Gangnam-Gu, Seoul -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/02/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates Foreign Exchange Markets October 2010 Part 1: Uncertainty has remained the predominant feature of the foreign exchange markets over the past month. The sovereign debt crisis in Europe has clearly not been resolved; and there has been further evidence of the conflicting views of the central bankers about the most appropriate measures to correct the current problems, with the Fed primarily interested in maintaining the momentum in the US economy, and the European Central Bank and the Bank of England more anxious to tighten fiscal policy to reduce the size of outstanding fiscal deficits. This general uncertainty produced a further fall in the dollar in the early part of the month, and ahead of the recent meeting of the Fed's Open Market Committee, in the expectation that there would a further easing of monetary policy; and then a subsequent recovery after policy was left basically unchanged, to leave the dollar slightly higher over the month.

The euro has weakened because of renewed fears about debt defaults; sterling has moved slightly higher as the markets have continued to react favourably to the proposed measures to reduce the UK huge fiscal deficit; and there has been a continuing rally in the yen because of its enhanced "safe haven" status. But the movements in the markets have been relatively small, as both traders and investors have awaited guidance about future prospects.

Strathclyde Associates Foreign Exchange Markets October 2010 Part 1: The euro remains under pressures because of the threat of debt defaults, and a possible break-up of the single currency system; sterling has been helped by the early actions of the new coalition government, but there are doubts about whether it will survive, and whether it can implement the proposed austerity measures even if it does survive; the strength of the yen is clearly unwelcome to the Japanese authorities, and has increased the risk that the Bank of Japan will intervene in the markets to try to reverse the trend; and China has provoked considerable criticism, especially in the US, by its latest actions to depress the value of the renmimbi. In this situation, although forecasts are extremely difficult, we still believe that the dollar will "muddle through", and that this will hold the currency system together. In the statement; after the latest meeting of the Fed's Open Market Committee. The bank downgraded its view of economic prospects, indicating that "the pace of recovery in output and employment has slowed in recent months", and was likely to be "more modest" than anticipated in the near-term.

It would therefore "continue to monitor the economic outlook and financial developments, and will employ its policy tools as necessary to promote economic recovery with price stability".

But at the meeting it made no major policy changes, and only agreed to begin reinvesting the proceeds from maturing mortgage-backed and agency securities that it had previously acquired into Treasury securities to ensure that there was no tightening of monetary policy. But it is clear that its main priority in maintaining the momentum in the economy, and therefore further stimulatory measures are likely if the economic situation continues to deteriorate.

And the same priority exists in the conduct of fiscal policy Congress has shown some reluctance to sanction new spending programmes requested by President Obama; but it has recently voted to inject an additional $26 billion into the economy, transferring funds to cash-strapped states to avoid further jobs cuts in the public sector, and despite the massive size of the existing fiscal deficit. Its priorities are therefore also clear.

After rallying fairly strongly recently, the euro has fallen back over the past month. The improvement in the dollar after the Fed's Open Market Committee meeting has been an important factor; But there have also been renewed concerns about sovereign debt defaults in Europe, and the viability of the single currency system, and this appears to have led to some withdrawal of capital funds from the European markets. The latest available evidence on the performance of the euro-zone economy has been encouraging.

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Seoul, Seoul -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/21/2010 -- The strength of the major European bond markets must therefore also be viewed with some concern. The gilt edged market has followed the pattern of other markets and has also improved again over the past month.

The UK economy is currently performing better than expected; but the introduction of austerity measures to reduce the fiscal deficit is expected to limit further gains in the second half of the year. The Bank of England is also continuing to adopt a cautious approach, and is maintaining an easy monetary policy and low short-term rates; and there is no real risk of a default on UK debt. Investors have therefore been encouraged to push the market higher, and are obviously assuming that growth rates will remain low and that inflation will remain under control, even though it is currently well above the bank's target rate.

The performance of the UK economy has been encouraging, and this has raised hopes that it might be able to cope with the impending austerity measures better than had been feared. For the moment retail sales are holding up fairly well, the level of unemployment is lower than expected; manufacturing activity is continuing to expand, and exports reached a two-year high level in June.

Strathclyde Associates Government Bonds Part3- Market Outlook October 2010: There are offsetting factors, including some weakness in the services and housing sectors; and the 1.1% growth rate in the second quarter of the year is not expected to be maintained; but most of the fears about a "double-dip" recession have been eased. However the situation remains uncertain. The Bank of England believes that the economy is balanced on a "knife-edge", with "substantial" risks of a relapse balanced against signs of "gathering momentum", and has stressed the need for "continuing monetary stimulus" in the face of a "choppy recovery". Shortterm interest rates will clearly remain low for an extended period.

There is therefore much to support the market and to enable it to respond to an improving trend in markets elsewhere. Funding pressures remain high; but the Debt Management Office has recently announced that it is ahead of schedule on gilt issuance this year, and this success may well continue, especially if the sovereign debt crisis amongst the weaker members of the euro-zone continues to develop.

But there are doubts about the ability of the new UK government to successfully implement its austerity programme to reduce the fiscal deficit, and doubts about whether even a reduced deficit can be financed at existing yield levels. We therefore feel that care is necessary before investing in the UK.

The Japanese bond market has also improved again over the past month, and 10-year yields have moved below 1%. Recent figures indicate that economic growth has slowed sharply from an annualised 4.4% rate in the first quarter of the year to an annualized 0.4% in the second quarter, and there are fears that the country may be moving back into recession. This has increased expectations that the Bank of Japan will intervene in the markets to weaken the yen, as part of a further easing of monetary policy that will include further buying of government bonds.

Strathclyde Associates Government Bonds Part3- Market Outlook October 2010: There has also been evidence of Chinese buying of Japanese bonds as the authorities seek to diversify their massive foreign exchange reserves; and the combination of these factors has been more than enough to offset the massive government funding requirements.

However it is difficult to see how the present very low level of yields can be maintained unless the country is moving once again into an extended period of no growth and deflation. We do not expect this to happen, and so we feel that there is a risk of a significant Japanese setback.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, Seoul -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/21/2010 -- The major government bond markets have made further significant gains over the past month, despite the massive fiscal deficits around the world, and the renewed concerns about the possibility of sovereign debt defaults in Europe.

