Chinese Silver Zodiac Coins Are Worth Collecting

By Christina Goldman

The Chinese Silver Zodiac Coins are inspired by the ancient Chinese zodiac, which contains the 12 animals that make up the 12-year cycle. Highly popular in online merchant sites because of the beauty and magnificence of these coins, other states like Australia, Liberia, and Somalia have issued memorial coins that featured both the Chinese animal zodiac signs and the respective royalties of the partnering countries.

If you look for these coins online, you will discover that practically all of the silver and gold Chinese zodiac coins produced have the faces or emblems of Australia, Somalia, and even the Isle of Man on the other side. If you are interested in collecting this particular type of coins, this article will provide you with the basic information that you will need to make as you go about searching for these coins.

One of the oldest civilizations in existence, China has influenced most parts of Far East with its history and culture like no other country has. Since it's been manufacturing its own currency since 1889, it's also thought to be one of the finest places to look for ancient and rare coins.

Both rare Chinese currencies and brilliant uncirculated coins like the Chinese Silver Zodiac Coins that have either been made domestically or through coinage with other countries abroad are always highly sought after by collectors. Here is what you can do if you're on the lookout for any of these silver zodiac inspired coins:

The most convenient source of information about these Chinese silver zodiac coins is the internet. So, take the time to search the various coin sites. You'll be surprised at how many coin sellers exist that are available to deal with you.

Learn about the traits that are vital in identifying authentic Chinese Silver Zodiac Coins. This is important to avoid buying fakes, especially when bought online. - 23222

About the Author:

You can always find great prices and selection on the truly unique Chinese Silver Zodiac Coins at: ChineseSilverCoins.com

Although Gas prices surge 9%: Do Not Fear $4

By Jonathan Summers

Gas prices have surged nearly 9% over the past two weeks, but analysts say a return to last summer's record highs of $4 a gallon is not on the horizon. Gasoline prices have jumped about 18 cents during the past 13 days, with the national average hitting $2.226 a gallon on Monday, according to a survey by motorist group AAA. While prices have been on a tear, they are still some 46% lower from the all-time high of $4.114 a gallon hit last July.

It's not surprising that prices have been moving higher as they typically increase ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, the unofficial intro to the peak summer driving season. "A bump-up is to be expected this time of year but we're not on the way to another spike," said AAA spokesperson Troy Green. He said would be "surprised" to see prices reach $3.50 a gallon, barring unexpected supply disruptions such as a hurricane, and he would be "shocked" to see $3.75 a gallon this summer.

Many analysts expect gas prices to continue rising over the next few weeks, largely because of rising crude oil prices, the main ingredient in gasoline. "Gas prices have trended higher in lockstep with crude prices," said Chris Lafakis, economist at Moody's Economy.com. "Crude is the biggest input in the price of gasoline." Oil prices have rallied some 73% over the past three months as signs the economy is headed for a recovery have increased bets that demand for oil and gas will rebound sooner rather than later. Oil prices edged lower Monday after closing at their highest level of the year Friday.

Despite the recent increase in oil prices, the fundamental backdrop for crude market does not support higher prices, analysts said. In addition, that may help keep gasoline prices in line. "There's some irrational optimism about the future," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for the Oil Price Information Service. "People are looking at the bright side and not the actual data points for supply and demand." Demand for oil is at its weakest level since 1995 and the nation's supplies of crude are at their highest since 1990, according to the Department of Energy. While there are some indications that demand for gas is firming up and that drivers are gradually increasing the number of miles they drive each month, the lousy economy is expected to keep a lid on gas prices.

For drivers, income is the number one concern when it comes to how far and how often they drive, Lafakis said. With unemployment at 8.9% and rising, consumers are likely to remain frugal, keeping downward pressure on gas prices. "In an environment where income growth is very weak or has declined, you're not going to get the kind of demand that is necessary to push gas prices to $2.50 or $3.00 a gallon," he said. "That won't happen this summer because the macro economic environment is putting a ceiling on gas prices. - 23222

About the Author:

Jonathan Summers is working with a Bad Debt Collection Agency that assistswith Debt Collection

Be a Savvy Forex Trader. Learn Forex.

By Bart Icles

What should you do if you want to learn forex trading? Where should you start? These are just few of the questions that will be running through your head once you decide to try forex trading.

The first thing that you should do to learn forex is to find out the different factors and elements of forex trading. You should be equipped with the base knowledge of the forex market and its quirks. You should be able to establish on your own how lucrative it can be if done the right way. If you become a successful forex trader, it can be a way of life.

When you learn forex, you will be able to find out how the forex market came into the finance scene. It started in the 1970s after fixed currency exchange rates were eradicated, replaced by the now dynamic nature of currencies. Since then, the forex market exponentially increased, making it the largest financial market in the world. Even the stock exchange is dwarfed by it.

