Showing posts with label Anna Sophia Riley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anna Sophia Riley. Show all posts

Monday, April 23, 2012

Last Blog! The Pain in Spain could hit worldwide economy.

The Pain in Spain could hit worldwide economy.

Anna Sophia Riley April 22, 2012

    This article is about Spain, and the inevitable failing economy there. The article basically states that with Spain in an ever-deepening financial crisis, the entire European economy is facing a terrible hit, and will inevitably cause the entire global economy to suffer from new economical problems. Not only would this affect Europe in many ways, including job opportunities, (which means unemployment statistics,) but it would also cause a lot of social issues that would only contribute to the current social unrest the union is facing now, at it's current state. This downfall would also affect the United States in many ways, both affecting the country through the global issues in the collective economy, and would in fact cause social and political issues here, including the presidential election coming up after the summer.
    Spain is basically suffering from problems similar to those suffered in the United States. They experienced a housing bubble burst just like the US, causing recognizable problems, such as government deficits and enormously above-average unemployment numbers. The responsibility of Spain, and Europe, is to find an at least temporary solution to this problem, before chaos ensues, and if affects the rest of the union group, and the world all over.
    This problem is particularly terrifying to anyone who has spent the last years paying attention to both the United States national economy, and the global economy. Neither are in great places, and problems like this aren't doing anything but perpetuating people's fears that things aren't going to get better anytime soon.
    In conclusion, I'd like to say that I chose this article as my final blog article because it obviously relates to my other articles, but most of all, it supports what I said in my project presentation, that one economy affects another, and all economies affect each other, in many ways, and for many reasons, despite national borders, bailouts, or political promises by any one nation. The global economy is a thing to be managed, and at this point in time, not much of the world is doing a very good job.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-pain-in-spain-could-hit-worldwide-economy/2012/04/22/gIQAQCfiaT_story.html

Friday, April 13, 2012

Blog 12: If oil prices drop, how much will that boost the economy?

If oil prices drop, how much will that boost the economy?

    This article discusses the price of oil, and how that has an affect on the rest of the economy. The article states that oil pricing has stabilized, and might be on a downturn. The theory is that with a drop in the prices, the United States economy might see some growth. They state that the growth might not be as significant as many hope, but would still be noticeable. What many people don't think about when the price of gas is a source of conversation is how gas prices affect people outside of their local gas stations. Oil prices raise the price of anything that uses this product. That means that utilities are higher, etc. It also means that people are providing less to the auto industry, because they cannot afford, or do not want to purchase new cars. The theory behind this is not simply that as soon as gas prices are lowered, that the auto industry etc. will see an immediate boost, but is instead that while people might feel more comfortable and have a little more to spend, the state of the economy will not rise greatly, and people have become more cautious and are less likely to simply rush out and make brand new automobile purchases. This article is positive about the state of the economy, and how the United States might see a slight rise, but does make some comments about how gas prices are unsteady, and due to global issues, these predictors might be somewhat uncertain regardless.

    This article is significant to the global economy in many ways that I have discussed in previous blogs. Again, the United States is a big contributer to global spending, and throughout the economic crisis, trade and spending has changed both within the country and outside our borders. People are timid, and unlikely to trust a stabilizing economy without some guarantees that things will take a turn for the worse again. This article also brings up a good point. Any instability and extra tension in the middle east could very well put a strain on the oil business, therefore causing a rise in prices again. The price of oil is something that changes on a daily basis, and cannot always be predicted accurately. This scares people, and has a causal affect on the United States and global economies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/if-oil-prices-drop-will-that-boost-the-economy/2012/04/13/gIQACcF4ET_blog.html

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Blog 11: Public Sector Layoffs Continue Despite Economy's Signs of Life

