The HSBC China Purchasing Managers Index rose to 51.5 in December,up from 50.5 in November.It climbed at the fatsest pace since May 2011,and more than expected.A reading over 50 indicates growth in the sector.The Australian dollar extended this year's gain on the China PMI data.
India cut its coal imports by 13% in November.The SENSEX stock-index futures fell when the Royal Bank of India warned of rising risks to the economy in light of the grim outlook for global growth.
Japan's Nikkei stock index has risen 23% in 2012.It is the index's first annual rise in three years.
In early New Year's Eve trading,the Nikkei was up 0.70%.Hong Kong's Heng Seng index was virtually flat,down by 0.04%,while Australia's ASX 200 index fell 0.48%.
HSBC Holdings PLC(HBC)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Health Uncle:What Is Acid Reflux Disease
Normally,a valve at the top of your stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter,or LES,closes when food passes through it,preventing stomach acid from escaping.In acid reflux disease,or gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD),the valve doesn't close completely or opens too often.
This faulty valve is most commonly caused by hiatil hernia,which is a displacement of part of the stomach above the diaphragm,or by a number of habits,such as eating big meals;lying down ,bending at the waist,or lying on your back after eating;eating bedtime snacks;eating citrus,tomato,chocolate,mint,garlic,onions,spicy and fatty food;drinking alcohol,soda,coffee or tea;smoking;pregnancy;taking aspirin,ibuprofen or blood pressure medication.Age is also a predsiposing factor in developing GERD.
The main symptoms of GERD are heartburn and/or regurgitation of acid into your throat or mouth,leaving a sour or bitter taste for several hours.If these happen twice or more weekly or are severe,you likely have GERD.Another common symptom of GERD is dysphagia,a feeling of fullness in the throat when you swallow food.
If left untreated,GERD may eventually damage your esophagus.
Your physician may order tests such as endoscopy,a thin lighted tube with a camera on the end that is passed down your throat as far as your stomach so your upper digestive tract may be examined.
If over the counter antacids such as Rolaids or Mylanta don't work,in addition to dietary changes,other medications may be suggested or prescribed,such as Prilosec or Zantac.
In the worst cases,a surgery called fundoplication is available.This involves creating an artificial valve using the top of your stomach.It is a last resort.
Do not mix medications such as different antacids or antacids with other types of GERD medicines on your own.Consult your physician if you have severe GERD that doesn't respond to basic treatment with an antacid or if there is a question about what you have.
This faulty valve is most commonly caused by hiatil hernia,which is a displacement of part of the stomach above the diaphragm,or by a number of habits,such as eating big meals;lying down ,bending at the waist,or lying on your back after eating;eating bedtime snacks;eating citrus,tomato,chocolate,mint,garlic,onions,spicy and fatty food;drinking alcohol,soda,coffee or tea;smoking;pregnancy;taking aspirin,ibuprofen or blood pressure medication.Age is also a predsiposing factor in developing GERD.
The main symptoms of GERD are heartburn and/or regurgitation of acid into your throat or mouth,leaving a sour or bitter taste for several hours.If these happen twice or more weekly or are severe,you likely have GERD.Another common symptom of GERD is dysphagia,a feeling of fullness in the throat when you swallow food.
If left untreated,GERD may eventually damage your esophagus.
Your physician may order tests such as endoscopy,a thin lighted tube with a camera on the end that is passed down your throat as far as your stomach so your upper digestive tract may be examined.
If over the counter antacids such as Rolaids or Mylanta don't work,in addition to dietary changes,other medications may be suggested or prescribed,such as Prilosec or Zantac.
In the worst cases,a surgery called fundoplication is available.This involves creating an artificial valve using the top of your stomach.It is a last resort.
Do not mix medications such as different antacids or antacids with other types of GERD medicines on your own.Consult your physician if you have severe GERD that doesn't respond to basic treatment with an antacid or if there is a question about what you have.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Shop Talk:Christmas Eve
In observance of Christmas Eve,the normal business post for Monday nights will not be published.
Northern Maryland received about 2 inches of snow Monday afternoon and evening,ensuring a relatively rare White Christmas-considered highly desirable by many Americans.More wintry weather is expected for Christmas night through Wednesday night.
Liberty Mountain Resort in Southcentral Pennsylvania had been making snow Sunday night,and Monday's natural snow will greatly enhance the opening of their ski trails.
Christmas Eve highway traffic was light to moderate.
Retailers reported brisk bargain hunting on the final day of the shopping season.
Happy Christmas,dear readers,if you are celebrating.Russia will celebrate Christmas on January 7.
