As has been the trend for the last few years, Apple is still dominating the technology news. Apple has finally launched its long awaited iPhone 5. The phone has been well-received so far, and Apple, along with numerous other retailers, has sold out of their “Pre-reserve” stock.
Another month passed, and another exciting period for innovators around the world. The global economy has trudged onwards in-spite of continuingly poor economic data, but still stock markets, R&D expenditures, and employment rates are holding steady. This is bringing hope to many economists and business planners that the world will be able to weather the current economic climate and push through to a more prosperous 2013.
July has been a busy month with markets moving up and down, numerous major announcements from major governments and international organizations, and various large developments in the private sector. Rumors have been swirling around Apple’s long-awaited iPhone 5 and the most recent reports suggest a much thinner phone with an “in-cell’ touchscreen. Meanwhile in the financial sector Goldman Sachs announced a 4.4 billion dollar loss in the derivatives market in the second quarter, but still managed to post a 5 billion dollar project. And in the United States growth remains slow but the manufacturing sector seems poised to make a surprise comeback after years of decline. In Asia export oriented markets may be slowing but internally driven Indonesia has been posting steady growth. Europe still remains the global focus, however, with the Eurozone continuing to teeter on the verge of collapse. Bond rates in Spain and other countries have been swinging up and down, but are now edging towards record highs, signaling the possibility of a full-out crisis.
Uncertainty over the continuing European Financial Crisis has investors and global economists on edge. Financial markets have held steady in the last week, though European stock markets have suffered some losses, however Asian and American stock markets have made gains.
Continue reading April 30th, Global Status Report: Financial Markets