Public Sector Layoffs Continue Despite Economy's Signs of Life

    Much of the public sector relies on money from citizens, and members of the community. In this article, the community discusses relying on the money from much of the residential real estate. Despite some growth in the economy, real estate still suffers from the recession and therefore Virginia has been forced to cut public sector jobs twice. The state is now on the verge of a third round of job cuts. They are not recovering in the way that they had hoped. The state has suffered dramatic losses, and hasn't seen numbers like this since the 1950's. If the numbers were reversed, the article states that there would potentially be up to 1.2 million additional public sector jobs in the United States today.
    The United States economy affects the global economy in that the United States contributes greatly to international trade, buying, selling, etc. The growth of the U.S. economy both public and private would have a positive impact on the global economy, and could potentially improve poor economic scenarios happening internationally.
    The article goes on to give examples of firefighters that lack the ability to provide services as timely as they might've before, due to layoffs and job cuts. This is how the layoffs in the public sector affects the general population, and is a great example of why it is important to maintain and grow our economy. The article also uses Des Moines, Iowa as an example of a city that did rather well through the recession. It states that while the area did a good job maintaining somewhat low unemployment rate, they too have been forced to recently lay off a number of public positions, due to a loss in property value.
    It is important for the United States to continue to work to improve the national economy, as it does affect the global economy. It is very important for local and state economies to improve, to both provide jobs and help position communities to improve the values of the local areas.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/08/public-sector-layoffs-continue-despite-recovery_n_1410688.html

Friday, March 30, 2012

Blog 10: Will Greece Abandon the Euro? Markets say yes, within 3 years.

Will Greece Abandon the Euro? Markets say yes, within 3 years.

    Greece is in trouble economically, and it's causing speculation about how long the Euro will actually last in the country. The risk is that they leave the Eurozone, but many are skeptical and propose logistical problems, if Greece were to choose to leave. The Eurozone has placed many very strict demands on Greece, in order to improve the situation, and help Greece stay within the Eurozone. The problem with these requirements being implemented is that it is happening in tandem with Greece's failing economy. Many Greek people are struggling, and this number is not decreasing as of yet.

    Greece is positioned to make numerous changes to their government during the spring season. The current leading party will likely see a huge decrease in authority during the next election, which will lead to a new powerful group within the government. This set of elected officials are part of a party likely in support of leaving the Eurozone. If Greece does not make the decision to detach, they also are at risk, and might be kicked out regardless. While this is what many predict for Greece's future, there are no guarantees, and only time will be able to tell if Greece can or will remain part of the European Union.

    I have written about the European economy a number of times throughout my blog entries, and it is easy to see how the struggles of one area effect another. Spain is also part of the EU, and is also struggling with unemployment. Many speculate that Spain will eventually see some sort of downfall, much like Greece is suffering from at this time.

    The EU is suffering from what many believe to be an inevitable major downturn. The slowing, weakening economy has effected imports and exports, thus causing changes in the global economy, and profits for countries handling production of goods they would typically sell to Europe. A failing economy in Greece is linked to a failing economic system throughout the entire EU. The problems in the EU inevitably effect the global economy, which of course, includes everyone who is part of the global trade system etc.


http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/signal/greece-abandon-euro-markets-yes-within-three-years-181559254.html

Sunday, March 25, 2012

In Spain, economy poised for rocky ride. (Blog 9)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20120324/NEWS0107/203240367/

In Spain, economy poised for rocky ride.

This article is about the Spanish economy, and how it is posed to meet it's downfall in a way that resembles the Greek economy. The article discusses how Spain is not yet in need of a bailout, and in fact looks to be somewhat fine on paper, but it continues, and goes on to say that Spain will inevitably need a bailout at some point. The country is not only struggling to support it's workers, but businesses entirely aren't surviving, and lending is starting to become a big issue as well. In a situation similar to the United States, a lot of the young people looking for work aren't finding any, and almost a quarter of the country's workers are without employment. This article talks about how much of the debt in Spain is private, and not owed publicly. It is above 200% of the gross domestic product, and is one of the highest in Europe in general. The government in Spain knows that the country will not meet goals for this year, and they have taken into consideration the effects this will have on the country as it is not far behind some of the most problematic places within those in Europe. Much of Europe is suffering from issues like this, the economy of the Eurozone as a whole is not great, but Spain seems to be falling further and further behind, and also seems to be making less and less progress repairing the situation. With unemployment at such high levels, and businesses owing much more than they can imagine paying back right now, the fate of the country isn't looking too bright. Hopefully with time, Spain will avoid such major issues as those facing Greece.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Service Economy Keeps India Afloat