You will also be able to find out that the forex market involves different types of entities trading in it once you learn forex. Among the diverse players in the forex market are organizations (big and small alike), government entities, private companies, international banks, brokers, firms, and the average Joe. Yes, you're right. The forex market is for everybody, and it can be a very nice thing to venture into if you use the right strategy and continue winning. Major forex market players can earn millions daily!

You will know that you can trade online or via telephone when you learn forex. This will allow you to know the advantages and disadvantages of the different means of forex trading. Once you are able to learn the advantages and disadvantages of the different means, you will be able to gauge where you will be more comfortable in. The major forex trading centers are in big cities, like London, New York, Tokyo, and Frankfurt.

When you learn forex, you will be able to understand its different technicalities along with the basic forex trading principles that you would really be needing in order to be a successful forex trader. You will be equipped with the necessary skills that will help you tell the difference of a good and bad forex trading signal.

Small players like you can trade in the forex market. You should be able to learn forex, though, before anything else so that you can acquire the necessary foundation to be forex-savvy. You can earn a nice, tidy income once you get the hang of it. - 23222

About the Author:

Forex trading starts with a desire to learn and a drive to become a great trader. Learning forex strategy takes dedication and a good teacher. But once you learn how to trade and do so successfully your life will change and you have options and financial resources you never had before.

Learn How To Trade Forex

By Hass67

Learning forex trading should not be difficult. With decent understanding of money management rules and a good trading strategy, you should be ready for conquering the forex markets.

Try to understand the big picture. Start each trading session by looking at the daily charts than zooming into 4hr, 1hr, 30min, 15 min etc. Forex trading is all about interpreting the past as it is about interpreting the future.

You need to know whether the market is ranging or trending before each trade. You should try to know any long term patterns that have developed by looking at the charts. By taking a general look at the different charts you will develop a feel of how the forex markets are behaving in the short as well as the long term.

You should try to understand the general direction of your favorite currency pairs. You can use candlestick analysis and moving averages (simple as well as exponential) to identify long term patterns and reversals.

Bollinger bands applied to 4hr charts can be used to identify the daily trading range. Most of the price action is expected to be within the Bollinger bands. Any moves outside the bands can be viewed as short term abnormalities and ignored.

Do some scenario planning, once you have a general overview of the market. Make sure you know what news is scheduled to be released and what is the expected market reaction.

Understanding the big picture does not mean knowing the whole picture. You should only focus on your favorite pairs. It takes a longtime and effort to understand a currencys behavior, how it reacts to things like oil prices, interest rates etc. So concentrate only on a few pairs in forex trading.

You should always try to take notes and keep a daily trading journal. Start each entry in the trading journal by analyzing the general direction of the markets for that day. What you think how the markets are going to react to different news that is expected to be released that day? What should be your entry and exit for the trade. How many pips you are expecting to make?

After each trade try to analyze what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future! In case of a winning trade, analyze how many more pips you could have made and how to tweak your strategy for better results in the future trades.

Keeping these general tips in mind while you are learning forex trading will help you a lot. Never ever trade without stop losses and practice on the demo account for at least three months before starting live trading. - 23222

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam is a Harvard University Graduate. He is interested in day trading and swing trading stocks and currencies. Learn Forex Nitty Gritty. Read about Trend Forex System. Try Netpicks Forex Signal Service.

Advantages of Pre-foreclosures over Foreclosures

By Dianne Jones

Pre-foreclosures are homes and/or property that are about to go into foreclosure. This is where some of the best deals are made. These are generally negotiated directly with the owner, who is eager to avoid the grief of foreclosure.

The number of pre-foreclosures is growing every day. If you've kept up with the media recently, you know that investing in pre-foreclosure homes is one of the best ways to make a substantial profit. There are virtually a limitless number of these discounted homes on the market, due to the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the current economic slowdown.

Compared to an auction, buying a pre-foreclosure property can often be a more attractive alternative. At an auction, you often have to have the necessary cash on hand in order to participate in the bidding, however, with pre-foreclosures, you don not require immediate cash and can work out different scenarios with the current home owner and your bank. This allows you the ability to purchase a foreclosed house that they may not of been able to do otherwise.

In the pre-foreclosure sale, you will personally meet and work directly with the home owner. Although the owner may be distressed about loosing their house, by the time you arrive they may see you as a saviour that can help salvage something before foreclosure.

As compared to an auction not only can you see the condition of the outside property ahead of time you can also see the inside of the house to determine what kind of shape it is in. In many cases, because the owner has nothing to loose, you will be able to have a conversation with them about any problems you won't otherwise know about. Depending on timing and willingness of the owner you may be able get a house inspector to look around as well.

Pre-foreclosures provide the opportunity to see what sort of work needs to be done to the premise, and provide you with an idea as to the budget required to do so. You now have much more information then you would before a foreclosure auction to make the right decision of whether or not to purchase.

So now you can see that buying at the pre-foreclosure stage has some nice advantages over buying at auctions or from a realtor. It really comes down having the right information to make the right choice, at the right price. - 23222

About the Author:

To learn more regarding the best government auction & pre-foreclosures web sites check out government auctions reviews or pre-foreclosures.