Here’s a an insightful video explaining how the world has changed with respect to economy & population. Hans Rosling presents very important data in a ‘non-boring’ manner. I wish more professors were like him.

Watch this and be informed. The world has changed in ways that can surprise you and the data presented will be a good picture of the changes over the last 3 decades or so.

By the way, there is a correlation between family size, life expectancy & income.

There’s one word to describe the World Economy today – volatile.

With the political changes on-going in the Middle East, the whole world seems to be biting it’s fingernail in anxious anticipation of its developments. Amidst all these events unfolding, everyone seems to be concerned at such a precious commodity, oil. Oil has such a powerful effect on the economy and it goes beyond affecting inflation. Oil, in many instances even starts wars. With a population ever dependent on oil, the events in the Middle East is something of a concern for everyone. 2011 is beginning to be such a tumultuous endeavor as political protests seems to be on the rise. From Egypt and now Libya, even affecting Africa.

How will all these affect the world economy? Adversely, in my opinion. While I am sure that there are positive developments in store, it usually gets bad before it gets good. As the saying goes, it is always the darkest before dawn. I can see many negative effects that can spur with all these going on; inflation, geo-political friction, further recession and the like. But there’s always a silver lining into every cloud… the changes may result to freer trade and political stability that can usher unprecedented growth.

Like any challenges, there are always opportunities and yes, investment opportunities. In my next blog, I will delve into some practical opportunities for the discerning investor as well as my unsolicited advise for the Philippine Government.

… to be continued.

The Philippine Stock Market Index nearing is 4,400 while our the Philippine Peso exchange rate against the US Dollar is about to breach the P41 mark. In the next few days, this scenario might be realized if we follow the trend.

The bullish market is buoyed by good prospects for Philippine corporations and a bullish environment preceded such a sentiment. The market is reflected by sentiments, in reality.

The weakening US Dollar has also resulted to a strengthening Philippine Peso and a 40 to 41 rate by year end may actually be realized. The appreciation of the Peso will definitely have an impact on the huge OFW remittances as well as the exporters segment – both critical components of our economy.

On the other hand, it seems that the Oil prices are rising which will have inflationary impact (rising of prices). The good news is, a stronger Peso will somewhat cushion the rise in oil prices and in a way, help ease inflationary pressures.

My 2 cents.