The lack of more positive measures initially caused some disappointment; but the policy change has already been implemented, and although it is still on a fairly small scale, it has helped to push Treasury bond yields lower.

Strathclyde Associates Korea Government Bonds Part2: The major bond markets in mainland Europe have also moved higher over the past month. There has been an improvement in the economic background in the euro-zone, but not enough to put pressure on the bond markets; and the European Central Bank has left short-term interest rates unchanged, despite its optimism about prospects. But there have been renewed concerns about the possibility of sovereign debt defaults, especially by Greece and Ireland, and so, in all the circumstances, the strength of most of the bond markets is surprising.

The flow of evidence on the performance of the eurozone has been much more encouraging; overall growth in the second quarter of the year is estimated to have been around 1%, after the disappointing result in the first three months of the year, and this has eased fears about a possible move into a "doubledip" recession. But is has been a two-speed recovery, heavily dependent on the performance of German exporting companies.

Strathclyde Associates Korea Government Bonds Part2: The German economy is estimated to have grown by 2.2% during the quarter, and this helped to produce reasonable growth in France and in the Netherlands; but there was no real growth in Spain and Portugal, and Greece slipped further into recession.

Overall domestic demand remains weak, and is likely to be further depressed by the austerity measures that are being introduced to reduce the fiscal deficits; and so it is crucial that overseas demand remains buoyant if the general improvement in the euro-zone economy is to be maintained.

The European Central Bank is continuing to take an optimistic view of prospects; but it has at least maintained short-term rates at low levels, and has provided modest support in the weaker bond markets. But it is clear that the sovereign debt crisis is far from being resolved.

Strathclyde Associates Korea Government Bonds Part2: There are fears that the deep recession that is developing in Greece will make it impossible for the government to sustain the austerity measures that are a condition of international help, and that the country will be unable to avoid a default on its debts, and may even be forced to withdraw from the single currency system, at least on a temporary basis; and the downgrade in Ireland's credit rating by Standard and Poors, and the widening of yield spreads between German and Irish bonds, is a clear indication that there are doubts about the strength of Irish banks, and therefore the reliability of the country's sovereign debts.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, Seoul -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/21/2010 -- The major government bond markets have made further significant gains over the past month, despite the massive fiscal deficits around the world, and the renewed concerns about the possibility of sovereign debt defaults in Europe.

They have continued to receive support from the slow pace of economic recovery in the developed world, and the low level of short-term interest rates; but they have also acquired an enhanced "safe haven" status and as a result 10-year yields have fallen to 2.5% in the US, 2.2% in Germany, below 3% in the UK, and below1% in Japan.

Strathclyde Associates Korea article: This continuing fall in yield levels has surprised most commentators, and has led on the one hand to suggestions that these markets are anticipating a move towards a Japanese-type situation of an extended period of slow growth and the threat of deflation, and on the other hand to warnings that a "bond bubble" is being created that will quickly burst if the gloom about global economic prospects proves to be overdone.

The outlook for the markets has also been complicated by the further evidence of conflicting attitudes amongst central bankers about the correct response to the current problems, with the Fed primarily concerned to maintain the momentum of the US economy, and the European Central bank, and to a lesser extent also the Bank of England, anxious to reduce the level of fiscal deficits.

Market Outlook October 2010: Strathclyde Associates Government Bonds Part1Although we have also been surprised by the strength of the markets so far, our position remains basically unchanged. Slow economic growth and low short term interest rates will continue to provide support to the markets we do not expect a move to a "doubledip" recession in the developed countries, and we do expect China and other developing countries to continue to provide considerable support to the global economy.

We therefore feel that the gloom about economic prospects is overdone, and that sentiment will eventually change.

In the meantime the markets have to cope with massive fiscal deficits and the possibility of sovereign debt defaults in Europe. There us therefore a serious risk that a "bond bubble" is developing.

The latest available evidence on the performance of the US economy has obviously provided considerable support for the US bond market, and for bond markets elsewhere.

Market Outlook October 2010: Strathclyde Associates Government Bonds Part1Consumer spending is holding up fairly well, helped by considerable discounting by retailers; but the labour market and the housing markets remain depressed, manufacturing activity appears to be declining, and the latest trade statistics do not suggest that exports will offset any weakness in domestic demand.

Growth in the second half of the year is therefore expected to be well below the level achieved in the first six months.

There was therefore considerable speculation ahead of the latest meeting of the Fed's Open Market Committee that further quantitative easing measures would be introduced to boost the economy; but although the bank conceded that "the pace of the recovery in output and employment has slowed in recent months", its only response has been to reinvest the proceeds of maturing mortgage-backed and agency securities into Treasury securities to ensure that it did not tighten its easy monetary policy.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/02/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates: Taking A Look at Taiwan's Economy - Taiwan is recovering rapidly from last year's recession. Its semi-conductor industry is doing well and there is very little inflationary pressure in the economy. Taiwanese, however, are concerned about their linkages with the mainland China. President Ma Ying-jeou played down fears that a planned free-trade pact with China would leave Taipei over-reliant on China, saying the deal could lead to similar ones with other countries that would help diversify the island's economy.

Strathclyde Associates: Taking A Look at Taiwan's Economy - The planned agreement, known as the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, would pull down many of the remaining barriers to trade and investment between Taiwan and China, which have already expanded economic ties in recent years after decades of hostility. It is estimated that the agreement will raise Taiwan's gross domestic product by 1.65% to 1.72%, and create 263,000 jobs for Taiwan's population of 23 million people.

Opposition parties in Taiwan believe that the agreement which Taiwan and China hope to sign by June, could be a step toward political unification. The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement is the jewel in the crown of Mr. Ma's efforts to engage China economically and boost Taiwan's economy. The agreement will allow the free flow of many goods and services except for Chinese agricultural produce, as a concession to Taiwanese farmers. Taiwan has approached the U.S., Japan and Singapore as well as other Southeast Asian countries about having free-trade pacts, but was blocked by China. Once China has the agreement, its opposition to having the same agreement with other countries will reduce.

