Introduction Globalization was perceived as an irresistible power over the course of decades, something that is integrating the markets, faster than ever, and connecting societies together by means of capital, information, and culture flows. However, in recent years there has been a discernible backlash to this in the form of deglobalization in the world. The … Read More “Globalization vs. Deglobalization: Where Are We Headed?” »
Share repurchase programs (also called stock buy backs) have become one of the most popular concepts in corporate finance. Companies in the S&P 500 collectively spend substantial amounts on buybacks, which in some periods exceed their investments in areas such as R&D, capex, or payroll. This has elicited great controversy among analysts: Do stock buybacks … Read More “Stock buybacks Do they add shareholder value?” »
Over the last twenty years, e-commerce and online trade has evolved into a marginal online business to form a major component of the global economy. What started as mere online purchases has now become a complex digital environment that is continental, industry, and consumer-market-wide. Digital trade is currently not only transforming the nature of buying … Read More “E-commerce and Digital Trade: The New Frontier of Global Commerce” »
Financial markets generate massive data sets every second, and tools that assist in converting these data into practical knowledge are required by investors, both the individual saver and the international investment institution. Among the most widely used tools are market indices which are vital in assessing market trends, economic, and portfolio performances. Be it the … Read More “The Role of Market Indices in Investor Decision-Making” »
Over the decades, the chief financial officer (CFO) had been largely referred to as the custodian of financial reporting, cost control and compliance. Although these roles can be considered core, with the digital age, the role of the CFO is changing radically. The modern CFO is not just the protector of financial integrity, but he … Read More “The Changing Role of CFOs in the Digital Age” »
Over the past few years, business organizations have been under increasing pressure by the regulatory bodies, investors, employees, and the consumers to be responsible and transparent in their operations. Two models have taken the centre stage in this movement; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Although the two focus on the … Read More “CSR vs ESG: Key Differences” »
Climate change is not a future threat anymore, it is an immediate economic force that changing the world productivity, investor trends, and the long-term growth opportunities. With the increase of extreme weather, the rise of sea levels, and changes in ecosystem, the world economy is already experiencing significant financial losses. Although the effects are different … Read More “Climate Change and Its Cost to Global GDP” »
The emerging markets have turned out to be a more significant constituent of the global financial system. With developing economies becoming increasingly a part of the global forecast and capital markets, they provide special prospects of growth and diversification. The involvement of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) is one of the most powerful agents of financial … Read More “The Role of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) in Emerging Markets” »
The concept of money is one of the most powerful inventions made by humans as its idea is so simple and, at the same time, powerful that it influenced societies, economies, cultures and civilizations. Our currency today is the outcome of thousands of years of development as a consequence of trade, trust, technology, and governance. … Read More “The Birth of Money: Establishing the Currency System and Its Transformation Through History” »
The rise of vibrant startup economies in the modern innovation-based economy depends on access to capital, strategic advice, and contacts. Although these ecosystems are based on talent in entrepreneurship and technological progress, private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) can be said to be catalysts. They not only provide funding but also mentorship, governance, and … Read More “Private Equity and Venture Capital: Fueling Startup Ecosystems” »