Service Economy Keeps India Afloat


      This article is about India’s poor industrial growth. It discusses the Indian economy, and how poor performance and growth in this sector is dragging the whole country down. The article talks about India’s service workers and service jobs. It explains that India’s economy is being saved by the service industry. Their economy is expected to grow slightly within the next year, but not by much until after 2012-2013.  They are only expected to maintain, (much less grow,) if oil remains stable, and the world economy continues to stabilize. The article also explains that the country has been forced to deal with inflation, raised interest rates, etc. which has affected industry. The country has decided to invest in power, air transport, roads, etc. which is going to cost nearly $1 trillion dollars, and they have also stated that they need to be more innovated in the way they invest in industrial progress.
      This article is significant to understand the way global economy works, because it does a good job at illustrating how the world economy affects other countries, and vice versa. India is making some decisions that are important to India’s infrastructure, as well as suffering from a world economy that isn’t entirely stable at the moment.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Economy strains neighborly feelings in North Carolina BLOG 6

Economy strains neighborly feelings in North Carolina

Anna Sophia Riley
Feb. 20, 2012
3:00 PM

This article is about a small town in North Carolina, and the struggles they're having with being able to afford basic needs such as having running water and shelter. The article is written from a third person perspective, but it basically briefly tells the story from a rather original angle, that of the woman forced to turn off services to her family and friends.
    The article is about the community of Roper, NC, population 617. Ms. Dorenda Gatling is the patron featured in the article, the author talks about her job working at the Town Hall. He observes her relationship with those who come to pay bills, etc. The one town member the article focuses on is the Bishop Robert Mallory. The article talks about how he has been forced to lose access to water in both the church and his own home on multiple occasions. He lost his paying job, and is now forced to live on a very small part his church members tithes, which are dwindling themselves, due to the lack of jobs, and increases in layoffs and foreclosures in the small town.
    This article also displays some numbers that are shocking. 27% of Roper's citizens live below the poverty line, and the town budget is a mere $360k per year. The average income is a couple thousand below the federal levels for an average family of four, and most struggle to find work, when they do it's often in nearby communities or simply seasonal opportunities.
    Roper is just one of many American towns suffering from this new-age greater depression. Forced to choose between one of the other, families feed children, and pay for gas etc. to reach jobs just maintain minimal income. While most of the economical issues we read about are on a large scale, pertaining to government budget increases or decreases, federal bailouts, international economic destruction, etc. we seem to forget that those things effect these things; families choosing between bread and water, children wearing old shoes, and parents moving to one bedroom subsidized housing just to keep their families together and afloat. This article is a new perspective on the scale of entries I've been making, which have all been about millions or billions, not hundreds and thousands.


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-town-clerk-20120220,0,7703450.story

Friday, February 17, 2012

Thailand May Say Economy Shrank After Flooding Shut Honda, Canon Factories.

Thailand May Say Economy Shrank After Flooding Shut Honda, Canon Factories.

Anna Sophia Riley
Feb. 17, 2012
4:30 PM

    This article is about how the economy in Thailand has changed because of some of the worst floods seen in the region in the past 70 years. The article begins by explaining that the economy in Thailand was effected by the factories for companies Honda Motor and Canon shutting down. These companies were forced to remove workers because of the flooding, and therefore the country suffered because of the loss in product etc. These floods killed hundreds of people, and have put a dent in what would've been typical export numbers through the end of the year. This is a big deal because expected exports were already low because of a decrease in demand for products in places such as Europe etc.
    The government has already promised spending to repair the damage, but repairs to the economy are expected to be slow. Because of the European economy etc., demand in many Asian countries has decreased, effecting money all over the world because of the loss in demand for exports and product.
    I think that this article is important because it shows how the economy of one country can be effected in many ways. Because of the international economic problems going on today, import/export and demand for product has dramatically changed. This article also shows us how something as non-related as an increase in flooding or natural disasters can create a chain of devastation in the economy. It's hard to keep in perspective sometimes, but everything effects how society works and functions, even across multiple countries, and throughout increment weather etc. This article is a good example of the many changes and situations that must be considered when looking at debt, economic crisis, and solutions to international problems.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-16/thailand-may-say-economy-shrank-after-flooding-shut-honda-canon-factories.html

Friday, February 10, 2012

Economy toughest on young adults, study finds.

