Australian Business Search Directory

Guryel Ali, a former London reggae performer, received the coveted Yamaha Best Gospel Song Gold Award at the Australian Gospel Music Awards presented in Canberra overnight. The London-born Australian citizen commented upon receiving the award "My life has been good to me and shows what can be done. I am blessed."

(PRWEB) November 22, 2005 — Guryel Ali, a former London reggae performer, received the coveted Yamaha Best Gospel Song Gold Award at the Australian Gospel Music Awards presented in Canberra overnight. The London-born Australian citizen commented upon receiving the award "My life has been good to me and shows what can be done. I am blessed."

Amongst some 26 awards for best music video and new artist, Ali was clearly a crowd favourite with his infective reggae based tune called "Every Little Thing"

Best New Artist was awarded to Australian Idol vocal coach, Erana Clark who released her debut CD "Erana" to industry acclaim and sales to match. The Best New Artist award is based on the highest sales and radio airplay over the preceding 12 months. Originally from New Zealand, Erana is active in training numerous stars around the world, including Sun from Singapore, Guy Sebastian and virtually all Australian Idols finalists.

As expected, Best Independent Gospel Artist Award went to Hillsong Church (second year in a row) due to their massive recording sales worldwide.

The lifetime achievement Yamaha Golden Gospel Award went to the Queensland trio "Family" who released some 20 albums during the 1970s-80s. Signed to M7 records, Family still holds the record for selling out the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Previous Yamaha Golden Gospel Award winners have included Jimmy Little, Sister Janet Mead and Francine Bell.

Other winners included Best Gospel Music Video – "Where I Belong" by Sydney band Revive, Outstanding Gospel Music Award for "Arise" by Karina Difabio (WA) and Bob Ricketts (QLD) for Best Gospel Song Lyrics for the Country Gospel classic "Angel of The Skies".

The Australian Gospel Music Awards are presented every November in Canberra by the Australian Gospel Music Association. The awards cover industry performance (sales/airplay), songwriting, genre and lifetime achievement and are the highpoint of recognition within the Australian Christian music industry.    

Commenting on the Award results, Australian Gospel Music Association president, Kelvin Fahey, said "The awards have shown tremendous diversity this year, with country Gospel making inroads as have the non-Anglo-Saxon performers.    With total sales accounting for almost 6 percent of the Australian music industry and growing, the Christian music sector is coming of age."

All Australian Gospel Music Award 2005 winners are listed on the website of the Australian Gospel Music Association at http://www.agma.org.au/agma.php?sec=20&stid=36

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelvin Fahey
President & Awards Coordinator
Australian Gospel Music Association
PO Box 7322
Canberra MC ACT 2610
Australia
Tel: 0414-249 225
Fax: 02-6296 1937
Association Website: www.agma.org.au

Author: Kelvin Fahey

Looking for an adventure? Why not try the Legendary Ghan Train in Australia. Through Australian Holidays you will find the cheapest fares to Oz from Dublin.

Dublin, Ireland (PRWEB) April 14, 2006 — Australian Holidays have recently been flooded with enquiries about the legendary Ghan Train. This recent interest has been fuelled by the inclusion of two sections of the train’s journeys; Adelaide to Alice Springs and the Alice Springs to Darwin on the Qantas World Discovery Plus Round World Ticket.

This Round World Ticket offers excellent value for money with prices starting at €1439 excluding airport taxes. The fare allows a maximum of seven stopovers with a vast range of stopover options including cities within South Africa, South America, Asia, the Pacific and the USA, passengers can utilise one of their free stopovers within Australia to travel by train on one of the Ghan’s two spectacular journeys.

The Ghan is classified as one of the world’s great trains and operates through the centre of Australia’s breathtaking desert regions. The journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs departs on Fridays and Sundays; the journey from Alice Spring to Darwin departs on Tuesdays and Sundays.

It’s an odd name for a train, but in Australian history it is a living legend.

Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, with great connections on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne, you’ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding Alice Springs, gateway to Ayers Rock and the Red Centre, to Tennant Creek, Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin.

