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World Monitor

Monitored stories:

Déjà vu Transcaucasia..

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Does your aunt love roosters?

 

The best way to learn is by ‘kibbitzing’.., or even better- from others’ mistakes

go2em

FT is getting rude; so we threw it out

go2em

Will 2020 ever be over.!?

go2em

Georgia on my mind: What do Tbilisi and Atlanta have in common..? Well: Georgia!

go2em

Data Monitor

Our emerging market data selection covers the current EMMA countries plus a sizeable collection of useful data links for a research analyst (which most of us are at heart). In case some data links are slightly out of date, the odds are that you can find the updated data at the same reference source:

See the Data Selection

Deal Monitor

Current finders’ pipeline:

Region: SEE

Sector: Alternative fund

Stage: Fund-raising

Size: €3-6mil

Stake: Equity

 

Region: SEE

Sector: Property

Stage: Yield

Size: €10-15mil

Stake: Equity+debt

 

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[listings wanted]

 

altVENTURE

We have soft spot for small & emerging deals – please visit the  altVENTURE section for the related expertise & know-how

 

CONTENTS

Regularly updated content

Side panes:

• News Pix/:> Select picturesque topics of interest updated daily or more frequently (9 sources)

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Central pane:

• Theme Vitrine/:> Rich-content insights & a theme hypothesis browser (2EMMA financing expertise verticals with related news)

• World Monitor/:> Curated stories of longer term interest (backlog with occasional updates)

• Data Monitor/:> Country statistics & general research information data / analysis / links on the themes & clusters of 2EMMA coverage (48 indicators + 84 links at current)

• Deal Monitor/:> An occasional network-featured ‘public opportunity listing’ (if & when)

Please note that you can access all the content from this page, whether through links above or panes on the sides… Should you have ideas or be the source for other exciting or useful content- please do drop us a line: Suggestion box

 

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Biden’s national coronavirus strategy is starting to take shape—and it’s very different than Trump’s

The incoming administration’s approach reflects Democrats’ belief that a more comprehensive plan is needed to get the pandemic under control. [...]

Pfizer’s COVID vaccine comes with a chilly complication. But that may change

Pfizer is "being cautious" with its current ultra-cold storage requirements, but any changes will need further regulatory review. [...]

As libraries fight for access to e-books, a new copyright champion emerges

Lila Bailey of the Internet Archive is among a new generation pushing for copyright reform. [...]

Bet on these stocks for the millennial-powered COVID recovery, says Goldman’s Katie Koch

There is "tremendous upside" in some strong balance sheet companies tethered to live events. [...]

Tony Hsieh, retired Zappos CEO, dies at 46

Puoy Premsrirut, a lawyer for Hsieh, told news outlets that Hsieh had been injured in a house fire while visiting Connecticut. [...]

Georgia Senate runoff: Republican Perdue boosted his wealth with well-timed stock trades

Perdue's trades during the crisis have become an issue in what already has become a negative, expensive campaign that will determine which party controls the Senate. [...]

It may be a matter of weeks, not months, before Americans can start getting COVID vaccines

An FDA committee will convene on December 10 to discuss Pfizer's data and make recommendations regarding the vaccine. [...]

Facebook’s AI is mistakenly banning some small business’ ads

Small businesses, more reliant than ever on Facebook ads to drive sales amid the pandemic, say they are sometimes being hit out of nowhere with policy violations, removing their ads. [...]

R.I.P. Black Friday? Pandemic, online shopping lead to thin crowds

Online sales soar while mall stores are largely empty. [...]

Gift Guide: How to turn your outdoor space into a year-round living room

Give the gift of outdoor socializing this holiday season. [...]

Black Friday shopping in stores craters 52% during pandemic as e-commerce sales surge

Traffic at stores on Black Friday fell by 52.1% compared with last year, according to preliminary data from Sensormatic Solutions, as consumers opted for shopping online. [...]

Black Friday 2020 online shopping surges 22% to record $9 billion

Consumers spent $9 billion on the web the day after Thanksgiving, up 21.6% year over year, according to Adobe. [...]

Salesforce buying Slack would mark the first big software deal in a boom year for the cloud

Big software acquirers have been quiet this year as hefty market multiples among cloud providers made deals too expensive. [...]

Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh has died at 46

Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com has died. He was 46. [...]

Stocks on track to close out month of big gains next week as jobs data looms

Stocks come off a month of big gains into a busy week of economic data and continued focus on the race for a vaccine. [...]

Congress stalled on stimulus talks and time is running out as millions face a 'benefits cliff'

Another weekly boost to unemployment benefits would most likely be part of any upcoming stimulus bill. However, negotiations are currently at an impasse. [...]