Northern Maryland received about 2 inches of snow Monday afternoon and evening,ensuring a relatively rare White Christmas-considered highly desirable by many Americans.More wintry weather is expected for Christmas night through Wednesday night.
Liberty Mountain Resort in Southcentral Pennsylvania had been making snow Sunday night,and Monday's natural snow will greatly enhance the opening of their ski trails.
Christmas Eve highway traffic was light to moderate.
Retailers reported brisk bargain hunting on the final day of the shopping season.
Happy Christmas,dear readers,if you are celebrating.Russia will celebrate Christmas on January 7.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Asia This Day:Billabong Gets New Bid;Putin in India
Major central banks have been injecting liquidity into the market.We think we're gonna see major buying of the Australian dollar,driving it up to 1.11,said Todd Elmer of Citigroup.
Billabong International has received a takeover bid of A527 million dollars/US554 million from Sycamore Partners and Paul Naude.The Australian apparel group had cut its earnings forecast by up to 49% on weaker than expected holiday sales and restructuring costs.
Australian Minister of Trade Craig Emerson said the country's budget surplus should return by 2014.Although it would be unlikely,a surplus could possibly happen as early as 2013 if household spending continues to improve.There are good signs in car sales,the housing market and the retail industry.
The Labour government had originally promised to achieve a budget surplus in 2013,but has just revised the pledge to 2014,based on a shortfall in tax revenue because of global economic weakness,lower commodity prices and a higher Australian dollar.
The ASX 200 index closed at 4635.20,up 0.25% in shortened Christmas Eve trading.Australian stocks are at their highest valuation in 17 months,but trading volume was extremely light-off 70% in the pre-holiday session.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a one day trip to India.India is Russia's leading arms customer and Mr.Putin will sign 7 billion dollars in arms deals on his visit,including outright purchases and joint development plans.The Nifty Fifty stock index rose 0.48% in early Monday trading.
iShares Australia Index Fund(EWA),iShares Nifty 50 Index Fund(INDY)
Billabong International has received a takeover bid of A527 million dollars/US554 million from Sycamore Partners and Paul Naude.The Australian apparel group had cut its earnings forecast by up to 49% on weaker than expected holiday sales and restructuring costs.
Australian Minister of Trade Craig Emerson said the country's budget surplus should return by 2014.Although it would be unlikely,a surplus could possibly happen as early as 2013 if household spending continues to improve.There are good signs in car sales,the housing market and the retail industry.
The Labour government had originally promised to achieve a budget surplus in 2013,but has just revised the pledge to 2014,based on a shortfall in tax revenue because of global economic weakness,lower commodity prices and a higher Australian dollar.
The ASX 200 index closed at 4635.20,up 0.25% in shortened Christmas Eve trading.Australian stocks are at their highest valuation in 17 months,but trading volume was extremely light-off 70% in the pre-holiday session.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a one day trip to India.India is Russia's leading arms customer and Mr.Putin will sign 7 billion dollars in arms deals on his visit,including outright purchases and joint development plans.The Nifty Fifty stock index rose 0.48% in early Monday trading.
iShares Australia Index Fund(EWA),iShares Nifty 50 Index Fund(INDY)
Friday, December 21, 2012
Is It Too Late To Get A Flu Shot
The seasonal influenza season began in October and peaks in January and February.If you haven't gotten yours yet,it's still worthwhile to do so.I got mine on Tuesday,and by Thursday most of the minimal soreness at the injection site had disappeared.
The shot is on average about 60% effective at preventing the potentially deadly disease in a given person.Between 1976-2006,the number of flu-related deaths ranged from 3,000-49,000 a year in the US,according to the CDC.
Even when it doesn't prevent the flu,the vaccine tends to lessen the severity of the symptoms.It is recommended for everyone age 6 months and up.The shot protects against 3 strains of flu,selected annually.
Besides the coventional injection,there are tiny needle and inhalable FluMist versions.The FluMist version is for those up to age 49.There is also a super version for those 65 and up,to make up for their weaker immune systems
Many pharmacies are administering the shot,along with doctor's offices.
The shot is on average about 60% effective at preventing the potentially deadly disease in a given person.Between 1976-2006,the number of flu-related deaths ranged from 3,000-49,000 a year in the US,according to the CDC.
Even when it doesn't prevent the flu,the vaccine tends to lessen the severity of the symptoms.It is recommended for everyone age 6 months and up.The shot protects against 3 strains of flu,selected annually.
Besides the coventional injection,there are tiny needle and inhalable FluMist versions.The FluMist version is for those up to age 49.There is also a super version for those 65 and up,to make up for their weaker immune systems
Many pharmacies are administering the shot,along with doctor's offices.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
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