The age of multiple fiat currencies will be well and truly over in 50 years, according to new research that predicts cryptocurrencies and blockchain at the heart of a new financial landscape.

IG, which trades forex, cryptocurrency and other assets, looked ahead to the world of 2069. Its research - A Time Traveller’s Guide To The Future of Trading - suggests cryptocurrencies will have won the battle with fiat currencies and that blockchain networks will have replaced exchanges in 50 years.

It stated: “It may sound like lofty thinking, but the introduction of a global cryptocurrency and mainstream adoption of blockchain could be closer than we think.

“Through cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ripple and litecoin, blockchain is already being used to store transaction data in secure, transparent and readily-available databases.

“Additionally, a number of cryptocurrency networks are already powering smart contracts and decentralised apps – including Ethereum, NEO and EOS.IO – suggesting that the popularisation of blockchain and cryptocurrency trading accounts may not be too far away.

“Moreover, the concept of a global currency has been around for a while, with suggestions including the Geary-Khamis dollar – an international dollar which would slowly phase out all modern-day fiat currencies and disrupt traditional forms of forex trading.”

The potential power of cryptocurrencies has been a hot topic for debate in recent weeks after Facebook announced it was going to launch Libra – its own digital payment method.

The move is a further to challenge to the existing order – with the likes of Twitter’s Jack Dorsey suggesting that the world will eventually end up with a single shared method of payment.

He told The Times: “The world ultimately will have a single currency, the internet will have a single currency. I personally believe that it will be bitcoin.” Dorsey’s bold prediction is that this could happen in ten years. While it remains to be seen if the future is dominated by one or more cryptocurrencies, there’s mounting evidence that this could usurp fiat currency is one form or another.

IG’s research also predicts thought-powered trading, AI assistants and holographic 3D trading rooms powered by smartphones will be commonplace by 2069.

2017 has already proven to be an eventful year and yet, there are still many months ahead. Considering major factors such as the Brexit, the uncertainty of the Trump administration and the predicted economic slowdown of China, many traders (particularly within the Asian marketplace) are looking for methods to maximise their chances of walking away winners.

Commodities are always an excellent choice, as they are considered to be rather safe havens during an unpredictable financial climate. It therefore makes a great deal of sense that investors of all sizes are looking to diversify their portfolios by including such holdings. Let's examine some of the best ways to leverage these assets in the most effective manner.

Using Leverages: Is Smaller Better?

While the title of this article refers to leveraging the best strategies, it is just as important to briefly mention leverages in general. While larger profit margins are certainly attractive, there is naturally a certain amount of risk involved. One of the best ways to mitigate this risk is to trade with contracts of smaller sizes. This tends to limit the amount of exposure that is associated with a given position. Also, smaller contracts signify that the trader can purchase more at any given time. This helps to increase stability. Metals and e-micro currencies are two common assets to consider.

Going with the Gold

Gold is always an attractive investment option; particularly due to the fact that its industrial uses are pronounced throughout Asia. There are two main reasons why gold is expected to perform well in the coming months:

The meetings industry continues to thrive which may be good for the economy but creates new challenges for the planner. According to the annual Amex report, meeting spend is rising globally, led by the Asia Pacific region with a 2.1 expected increase, followed by a 1.9 percent rise in North America (2016). What does this mean to planners?

Sourcing venues and hotels in a rising market can create unique challenges. While technology tools may assist planners with the process; they only scratch the surface when it comes to choosing the right venue. Based on a full set of criteria which typically includes location, cost, look and feel, amenities, contractual terms, dates, to name a few, putting together the options in a meaningful way can be daunting. Moreover, as each market encompasses different dynamics how does the planner know they are getting the best venue/value proposition?

According to Smartmeetings.com; these are the top reasons planners choose an event space:

1. Location

A venue in a convenient location can be the difference between a large turnout and an event that flops. If the event is hosting people from out of town, consider a venue near an airport or hotels. Events should be easy and enjoyable for guests, not a hassle.

2. Cost

Before planning any event, it’s crucial to sit down and plan a budget you can stick to. Pay attention to the cost of the venue so that you can ensure you have enough money for food, equipments, decorations, and other expenses for the event. While we all want to book the most glamorous venue, it’s sometimes necessary to compromise and be flexible.

3. Look & feel

While it’s fairly easy to manipulate a space with decorations, there are some things that can’t be changed such as the architecture and overall atmosphere of the venue. Whether you’re planning a social event or a corporate meeting, the venue needs to be able to define the experience your guests have. By choosing the right venue with the right atmosphere, you’ll be more likely to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

4. Capacity and Availability

How many attendees are you expecting for the event? This would include things like space/room capacity (including lobby and exhibitor space if you are planning a meeting or convention); load in/out amenities; and technical capabilities.

It is always better to have several day / time options in mind (or at least be flexible with the date and time of the event) before start reviewing venues options so you are not immediately limit the number of the venues you can consider.

5. Amenities

Aside from how the venue looks, consider what the venue offers. Is it a one stop shop for all your event planning needs? Consider if the venue has a kitchen and catering staff, seating, a setup/clean up crew, and AV capabilities. These are just a few of the services you should be asking about when choosing a venue.