A constant commitment to our clients is the strong foundation of the business culture at Strathclyde Associates. We constantly develop innovative solutions in order to accommodate the ever-changing tastes, desires and needs of our clients. Providing services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

Through the Strathclyde Associates Institutional and Private Clients Divisions we provide our clients with services that include Securities, Investment Banking and Investment Management Services.

Above and beyond we are the first choice for individuals and institutions alike when considering a Premier Wealth Management Company. Excellence in market execution and the provision of the right information at the right price, at the right time has given Strathclyde Associates an enviable worldwide prestige of being able to ensure that our clients achieve their financial objectives and aspirations.

From natural resources to technology our fundamental strengths lie in innovative investment solutions combined with robust execution capabilities. At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Owing to the depth and quality of our understanding we construct long term relationships with our clients with a core focus on value creation and an ultimate commitment to helping our clients build and manage their wealth.

This specialized focus, an enviable reputation for quality and integrity and of course strong relationships nurtured with investors have made Strathclyde Associates a worldwide leader in wealth management.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/02/2010 -- Brazil's economic output dipped a tiny 0.2% in 2009 and is on course to grow by about 6% — well above the 4.5% or so that many economists regard as the potential or noninflationary rate — in 2010. Industrial production, retail sales, employment, business and consumer confidence are all on the way up. Consumer price inflation is seen rising to 5.4% a year, 90 basis points above the government's target of 4.5%. Brazil's IPCA consumer-price index stood at 5.22% in the 12 months through mid-April. In order to control inflationary expectations, Brazil's central bank has increased the country's reference lending rate by 75 basis points. The Selic rate is 9.50% now and may be increased by another 100 basis points by the end of 2010 if inflationary pressures remain.

Strathclyde Associates: Taking A Look at Brazil's Economy - Brazil and India have called Beijing to revalue its currency, the yuan. Both Indian Central Bank Governor Duvvuri Subbarao and his Brazilian equivalent, Henrique Meirelles, have called on China to appreciate the yuan. Earlier, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the world needed a stronger yuan. Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa suggested that China should "eventually" let its currency appreciate.

Strathclyde Associates: Taking A Look at Brazil's Economy - Brazil awarded a contract to build and operate the world's third-largest hydroelectric plant on a tributary of the Amazon River, amid vocal protests by environmental activists. Brazil is pushing ahead with the project despite questions about its impact on the environment. Brazilian authorities argue that relying on hydropower is better for the environment than burning other sources of energy like coal or fuel oil.

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations. Through the Strathclyde Associates Institutional and Private Clients Divisions we provide our clients with services that include Securities, Investment Banking and Investment Management Services.

Above and beyond we are the first choice for individuals and institutions alike when considering a Premier Wealth Management Company. Excellence in market execution and the provision of the right information at the right price, at the right time has given Strathclyde Associates an enviable worldwide prestige of being able to ensure that our clients achieve their financial objectives and aspirations.

From natural resources to technology our fundamental strengths lie in innovative investment solutions combined with robust execution capabilities. At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Owing to the depth and quality of our understanding we construct long term relationships with our clients with a core focus on value creation and an ultimate commitment to helping our clients build and manage their wealth. This specialized focus, an enviable reputation for quality and integrity and of course strong relationships nurtured with investors have made Strathclyde Associates a worldwide leader in wealth management.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/01/2010 -- Taking A Look at South Korea's Economy: Strathclyde Associates - Korea is set to grow about 5% this year, faster than the Bank of Korea's December forecast of 4.6%.

The central bank has lowered its 2010 forecast for consumer price inflation to 2.6% giving a signal to the market that the bank won't raise the benchmark interest rate in the first half of the year. However, a 25 basis-point rate hike in September and another 25 basis-point hike in December cannot be ruled out. The central bank expects inflation to accelerate to 3.3% next year as economic recovery is likely to fuel consumption.

Taking A Look at South Korea's Economy: Strathclyde Associates Korea - The current-account surplus totaled $1.69 billion in March compared with a surplus of $6.64 billion a year earlier. The size of the surplus is expected to shrink over time as imports rise with an improving economy. The country's current account surplus will be around $17 billion this year from $42.67 billion in 2009.

Taking A Look at South Korea's Economy: Strathclyde Associates Korea - The won will continue to appreciate due to the weak dollar against emerging economies' currencies, but only marginally due to a narrowing current account surplus. Moody's Investors Service upgraded South Korea's sovereign rating by one notch to the pre-Asia crisis level of A1 from A2 citing the country's "exceptional" rebound from the global downturn and the government's success in curbing its debt.

A constant commitment to our clients is the strong foundation of the business culture at Strathclyde Associates. We constantly develop innovative solutions in order to accommodate the ever-changing tastes, desires and needs of our clients. Providing services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

Through the Strathclyde Associates Institutional and Private Clients Divisions we provide our clients with services that include Securities, Investment Banking and Investment Management Services.

Above and beyond we are the first choice for individuals and institutions alike when considering a Premier Wealth Management Company. Excellence in market execution and the provision of the right information at the right price, at the right time has given Strathclyde Associates an enviable worldwide prestige of being able to ensure that our clients achieve their financial objectives and aspirations.

From natural resources to technology our fundamental strengths lie in innovative investment solutions combined with robust execution capabilities. At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Owing to the depth and quality of our understanding we construct long term relationships with our clients with a core focus on value creation and an ultimate commitment to helping our clients build and manage their wealth.

This specialized focus, an enviable reputation for quality and integrity and of course strong relationships nurtured with investors have made Strathclyde Associates a worldwide leader in wealth management.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/23/2010 -- "Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy: China ran its first monthly trade deficit in six years in March.

With imports of commodities surging in February, China swung to a trade deficit of $7.24 billion in March from a surplus of $7.61 billion in February. The cumulative trade surplus for the first quarter of 2010 was down 77% from a year earlier, to $14.49 billion.