For more information on the Ghan and the World Discovery Plus Round World Ticket please contact Robert Ryan at Australian Holidays on 01 5005522.

About Australian Holidays:
A division of Club Travel limited, Ireland's largest Travel Management Company, Australian Holidays commenced operating in 2001 and are now one the best Irish travel agents for all your holidays in Australia.

Contact:
Robert Ryan
Australian Holidays
tel: +353-1-500-5522
web: http://www.australianholidays.ie/

Author: Robert Ryan

For the first time in Australian Idol history, the Australian music industry elite and the final 6 Idols will perform in a once off television premiere to help raise money for the two charities Ronald McDonald House and Telstra Care Flight.

Australia (PRWEB) October 16, 2007 — For the first time in Australian Idol history, the Australian music industry elite and the final 6 Idols will perform in a once off television premiere to help raise money for the two charities Ronald McDonald House and Telstra Care Flight.

Idol

Doin' it for the kids Direct from the Idol stage, the event, titled "Doin' it for the kids" will feature special performances by The Rogue Traders, Darren Hayes, Katie Noonan, The Noll Brothers and Vanessa Amorosi. The Idol Top six will also perform with members of the Australian Idol alumni; Damien Leith, Shannon Noll and The Young Divas in a spectacular night of singing and heart felt moments.

And for the first time, fans can also be part of the live action by sitting in one of the hot judges seats. Dicko, Mark, Marcia and Kyle are vacating their seats for the special event and fans can bid for a place in one of the hot seats. eBay have helped facilitate the online auction for the special event. Fans are encouraged to check it out soon, as the auction closes on Wednesday the 17th October.

Fans can bid for the four judges seats up for auction by visiting:
Dicko (Ian Dickson)
Mark Holden
Kyle Sandilands
Marcia Hines

The event will be aired on Network Ten on Friday the 19th October 2007 in a 2 hour live special from 7.30pm. All of the evening's performances can also be downloaded from the Australian Idol website.

About Australian Idol Official Website:
The Australian Idol website is jam packed with Australian Idol information and exclusive video content. Fans can find out everything they ever wanted to know about the Final 12 Idols as well as catch up on all their performances to date in their very own dedicated video channel.

Author: Lauren Stephenson

Leading digital brand for men presents all-new macho men channel: one click for all the “Mantime” you can handle.

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2007 — Heavy.com, one of the web’s leading online brands and the leader for 18-34 year old guys, has unveiled their latest piece of irreverent brilliance: “MANTIME.” Meet Fran and Ramis, two wannabe macho men completely unaware of their overt effeminacy. From dusting chip crumbs off on each others’ legs to cheering for America’s Next Top Model, they unwittingly find themselves in compromising situations that they can’t explain—especially to their wives. Users can view all the episodes on the “MANTIME” channel at http://www.mantime.heavy.com/.

“’MANTIME’ is one of our favorite programs to come through Heavy in recent history,” said Jason Marks, VP of Programming for Heavy. “In each episode, best friends Fran and Ramis try to be bad-ass—to fit in and be cool, but their earnest attempts push them even farther in the opposite direction—and they’re oblivious to it all.”

’MANTIME’ is one of our favorite programs to come through Heavy in recent history In each episode, best friends Fran and Ramis try to be bad-ass—to fit in and be cool, but their earnest attempts push them even farther in the opposite direction—and they’re oblivious to it all. Behind the Music that Sucks Make sure to check out all of the “MANTIME” episodes, exclusively on Heavy.com:

It’s MANTIME Time –- After a chance encounter with Ron Jeremy, Fran and Ramis change the face of Internet programming forever.
http://www.heavy.com/video/17914

MANTIME Does RENO911 — Introducing MANTIME, purveyors of all things man. Fran and Ramis pay homage to their favorite cop show by laying down the law, Reno 911 – style. http://www.heavy.com/video/15358

Fran and Ramis Get Rinky-D**k — MANTIME asks the eternal question: Is roller derby a man’s sport? Not when Fran and Ramis are playing.
http://www.heavy.com/video/17915

Putting the Heat in Hot Fuzz — MANTIME knows there’s more to Hot Fuzz than just having a mustache. Fran and Ramis bring the British heat as they try to take down a couple of squirts. http://www.heavy.com/video/17910

About Heavy.com:
Heavy is one of the web’s leading consumer media companies and the leader for 18-34 year old males, which is a key demographic for marketers and advertisers. Heavy combines its own unique programming with those of its users to create an environment where you can control and even participate in your own media experience. Heavy empowers its audience to share, editorialize, and create their own content as well as provide its own library of programming. Heavy’s programming staples include “Superficial Friends,” “Kung Fu Jimmy Chow,” "The Massive Mating Game," "Heavy News," "Behind the Music that Sucks," "Heavy’s Angels," "Contagious," "Blisster" and "Tourettes Cowboy.” Portions of Heavy's library of animation and live-action shorts are available on Verizon V-Cast, Verizon Fios, Comcast VOD, Tivo, Sony PSP, Apple iPod and Joost. Advertisers on the broadband network include Coors, Nissan, Panasonic, Diesel, Axe, Sony and Nike.

Press Contacts:        
The Morris + King Company
Lane Buschel
212-561-7465

Chris Macowski
212-561-7454

Author: Lane Buschel

The AustralianBoating Beacon is Australia's first boating & marine PDF newspaper. A three page round-up of the latest boating & marine news. A new Beacon is produced everyday featuring National, Business, World, Environment, Sport & Lifestyle news focusing on the Australian boating & marine environment and other issues from around the world.

Sydney, NSW, Australia (PRWEB) June 9, 2008 — The AustralianBoating Beacon is Australia's first boating & marine PDF newspaper. A three page round-up of the latest boating & marine news. A new Beacon is produced everyday featuring National, Business, World, Environment, Sport & Lifestyle news focusing on the Australian boating & marine environment and other issues from around the world.

The news contained within the AustralianBoating Beacon is compiled from their news feed located here which is also available via RSS. Below each news piece is a link to where you can view the full article online for free.

A PDF newspaper is useful for people on the run, whether you are traveling to work, catching a flight or just looking to spend some time away from the computer. Download a Beacon today and keep up with the latest boating & marine news from around Australia.

AustralianBoating.com.au specialize in Internet marketing with a focus on the Australian Boating and Marine Industry. If you have any questions how our business can help you, contact them today.

Author: Mitch Owen

Australia's most comprehensive boating and marine directory is finally open to the public. The website will feature the latest news and developments to the Australian marine industry, as well as the largest boating and marine directory in Australia. All businesses, marinas and events associated with the boating and marine industry in Australia are welcome to list their entity within the directory free of charge.

SYDNEY, APRIL 30 2008 – Australia's most comprehensive boating and marine directory is finally open to the public. The website will feature the latest news and developments to the Australian marine industry, as well as the largest boating and marine directory in Australia. All businesses, marinas and events associated with the boating and marine industry in Australia are welcome to list their entity within the directory free of charge.

All business listings include an enquiry form by default, to make it as easy as possible for potential customers to get in touch with the business that they are looking for.

As well as being a resource for business, AustralianBoating.com.au is dedicated to assisting and raising the awareness of non profit organisations.

All Australian non profit organisations associated with the Australian marine environment, including charities, research projects, scientific organisations and Government bodies are invited to upgrade their listing on AustralianBoating.com.au by including a description, images and additional locations.
Contact us today, and take advantage of this free opportunity to increase your visibility on AustralianBoating.com.au and the internet.

Author: Mitch Owen

Hands On Tools Inc., a recognized leader in auto mechanics tools and equipment is seeing a boom in the Mechanic's Tools industry. We have all seen the news about the sluggish economy and its influence on the auto industry. Auto manufacturers across the board are seeing significant downtrends in new auto sales We are going to continue to be the leader in the Mechanic and Shop Tools industry and are very proud of the fact that we are doing our part to help-out, especially in these tough economic times

Fort Collins, CO (PRWEB) October 21, 2008 — Hands On Tools Inc., a recognized leader in auto mechanics tools and equipment is seeing a boom in the Mechanic's Tools industry.

During a recent interview with Charles Gottlinger, CEO of Hands On Tools Inc, Mr. Gottlinger discussed the reasons for a dramatic increase in the demand for tools and employment opportunities in the mechanics tools industry.

"We have all seen the news about the sluggish economy and its influence on the auto industry. Auto manufacturers across the board are seeing significant downtrends in new auto sales". With new car sales declining, many people are keeping their cars longer. Increasing numbers of older cars on the road is directly proportional to increased ongoing maintenance and repairs – hence more tools", says Gottlinger.

In a recent JD Powers report, consumers are keeping their current autos 4 months longer than they did the previous year. Combine this with the credit crunch and this trend is likely to continue.

Mr. Gottlinger is not alone either. He referenced a recent article in the Eagle Tribune that discussed how drivers of higher mileage vehicles are experiencing ever increasing ongoing repairs, ranging from simple preventive maintenance to major overhauls.

The demand for high tech automotive mechanics continues to increase at an alarming rate. Estimates are as high as 50,000 new auto mechanic positions will be required per year through 2010. Couple that with the current economic crisis and the fact that every individual make/model of vehicle now requires it's own set of unique tools and the result is a veritable vacuum that can only be satiated by the mass buying of tools!.

To lend a hand, HandsonTools.com has created a vehicle specific tool page for mechanics, categorizing all major car models with their own set of unique tools at the most competitive prices. Mr. Gottlinger states, "We are going to continue to be the leader in the Mechanic and Shop Tools industry and are very proud of the fact that we are doing our part to help-out, especially in these tough economic times".

About Hands On Tools Inc:
Since its inception in 2000, Handsontools.com has grown to be one of the largest mechanics tools and body shop supply distributors in the country. With 5 nationwide locations, Handsontools offers over 50,000 items for the automotive mechanic, body shop and truck & fleet maintenance technician.

Author: Allene Gottlinger

Australia's Best Magazine has featured many industry big guns, but the latest edition of 'Australia's Best Manufacturing' carries an exclusive interview with Geoff Childs, Purchasing Manager of Australian Bakels.

(PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — Geoff Childs, Purchasing Manager of Australian Bakels talks to Australia's Best about the role supplier's play in Australian Bakels' customer satisfaction.

For more than 50 years Australian Bakels has maintained a commitment to quality products and customer service. The privately-owned, independent company's principle aim is to supply quality, specialised bakery and food ingredients, service and innovation.

Australian Bakels core business and technical expertise is in specialised bakery and food ingredients, which they continue to develop in both domestic and export markets by formulating, manufacturing and marketing value-added products to provide total solutions for their customers.

Australian Bakels was founded in 1952 on the Sydney site that it still occupies today. During its existence, Australian Bakels has purchased adjoining properties and is now the owner of a large area of land in Silverwater, Sydney.

Part of the world-wide Bakels Group of Companies based in Switzerland, Australian Bakels is proudly the largest company in the Group. Their site is also the home to Bakels Research Australia who perform R&D for the international Group. In addition to the Silverwater site, the company has sales and manufacturing sites in Melbourne and Perth and sales and distribution sites in Brisbane and Adelaide.

To support the baking industry, Australian Bakels has trade-qualified sales representatives who are able to demonstrate products and assist in value-added opportunities with customers.

Australian Bakels aim is to maintain steady and sustainable growth in business, including acquisition where suitable opportunities present themselves. Whilst primarily sales-driven, Bakels understands and is clearly focussed on the need for this growth to include an acceptable level of profit rather than sales alone.

The company endeavours to create strong internal relationships, as well as with their customers and suppliers. Australian Bakels believes it is of optimum importance to ensure consistent and sustainable growth of sales and profits by providing innovative product development and processes. Achieving continuous improvement in quality standards and constant evaluation of the marketplace to ensure they remain relevant to the marketplace, illustrates Australian Bakels dedication to setting standards globally.

Geoff Childs, Purchasing Manager of Australian Bakels talks to Australia's Best about the role suppliers play in Australian Bakels' customer satisfaction.

"Australian Bakels is a supplier of quality products to the baking and grocery trade, and one of the many strengths we have is the ability to respond to customers' many and varied requirements," says Geoff Childs. "We satisfy these orders by supporting customers by way of providing a flexible manufacturing plant; by carrying additional packaging, raw material and finished product inventory and by establishing and maintaining effective supplier arrangements — which enables Australian Bakels to source components well within established lead times. Australian Bakels has a strong national sales and manufacturing presence and this capability ensures a rapid response to customer orders."

When it comes to working with suppliers, innovation and creativity in meeting new challenges are key factors for Australian Bakels. Superior product quality and customer service are also equally important to the company and the suppliers they work with.

"The goal of companies such as ours is to maximize profits and effective cost control, it is imperative for Australian Bakels long term success," maintains Childs. "The supply chain can achieve significant cost savings whether they be the reduction of pallet movements, effective production planning, minimizing inventory holding or negotiating improved pricing for components."

Australian Bakels values trust, loyalty and co-operation in all their relationships, and their affiliations with their suppliers are no exception.

"By allowing suppliers onto the site to observe the manufacturing process the company is demonstrating its confidence in the supplier by showing them they are prepared to share information with the view to improving efficiencies," says Childs.

"When it comes to assessing suppliers for Australian Bakels, a supplier's performance is measured against delivery, price and quality. Additional criteria that we require would include technical support, product innovation & R&D resourcing."

These factors are crucial when working with Australian Bakels as maintaining strong and productive relations with their suppliers means a beneficial outcome for both parties.   

Bakels Group's key suppliers include Talsar Eggs, Aeropack, IMCD, KL Ballantyne and Cadbury.

Author: CHRIS DUTTON

Leading Australian commercial law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler has announced it has implemented BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition) across the firm as part of a cutting-edge BlackBerry business application strategy. Using BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition), lawyers can dictate documents, set tasks for assistants, record diary notes or issue verbal 'notes-to-self' while on the move, further boosting their mobile productivity. The BigHand project is part of an overall IT strategy to leverage the firm's investment in BlackBerry® Smartphones, which provides lawyers with a range of mobile functions, including the ability to check key financial and client analytics, use their BlackBerry® to 'print to fax' from any available fax machine, and route desktop phone messages direct to their BlackBerry®.

Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) November 11, 2008 — Leading Australian commercial law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler has announced it has implemented BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition) across the firm as part of a cutting-edge BlackBerry business application strategy. Using BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition), lawyers can dictate documents, set tasks for assistants, record diary notes or issue verbal 'notes-to-self' while on the move, further boosting their mobile productivity. The BigHand project is part of an overall IT strategy to leverage the firm's investment in BlackBerry® Smartphones, which provides lawyers with a range of mobile functions, including the ability to check key financial and client analytics, use their BlackBerry® to 'print to fax' from any available fax machine, and route desktop phone messages direct to their BlackBerry®.

BigHand Digital Dictation

David Leong, Director of Information Technology at Arnold Bloch Leibler, commented:

"When we first talked to BigHand, we had a concern that only the more senior lawyers would use dictation as an effective business tool but we were delighted at how successfully it has been adopted across the board. Some use BigHand for out-of-office document drafting while others use it to manage tasks and set reminders via verbal diary notes. Overall it helps individuals become more productive as it is far easier to dictate than attempt to type when you are on the go – and BigHand software makes it easy."

"And whilst mobility was the catalyst for our initial interest in BlackBerry dictation, it turns out that by adopting BigHand's underlying workflow features we were also able to make process enhancements across the firm – in both mobile and office-based scenarios. For example, some work is now in-sourced from our Sydney office to our transcription and text editing team in Melbourne. Whilst this started as an out-of-hours service we find larger tasks being directed to Melbourne during the working day as BigHand transfers this work instantly and the team in Melbourne has greater capacity to turn documents around more quickly."

Joey Borensztajn, a senior commercial partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler, commented:

"The introduction of BigHand has been an obvious addition to, and contributed significantly to the functionality of, our Blackberry's. I am a heavy user of dictating technology and have benefitted from the old-fashioned tape technology and, more recently, telephone-delivered dictation. BigHand is however in a different league, as it is completely mobile and allows me increased flexibility and efficiency in my work practices. With BigHand, I can dictate memos, documents, file notes and instructions for my assistant or to our transcription & text editing resources outside normal hours from anywhere and at any time. BigHand also provides a solution to managing efficiently the ever-increasing volume of e-mails: without leaving my desk, or wherever I am, I can dictate replies to emails which are then typed for me and I then simply copy and paste the text into my reply without the need to use the keyboard."

Arnold Bloch Leibler has 105 lawyers and 35 secretaries using BigHand Digital Dictation software across its Melbourne and Sydney offices. Implementation and project management was provided by AlphaWest, a leading Australian IT services business, with the firm piloting the system in April 2008 and implementing it across the firm in August 2008.

BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition) was voted 'Mobile Product of the Year' at the CNET Business Technology Awards 2008 and has also been nominated in the Sixth Annual Law Technology News (LTN) Awards for 2009 as 'Mobile Tool of the Year'. BigHand is the market leading developer of digital dictation workflow systems for the legal community, with over 700 law firms worldwide using the system.

Contact:
Dan Speed, Marketing Director, BigHand. Email: dan.speed@bighand.com

About Arnold Bloch Leibler
Arnold Bloch Leibler is a leading Australian commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. The firm provides strategic legal and commercial advice to a diverse range of Australian and international corporations, high-net worth individuals and large family businesses.

Arnold Bloch Leibler has developed a reputation for its innovative, commercially focused advice and is regularly involved in some of the most important landmark transactions in the country, helping clients with their most important or difficult legal matters – when their reputation is at risk, in crisis situations or before embarking on key initiatives.

About BigHand
BigHand is based out of Chicago, London, Sydney and Toronto. BigHand is the leading digital dictation vendor in the global professional services sector. BigHand3 was awarded 'Best of Breed System of the Year' at the Legal Technology Awards for 2008, and BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry® Edition) was voted 'Mobile Product of the Year' at the CNET Business Technology Awards 2008. BigHand has also been nominated in the Sixth Annual Law Technology News (LTN) Awards for 2009 as 'Dictation System of the Year' and 'Mobile Tool of the Year'. Further information is available at http://www.bighand.com

Author: DAN SPEED

InvestTechFX the worldwide leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread expert notes that an investor's exposure to different currencies and commodities is an important element in their portfolio. The Euro's significance in the world is rising and the Swiss Franc is considered safe and secure; the Australian dollar is sheltered, while the Japanese Yen becomes stronger at the same time that the British Pound is suffering. Oil has reached its lowest point, while Gold is and always will be a stable investment. www.investtechfx.com

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) February 1, 2009 — THE EURO TAKING A CHUNK OF THE DOLLAR'S FORCE – InvestTechFX the worldwide leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Analyst says that the Euro is relatively stable, having not depreciated so much in the recent economic crisis. Compared to the British pound, the Euro has actually appreciated. The Euro/US Dollar pair is now the number one tradable pair in the world Forex market. Investors believe in the strength of the European Union, and its currency the Euro. It is very hard to manipulate because it affects a market of 500 million people in nearly thirty countries powering the EU in the European continent. As of late 2008, the Euro is the currency with the highest combined value of cash in circulation in the world today. It is expected that in the near future the Euro could replace the U.S. dollar as the world's primary reserve currency.

THE SWISS FRANC – SAFE HAVEN
InvestTechFX the global leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Director of Forex Analysis Department highlights that the Swiss franc is a relatively stable currency. Investors often buy it in times of an uncertain world economy. Since its days of being a safe shore in the Second World War, Switzerland has consistently shown reliability. Its banking system is a solid bedrock in the world, due to its stable economy. The Swiss, and their franc, survived a great crisis. All over the world, investors have returned to this safe shore. Furthermore, the Swiss franc is relatively static. When an investor's aim is to make money fast, he will put more weight in exotic investments such as Eastern European and Far Eastern currencies. When the investors are keeping a close watch on their money, they stick with the Swiss franc, maintaining status quo.

THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR – FAR FROM THE EYE OF THE STORM
InvestTechFX the worldwide leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread notes that the Australian dollar is a currency that has remained notably strong during a time when the market has been dominated by the American dollar. Australia is not a central player in the financial market, which can be a disadvantage at times. The Australian economy is more conservative and established on self-consumption. When the financial market is in crisis, the Australian dollar's periphery nature can be a big advantage. Compared to countries that depend on foreign workers who send money to their native countries each month, Australia carefully selects the work force and offers equal rights. Real estate prices in Sydney and Melbourne are keeping steady, even in these uncertain times. Unemployment is stable and the local stock market absorbs the affects of the financial crisis. These are all sure signs of a strong and independent currency.

JAPANESE YEN – REACHING ITS ZENITH
InvestTechFX the global leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Senior Analyst notes that the Japanese yen has become much stronger in the past few months. The Yen is now the third most traded currency in the Forex market after the U.S. dollar and Euro. The trend of investors borrowing money in Japan and investing in other countries due to Japan's low interest rates is nearly over: all countries around the world have lowered their interest rates. The time of carry-trades is passing, and investors are now choosing to hold to hold on to the Yen. The forecast for this currency is quite strong at present.    

THE BRITISH POUND – UNDER HEAVY PRESSURE
InvestTechFX the leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Expert comments that unless you are doing business in or with the UK, now is not the time to hold the British pound. Recently, the pound has weakened significantly across the board. InvestTechFX Currency Expert states that the sinking of the British pound in the last year was unexpected. As a result, the British Government decreased interest rates in a few stages, with the intention of strengthening the local currency. The fear of inflation continues to damage the country's currency, with the ultimate result of reducing British wealth. Exposure to the credit crisis has only magnified the pound's struggle. For the investor, it is better off to avoid this royal island's currency for the time being.

CRUDE OIL VALUE PLUMMETING
InvestTechFX the worldwide leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Analyst highlights that after a few months plunge in the price of oil, we believe that the nadir has been reached, and it is now a ripe time to invest in this commodity. Investors initially were scared by the prospect of a major recession, and although serious, the world economic downturn does not match the steep drop in the price of oil. It is simply out of proportion. Until alternative sources of energy become commonplace and inexpensive, consumers will continue to heat their houses with oil and automobile owners will pump their gas tanks full of crude. Finally, with OPEC's cut in oil production in December 2008, supply and demand will soon again become in sync with each other, with the subsequent effect of raising oil's price in the marketplace. Peaking with a price close to an all-time high of 150 dollars a barrel in mid 2008, the black gold has dropped sharply to a low of nearly $30 dollars a barrel by the end of 2008. The market will correct itself so that oil's value will rise in the near future.

CURRENCY VS GOLD
InvestTechFX the global leading Forex trading 1 PIP spread Senior Commodity Analyst comments that currency fluctuates more than gold. It is deeply connected to change and to movement, which makes it highly volatile. Investing in currency is considered a risky move, during times of high volatility. It is well known and used quite often by hedge funds and Forex traders. In times of financial crisis, an investment in currency can be profitable, if the trader follows the trend. On the other hand, investing in gold is a safer move for jittery investors. Gold can be a good investment in times of uncertainty, as this precious metal's value is well insulated from economic fears. Worldwide, gold has made an outstanding 250% jump in the last two years. Starting in 2006 with a low of $400 per ounce, Gold jumped dramatically to $1000 per ounce in 2008. Today, Gold stands at approximately $900 per ounce. While currencies are fluctuating dramatically in these uncertain times, gold stands in stark contrast keeping relatively calm. www.investtechfx.com

Author: Steve Choya