Year: 2013

KFC and Burger King in Cambodia

The Colonel has dominated the local scene since he came to Phnom Penh in 2007. Though, I anticipate a sea change with a new player in town, the King, who has the potential to dominate the country. No, I’m not talking about the upcoming elections or political strife, but something

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Beware These Unseen “Friction” Costs!!

Brokers, placement agents, middle men, promoters, consultants, financial intermediaries…call them whatever you wish. They have existed in the financial space since man invented a way to exchange one thing of value for another. Some do a fine job, provide a valuable service and deserve every penny they earn. In my

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The Financial System is Completely Corrupt and Broken. Buy this ETF!

Some anecdotal evidence first… I recently corresponded with a friend in Europe who consults to a number of hedge funds managing predominantly European and British money. He mentioned that across the board his clients are increasingly concerned about equities and are seeking to hold more cash. I asked him if

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Agricultural Stream and What Is Gold Streaming?

In a bull market one of the most profitable businesses to be in is that of financing. This is largely due to the leverage available, not only financial leverage, but equally important are the leverage of skills and technology. Financial services, banking, insurance, brokerage, investment and merchant banking all fit

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Going Where the Growth Is!

Just a couple weeks ago, two dozen independent thinkers from around the globe descended on Phnom Penh, Cambodia for our Cambodia Boots on The Ground Meet Up. We heard presentations from 12 companies in a smattering of industries and were able to learn firsthand how entrepreneurs on the ground are

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No More “Happy Dancing Road”

The intense heat burns your eyes and the fine red dust sticks to the sweat pouring out of your pores, creating a thick paste. “Maybe it’ll protect me from sunburn..?” The sun lotion I generously applied sure as Hell won’t be doing any good, having disappeared in a river of

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McDonald’s Could do a Better Job!

In 1945, after WWII ended the United Nations was formed. Its mandated purpose was to: “promote and facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, political freedoms, democracy, and achievement of lasting world peace.” Now those are noble goals, to be

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Carnage! The Gold Market and Liquidation

I woke this morning to gale force winds and sideways rain slapping my bedroom window. Yuk I thought, as I crawled out of bed to check the markets, the same way I start every week day. What I could not have known was the shock and awe about to greet

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