In a parallel move, which will have a far reaching impact on the yuan is that China is encouraging exporters to invoice in the renminbi and is setting up systems to allow trade payments in renminbi.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy:New trade corridors may soon require new means of payment. When the Chinese and Brazilian Presidents met last year they agreed to use their own currencies to settle more of their bilateral trade, rather than invoicing in dollars.

Hong Kong is the main beneficiary of this policy as the renminbi gains acceptance abroad. It has the natural advantage of a renminbi deposit base, well-established trade links with China and a head-start in developing renminbi financial products.

Since February, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has made it easier for its banks to process trade transactions in renminbi, to develop renminbi based financial products such as bonds, and to extend loans to and take deposits from local companies in renminbi.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy:China's stock market regulator has allowed select investors to trade equity-based derivatives in their home market. The introduction of index futures is part of a broader transformation of the mainland stock markets this year: short selling and margin trading were introduced on a trial basis on March 31.

Index futures investors must pass an examination and meet tough criteria for educational background, credit history, monthly salary and liquid assets. Initial response to index futures has been overwhelming. To attract more foreign direct investment, China revamped its regulations to improve conditions for foreign companies while restricting funding for environmentally-unsound projects.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy:Under the new rules, FDI in high-tech industries, services sector, energy-efficient and environmental protection projects is encouraged, especially in the central and western regions. Qualified foreign-funded companies will also be allowed to go public, issue corporate bonds or medium-term bills in China.

These regulations come as FDI flow rose to $23.44 billion in the first quarter of 2010 bucking the downturn during the past eight months. China's foreign exchange reserves hit a new high of US$2.4471 trillion by the end of March, up 25.25% year on year, according to the People's Bank of China.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/23/2010 -- China's economy expanded 11.9% from a year earlier in the first quarter of 2010, a strong result highlighting both the strength of the recovery in China and the increasing risks of overheating.

Inflation has been subdued so far, with the consumer price index rising 2.4% in March from a year earlier, marginally lower than February's 2.7% rise and close to Beijing's 3% target.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy: The IMF expects consumer price inflation to be 3.1% for this year but to slow down to 2.4% in 2011. The government is of the opinion that China's main problem is that property prices are too high, not that the total economy is overheating. Therefore, most of its policy measures in recent weeks have focused narrowly on reining in property speculation, while conspicuously avoiding broader measures — like interest rate hikes — that would affect everyone.

The State Council repeated its promise to "resolutely curb" excessive property price rises by restricting speculative purchases while increasing the supply of land for housing and government supports for low-income housing. The US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has said that the yuan is "undervalued… to promote a more export-oriented economy" and an International Monetary Fund study also suggested that a currency move wouldn't harm Chinese growth if handled properly.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy:The Fed chairman's remarks come amid growing expectations that China will allow its currency to rise, perhaps before leaders of the Group of 20 industrialized and developing countries meet in Canada in June. But China does not want to be seen taking decision under the US pressure. Moreover, China has argued that yuan appreciation is not the solution for the US unemployment. The political realities have forced the U.S. Treasury to postpone a decision on whether to label China a "currency manipulator," in an effort to give China some political breathing space to revalue its currency without appearing to bow to U.S. pressure.

Already many influential economists in China have publicly advocated a change, arguing that a more flexible currency would help China deal with the rising domestic prices fuelled by its rapid growth.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look - China's Economy:Xia Bin, a prominent Chinese scholar recently named an outside adviser to the People's Bank of China, is of the view that the current de facto peg is no longer necessary because "the worst of the crisis is over."

But he argued that a large move in the currency's value would be unwise, and suggested a return to the pre-crisis policy of a somewhat flexible but closely managed exchange rate. A yuan revaluation, albeit a relatively small one, could be on the cards as soon as May.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/23/2010 -- India's economy is expected to grow 8.2% this fiscal year, and accelerate to 9% next year, powered by rising local demand, a robust rebound in manufacturing activity and investment in infrastructure. Policy makers are being kept on their toes by inflation: peak food inflation of over 20% recorded in December 2009 has come down to 17.7% in March 2010, but runs the risk of spilling over to other sectors.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look at India's Economy : India's wholesale price index-based inflation accelerated in March at 9.90%, driven mostly by rising food prices which have surged due to supply-side pressures, aggravated by the worst drought in 37 years in 2009. Thanks to the higher base last year and forecasts of a normal monsoon this year, India's annual inflation is expected to be 5.5% this fiscal year, and 5% next year.

Policy makers are being kept on their toes by inflation: peak food inflation of over 20% recorded in December 2009 has come down to 17.7% in March 2010, but runs the risk of spilling over to other sectors.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look at India's Economy: To contain inflation, the Reserve Bank of India raised the repo rate, a key lending rate, 25 basis points to 5.25% and raised the cash reserve ratio, the amount of money banks are required to hold with the central bank, 25 basis points to 6%.

The much-anticipated rate decision followed a 0.75 percentage point hike in the cash reserve ratio in January and a surprise 0.25 percentage point increase in both lending and borrowing rates in March.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look at India's Economy: Further increases in interest rate are not ruled out, but any rate hikes will be done gradually, in 'baby steps'.

Trade between China and India is expected to rise to $60 billion this year. The trade deficit was about $16 billion in Beijing's favour, and the government has described it as "politically unsustainable".

The central bank governor has made an appeal to China to let the yuan appreciate. China has offered to accelerate free trade agreement talks with India in a bid to balance the burgeoning trade relationship. India's benchmark stock index jumped 80%, while the rupee appreciated 13% against the U.S. dollar, in the fiscal year ended March 31.

"Strathclyde Associates" Taking A Look at India's Economy: India has been attracting foreign direct investment and in corporate debt market. Cumulative investment in debt by foreign institutional investors stands at more than $12 billion, compared with $5.17 billion just a year ago.

The central bank has clarified that it isn't considering imposing the so-called Tobin tax on capital inflows, but will revisit the roadmap based on the global financial crisis.

The rupee may strengthen only a little more over the year to Rs42 to the dollar, but the central bank is unlikely to spend its reserves in supporting the rupee. An appreciating rupee helps contain inflation.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/23/2010 -- "Strathclyde Associates": Bond Markets - The Japanese bond market has remained unchanged over the past month.

