Middle East Eye: Middle East economies trend upward as war against ISIS winds down

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Things are looking up in the Middle East.

Despite the long war against the so-called Islamic State (IS) group, the outlook for much of the region looks brighter.

Three broad factors are behind it: a rise in the price of oil to sustainable levels, a victory in the war against IS itself and improvements in credit availability, analysts say. There are some factors that are specific to individual countries as well. Read more here.

Forbes: Make Your Life Better Reading Howard Bloom

By SIMON CONSTABLE

By any standards, Howard Bloom has achieved great things. Scientist, publicist, and author barely begin to describe it. His latest book, How I Accidentally Started The Sixties, adds mightily to the oeuvre. It also has some lessons for the rest of us. Read more here.

Forbes: Why Bitcoin Still Isn't Money

By SIMON CONSTABLE

When Bitcoin futures started trading on the CBOE options exchange late Sunday, the crypto-currency joined the big leagues of financial instruments.

But, despite its name, it still isn't money. Read more here.

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U.S. News: How Rising Interest Rates Will Hurt the Stock Market

By SIMON CONSTABLE

It's all but certain that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates, perhaps as early as this month and several times in 2018. And that will likely change the dynamics of investing in the stock market.

It may mean that investors should think about changing how much of their portfolio they should allocate to equities, and how much they have invested in bonds. Read more here.

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Forbes: 6 Reasons Bitcoin Futures Are Better Than Bitcoin

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Great news for Bitcoin fans, you'll soon be able to trade futures contracts in the cryptocurrency on the Cboe Options Exchange and also on the CME. Trading will start on December 11 and 18, respectively.

Even better news, they could be a better instrument than Bitcoin itself. Here's why:

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WSJ: What Are Donor-Advised Funds?

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Some individual investors may not be familiar with donor-advised funds, which have certain advantages and are fast becoming a force within philanthropy.

“A donor-advised fund is a way for people to save money to give to a charity in the future but to get the tax deduction immediately,” says James Andreoni, professor of economics at University of California, San Diego. “It breaks the connection between when you donate and the timing of when the money goes to the charity.” Read more here.

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WSJ: Give to Get: What Motivates Some Hedge Funds’ Charity

By SIMON CONSTABLE

What motivates hedge-fund managers to make charitable donations? 

A new study suggests that in many cases, the gifts appear to be more about business strategy than benevolence. Read more here.

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