Economy toughest on young adults, study finds

Anna Sophia Riley Feb. 10, 2012 4:05 PM Blog 4

    This article is discusses the effects of the current economy on young people. According to researchers at the Pew Research Center, young adults, ages 18-34, are reporting making decisions about everything from marriage, children, and potential careers, all in consideration of the recession. The article discusses the changes in what young people are able to do, such as go to school to further their education and get ahead in their jobs, or even afford to live away from their families while trying to get an education. This article says that one in four young adult reports moving back home, and nearly half of the young people polled report taking jobs they would've otherwise rejected, but were forced to accept due to the lull in the economy.
    The article also faces the question, who has been hit hardest by this economy? Most people would agree that ages 18-34 are the ones suffering the most. Many people say that they do believe young people have a hard time reaching even basic financial achievements and goals that many older generations took for granted, and didn't have to struggle for. The problem with today's economy is not that young people can't achieve major financial and economic success, it's that achieving even the most financial independence and success is far more challenging than even before.
    The article does state that when young people themselves were surveyed about these problems, there was a lot of optimism. While they do agree that ages 18-34 have suffered greatly, (potentially more than any other age group,) they do report feelings of optimism for the future. Many young people say that while they may not be achieving financial goals right now, they do believe that in the future they will be able to meet goals and expectations.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/economy-toughest-on-young-adults-study-finds-1.3518140

Friday, February 03, 2012

Blog 3: Why the Global Economy Needs Businesses to Invest in Women

Why the Global Economy Needs Businesses to Invest in Women

Anna Sophia Riley Feb. 3, 2012 3:30 PM Blog 3

   There is much speculation about what to do to boost the economy, locally, nationally, and globally. This article is about boosting the economy by investing in women, and boosting business jobs. Women more likely to invest in the community. Investing in the community is important for many reasons, some listed in this article are a decline in illiteracy, and lower mortality rates.
    The article also discusses companies and programs like Avon, that put women out in communities to introduce products and services, as opposed to working in retail stores or behind the internet. Many businesses that use this type of marketing say that women help introduce consumers to products by educating them on it's use in the home.
    This may seem irrelevant to the problem of global economy, but companies like this provide jobs to women across the globe. Avon provides over 6 million jobs to women in over 100 countries. This means that in over 100 countries across the world, there are upwards of 6 million female entrepreneurs that bring in what totals to billions in revenue.
    This new boom in female-run business is being supported by many large companies such as Coke and Walmart. Both companies support programs to boost businesses run and guided by women. Utilizing female skills and job readiness is a smart move for this global economy, as they will perpetuate rapid growth in the economy, and help around the globe to bring in much needed revenue.
    Just as a follow up to my reading this article, I would like to make it clear that while this sounds like an obvious solution to part of the economical problems going on in the world today, many countries in the do not yet value women at their full potential. I think that this article is a great example of how things like a partial solution to a problem like global economy might allows women etc. chances to develop rights and independence they haven't ever had the opportunity to experience before.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/01/29/why-the-global-economy-needs-to-businesses-to-invest-in-women.html

Friday, January 27, 2012

Blog 2 - Spain's Unemployment Total Passes Five Million: Anna Sophia Riley Trade/Economy

Spain's unemployment total passes five million
Anna Sophia Riley
January 27, 2012
3:30 PM

Spain has been struggling to provide inhabitants with jobs for a number of years. Since around 2008, Spain has suffered from the repercussions of the property bubble burst, after a precursor period of about 4 years of influx in prices by about 44%. Much like what has been happing stateside, Spain is experiencing a large increase in the number of properties in repossession. This is relevant to unemployment rates, as people without jobs cannot payback loans they were forced to over-borrow on.

The unemployment rate in spain is at its highest in 17 years, at 22.8%. This is an astronomical number, especially when we think of it in terms of what the United States unemployment rate is at the moment, currently 8.5%. The  numbers show that almost half the young adults in the country are without work, and the nearly five and a half million people total who lack a steady job is double what the average is in the European Union. Similar to what is happening in the United States right now, government is pledging to create and provide reform in order to help provide jobs for citizens.

What is happening in Spain is seemingly a result of the EU's economic crisis. What has been happening throughout the European Union economically, has caused instability in banking, business, and taxing. Many in the European Union believe that the EU economy is at an irreparable downturn, and will shrink, while other economies see more growth.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-16754600