Government bond markets have had a very traumatic month. The major markets have held fairly steady; but there have been dramatic falls in some of the minor markets, especially in Europe, after the decision by Standard and Poor's to downgrade the level of Greek government debt to "junk" status.

The central banks are maintaining short-term interest rates at very low levels, and so the bond markets are continuing to receive some support. But this is being totally offset by the consequences of the massive fiscal deficits around the world that are placing enormous pressures on the bond markets.

The Greek situation remains in the eye of the storm, and has led to the decision to downgrade its debt to "junk" status despite a formal request for aid from the IMF and other member countries of the euro-zone to enable it to refinance its maturing debt and avoid a default. It is clear that the contagion is spreading to other members of the euro-zone, and so investors have continued to switch funds from the bond markets of the weaker countries and this has provided further support for the stronger markets.

A significant development has been the strength of the US market.

"Strathclyde Associates": Bond Markets - The Japanese bond market has remained unchanged over the past month. The recovery from recession in continuing; but there are fears that the improvement is not sustainable, and so there is political pressure for new policies to counter deflation, to monetise the government debt, and to push the exchange rate sharply lower to encourage the export effort.

However the Japanese authorities have also been warned that they must prepare an aggressive plan to repair the fiscal position, or risk a downgrade in the country's credit rating.

"Strathclyde Associates": Bond Markets - Fitch Ratings has recently said, that "in the absence of sustained economic recovery and fiscal consolidation, government debt will continue to rise, placing downward pressure on sovereign credit and ratings over the medium term".

This is the second time in less than six months that Fitch has expressed concern about the fiscal position; and Standard and Poor's has also cut its outlook on Japan's AA long-term rating to negative this year.

"Strathclyde Associates": Bond Markets - So far these comments have been ignored, and Japanese institutional investors have continued to invest massive sums in the bond market. It is unlikely that this situation will change quickly, and so the Japanese government does not face the possibility of a sovereign debt default; but if no action is taken, and economic growth remains disappointing, it seems inevitable that the pressures must eventually push yields higher.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Market Outlook June 2010: “Strathclyde Associates, Korea”: Prospects for bond markets in mainland Europe are particularly uncertain.

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2010 -- Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": Prospects for bond markets in mainland Europe are... particularly uncertain. Not all markets elsewhere will be affected, and some may even continue to benefit from the problems in Europe. The latest evidence on the economic performance is encouraging. Retail sales rebounded sharply in March; non-farm payrolls increased at the fastest monthly pace for three years in the same month; and both manufacturing and service sector output was higher.

Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": The Fed is continuing to maintain a safe attitude. The statement after the latest meeting of its Open Market Committee is more encouraging, short-term interest rates have been left unchanged once again, and the unwinding of the stimulatory measures that were introduced to counter the recession is only proceeding at a very modest pace. Both the economic background and the policy of the Fed is continuing to support the market. However it is clear that the bond markets in mainland Europe face far more serious problems. The economic recovery is only proceeding at a slow pace, and short-term interest rates are likely to remain low; but the massive fiscal deficits and their possible consequences are offsetting any possible benefits. Much now depends on developments in Greece. Despite a humiliating appeal to the IMF and to other member countries for help in financing its maturing debts, its bonds have been downgraded to "junk" status because of doubts about the rescue operation, and fears about the poor economic performance.

Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": If the Greek authorities can implement the austerity measures that are being demanded before any loans are granted, then the threat of default on Greek bonds may be reduced, and there will be more time for other countries that are in similar difficulties, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and even Italy, to take corrective action. But the situation clearly remains extremely uncertain, and this has persuaded investors to take evasive action, and to push yield spreads between stronger and weaker bonds to record levels. It was only after considerable hesitation that the Greek government made the formal request for aid. It was clearly concerned that the social unrest that has already occurred in the country would make it extremely difficult to implement even more extreme austerity measures; but in the end it had no choice. The request has produced a provisional agreement for the IMF to provide €15 billion in loans, and for the other member countries of the euro-zone to provide €30 billion, with the amounts varying according to the respective size of the lending country.

The gilt edged market has remained relatively stable over the past month, despite the uncertain situation in the UK. There has been evidence of a further modest improvement in the economic background, and the Bank of England is holding short-term interest rates at low levels. But the UK also has very serious fiscal problems, and there are doubts whether the new government formed after the forthcoming general election will be able to cope adequately with those problems. It is possible therefore that it has been the disaster in the bond markets in mainland Europe that has been the main reason why the gilt edged market has performed so well. The economy is clearly continuing to benefit from the monetary and fiscal policies that were introduced to counter the recession; and so although unemployment remains high and the housing market recovery is very fragile, the recovery in activity is continuing.

Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": The Office of National Statistics has recently estimated that growth in the first quarter of the year was only at a 0.2% rate; but it is likely that this estimate will be revised higher, and we expect that growth will be around the 2% level this year. However this is not likely to persuade the Bank of England to make any early moves to push short-term interest rates higher, and so the gilt edged market will continue to receive considerable support. The Japanese bond market has remained unchanged over the past month. The recovery from recession in and so there is political pressure for new policies to counter deflation, to monetise the government debt, and to push the exchange rate sharply lower to encourage the export effort. However the Japanese authorities have also been warned that they must prepare an aggressive plan to repair the fiscal position, or risk a downgrade in the country's credit rating. Fitch Ratings has recently said, that "in the absence of sustained economic recovery and fiscal consolidation, government debt will continue to rise, placing downward pressure on sovereign credit and ratings over the medium term". This is the second time in less than six months that Fitch has expressed concern about the fiscal position; and Standard and Poor's has also cut its outlook on Japan's AA long-term rating to negative this year. So far these comments have been ignored, and Japanese institutional investors have continued to invest massive sums in the bond market. It is unlikely that this situation will change quickly, and so the Japanese government does not face the possibility of a sovereign debt default; but if no action is taken, and economic growth remains disappointing, it seems inevitable that the pressures must eventually push yields higher.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2010 -- The Bank of International Settlements has recently warned "that the aftermath of the financial crisis is poised to bring the simmering fiscal problems in industrial economies to boiling-point", and that drastic measures will be needed to head off a compound interest rate spiral.

