Decline in global trade may be a long term structural trend

Until 2007 international trade had been growing at twice the rate of global GDP. Falling traffic had been explained as a consequence the financial crash and then the slowing of growth in the Chinese economy. Now some experts perceive a permanent shift in the fundamentals driving globalization Economists at the McKinsey Global Institute see increased automation and the uptake of 3D printing as factors that may be reducing demand for international trade in physical goods.

Threats to Samsung and Apple in China market from domestic competitors

Charles Arthur reports on the market for smartphones in China. For the iPhone China has recently been the market with the most potential for growth, accounting for one third of global smartphone sales. However the rapid market expansion of Chinese firms including Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo have already pushed Samsung out of the top 5. Samsung was more vulnerable to competition on price from handsets using Android software. Apple with its iOS software and distribution through China Mobile has so far maintained its premium pricing. However with declining growth in China, the demand for prestigious high cost Apple products may also suffer due to the reduced spending power of luxury end consumers in China.

My Final Ever Blog Post

After two wonderful years at Middlesex I am moving on to new pastures. I hope the readers of this blog and the students i have met and taught have enjoyed the experience as much as I have. And best of luck to my successor and whoever takes over the blog.

Some final new round-ups. The US Box Office has seen film going records shattered and certain to be helped by the boost of Star Wars. This video focusing on stressors for the emergent markets in light of low oil prices and a possibly raise in the Federal Reserve rate. In contrast, this video looks at the reaction of Business to the climate change deal agreed in Paris. Chicago Booth business school is collaborating with Ballet dancers and finally a piece from Forbes on what Entrepreneurs should do during the holiday season. FInally, Merry Christmas, thank you and best wishes for all your futures.

Nearly made the end of term!

I am sure you are all feeling the pressure and looking forward to the end of term and on that note I have included some fun reading recommendations towards the end of this blog post. First up a piece on the Climate Change meeting in Paris, please do explore the Financial Times very good coverage of this hugely important summit. Relatedly, here is yet another piece looking at the on-going emissions and corruption scandal at Volkswagen which continues to run and run. Is Yahoo Marissa Meyer's 'difficult second album'cir and is this problem common across the sector? Now two interesting videos, one of the history of Bitcoin and one on the growing challenges faced by the Banks.

On a more light note, this is an interesting piece from The Harvard Business Review on what kind of thinker are you and why that might be as useful to know as your personality type. Some Christmas reading recommendations from Bloomberg and finally the Financial Times weekly quiz. Have a good weekend!

Lower Banking Tax, Digital Disruption and Falls in UK Prices.

Excluding the impact of levies the Banks have paid the lowest proportion of tax this year since 2008. Worldpay are aiming to fill a gap left by high street banks in providing loans to small business. This is a fascinating piece about investing in technology companies and when and when people lose money. There has been a record fall in UK shop prices and this video explores that fact and finally a piece looking at digital disruption and the online estates agent Purple Bricks.

News Quiz, Google. VW and UK Autumn Statement

This is a really interesting piece of analysis looking at how Google is trying to change the function of apps. Here is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the UK Autumn Budget statement which is very worth examining in detail. This looks at Amazon's ads for the nazi-themed Man in the High Castle and how innovative marketing can seriously backfire. Finally Volkswagen's trouble deepen as the admit to using a second illegal device and face a probe into tax evasion.

Fancy the FT weekly news quiz just for fun?

The Business Show Olympia 3rd & 4th December

City Business Library will be exhibiting at the Business Show at Olympia, London, on 3rd & 4th December. 

Tickets are officially running low with the organisers confirming there are are now less than 1,000 remaining! This is an unbelievable opportunity to network with thousands of other businesses and access hundreds of seminars, exhibitors and masterclasses that are all there to help you grow your business. Don't forget it's completely free to attend so make sure you get yourself to Olympia, London on 3rd & 4th December.

Register here.