 4 0Geneva Switzerland 5 5 06 Zurich Switzerland January 76 Singapore Singapore August 2Chad N'Djamena 8 3 -5Hong Kong Hong Kong 9 9 0Nagoya, Japan 10 January 1111 Sydney, Australia March 14Sao Paulo, Brazil 12 10 -213 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 12 -1Bern, Switzerland 14 February 1615 Melbourne, Australia June 2116 Shanghai, China May 2117 Beijing, China March 2018 Oslo Norway 15 -319 Perth, Australia November 30Libreville, Gabon 20 12 -821 Copenhagen Denmark 17 -422 Seoul, South Korea 19 -3Canberra Australia 23 34 1124 Brisbane, Australia July 3125 London, UK 18 -7Khartoum Sudan 26 44 1827 Adelaide, Australia 46 19St Petersburg Russia 28 January 29Caracas Venezuela 29 51 22Shenzhen China 30 43 1331 Tel Aviv Israel 38 7Guangzhou China 31 38 733 New York USA 32 -134 23 -11 Niamey NigerYangon, Myanmar 35 70 3536 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 61 2537 Paris, France 27 -1038 Milan Italy 25 -1339 Lagos Nigeria 41 2Bamako, Mali 39 63 24Abidjan 41 Ivory Coast 67 2642 Rome Italy 34 -843 55 12 Brazzavill CongoDjibouti Djibouti 44 39 -5Brasilia, Brazil 45 33 -1246 -7 39 Stockholm SwedenNoumea, New Caledonia 47 37 -1048 Vienna Austria 36 -12Baku, Azerbaijan 49 48 -150 Victoria Seychelles 25 -25Dakar, Senegal 50 44 -6
 Source table: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

The most environmentally friendly country in the world in 2012

The updated list of the most environmentally friendly economies in the world (Environmental Performance Index) Russia occupies 106th, situated next to such countries as Morocco and Mongolia. The result is not the worst, because of all the environmental ranking, prepared by Yale and Columbia universities, involved 132 countries, and, hence, the situation in the 26 economies is worse than in Russia. However, for Russia - it is little consolation.
As noted by the compilers of rankings, the situation with the environment in most countries in recent years, especially during the period from 2000 to 2010, slightly improved, whereas in the individual states, which include Russia, the opposite trend. Among the outsiders, experts from Yale and Columbia universities carried: Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia have already mentioned above.
In our country, the environmental situation continues to deteriorate, and this deterioration is observed in almost all categories, which are crucial for the preparation of organic ranking economies in the world, and the influence of the place. The only option, according to experts, which in Russia has improved slightly but still remains well below the benchmark - the amount of sulfur dioxide emissions.
All in all, to develop a ranking used 22 parameters, including: air and water quality, the effect of environment on human health, greenhouse gas emissions, forest area, etc.
The most perfect balance of all these parameters is observed in Switzerland, because it is the drafters of this country have put the rating in the first place. Following are: Latvia, Norway, Luxembourg, Costa Rica, France, Austria, Italy, Britain and Sweden.
The worst environmental conditions found in Iraq, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which occupy the last three places in the ranking.