The latest developments in Greece have shown that the warning is fully justified. Sovereign debt defaults may still occur, and the single currency system in Europe may not survive in its present form.

Strathclyde Associates based in Korea, Bond Markets: Prospects for bond markets in mainland Europe are therefore particularly uncertain. Not all markets elsewhere will be similarly affected, and some may even continue to benefit from the problems in Europe; but higher bond yields everywhere seem to be unavoidable. The US bond markets appears to have achieved an enhanced "safe haven" status, and has improved slightly over the over the past month. The recovery in the economy is only proceeding at a very slow pace, and the Fed is clearly intending to keep short-term interest rates at "exceptionally low levels". But there are also serious funding problems in the market resulting from the huge fiscal deficit, and so it seems unlikely that the deficit can be adequately financed at present yield levels.

Strathclyde Associates based in Korea, Bond Markets: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": Prospects for bond markets in mainland Europe are... particularly uncertain. Not all markets elsewhere will be affected, and some may even continue to benefit from the problems in Europe. The latest evidence on the economic performance is encouraging. Retail sales rebounded sharply in March; non-farm payrolls increased at the fastest monthly pace for three years in the same month; and both manufacturing and service sector output was higher.

Strathclyde Associates based in Korea, Bond Markets: The Fed is continuing to maintain a safe attitude. The statement after the latest meeting of its Open Market Committee is more encouraging, short-term interest rates have been left unchanged once again, and the unwinding of the stimulatory measures that were introduced to counter the recession is only proceeding at a very modest pace. Both the economic background and the policy of the Fed is continuing to support the market. However it is clear that the bond markets in mainland Europe face far more serious problems. The economic recovery is only proceeding at a slow pace, and short-term interest rates are likely to remain low; but the massive fiscal deficits and their possible consequences are offsetting any possible benefits. Much now depends on developments in Greece. Despite a humiliating appeal to the IMF and to other member countries for help in financing its maturing debts, its bonds have been downgraded to "junk" status because of doubts about the rescue operation, and fears about the poor economic performance.

Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": If the Greek authorities can implement the austerity measures that are being demanded before any loans are granted, then the threat of default on Greek bonds may be reduced, and there will be more time for other countries that are in similar difficulties, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and even Italy, to take corrective action. But the situation clearly remains extremely uncertain, and this has persuaded investors to take evasive action, and to push yield spreads between stronger and weaker bonds to record levels. It was only after considerable hesitation that the Greek government made the formal request for aid. It was clearly concerned that the social unrest that has already occurred in the country would make it extremely difficult to implement even more extreme austerity measures; but in the end it had no choice. The request has produced a provisional agreement for the IMF to provide €15 billion in loans, and for the other member countries of the euro-zone to provide €30 billion, with the amounts varying according to the respective size of the lending country. The odds still seem to favour a successful completion of the loan agreement; but each country has still to obtain the necessary parliamentary approvals, and this is producing particular difficulties in Germany. In order to secure the necessary approvals, the German government is insisting that the Greek government produced detailed proposals to meet the budget deficit reductions that are required for 2011 and 2012, as well as for the current year, before it can qualify for the loans. This is not likely to be an easy task; but all the parties are aware of the possible consequences of failure, and so some kind of "fudged" agreement seems inevitable. This may provide a short-term respite in the markets; but the overall prospects remain unattractive. The gilt edged market has remained relatively stable over the past month, despite the uncertain situation in the UK. There has been evidence of a further modest improvement in the economic background, and the Bank of England is holding short-term interest rates at low levels. But the UK also has very serious fiscal problems, and there are doubts whether the new government formed after the forthcoming general election will be able to cope adequately with those problems. It is possible therefore that it has been the disaster in the bond markets in mainland Europe that has been the main reason why the gilt edged market has performed so well. The economy is clearly continuing to benefit from the monetary and fiscal policies that were introduced to counter the recession; and so although unemployment remains high and the housing market recovery is very fragile, the recovery in activity is continuing.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2010 -- Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": The Greek situation remains in the eye of the storm, and has led to the decision to downgrade its debt to "junk" status despite a formal request for aid from the IMF and other member countries of the euro-zone to enable it to refinance its maturing debt and avoid a default. It is clear that the contagion is spreading to other members of the euro-zone, and so investors have continued to switch funds from the bond markets of the weaker countries and this has provided further support for the stronger markets. A significant development has been the strength of the US market.

The latest developments in Greece have shown that the warning is fully justified. Sovereign debt defaults may still occur, and the single currency system in Europe may not survive in its present form.

Market Outlook June 2010: "Strathclyde Associates, Korea": If the Greek authorities can implement the austerity measures that are being demanded before any loans are granted, then the threat of default on Greek bonds may be reduced, and there will be more time for other countries that are in similar difficulties, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and even Italy, to take corrective action. But the situation clearly remains extremely uncertain, and this has persuaded investors to take evasive action, and to push yield spreads between stronger and weaker bonds to record levels. It was only after considerable hesitation that the Greek government made the formal request for aid. It was clearly concerned that the social unrest that has already occurred in the country would make it extremely difficult to implement even more extreme austerity measures; but in the end it had no choice. The request has produced a provisional agreement for the IMF to provide €15 billion in loans, and for the other member countries of the euro-zone to provide €30 billion, with the amounts varying according to the respective size of the lending country. The odds still seem to favour a successful completion of the loan agreement; but each country has still to obtain the necessary parliamentary approvals, and this is producing particular difficulties in Germany. In order to secure the necessary approvals, the German government is insisting that the Greek government produced detailed proposals to meet the budget deficit reductions that are required for 2011 and 2012, as well as for the current year, before it can qualify for the loans. This is not likely to be an easy task; but all the parties are aware of the possible consequences of failure, and so some kind of "fudged" agreement seems inevitable. This may provide a short-term respite in the markets; but the overall prospects remain unattractive. The gilt edged market has remained relatively stable over the past month, despite the uncertain situation in the UK. There has been evidence of a further modest improvement in the economic background, and the Bank of England is holding short-term interest rates at low levels. But the UK also has very serious fiscal problems, and there are doubts whether the new government formed after the forthcoming general election will be able to cope adequately with those problems. It is possible therefore that it has been the disaster in the bond markets in mainland Europe that has been the main reason why the gilt edged market has performed so well. The economy is clearly continuing to benefit from the monetary and fiscal policies that were introduced to counter the recession; and so although unemployment remains high and the housing market recovery is very fragile, the recovery in activity is continuing.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/29/2010 -- Whilst the death knell for the US Dollar has been sounded often in recent years, it weakness has still not alarmed investors...yet!

