The investors best friend?

Article Abstract:

Two misconceptions about the diamond industry are that South Africa dominates the production of diamonds and that diamonds are a highly liquid commodity. South Africa accounts for only ten percent of the world's diamond production, but does maintain some dominance over the world diamond trade through the virtual monopoly enjoyed by the Central Selling Organization (CSO), which is controlled by De Beers. Diamonds have never proved to be a sound investment medium due to the fact that they are not a homogenous commodity; each diamond is unique and can be graded differently. Most investment diamond plans do incorporate buy-back plans, but, despite the attempts of the CSO to maintain a stable price, the polished diamond market is too volatile, undermining diamonds suitability as a medium for long term investment. Attempts at creating a futures market in diamonds have failed due to: price instability; the conservatism diamond traders; and the lack of availability of a standard grade on which to base a futures contract.

Analysis, Evaluation, Foreign operations, Investments, Diamonds, Anglo American Corporation of South Africa Ltd., Diamond Trading Co.

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Tougher times ahead for a global market

Article Abstract:

The international market for prescription drugs is estimated at approximately 80 billion pounds sterling, and is growing. The international pharmaceutical industry has experienced healthy increases in sales of up to 15% annually for certain product lines. However, the profit levels of the international pharmaceutical industry are threatened by the high costs of R&D, by the increasing pressure to contain costs by Japan and countries in North America and Europe whose populations are aging, and by a heightened threat of regulatory intercession in drug approval in the European Community. The increasing burden of medical care on national budgets will lead to heightened efforts to contain medical costs, which likely will translate into lower drug prices internationally.

Pharmaceutical preparations, Drugs, Pharmaceutical industry, International aspects, Industrial research

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Fiscal harmonisation: impossible dream or irresistible force?

Article Abstract:

The issue of tax revenue is a stumbling block to the European Commission's attempts to bring about fiscal harmonization in the European Community (EC). The attempts to eliminate barriers to competition have created contradictory pressures arising from the need to minimize disruptions to industry and member states' revenues. The Commission is also faced with pressure to lessen distortions in the trade between states with differing tax rates. Standard EC excise taxes would cost certain member states, such as the UK, substantial revenue. However, it is likely that the introduction of EC-wide lower excise taxes may lead to increased consumption thus compensating for lowered excise taxes through increased volume.

United Kingdom, Taxation, European Union, Tax policy, Great Britain, European Community

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