The most environmentally friendly country in the world - Environmental Performance Index
Number Country
1 Switzerland
2 Latvia
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Costa Rica
6 France
7 Austria
8 Italy
9.10 United Kingdom
9.10 Sweden
11 Germany
12 Slovakia
13 Iceland
14 New Zealand
15 Albania
16 The Netherlands
Lithuania 17
Czech Republic 18
19 Finland
20 Croatia
21 Denmark
22, Poland
23, Japan
24 Belgium
25 Malaysia
26 Brunei Darussalam
27 Columbia
28 Slovenia
29 Taiwan
30 Brazil
31 Ecuador
32 Spain
33 Greece
34 in Thailand
35 Nicaragua
36 Ireland
37 Canada
38 Nepal
39 Panama
40 Gabon
Portugal 41
42 The Philippines
43 South Korea
44 Cyprus
45, Hungary
46 Uruguay
47 Georgia
48 Australia
49 U.S.
50 Argentina
50 Cuba
52 Singapore
53 Bulgaria
Estonia 54
55 Sri Lanka
Venezuela 56
57 Zambia
58 Chile
59 Cambodia
60 Egypt
61 Israel
62 Bolivia
63 Jamaica
64 Tanzania
65 Belarus
66 Botswana
67 Cote d'Ivoire
68 Zimbabwe
69 Myanmar
70 Ethiopia
71 Honduras
72 Dominican Republic
73 Paraguay
74 Indonesia
75 El Salvador
76 Guatemala
77 United Arab Emirates
78 Namibia
79 Vietnam
80 Benin
Peru 81
82 Saudi Arabia
83 Kenya
84 Mexico
85 Togo
86 Algeria
87 Malta
88 Romania
89 Mozambique
90 Angola
91 Ghana
92 Democrat Republic of Congo
93 Armenia
94 Lebanon
95 of the Congo
96 Trinidad and Tobago
97 Macedonia
98 Senegal
99 Tunisia
100 Qatar
101 Kyrgyzstan
102 Ukraine
103 Serbia
104 Sudan
105 Morocco
106 Russia
107 Mongolia
108 Moldova
Turkey 109
110 Oman
111 Azerbaijan
Cameroon 112
113 Syria
114 Iran
Bangladesh 115
116 China
117 Jordan
118 Haiti
Nigeria 119
Pakistan 120
121 Tajikistan
122 Eritrea
123 Libya
124 Bosnia and Herzegovina
125, India
126 Kuwait
Yemen, 127
128 South Africa
Kazakhstan 129
130 Uzbekistan
131 Turkmenistan
132 Iraq

The stock markets of the world - the I half of 2012

A difficult economic situation in the euro area and the slowdown in the U.S. until a heavy impact on the global stock markets. The vast majority of stock market indexes finished the first half of the year in positive territory. However, the growth rate, with few exceptions, was very mild and did not exceeded 10%. With regard to domestic indicators (MICEX and RTS), they joined in time for the "community" outsiders.Haven for investors is clearly not in the markets of Spain and Greece. Stock indexes in both countries during the past six months have shown a very tough, "drawdown", putting these "problem" from an economic point of view of the state in worse places. Thus, the second from the end of the table is the index of Spanish Spain Madrid General (IGBM), which fell from January to June 2012 by an impressive 16.23%. A little less - about 10%, the index decreased Greece General Share (ASE), as a result of Greece occupies 29 out of 31 possible line.At the same time, lower indices of countries that are frequent guests of many analytical reports on the dire economic situation in the world - Spain, Greece, literally pales before the losses incurred by the index of emerging market of Ukraine. Ukraine PFTS over the past six months has fallen to just 32.21%.However, according to experts, in such a significant reduction in the Ukrainian stock market is not surprising.
The stock markets of the world - the I half of 2012Ticker Change Index number index from January to June 2012 (%) Country1 Turkey ISE National-100 Turkey XU100 22.002 India BSE 30 BSE 12.78 India3 Nasdaq Comp NASD 12.66 U.S.4 Germany DAX DAX 8.78 Germany5 Singapore Straits Times STI 8.77 Singapore6 Mexico IPC IPC 8.42 Mexico7 Japan Nikkei 225, Japan NIKKEI 6.528 Hong Kong Hang Seng HSI 5.46 Hong Kong9 Johannesburg All Share JSE 5.39 South Africa10 Chile IPSA IPSA 5.33 ChileTo download the entire table, click on her armAs noted in an interview with RBC analyst "Veles Capital" (Ukraine), Igor Egozarov, the main influence on the Ukrainian stock market in general and in particular, the PFTS index in the I half of 2012 has provided the tense situation in the European Union and the economic slowdown in the U.S.. "The main reason for the precipitous fall of the PFTS index - a low level of liquidity compared to foreign stock exchanges. Change the PFTS index will depend on the resolution of debt problems of the euro area, otherwise, if we continue to observe the uncertainty in the ranks of the EU, the index will decline ", - said Igor Egozarov. As far as domestic news, then, according to an analyst, they tend to go unnoticed, despite the generally positive trend of production of Ukrainian enterprises. The situation is somewhat similar to Russian, and where the good financial performance of individual companies are often ignored as a result of not providing little or no impact on share prices of the issuer.However, domestic MICEX and RTS have completed six months of the past is not as bad as the aforementioned parties. Russia in the ranking of the world's stock indexes, MICEX indicator presented ruble, which from January to June 2012 decreased by only 1.05%, is located at 23 place.As for the leaders of the rankings for a positive change in stock market indices, here, as well as outsiders, has its "heroes." Turkish Code Turkey ISE National-100 (XU100) over the past six months just flew by 22%. And the main way up has been passed just one first half of January and February, and that was enough to keep the accumulated earlier in the year "base" to the end of the first half. Stop it or not the second, of course, the question, especially since the emerging markets of this magnitude does not behave very predictably. In second place ranking Indian India BSE 30 index which added during the period of almost 13%.Approximately the same percentage, of course, in a positive way, has changed and the index Nasdaq Comp - 12.66%, and that closes the top three.

