The year’s beginning

The year 2011 had a tumultuous start. At the end of the first four weeks of the year, Australia’s second largest state by population is reeling from the worst floods in several decades, and more bad weather looms. Higher food costs and disrupted business weigh on the Australian consumer, while the global economy struggles to keep up with skyrocketing commodities’ prices, particularly coal, as a direct result of the disruption from flooded mines and damaged infrastructure. Friends, family, homes and businesses have been affected by this natural disaster. This month’s article in YTE Magazine is in no way intended to detract from the difficult time so many are going through. Our deepest sympathy goes to those who have lost everything close to their hearts.
Natural disasters leave markets in a state of flux. There can be an unforeseen domino effect on domestic and global economies. Nearly every listed company in Australia has been affected by the Queensland floods. North America and Europe continue to feel the effects of a depressed economy...

Excerpted from an article originally published in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue of YourTradingEdge magazine. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011, Your Media Edge Pty Ltd.
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