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Tradeweb, a leader in building and operating fixed income and derivatives markets, today announced that it is enhancing its rapidly-growing European credit platform with the addition of European high-yield bonds. The expansion of the multi-dealer-to-customer platform follows a period of intensive growth in trading by asset managers on Tradeweb, resulting in an increase in monthly credit trading volumes of 269% over the last 18 months.

In an era of historically low fixed income returns, institutional investors continue to look to the corporate bond markets - and particularly the high-yield segment - to enhance portfolio returns.

"Investor interest in high-yield bonds has coincided with a boom in issuance over the past two years. It made sense for us to offer clients a more efficient way to invest in these securities," said Rupert Warmington, head of European Credit at Tradeweb.

"We expect another record year for the high-yield bond market if the trend over the first five months continues," said Warmington. "A key driver of this is the lack of issuance from cash-rich investment-grade corporates."

There are 21 dealers providing liquidity for high-yield bonds on Tradeweb's credit platform, which was launched in June 2006.

About Tradeweb

Tradeweb is a leading provider of online markets and a pioneer in the development of electronic trading and trade processing. The company provides services in the fixed income and derivatives markets to clients in more than 50 countries. Since 1998, Tradeweb has operated a global fixed income and derivatives trading network that harnesses the distribution of the major investment banks with over 2,000 institutional clients. In 2008, Tradeweb introduced inter-dealing broking capability with the acquisition of voice broker Hilliard Farber and subsequently launched Dealerweb, an electronic IDB platform. Tradeweb Retail provides a trading and sales application to fixed income brokers and traders.

Offshore stock trading and online banking is the winning ticket for today's savvy investor. Foreign countries that are favorable for investment have certain laws that will provide an advantage to an investor. These laws take the form of local no-tax or low-tax on investment income, no matter the investors place of residence. This is the best-practice of today's modern market maven and all included in the service offering of many of the world's best offshore banks.

Offshore stock trading and online banking has many benefits. Tax planning and estate planning are a couple of positive benefits. You can invest offshore or enjoy managed custodial services, the choice is yours. Many offshore banks offer Nominee Services for your added privacy, it's all part of a good Asset Protection Trust, when set-up correctly offers the investor every product and service available anywhere, all completely private and confidential.

Investing and Trading Through Your Private Banking Account

Through your offshore trust protected private bank account, you can opt for hands on flexibility to trade a number of the most popular markets. In addition, if you don't want to be involved in making day to day investment decisions the best bank accounts offer you some options to simplify your life while still achieving respectable investment returns -- especially when the inherent tax benefits of private investing are factored into your total return.

Confidential Investment Accounts

In today's offshore world there are a broad array of investment options for active traders or those that prefer to take a more proactive approach in the day-to-day management of their money. You can set-up a virtually anonymous investment account to trade in a broad array of markets, including Canadian and US stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Forex and CFD. All trades are accomplished through fully segregated sub accounts controlled by your Asset Protection Trust. So, you are free to trade the markets confidentially.

The main reasons to having offshore stock investments are: Asset Protection-Protects against claims from bankruptcy creditors, and other people having an interest in your money. Estate planning-saving investment income and long term benefits on a favorable tax basis.

There are so many reasons you should invest in offshore stock trading and online banking.

Active Australian Share Traders Embrace New Market Entrant

SYDNEY, March 25, 2011 - The third and final section of the CMC Markets (www.cmcmarkets.com.au) Share Trader Insight Survey: A Look Into What Drives Today's Share Traders was released today. Part 03, entitled 'Attitudes regarding the ASX,' focuses on investors' attitudes to the ASX.

Who owns the ASX anyway?

Looking at the ASX itself, it seems that many Australians engaged in share trading (www.cmcmarkets.com.au/trading-platforms/share-trading) are not clear on who exactly owns the ASX. Only half are aware that it is a publicly listed company. A staggering 24% believe the exchange is owned by the Australian government, and 21% believe a 'member organisation' owns the ASX, while 5% believe it is owned by an unlisted private enterprise.

Response to Chi-X's entry to the market

It reveals that more than two thirds of Australians who are active share traders expect their broker to link in with Chi-X. In addition, the majority of investors informed about Chi-X's entry into Australian markets (55%) would be willing to change their broker if their broker does not link in with Chi-X.

"When Chi-X begins operations in Australia, it seems clear that traders will expect their broker to offer dealing through both them and the ASX. This is far from surprising, considering there isn't a trader around who doesn't want the best volume and price available," says David Land, Head of Analysis and Education at CMC Markets (www.cmcmarkets.com.au).

