Oil up slightly as Japan agrees to cease importing Iranian crude

On Monday, several crucial Japanese oil wholesalers announced that come October the firms will cease importing Iranian oil. The announcement, which comes after increased U.S. pressure and the threat of sanctions on any country doing business with Iran, has already caused oil prices to rise, according to a report from Reuters. Japan had been in […]

Cocoa crop in danger after regional violence drives farmers from lands in Cameroon

Escalating violence in the Anglophone region of western Cameroon has threatened production of cocoa, as farmers and production companies are forced to flee the area due to violence. According to a report from Reuters, clashes between separatists and government forces have made the situation too dangerous for agriculture workers to remain safely in the area. […]

Global oil market steady despite uncertainty in Tehran

The global oil market is remaining steady, in part due to the loss of supply from Iran thanks to U.S. sanctions. According to a report from Reuters, energy traders are enthusiastic about the upcoming sanctions, which are set to target the Iranian oil industry in November of this year. Iranian oil production appears to be […]

As lira crumbles, Turkey loses influence in northwestern Syria

The Turkish lira fell further against the U.S. Dollar on Tuesday, as the ongoing feud between Ankara and Washington continues without any signs of a resolution. According to Reuters, the dispute between the two NATO countries has been exasperated by the imprisonment of an American Pastor, Andrew Craig Brunson, who faces terrorism charges related to […]

Markets climb after US and Mexico reach trade agreement

Markets climbed late on Monday after the announcement that the United States and Mexico had reached an agreement on the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) after several rounds of negotiations. According to a report from Reuters, both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at “record-highs.” Technology stocks, in particular, saw significant increases in […]

How to prepare for the coming global recession and make money when it hits

In 2009 I walked away from my first business, it was a total loss. Literally and figuratively. I lost everything, and it was a very humbling experience.  I’m not an economist but I have been a business owner for 12 years, and prior losses have taught me to pay attention to the signs. Executives and […]

Defense spending and economics: How America really stacks up against other nations

The United States has earned its reputation as a military powerhouse through blood and fire. American military personnel have conducted continuous combat operations the world over for the better part of two decades now, all the while maintaining a massive naval footprint that keeps shipping lanes safe and secure and bolstering the defenses of allies […]

What’s happening to Turkey’s economy?

The Turkish economy is in deep trouble. The lira lost 20% of its value against the U.S. dollar on Friday. The reasons for that were varied, and it was a storm many saw coming. However, what brought it faster than expected was the political climate and the poor state of Turkey-U.S. relations, largely due to […]

Tourism skyrockets as Turkey’s financial crisis worsens

The Turkish lira has collapsed — this, in turn, has caused serious problems for Turkish importation capabilities. Despite this, deal-hunting tourists have been pouring into the country to cash in on Turkey’s economic misfortune. The majority of tourists come from Asia and Saudi Arabia. With long lines outside luxury brand stores in Istanbul, capitalizing on […]