The dollar has declined 15% against a raft of six major currencies from the highs set in March and is down more than 37% from a peak in 2001. Analysts are of the opinion that another sharp drop in the dollar – or a spike in volatility due to bad news – could heighten foreigners concerns about US stocks, and that could create a confidence crisis that spurs calls for re-examining the currency regime.

The Tipping Point is strongly believed to be a move to $1.60 by the euro, the dollar's record against the single currency. "If we breach $1.60, I think that's too far, too fast and could cause concern about a dollar demise", said BNY Mellon's senior currency strategist in New York.

The $1.60 is considered to be the maximum exchange rate in which central banks will tolerate weakness in the dollar. Beyond that, we can expect some form of intervention, verbal or otherwise, to support the US currency. For now, a weak dollar is viewed as desirable for boosting exports for the ailing US economy, even though the Administration stresses its preference for a strong dollar.

But the weak dollar, along with the China's management of its own currency, has other nations, particularly in Europe, concerned. Volatility indicators suggest that the swiftness of the US currency's fall, coupled with the dollars current level, is raising fears of further dollar weakness, leading to a more tumultuous trading environment.

Which leads one to ask, "Is this the best time to buy stocks??" The answer is resounding "Yes!"

A raft of Market experts and Financial advisors are buoyant about investing now because a range of familiar quoted companies' stock prices are still trading at attractive levels. Many believe that a combination sell-off's and consolidations have created some of the best buying opportunities for many months.

Analysts suggest that the window is wide open to buy growth stocks, ahead of the inevitable economic turnaround, at enticingly bargain prices.

Even during the market's more tumultuous times and difficult days, buy-out news and other short term forces can send individual stocks up by 10%, 25% and even above 50%.

In fact, one or our exciting success stories involved the stock, Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (sticker symbol HGSI). Our recommendation to our clients was to buy when the stock was bobbling around the $3/$3.30 mark and HOLD.

As the result of an announcement, the stock went from $3.32 (July 17th) to $13.84 (July 21st)! It slowly climbed to $18.69 by mid-Oct. and then surged to $28 in early November. Some of our risk adverse clients took an early profit in late July, many others rode the wave $17 or $18, a few stalwarts stays on board until the $25 mark.

Naturally, the trick is not only to find these stocks and but also to seize the opportunity when it is offered. We are always willing to make stock recommendations and offer advice on timing, however, we do feel that it is important for our clients to do their own research too.

As 2009 winds to a close, we can bid good riddance to a decade in Wall Street that will be remembered for two burst financial bubbles and a rogue's gallery scoundrels who rewarded themselves well and delivered by little.

Wall Street experts and company chiefs behaved in an appallingly arrogant manner for much of the era – their bad attitude towards investors and the sanctity of the markets leading, inevitably, to their fall.

There is no doubt that more than a few of them knew exactly what they were doing to us. With this profitless dotcom, their fraudulent shell companies (Enron and WorldCom!), the over-inflated salaries... not to mention the 'geniuses' who engineered the credit crunch by repackaging dubious home-loans as mortgage-backed securities... and the men who ran the banks that were 'too big to' to fail and met the crisis with a "What, me worry?!" attitude.

None of us need to ponder deeply before coming up with our own Wall Street 'horror' story.

The decade kicked off at the most boisterous phase of the tech bubble, with the NASDAQ reaching a dizzy peak of 5,132. A decade later, it still languishes some 3,000 points below its peak. The Dow Jones and S&P's 500 Index are 'only' down 10% to 20% for the decade.

If there's a silver lining to this Wall Street debacle, it's the decade that the decade offered a lesson in how brutal the American markets can be!

In this post-Madoff, post-Lehman brothers environment, more and more investors are looking to Europe – and the European markets – which have traditionally provided solid investor protection.

As this demand for transparency, a higher regulatory standard and strict rules on liquidity and risk management soars, the European market, buoyed by the strength of the Euro, promises to be THE market for a long time to come.

The demands on company's directors are greater than in other jurisdictions. The regulator wants to see full background checks, and by law, directors must be able to demonstrate good supervision and governance through a wide range of reporting.

"Investors from as far a field as Singapore and Hong Kong are being attracted to Europe in their quest for liquidity and transparent oversight" said a Guernsey-based asset manager, "in fact, it is probable that that many offshore investors will move onshore to Europe over the next five years."

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2010 -- The dollar has declined 15% against a raft of six major currencies from the highs set in March and is down more than 37% from a peak in 2001. Analysts are of the opinion that another sharp drop in the dollar – or a spike in volatility due to bad news – could heighten foreigners concerns about US stocks, and that could create a confidence crisis that spurs calls for re-examining the currency regime.

The Tipping Point is strongly believed to be a move to $1.60 by the euro, the dollar's record against the single currency. "If we breach $1.60, I think that's too far, too fast and could cause concern about a dollar demise", said BNY Mellon's senior currency strategist in New York.

The $1.60 is considered to be the maximum exchange rate in which central banks will tolerate weakness in the dollar. Beyond that, we can expect some form of intervention, verbal or otherwise, to support the US currency. For now, a weak dollar is viewed as desirable for boosting exports for the ailing US economy, even though the Administration stresses its preference for a strong dollar.

But the weak dollar, along with the China's management of its own currency, has other nations, particularly in Europe, concerned. Volatility indicators suggest that the swiftness of the US currency's fall, coupled with the dollars current level, is raising fears of further dollar weakness, leading to a more tumultuous trading environment.