Recent ASX developments: for or against

We discovered that the positive feeling from traders regarding Chi-X does not extend towards the SGX merger, with 32% of traders being opposed to the SGX merger, while 32% remain neutral about the merger.

"It would seem pretty clear that the SGX takeover of ASX has fired up some emotion about an Australian company getting taken overseas. The numbers may suggest that some of the objection may be misplaced, with a large chunk of those surveyed not realising that the ASX is, in fact, a listed company," said Mr Land. "It looks like we have a lot more education to do, even among experienced investors."

For further information and to access the research charts, please visit www.cmcmarkets.com.au/STIS

About CMC Markets

The CMC Markets Group, a leading independent financial services provider, offers a range of investment products and investment tools including shares, options, listed managed investments, warrants, interest rate securities and Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Through our partnerships we can also provide access to managed funds and margin lending execution. In 2007 CMC Markets launched its broking service with the acquisition of Andrew West Stockbroking and CMC Markets Stockbroking is now one of the only non-bank aligned, online stockbrokers in Australia. CMC Markets' institutional partner Goldman Sachs owns a 10% stake in the company.

CMC Markets is a pioneer of CFD trading in Australia and a world leading CFD provider. With offices in London, Frankfurt, Dublin, Madrid, Vienna, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Beijing, Auckland, and Singapore, CMC Markets represents clients in over 70 countries. The company was founded in 1989 and is regulated by ASIC in Australia. CMC Markets Stockbroking is a participant of the ASX Group.

www.cmcmarkets.com.au

For more information or additional comments please contact: David Land, CMC Markets, Direct Dial: +61(0)2-8221-2161, Email: D.Land at cmcmarkets.com

Offshore online trading accounts with live internet trading of major global markets such as the US, Canada and UK, established in the name of an offshore legal structure offer numerous benefits. The offshore online trading accounts are able to trade stocks, ETFs, Forex, commodities and options in real time. Understanding the best approach for your trading strategy to invest offshore can be determined by exploring the possibilities with a seasoned trading expert, then learning the available systems.

One of the best aspects of online trading on the new platforms is that every consumer is extended an opportunity to try it out before investing real money. As a matter of fact they strongly suggest that every candidate become familiar with how the process works before trading real money. This will both establish your level of confidence and open the channels of communication with a seasoned professional.

Sure the risks are very real but manageable when you take the training courses that the broker recommends, and take the learning vey seriously. There are a few different approaches that are offered by the better brokerages and with the best offshore online brokerages, you'll be extended an invitation to explore their mentorship programs, or have a managed account. These are often account options, just in case you want to have someone by your side every step of the way.

Learning how to read market changes is essential to the success you desire. And while it may prove to be a bit of a challenge at the onset, it will prove to be worth the effort. Becoming comfortable with the software can be attained when you align yourself with the right resources. There are a number of seasoned professionals who are reaching out to new comers to help them get established.

Trading online is an investment that is worth considering for those who understand the importance of developing alternative sources of offshore income. Everyone who has a sincere interest in learning how to do this can accomplish their goals with the right information. Setting-up your offshore company, offshore asset protection trust, and an online trading account, will not only provide you with immeasurable satisfaction but also begin developing a nest-egg for you and your loved ones.

Learning to trade online is like learning anything new, at first there's a fear factor and a steep learning curve but if you are committing an appropriate amount of time to becoming educated about how the process works, it won't take long and you'll be proficient with the software an systems. Plus, by joining online investment communities, subscribing to stock trader newsletters and finding your own trusted advisors, or stock market guru, you will begin to defuse any apprehensions you might have had in the beginning; and it will serve enhance your confidence in the realm of trading. Setting a reasonable timeline for your software and market training and realistic goals for your projected financial rewards will take both an honest effort and some patience and discipline.

Offshore online trading can be the very thing you've been seeking for making your dollars work harder for you. While the risks are very real, they are out-weighed by the benefits of the advantages to real time trading. Making additional dollars and saving the proceeds offshore can mean the difference between your long-term stability, or your feeling uncertain about your financial future. We can introduce you to a representative that can help you to clarify whether this is a strategy that is suitable for you. Take action today and learn how to invest offshore.

Leading Asian investment banking group also trials Edge and IQ/Max Sync

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, March 7, 2011 - IPC Systems, Inc., a leading provider of trading communications solutions to the world's top financial services firms and global enterprises, today announced that AmInvestment Bank Berhad has agreed to trial IPC's new game-changing trading communication system, Unigy(TM).

Unigy was launched globally in March 2011 and offers trading firms of all sizes the opportunity to transform trading workflow and collaboration through a single, unified platform for communications and applications.

AmInvestment Bank Berhad will be testing the Unigy platform on its trading floor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As part of the initial Beta, the company will also be implementing two of the new Unigy- enabled devices and applications which were recently launched: the first, IQ/MAX Edge, a new turret/dealerboard which offers much of the key functionality of an IQ/MAX turret, in a compact package; and IQ/MAX Sync, an application that facilitates "software control" of the turret to manage calls, speakers and directories directly from the trader's PC. AmInvestment Bank Berhad will be replacing both of its existing legacy backroom systems, IPC's Tradenet MX and Alliance, with a single Unigy backroom.

As a customer of IPC for over 10 years, AmInvestment Bank Group has a strong reputation within the Asian financial markets for its innovation and forward-thinking strategic focus. The company has led the market with many firsts, receiving awards and accolades which further cement its position as one of Malaysia's leading investment banking groups. Recent awards include Best Equity House (from both Alpha Southeast Asia Best Financial Institution Awards 2010 and FinanceAsia Country Awards for Achievement 2010), Best Domestic Bond House in Malaysia (The Asset Triple A Country Awards 2010), Asset Management Company of the Year in Malaysia (The Asset Triple A nvestment Awards 2010) and "Most Outstanding Islamic Investment Banking" (KLIFF Islamic Finance Awards 2010). This spirit of innovation is the driving force behind its agreement to implement IPC's Unigy solution.

"We have held discussions with IPC in recent months about the Unigy roll out and we are extremely excited to be trialing such a progressive trading communications solution," said John Tan, Director/Head of Equity Markets, AmInvestment Bank Berhad. "Our previous experience with IPC has proven to us that the company really understands the changing needs of the financial services industry. As our global clients face ever more diversified needs, we ill continue to embrace the creative solutions required to meet them. Unigy promises increased productivity and collaboration, lower TCO and higher ROI, as well as a centralised management system so we are truly excited to xperience the positive impact it will have on our trading floor," added Mr. Tan.

PSG Online brings you offshore investments that give you access to international markets through our online trading platform. You will be able to invest offshore in stocks in real-time on 25 major international stock exchanges with our online International Trading Desk.

You will have the freedom to invest offshore on the New York Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange or any of the other major international exchanges utilising your own foreign investment allowance or through our Asset Swop Facility. This gives you complete control over a unique offshore portfolio with two distinct options. You can use your own funds transferred with Reserve Bank approval or you can use local Rand to invest offshore through our Asset Swop Facility.

We put easy access to international markets in your hands, allowing you to construct a portfolio of shares or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to capitalise on offshore investment opportunities. If you do not know how to invest offshore and are not comfortable with making all the offshore investment decisions on your own, we can match your requirements to a PSG Konsult financial advisor who will be able to manage a portfolio of offshore investments on your behalf.

You will receive an offshore investment trading account with the same flexibility and benefits as a local portfolio that is available through a simple online registration process. If you are an existing PSG Online client you will not need to reregister your FICA documents. You can manage your offshore investment account on your local share trading platform, combining easy access to your local and offshore investment accounts - and your derivative and currency trading accounts. The PSG stock trading platform gives you the most comprehensive online access to your portfolio in South Africa.

New Six Month Sterling Bond

ST PETER PORT, Guernsey, May 4, 2010 - Skipton International Limited is offering a six month bond paying 2.26%AER or 2.17% AER as a monthly income option.

The bond matures on 30 November 2010 and it is a limited edition issue which will be withdrawn when fully subscribed, so savers are advised to move quickly. The minimum deposit is GBP10,000, whilst the maximum is GBP5m. No withdrawals are allowed during the fixed rate term.

Jim Coupe, commercial director, Skipton International Limited comments, "In response to client demand, we are pleased to be offering this competitive fixed rate bond. With the backing of our parent, Skipton Building Society, the fourth largest in the UK, this account provides both safety and security, giving savers a known return over the next six months, whatever happens in the markets."

To apply for an account or for more information, visit www.skiptoninternational.com or call +44(0)1481-727374

The Dow has closed above 11,000, the European Union is bailing out Greece and the U.S. economy seems to be perking up. Is the future as bright as it looks? In fact, it looks pretty good, says Wharton finance professor Jeremy Siegel. While the Dow's 11,000 close doesn't mean much to professional market watchers, it can give ordinary investors a psychological boost, and it focuses attention on the stock market's fine showing over the past year. According to Siegel, the U.S. economy is in a self-sustaining recovery, no longer dependent on government stimulus -- and while the housing market could take years to make up recent losses, the economy should do well. With interest rates likely to rise, it's a risky time to invest in bonds, but stocks could end the year 8% to 10% higher than they are today, Siegel said in an interview with Knowledge@Wharton.

An edited transcript of the conversation can be found here.

If you are looking for a new, innovative approach to online trading then read on...

There are many Forex programs and brokers that claim to offer the perfect answer to the Forex trader. We decided to do some investigating and see which of the many brokers and programs really lived up to its name. After a lot of searching and testing, we found a new and unique trading platform where, on the same screen and at the same time you can trade in foreign currency pairs, financial indexes and stocks and commodities. You pay no commission on any of your trading activities; it's all in the spread between purchase price and selling price just like FOREX.

The first thing we did was to see how easy it was to set up shop and start trading. Nothing could be easier or quicker than downloading and installing the program. The entire process is simple and clear and enables you to open an account, either real or "Demo" and begin trading within a surprisingly short time.

Then we started to see how the program works. We have seen and checked a lot of Forex trading programs. Many do an excellent job but are clumsy and have a steep learning curve making it difficult for the novice, and even the experienced, trader to work. We were surprised at the ease of this system, clear, logical and it's obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into the development of the platform. Even when performing relatively complex tasks such as moving from one currency pair to another or a foreign currency pair to financial indexes or shares; the system works quickly, smoothly and efficiently. Every transaction takes place on the screen in front of you - you have total control and constant up to date information. If you want a number of investment channels, you don't need to open different accounts. The same account and the same program can be used even if you decide to divide your investment portfolio over a wide spread of investment opportunities and channels.

You are working with one broker with customer service available 24 hours a day. And if that isn't enough, the system provides you with real-time quotations taken from alternative stock markets, options for Trailing Stop trading and the ability to concentrate each of your investment channel's on the most popular and favourable options whether currency, stocks or indexes . Also, if you prefer, you can show in one window your most important investments. This makes tracking your transactions much easier and your trading experience more enjoyable and more efficient and, more profitable!

The platform exists and is ready for you to download and to start trading today. It is constantly being updated and developed to provide you with the best and most professional trading platform available.

Program characteristics:
• "Demo" Trading - Yes and with no time limits.
• Minimal first investment required - 100$.
• Deposits and withdrawals possible with - Credit card, bank transfer, internet account and more.
• Spread - 2-5 with the more popular investments (foreign currency). Permanents: do not change during the trading session.
• Leverage - Up to 1:200.

Tools for the trader:
• Technical and professional support - 24 hours a day.
• Trading courses - the site provides basic trading knowledge and information.
• Range of currency pairs, stocks, financial indexes and commodities - a range of foreign currency pairs, financial indexes, stocks, and commodities.
• Language interface - support for over 12 languages.
• Bonuses - 20$ no-deposit plus 30% on first deposit.
• Trading platform - Downloadable to any computer. Easy to use, trade, track and supervise transactions.
• Allows for foreign currency trading and differential index trading, commodities and stocks all with the same program.

Advantages:
• Innovative and original approach to trading.
• Ease of use.
• Excellent range of pairs, indexes and shares.
• The platform allows for multiple trading over a wide range of investment channels all at the same time and on the same screen.
• No commissions, calculations on the basis of spread only with complete transparency
• An easy to understand, up to date picture of the current situation.

Crude oil futures kept falling back from highs even though speculative funds increased their bets that prices are headed higher. The benchmark West Texas Intermediate contract ended the week at $80.68 a barrel, after nearing $83 earlier in the week, compared to $81.24 a week ago.

Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali Naimi, made it clear once again on Tuesday that the world's largest oil producer prefers a range of $70 to $80 for oil prices. Speaking to journalists in Vienna prior to and OPEC meeting, Naimi said the oil-exporting group, which accounts for 40% of daily oil consumption, won't let tight supplies push prices too high.

Further bearish factors were the increase of 1 million barrels in U.S. crude oil inventories in the weekly report from the Energy Information Administration and renewed strength of the dollar amid continuing concern about Greece's fiscal situation.

A report in The Wall Street Journal on Friday suggested that EIA collection methods for the oil inventory data may be flawed, according to internal agency documents obtained by the newspaper. Greece said on Thursday it might have to call on the International Monetary Fund for aid if its efforts to reduce its deficit are not successful.

But bulls were encouraged by the Federal Reserve's reiteration that interest rates would remain low and by OPEC's decision to leave production volume unchanged, indicating their belief that prices would remain firm. The benchmark oil contract settled at $82.93 on Wednesday.

However, the move by the Reserve Bank of India to raise its key rates on Friday drove oil prices down amid fears that China and other emerging economies might follow suit and dampen demand for oil.