With all of these factors to consider, how does a planner ensure they are getting the best options in a market? Having sourced programs in over 750 destinations in 150 countries; now is a GREAT time to let Global Cynergies be your advocate and your consultant for your next meeting, anywhere in the world; at no cost to you. With over 100 experienced professionals in 21 countries we are poised to help you save time and money! Let us earn your trust and your business one meeting at a time!

About Global Cynergies
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Global Cynergies is a hotel and venue selection company comprised of more than 100 industry professionals located in 21 countries. Global Cynergies offers the best solutions in sourcing hotel rooms and meeting space for local, regional, and global meetings at no cost to their clients. For more information, visit www.globalcynergies.com

For further enquiries, please contact:
Elna Vogel
Account Manager, Worldwide Hotel & Venue Selection Specialist
Global Cynergies, LLC
Phone: +1 936-697-3181
Email: evogel@globalcynergies.com

- ASIA TODAY Newswire http://www.AsiaToday.com

In recent years China has made the news as the world’s leading exporter of goods with a total of over $2 trillion being exported in 2015 alone. The United States continues to hold the number one position and it doesn’t look like they are set to lose that spot any time in the near future, but when combined, China does export more goods to the Asian continent. Going into the fourth quarter of 2016, there is no doubt that the list of countries that China exports to will not change in rank to any great degree and that’s why political relations need to be a focus going forward.

China Leads the Globe in Exports

In terms of exports, China leads on a global level with the United States in second place and Germany coming in third. The top five global exporters being China, the United States, Germany, Japan and believe it or not, the Netherlands with positions six and seven being held by the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong respectively. Rankings are always shown in US dollars since it is still considered to be the strongest currency in the financial markets.

US Trade Deficit with China

Those studying in online MBA programs will be the first to admit that the number of imports the United States receives from China is ultimately the reason why they are in such an extreme deficit. In the reverse, the United States only exported approximately $116 billion to China in 2015 while importing almost $482 billion in the same year. That leaves a deficit of about $365 billion. It doesn’t take a masters in business administration online to see the reason why the US is in a trade deficit year after year but they are not alone. Again, as the world’s leading exporter, few countries could hope to export as much as China ships to their trade partners.

Top 15 Countries China Exports To

While no one comes near to the amount that China exports to the United States, the top 15 countries account for over 2/3 of China’s total exports. The import partners that topped the list in 2015 were as follows:

What is interesting to note is that many of those countries that receive the biggest value of imports from China are considered to be emerging nations. It will be worth watching how those nations progress in coming years.

One of the leading areas of concentration for many business students is a focus on how to even out the trade deficit with China when the US continues to import many times over what they export. This has even been a talking point in the political realm with this being an election year and the economy not yet recovered to pre-recession days. Although financial analysts will be watching China’s top import partners in 2017, it is forecast that the list will not change to any great degree.

The Chinese market for Western goods is expanding, and businesses are beginning to look at ways to be successful in Asian markets. China is experiencing solid economic expansion, and the country has expanding influence on the world stage. Several Western companies have already made the jump to China, and you can too. It’s a matter of understanding your market and planning accordingly.

Understanding Culture

China’s history goes back thousands of years in time, so it’s important that you understand some of the cultural nuances that have evolved over the course of that time. Perhaps the most widely known aspect is the concept of one’s “face.” Face is complicated for Westerners to grasp because it embodies one’s standing in society, public perception, and one’s own self esteem. Managing all of these elements together can seem daunting at first. You can give or save face through attendance of meetings, offerings of small but suitable gifts, and general sensitivity toward Chinese culture.

The good news is that Chinese business people will still want to do business with you whether you can hold chopsticks or not, as long as you have something to offer that interests them.

Honing Your Focus

Westerners hoping to break into the China should conduct market research for the media industry to discover what Chinese people are into. Understanding your market is one of the first steps toward writing a business plan, so you can think of this research as an extension of that plan. You’re no longer selling only to Westerners, so you have to work on what your market wants to see and give them a product they hunger for. One big example is how Starbucks managed its expansion into China. They were able to persuade a tea drinking nation to start trying coffee by offering them an olive branch, the Green Tea Latte.

China is an extremely diverse market, and it would be foolish to assume that a product that works in the West will be equally as exciting to the Chinese.

Approaching the Market

Once you know more about the target you want to hit, look at the hard facts to see what could potentially produce revenue for you. Write down your top methods for gaining users, driving revenues, and marketing your business. You will still need to pay attention to things like your cost per acquisition, but you will have more ideas on where to begin marketing your products and ideas. Look at China specific social networks or online meeting places where you can begin to market. Make a list of the most highly trafficked sites relevant to you niche, then visit those sites frequently to form a picture of how you will fit into their model.

Business Takes Time

China is growing fast, and Westerners will need to show some willingness to stay and invest in that growth. Therefore, it is important to realize that any company looking to expand into the Eastern market should anticipate an expensive and slow-paced journey. If you do plan to expand into China, it will be important to maintain an open mind about the direction the country is headed in.

Boots on the Ground

Equally important is a strong team that is local to your operations in China. You can visit as much as you want, but it will be expensive for what amounts to micro management. Instead, look for a strong localized team that you can trust to run operations when you’re not around. The chances of your brokering a deal without some Chinese presence are also lower, so having boots on the ground is more practical than simply having someone to manage operations.

China is not an easy market to break into, but many Western businesses are seeking opportunity there. There is an exploding middle class, and plenty of room for upward mobility if you study the markets.

By Jane Brown