Pennsylvania high court throws out challenge to mail-in ballots

The plaintiffs lacked "due diligence" in a claim that could have disenfranchised millions of voters, the state Supreme Court said. [...]

Wall Street analysts are long-term bullish on these recovery plays like Micron and Ulta

Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on [...]

Biden's lead increases in Wisconsin's largest county after recount demanded by Trump campaign

After a recount in Milwaukee County — Wisconsin's largest county — President-elect Joe Biden had a net gain of 132 votes. [...]

Los Angeles issues stay-home order as coronavirus cases surge out of control

Los Angeles County announced a new stay-home order Friday as coronavirus cases surge out of control in the nation's most populous county. [...]

The Economy Is Still Vulnerable. Trade Could Be a Refuge.

Only a year ago, trade was a big worry for investors, and the strong domestic economy a source of comfort. How times change. [...]

Stocks Say Covid Recovery Is Nigh. Bonds Tell a Different Story.

The all-important Treasury market is a holdout in reflecting increased economic optimism from Covid-19 vaccine news. [...]

Pausing Loan Payments During Covid Is Producing Uneven Results

Eight months into the pandemic, debt-relief systems created by federal legislation have helped many borrowers exit payment-deferral programs financially stronger; other borrowers have fallen deeper into debt. [...]

Oil Prices Seen Remaining Subdued Into 2021

Covid-19 vaccines could bolster both the global economy and demand for oil in 2021, but elevated levels of coronavirus cases could have a negative effect, with fresh restrictions on travel and business. [...]

S&P 500, Nasdaq End Week at Records

U.S. stocks edged up, with the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500 closing at new highs as markets ended a shortened session on an upbeat note. [...]

Falling Market Volatility Signals Growing Optimism About Stock Rally

Market volatility is collapsing to levels not seen since February, the latest sign of optimism about a stock rally that lifted major indexes to fresh records this week. [...]

OPEC, Russia Alliance Lean Toward Keeping Oil Cuts in Place

OPEC and its Russia-led partners are leaning toward extending oil production cuts for another two to three months, according to officials familiar with the discussions, a move they hope will keep markets tight even as prices start to recover. [...]

Black Friday Is Big in Taiwan, but Why?

As Americans forgo hitting the stores at dawn on Black Friday, they can at least live vicariously through Taiwan. [...]

Women Do Talk Money, With Their Text Group

The continuing economic stress and stock-market volatility stemming from the pandemic has moved women to join group chats to talk about emergency funds, investing and financial goals. [...]

Investors Seek New Election Data

Fund managers and research analysts are parsing alternatives to polling for gauging election probabilities after twists and turns in the recent U.S. voting sent asset prices swinging. [...]

Guggenheim Fund Files to Be Able to Invest Up to Almost $500M in Bitcoin Through GBTC

The Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund will now be able to invest up to 10% of its net asset value in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. [...]

Yearn Merges With Cover, DeFi Protocol’s 4th Deal in a Week

Yearn is “joining forces” with market coverage provider Cover, capping a busy week for the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol., [...]

What Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary Means for Bitcoin and Markets

NLW looks at price action in crypto, the ETH 2.0 Beacon chain launching Dec 1, the Dow at 30,000 and Janet Yellen’s nomination as Treasury secretary. [...]

Ripple Is Cashing Out a Third of Its Stake in Surging MoneyGram

It is its first such sale of MoneyGram stock since the startup invested in the remittance giant in 2019. [...]

Curve Finance Votes to Disperse $3M in Fees to Governance Token Holders

The community vote was an exercise in decentralized governance for a protocol not unfamiliar with meeting community demands. [...]

Bitcoin’s Carnivore Cult Is Both Stupid and Correct

Do Bitcoin fans gravitate toward steak so often because they view themselves as cowboys, or because they’re just health-conscious? [...]

NYT Reveals Claims of ‘Racist or Discriminatory’ Treatment of Employees at Coinbase

The NYT critique of Coinbase’s internal diversity policies quotes former employees who complain of “racist or discriminatory” treatment. [...]

ENCORE: Luke Gromen on the History and (Declining) Future of the Global Dollar System

As some start to wonder about a post-Bretton Woods economic system, macro analyst Luke Gromen explains how that post-World War II system came to be. [...]

Crypto Custodian Copper Aims to Bridge Gap Between DeFi and Traditional Finance With New Tool

The new tool, CopperConnect, covers the "DeFi lifecycle" as an asset moves from custody to smart contract and back. [...]