Weak Union

Prospects for the development of the debt crisis in the euro area - an issue that worries many, especially those who are closely following the fate of all European assets. Once one of the most stable regions, today tells us about the existence of an enemy that can not be overcome alone. Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, this is not a complete list of European countries, which some time ago, faced with serious challenges to service their sovereign debt.

In the upcoming weekend in Athens ahead of parliamentary elections. Depending on which political party wins, it will be possible to talk more specifically about the fate of Greece. Yes it is because the Greek problem is a difficult financial problems, and problems that have escorted the country almost from the currency bloc. Many analysts, including the RMB company, believe that Greece simply must do everything to keep its membership in the European Union. This is sort of a signal to public opinion, which will be made as early as this Sunday.

According to the Prime Minister of Greece Lucas Papadimosa, to clean up public finances and restore the competitiveness of the country is only possible with the support of European financial institutions. With regard to the consequences of secession from the Union, they would have been devastating: rising inflation, falling real incomes and, because of lack of investor confidence, the collapse of the banking system. There are economic models that predict that inflation could accelerate to 50% and real GDP to continue to decline and will decrease by 30%. If you add more here, and social consequences, it becomes obvious that Sunday's election, in the truest sense of the Greeks will vote for their own future. For potential investors, it's a great opportunity to perhaps the most promising and lucrative deal this year. Risky assets are likely to demonstrate the wonders of volatility.

Greece is not all problematic Europe. Not so long ago, another European country, has a caliber of more, too, appealed for financial support in the EU. We are talking about Spain, which agreed to provide EUR 100 billion for the recapitalization of the banking system. Of course, this is not the sum of irreversible and credit, which immediately imposes on certain debt obligations of the borrower. The maturity of the loan for 10-15 years with a rate of 3% per annum. Memorandum of Understanding with the EU on this issue must be signed with the 21-28 June.

Many investors, believing that the situation in Europe is closer to the point of no return, it is believed that the financial assistance to banks in Spain will not be able to stop the spread of an overwhelming debt crisis. And it became quite anxious when the ranks of the troubled regions of Italy has expanded. Yield recent ten-year bonds exceeded 6.3%, which is a maximum in January of this year. On Tuesday, June 13 Italy has sold treasury bills with maturity of 364 days at 6.5 billion euros. The weighted average yield at placing jumped to 3.972% from 2.34% at the previous auction, held on May 11. Given such a yield, we can say that this place was a disaster. With regard to financial assistance, if Italy go for it, would be a colossal sum of the estimated investment and consulting corporation RMB company can make more than 300 billion euros.

Monetary unit is clearly experiencing now is not the best of times, but as they say, there is no problem that can not be solved. Since the EU was created to promote economic and social progress, it is clear that the exclusion of a member country, will point to the apparent weakness of the whole region. It should not be allowed. Especially if we consider mainly the economic consequences of such a scenario can be summarized that Europe itself, lacking unity, and will suffer the most.