Harry Potter Has Richest Opening Weekend in Box Office History

6.2 Billion dollars is what Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 brought in this opening weekend, the most in box office history.

Of course when talking about records, it’s always worth taking into consideration the effects of inflation and 3-D ticket hikes. Just check out this story I wrote in February 2010. It includes a list of the highest-grossing films when adjusted for inflation. Gone With the Wind earned an inflation adjusted $1.48 billion domestically compared to Avatar‘s $760 million.

Not everyone agrees with adjusting for inflation though. Read more about what the author's colleague has to say about adjusting inflation in order to match records to today's prices.

"The Perfect Indicator for All Markets"

Did you know that On-balance volume (OBV) is a proven-effective leading indicator that allows traders to spot turning points and valid signals across a wide variety of markets and time frames?

Read more about how this indicator could improve your personal investing techniques.

News on European Bank Stress Tests

Five Spanish banks have failed the European Union bank stress tests, including Caixa Catalunya, making up the bulk of the eight failures in the bloc, the Bank of Spain said on July 15, 2011. But the five will not need additional capital because the sector is already being restructured, the governor of the Bank of Spain, Miguel Angel Fernandez Ordonez, told a news conference. Read more here.

What do you think will be the consequences of the failed stress tests for the European economy?

Intelligent Investing: Can Mexico Grow Like China?

Check out this video that debates whether Mexico will be able to expand like China and what reforms are necessary for that to happen. Very interesting video.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Mexico Investment Summit 2012

Check out this great link on the Mexico Investment Summit, taking place in January of 2012. This conference is the only international conference focused on Mexico to bring together senior decision makers from the entire investment and development community.

Mexico and Turkey Sign Air Transportation Agreement

According to Turkey’s Civil Aviation regulator, Turkey and Mexico recently signed an agreement to begin flights between the two countries. With the signing of this air transportation agreement, passenger and cargo flights between Mexico and Turkey will be allowed to connect through Portugal’s Lisbon and Porto airports. Read more on this great change in the international aviation industry here.

Venezuelan Economy: Opening the Gates to Corruption

According to a study published in June 2011 by the World Justice Project (WJP), Venezuela has “the worst result in the world” when it comes to justice, corruption, and interference by the Executive Branch in the other branches of government. The issue being raised in Venezuela for some time now is the amendment of a bill called the Anti-Corruption Act, which it said would potentially open new windows of opportunity for corruption, according to Mercedes De Freitas, the executive director of Transparencia Venezuela.

Click here to read more on the state of the Venezuelan economy and the new corruption act.

Latin American Economy Running Smoothly

As this story reports, there is a very positive outlook for the economy in Latin American, as well as for Mexico. For starters, Costa Rica has been nicknamed “the Silicon Valley of Latin America.” The middle class in Latin America is not only growing at a rapid pace but is very young compared to the rest of the developed world - concentrated in the 12 to 35 age range - meaning they will continue to be a strong force for years to come. Also, women are becoming more empowered and governments are investing in security, knowing that, as President Uribe puts it; “If foreign investors do not feel safe, they will not invest.”

Click here to read more about how structural and social changes in Latin America will create the ideal environment for a healthy Mexican economy.