Industry Pros Weigh In on Rumors of New Crypto Wallet Regulations

From shorter consultations to insider comments, recent rumors about U.S. regulation of private crypto wallets have some compelling context. [...]

Scientists reveal regions of the brain where serotonin promotes patience

In a study on mice scientists pinpoint specific areas of the brain that individually promote patience through the action of serotonin. [...]

Study of threatened desert tortoises offers new conservation strategy

A new study supports a new conservation strategy. Climate change increasingly makes relocating threatened species necessary, despite the frequently low success rate. The study found tortoises with lots of genetic variation were much more likely to survive after their relocation. The research supports this fast, inexpensive conservation tool, and upends the conventional wisdom suggesting that tortoises from areas moved from close by would fare best. [...]

Study revealing the secret behind a key cellular process refutes biology textbooks

New research has identified and described a cellular process that, despite what textbooks say, has remained elusive to scientists until now -- precisely how the copying of genetic material that, once started, is properly turned off. [...]

A route for avoiding defects during additive manufacturing

Research reveals how pores form during metals additive manufacturing and become defects trapped in solidifying metal. The practical value of this research is that it can inform industry on how to predict and improve 3D printing processes. [...]

Understanding traditional Chinese medicine can help protect species

Demystifying traditional Chinese medicine for conservationists could be the key to better protecting endangered species like pangolins, tigers and rhino, according to researchers. Efforts to shift entrenched values and beliefs about Chinese medicine are not achieving conservation gains in the short term. [...]

World's largest inventory of known plant species

Researchers have compiled the world's most comprehensive list of known plant species. It contains 1,315,562 names of vascular plants, thus extending the number by some 70,000 - equivalent to about 20%. The researchers have also succeeded in clarifying 181,000 hitherto unclear species names. [...]

Scientists develop new gene therapy for eye disease

Scientists have developed a new gene therapy approach that offers promise for one day treating an eye disease that leads to a progressive loss of vision and affects thousands of people across the globe. The study also has implications for a much wider suite of neurological disorders associated with aging. [...]

Satellite images confirm uneven impact of climate change

Researchers have been following vegetation trends across the planet's driest areas using satellite imagery from recent decades. They have identified a troubling trend: Too little vegetation is sprouting up from rainwater in developing nations, whereas things are headed in the opposite direction in wealthier ones. As a result, the future could see food shortages and growing numbers of climate refugees. [...]

Aim to exceed weekly recommended physical activity level to offset health harms of prolonged sitting

The health harms associated with prolonged sitting can be offset by exceeding weekly recommended physical activity levels, says the World Health Organization (WHO) in new global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. [...]

Early birth linked to greater risk of hospital visits during childhood

Being born early (before 37 weeks' gestation) is associated with a higher risk of hospital admission throughout childhood than being born at full term (40 weeks' gestation), finds a new study. [...]

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran blames Israel for killing top scientist

Israel says it has 'no clue' who was behind the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in an ambush on Friday. [...]

African Champions League: Al Ahly beat Zamalek

Al Ahly beat city rivals Zamalek 2-1 in the African Champions League final in Cairo thanks to Mohamed Magdy's sensational late winner. [...]

UAE-bound Kenyans arrested over 'fake' Covid papers

The 21 travellers were bound for the UAE - which has already stopped issuing visas to Kenyans. [...]

Iran diplomat to stand trial in Belgium over 'France bomb plot'

Prosecutors in Belgium say he planned an attack on an Iranian opposition rally near Paris in 2018. [...]

Detained and forced to have a 'virginity test'

Esra, a former political prisoner in Egypt describes the physical abuse she experienced while in detention. [...]

Kylie Moore-Gilbert: Thailand frees Iranians 'in swap with academic'

Three men jailed for a bombing have left Thailand after Iran frees a lecturer held on spying charges. [...]

Yemen: Growing up in a war-torn country

Yemen is labelled the "the world's worst humanitarian crisis" and 60% of its population is under 25. [...]

Kylie Moore-Gilbert: Academic says Iran detention was 'long and traumatic'

British-Australian lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert endured two years of "incredible hardship". [...]

Loujain al-Hathloul: Saudi activist's trial 'moved to terrorism court'

The family of Loujain al-Hathloul had hoped she would be released after two years in detention. [...]

Iran rejects Sweden's appeal over doctor sentenced to death

Sweden urged Iranian authorities not to execute Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian dual national. [...]

North Korea toughens rules of entry to sea to fight coronavirus

State media says Pyongyang is acting against 'uncivilised and unhygienic elements' that could help spread an epidemic. [...]

Severe fire danger for Australia as temperatures smash records

Rural Fire Service forecasts 'very high to severe fire danger' in parts of New South Wales, issues total fire ban. [...]

‘We are fed up’: Guatemalans continue anti-government protests

Guatemala's Congress annulled a contentious budget this week, but protesters are still calling for president to resign. [...]

Brazilians to vote in municipal runoff as COVID-19 rages

Runoff races for Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's two most-populous cities, will be among those held on Sunday. [...]

UK, France sign new deal to curb Channel refugee crossings

UK interior minister Priti Patel said under the deal the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double. [...]

Montenegro and Serbia expel each other’s ambassadors

Podgorica cites 'continuous meddling in internal affairs' as reason for expulsion; Belgrade responds in kind. [...]

Canada enacts new regulations before US drug import rule

Rule allowing US pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs in bulk from Canada comes into effect Monday. [...]

Dozens killed in attack on farm workers in Nigeria

Some 40 people reported 'slaughtered' in attack on labourers working in rice fields in Borno state, northeast Nigeria. [...]

‘Harsh revenge’: How will Iran respond to scientist’s killing?

Iran weighs its options for taking revenge for the assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. [...]

What will it take to end conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region?

Ethiopian government denies rejecting talks as PM launches 'final assault' on region. [...]

On November 15 Doha Negotiators agreed on rules: Taliban

Kabul [Afghanistan], November 29 (ANI): The negotiators from parties of the Intra-Afghanistan peace negotiations -- the Taliban and the Afghanistan government -- have agreed on procedural rules with 2 [...]

Negotiators agreed on rules on Nov 15, says Taliban

Kabul [Afghanistan], November 29 (ANI): The negotiators from parties of the Intra-Afghanistan peace negotiations -- the Taliban and the Afghanistan government -- have agreed on procedural rules with 2 [...]

Pompeo says State Dept to honour transition promise

Washington [US], November 29 (ANI): US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the Department of State will 'honour' the outgoing President Donald Trump administration's "promise" to begin the transi [...]

Nagorno-Karabakh: Tough rebuilding ahead for devastated city of Agdam

Azerbaijan has been moving further into territory it retook from Armenian forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, after a Russian-brokered peace deal on November 9. FRANCE 24 reports from the city [...]

Police violence in France: 'Structural' issues behind the brutality

A video of a music producer being beaten up by three policemen in Paris has revived the debate about police brutality in France. While the unions say such incidents should be treated as isolated on [...]

Cluster Munitions Ban is Saving Lives and Livelihoods

GENEVA - A report by the Cluster Munition Coalition finds significant progress has been made in stigmatizing and eliminating these weapons since the global treaty banning cluster munitions came int [...]

France to promote protection of Nagorno-Karabakh's heritage

Paris [France], November 28 (ANI/Sputnik): French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed its commitment to promote the protection of the heritage sites in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Jean-Baptis [...]

Iran's Supreme Leader Vows Revenge Over Slain Scientist

TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran's supreme leader on Saturday called for the "definitive punishment" of those behind the killing of a scientist linked to Tehran's disbanded military nuclear program, a slaying t [...]

Afghanistan reports 121 new COVID-19 cases

Kabul [Afghanistan], November 28 (ANI/Xinhua): Afghanistan on Saturday reported 121 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing its tally to 45,963. Meanwhile, the Public Health Minist [...]

Quotes of the Day from Xinhua World News, Nov. 28

JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- Authorities in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province destroyed more than 24 tons of drug including heroin and hashish by fire outside the provincial capital Jalalabad o [...]

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Says Government Forces 'Fully in Control' of Mekelle

[allAfrica] In a statement released on Twitter, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has taken control of Mekelle, capital of the Tigray Province. In a reference to leaders of the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, he added: "Federal police will now continue their task of apprehending TPLF criminals and bring them to the court of law." [...]

Southern Africa: Regional Leaders Plan 'Comprehensive' Response to Mozambique Attacks

[The Herald] Gaborone -- SADC yesterday undertook to work on a robust regional response to the growing threat of terrorism and insurgency in parts of Mozambique, which it will put in action once finalised. [...]

Ethiopia: Govt Forces Shell Tigray Capital Mekelle, Says Local Govt

[RFI] The capital of Tigray has been hit by heavy shelling as the Ethiopian government of Abiy Ahmed began its offensive against the dissident leaders of the country's northern region. [...]

Africa: Pitso Mosimane Leads Egypt's Al Ahly to 9th CAF Champions League Title

[Premium Times] Mosiname has beaten Zamalek for his two Champions League titles [...]

Nigeria: 'Fruitful' Talks With Govt May See Education Union Call Off Strike

[This Day] * ASUU to meet with members for ratification of outcome [...]

Nigeria: Super Eagles Drop Three Places in FIFA Rankings

[This Day] Nigeria have slipped to 35th position on the latest Fifa global rankings for November. [...]

Rwanda: GDP Declines By 12,4% in the Second Quarter

[East African] Rwanda has recorded a 12.4 percent drop in Growth Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter from July to September compared to the same period last year. [...]

Africa: Communique on the Visit of the African Union Envoys To Ethiopia

[African Union] Addis Ababa -- The African Union Envoys to the Democratic Federal Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa, and Her Excellency, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, former President of Liberia, undertook their first mission to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia from 25 - 27 November 2020. [...]

Zimbabwe: 'Maradona Was Just a Universal Song, So Catholic That It Was Ubiquitous, Stop the Tambourine but the Music Will Still Be Playing On.'

[The Herald] THE last time I saw him was at a state-of-the-art football stadium with a name, as appropriate as any, which can be found in this game - Soccer City. [...]

Ethiopia: Army Claims It Will Topple Tigray 'Junta' in Days

[Ethiopian Herald] HEWANE - After trekking long distances by enduring rough terrains, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces has arrived at Hewane, said Raya Front Commander Gen. Bacha Debele, underscoring that the Junta would be dismantled in a two-three days. [...]

Kosovo Minister – Only Special Court Can Deliver Murdered Father Justice
Kosovo Minister – Only Special Court Can Deliver Murdered Father Justice

Twenty years after the murder of Xhemajl Mustafa, his son, Besian, hopes the Kosovo Specialist Chambers can finally provide the answers that Kosovo's own justice system has failed to supply. [...]

Indictment Filed for Crimes in Luka Detention Camp, Brcko
Indictment Filed for Crimes in Luka Detention Camp, Brcko

The State Prosecution has filed an indictment against Ivan Djuric, accusing him of having committed war crimes against Bosniaks and Croats held in Luka detention camp in Brcko in May 1992. [...]

Serbia Appoints French Activist to Head Diaspora Office
Serbia Appoints French Activist to Head Diaspora Office

Serbia has made Arnaud Gouillon – a far-right French national famous in Serbia for his advocacy for the Kosovo Serbs – new director of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region. [...]

Slovenia Opposition Seeks Referendum on Defence Spending Hike
Slovenia Opposition Seeks Referendum on Defence Spending Hike

Two opposition parties have submitted thousands of signatures to parliament demanding a referendum on the rise in defence spending planned by the government - calling it unacceptable in the midst of an economic and health crisis. [...]

Democracy Digest: Poland and Hungary Refuse to Back Down over EU Veto
Democracy Digest: Poland and Hungary Refuse to Back Down over EU Veto

The Polish and Hungarian PMs reaffirmed their intention to sustain the veto of the recovery fund over concerns about linking EU funds to the rule of law. Talk of “struggles of the coming months” suggests they don’t intend to back down anytime soon. [...]

In Montenegro, Death of Outspoken Bishop has Political Ramifications
In Montenegro, Death of Outspoken Bishop has Political Ramifications

Will Metropolitan Amfilohije’s successor manage to maintain the political influence of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, while standing up to Belgrade? [...]

Drasko Stanivukovic, Pretender to Bosnian Serb Throne
Drasko Stanivukovic, Pretender to Bosnian Serb Throne

The 27-year-old politician – the first to threaten Milorad Dodik’s decades-long grip over Bosnian Serb politics – tells BIRN about the controversies over his political views and his future plans. [...]

Milivoj Petkovic’s Defence Lawyers Seek his Early Release
Milivoj Petkovic’s Defence Lawyers Seek his Early Release

The legal team of Milivoj Petkovic – a former leader of the self-proclaimed statelet of Herzeg-Bosnia in Bosnia, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison – has requested his early release, saying the conditions will be met next year. [...]

Week in Review: Obstacle Courses All Around
Week in Review: Obstacle Courses All Around

From tech wars to the coronavirus pandemic, via political power struggles, there appear to be a record number of obstacle courses being navigated, often simultaneously, by the region’s politicians, business people, medics and ordinary citizens. [...]

EU Envoy Criticises Kosovo for Blocking Serbian President’s Visit
EU Envoy Criticises Kosovo for Blocking Serbian President’s Visit

Kosovo Prime Minster Avdullah Hoti has promised to reply to the EU envoy for the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, after he warned Hoti that any refusal by Kosovo to allow visits by the Serbian President would violate agreements on freedom of movement. [...]

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