10PIPS Review

With the large choice of trading systems available, with almost any trading markets can be traded on certain systems, including commodities, stocks or Forex, it's very difficult to choose a whole trading solution. The leading trading systems are very good at what they do; however, a comprehensive solution for all trading instruments with a simple interface is very rare. 10PIPS offers a real multichannel online trading system; its goal is to present a trading solution for all the available instruments with a variety which increases all the time. To create this solution an innovative system was built which is focused also on the ease of use with no lack on professionalism.

Privacy, Asset Protection and greater freedom of movement are just some of the qualities that lure investors offshore.

Some people are happy to have their money safely locked away, an insurance policy against volatile stock markets, currency fluctuations and avaricious authorities. Others see investing offshore as a way of maximizing their return, in other words they want to see the investment pay for itself.

You have or are thinking about opening an offshore bank account – how can you make your money work for you?

*Disclaimer*
Not all of these options will suit every investor – and remember that every great investment will be balanced by risk. If you are prepared to take the risk and have some idea about what to do with your money – here are some options I would definitely recommend.

Gold – In addition to being one of best financial reserves you can get, gold can actually increase in value during a bear market. If you had bought an ounce of gold in 2003 you would by now have nearly tripled your investment in only 6 years!!! Gold has its own intrinsic value unlike paper monies which can fluctuate wildly, especially in economic downturns when countries ‘compete’ to devalue their own currencies. Imagine having your very own offshore gold ‘plan b’ stored in a safe deposit box, anonymously, out of reach of creditors, greedy lawyers, the taxman and anyone else with a covetous eye on your assets. Best of all its value is quietly multiplying…

Certificates of Deposit – Rather than let your offshore assets sit idly by while inflation gobbles them up, invest in a certificate of deposit. Ranging from a couple of months to several years, these will pay you interest, usually based on a fixed annual rate. Sometimes you can get much better interest rates in a different country – this is one of the primary reasons for moving offshore – but remember to do your research beforehand. There have been countless cases of scams where investors were promised fantasy interest rates and ended up losing everything to a ponzi scheme. Part and parcel of ‘soft-touch’ regulation in tax havens is that you will come across schemes like these. The best method of research is to ask other banks who have had contact with the institution to give their professional opinion. Always remember the maxim – ‘if its sounds to good to be true, it probably is’. A bank offering interest rates of 10% when the benchmark is set at 2% is either a fraud or in serious financial trouble.

Tax-Free Trading - Once you have invested in an offshore bank account, think about expanding further and trading stocks. Most banks and brokerages will charge you for opening an anonymous investment account, but some might even do it for free! From a trading account you can buy and sell shares in all the major markets- anonymously- and since your account is offshore your gains are also tax free! Fees will vary greatly depending on the brokerage, but the best ones will give you an online platform so you can manage all your trades from the comfort of your own home, and with low overheads they can afford to charge nominal premiums on each trade.

Exotic Investments – Exotic investments are usually more risky than average, and may consist of financial instruments such as sovereign & corporate debt, high-yield investment schemes and other investments which are outside of your domestic reach. The best bet here is to find a broker you can trust to advise you in this area. If you are willing to accept a high degree of risk, exotic investments may just be for you, since in return for high risk the results can be spectacular.

Are you ready to take a giant step forward, and start making your money work for you?

Click to get started with Anonymous Offshore Investing

During a Wealth Management Summit being held this week in Boston, Singapore and Geneva, private banking executives provided some investment tips.

Jennifer Tay, Citi Private Bank, Asia-Pacific Head of Portfolio Counselling

"We tell clients, markets are not going to stay down forever. There will come a time when you have very decent recovery and typically even when you look at the (past) since the 1950s, you had nine recessions and after a recession markets just spike upwards.

Continue reading Investment tips from private bankers

Thomson Financial, an operating unit of the Thomson Corporation and leading provider of information and technology solutions to the global financial community, and The Wall Street Journal have teamed for the eighth consecutive year for the Best on the Street Analysts Survey published in today's Journal.

According to the survey, Merrill Lynch & Co. regained the top after falling from the No. 1 spot in the survey last year. The No. 2 position was taken by smaller research group Sidoti & Co., showing that while big Wall Street firms continue to perform well, other research outfits are gaining ground.

Options University Presents the 1st Annual Online Trading & Investors Superconference 2007 with Leading Financial Experts on Wednesday, April 25 with Renowned Worldwide Financial Experts

On Wednesday, April 25, the media will have the rare opportunity to hear from the seven top financial trading experts - under the same roof and to conduct one-on-one interviews with experts in the field. Violent swings on Wall Street have prompted an 'Emergency Profit Protection Bootcamp', featuring seven of the world's top stock and options traders.