Which leads one to ask, "Is this the best time to buy stocks??" The answer is resounding "Yes!"

A raft of Market experts and Financial advisors are buoyant about investing now because a range of familiar quoted companies' stock prices are still trading at attractive levels. Many believe that a combination sell-off's and consolidations have created some of the best buying opportunities for many months.

Analysts suggest that the window is wide open to buy growth stocks, ahead of the inevitable economic turnaround, at enticingly bargain prices.

Even during the market's more tumultuous times and difficult days, buy-out news and other short term forces can send individual stocks up by 10%, 25% and even above 50%.

In fact, one or our exciting success stories involved the stock, Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (sticker symbol HGSI). Our recommendation to our clients was to buy when the stock was bobbling around the $3/$3.30 mark and HOLD.

As the result of an announcement, the stock went from $3.32 (July 17th) to $13.84 (July 21st)! It slowly climbed to $18.69 by mid-Oct. and then surged to $28 in early November. Some of our risk adverse clients took an early profit in late July, many others rode the wave $17 or $18, a few stalwarts stays on board until the $25 mark.

Naturally, the trick is not only to find these stocks and but also to seize the opportunity when it is offered. We are always willing to make stock recommendations and offer advice on timing, however, we do feel that it is important for our clients to do their own research too.

As 2009 winds to a close, we can bid good riddance to a decade in Wall Street that will be remembered for two burst financial bubbles and a rogue's gallery scoundrels who rewarded themselves well and delivered by little.

Wall Street experts and company chiefs behaved in an appallingly arrogant manner for much of the era – their bad attitude towards investors and the sanctity of the markets leading, inevitably, to their fall.

There is no doubt that more than a few of them knew exactly what they were doing to us. With this profitless dotcom, their fraudulent shell companies (Enron and WorldCom!), the over-inflated salaries... not to mention the 'geniuses' who engineered the credit crunch by repackaging dubious home-loans as mortgage-backed securities... and the men who ran the banks that were 'too big to' to fail and met the crisis with a "What, me worry?!" attitude.

None of us need to ponder deeply before coming up with our own Wall Street 'horror' story.

The decade kicked off at the most boisterous phase of the tech bubble, with the NASDAQ reaching a dizzy peak of 5,132. A decade later, it still languishes some 3,000 points below its peak. The Dow Jones and S&P's 500 Index are 'only' down 10% to 20% for the decade.

If there's a silver lining to this Wall Street debacle, it's the decade that the decade offered a lesson in how brutal the American markets can be!

In this post-Madoff, post-Lehman brothers environment, more and more investors are looking to Europe – and the European markets – which have traditionally provided solid investor protection.

As this demand for transparency, a higher regulatory standard and strict rules on liquidity and risk management soars, the European market, buoyed by the strength of the Euro, promises to be THE market for a long time to come.

The demands on company's directors are greater than in other jurisdictions. The regulator wants to see full background checks, and by law, directors must be able to demonstrate good supervision and governance through a wide range of reporting.

"Investors from as far a field as Singapore and Hong Kong are being attracted to Europe in their quest for liquidity and transparent oversight" said a Guernsey-based asset manager, "in fact, it is probable that that many offshore investors will move onshore to Europe over the next five years."

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seoul, South Korea -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/20/2010 -- Providing services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

A constant commitment to our clients is the strong foundation of the business culture at Strathclyde Associates.

We constantly develop innovative solutions in order to accommodate the ever-changing tastes, desires and needs of our clients.

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

Through the Strathclyde Associates Institutional and Private Clients Divisions we provide our clients with services that include Securities, Investment Banking and Investment Management Services.

Above and beyond we are the first choice for individuals and institutions alike when considering a Premier Wealth Management Company. Excellence in market execution and the provision of the right information at the right price, at the right time has given Strathclyde Associates an enviable worldwide prestige of being able to ensure that our clients achieve their financial objectives and aspirations.

From natural resources to technology our fundamental strengths lie in innovative investment solutions combined with robust execution capabilities. At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client's unique financial needs and preferences.

Owing to the depth and quality of our understanding we construct long term relationships with our clients with a core focus on value creation and an ultimate commitment to helping our clients build and manage their wealth.

This specialized focus, an enviable reputation for quality and integrity and of course strong relationships nurtured with investors have made Strathclyde Associates a worldwide leader in wealth management.

Strathclyde Associates Services: Equity. At Strathclyde Associates Equities we pride ourselves on the knowledge that our Equity Departments are a worldwide leader in the careful planning of investment strategies and capital raising functions in both the private and public equity markets.

Fixed Income. Strathclyde Associates Fixed Income is a global player in ensuring that interest rate currency swaps, debt securities and other derivative products are carefully integrated into our portfolio programs in a manner that accommodates investor preferences and objectives in the ever changing, constantly evolving debt markets.

Foreign Exchange. The Foreign Exchange Market is a 24-hour market and as such Strathclyde Associates provides its clients with a truly round the clock service of spot, forward futures and options trading in all the Forex markets of the world.??Commodities??Risk Management strategies are one of the growing sectors in the market today and as such Strathclyde Associates Commodities now competes in the commodities and derivatives markets providing services in markets which include metals, energy, oil and gas trading to name but a few.

Mergers and Acquisitions. At Strathclyde Associates Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) department our primary focus is in: Mergers , Joint ventures , Corporate Restructurings , Divestitures , Recapitalizations, Spin-offs , Exchange Offers , Leveraged Buyouts , Shareholder Relations and takeover defenses

Global Capital Markets. Through our Global Capital Markets Departments we can accommodate clients' needs for capital. For instance in the situation of an IPO, a leveraged buyout or a debt offering our global capital markets professionals combine Investment Banking and sales and trading functions to guarantee clients innovative solutions based on sophisticated advice. If necessary our professionals can develop, structure and execute public & private placement of equities, debt and related products. As a major force in the market we offer every assistance to clients to attain the greatest value from each and every stage of a transaction. Thus it is our responsibility to constantly develop capital market solutions to enable clients to rise above whatever the market may throw at them.

Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm