2011 Economic Outlook

Welcome!

Happy 2011 to all of you.

In this edition you will find an interesting interview with Michael Wolf, chief economic commentator of the Financial Times, who shares his view of economic trends for this year.

There are some other articles on the incredible size of the Chinese economy, the relationship between CEOs and CFOs in fraud cases, the extent of corruption around the world, and new trends on accounting for sustainability. I hope you will find these articles useful.

Receive my best wishes for the New Year.

With very best regards,
Armando Nuricumbo, CPA, CPC, CFE


IN FOCUS

2011 Economic Outlook
The Financial Times chief economics commentator makes his predictions for 2011 about world economic growth, the eurozone crisis, interest rates and currency wars.


GLOBAL ECONOMY

17 Facts About China That Will Blow Your Mind
The speed and size of economic development going in China right now has never happened before. In just ten years, a small emerging market has transformed into a geopolitical bruiser that can go toe-to-toe with the United States.

2010 CEO Wealth Creation Index
Now in its third year, the CEO wealth creation index attempts to identify those business leaders who have performed best in creating true economic value—as opposed to mere accounting value.


FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

1 out of 4 people bribed someone in the past year
Transparency International said 1 in 4 people worldwide paid a bribe to a service provider in the past 12 months. The most common recipients of bribes were police, followed by people who issue permits or run registries.

More companies account for green practices
A survey of accountants from the U.S., U.K. and Canada found that more companies are beginning to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on their businesses.

CEO intimidation plays a role in CFO fraud
Chief financial officers are most likely to commit financial misdeeds as a result of pressure from overbearing CEOs, according to new research.


MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA

How Mexico's drug war affects tourism
What can travelers expect from Mexico in 2011? Violence has increased, but some areas are relatively safe and airlines are adding flights.

Brazil's Rousseff quickly tackles spending
President Dilma Rousseff's new government moved immediately to tackle the biggest threats to Brazil's booming economy, vowing new budget cuts, measures to deal with an overvalued currency, and even a tougher line in trade talks with China.



“Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and inventor


OTHER TOPICS

The year's worst business decisions
A lot of smart business people made a lot of dumb mistakes this year. Among the most memorable: Gap's on-again, off-again logo change; Microsoft's Kin smartphone, which cost $1 billion to develop but was axed after barely a month; and Chevrolet's fight with motorists and employees who insisted on referring to the brand as "Chevy."


PROJECT PORTFOLIO

French company, leader in the beauty sector, with strong presence in 10 countries and sales of 500K EUR. Seeks investors or acquirers.

Investment opportunity in Chiapas, Mexico. Ranch and warehouse for sale. Located near Tapachula. Property deeds in order. Ideal for live stock or coffee business.

Mexican steel company at the final stage of liquidation process, looking for strategic investors that could benefit from significant tax losses.

Renewable energy company with strong distribution network in Mexico, annual sales of $7.5M USD, growing at annual 20% rate. Seeks investors or acquirers.

British consulting company interested in Latin America. Leader in training for financial companies and central banks. Offers franchise with high ROI potential.

Flexible support in audit and finance projects worldwide.

(Contact armando@nuricumbo.com for further information)


KEY MEXICO STATISTICS
Dec-10 / Nov-10 / Oct-10

Exchange Rate: MXN to USD
12.3936 / 12.5538 / 12.4498

Exchange Rate: MXN to EUR
16.0204 / 16.2275 / 17.1507

Exchange Rate: MXN to CAD
12.2941 / 12.1410 / 12.1252

Country Risk (basis points)
140 / 141 / 128

Bolsa (IPC BMV)
38,551 / 36,817 / 35,568

Cetes 28d
4.56% / 4.51% / 4.51%

Inflation
4.32% / 4.02% / 3.70%

UDIs
4.526308 / 4.498813 / 4.468266

International Reserves (M USD)
112,996 / 110,544 / 109,477

(Source: Mexico Central Bank)