Magazine

The cash pile dilemma

Sitting on a war chest worth $97.6 billion might seem like a nice problem to have. But Apple’s investors are getting hot under the collar and want to see their money put to work. Given that the company’s cash earned a return of 0.77% during the 2011 fiscal year, it’s easy to understand why.

Corporate DIY: do or die?

At this time of year, it’s always tempting to reflect on major events that have shaped the preceding 12 months. But when there have been so many high profile headlines, it is the ‘under the radar’ news that tells of trends closer to home.

A little less conversation…

A little more action please. This is what is being asked of the Eurozone leaders as the frequent summits continue to provide little comfort or confidence to markets across the globe. While these meetings naturally have an agenda, questions are being asked as to whether European bureaucracy is the true hindrance to resolving the sovereign debt crisis.

Mobile technology has changed the financial landscape in a relatively short amount of time; but while some see it as a blessing, others fear for their fragile work-life balance. Meanwhile, the birth of tablet computing has taken mobile treasury solutions into a new realm altogether...

We return this month to the subject of money funds. The money fund industry is in turmoil as it deals with regulatory proposals. These proposals originated in the US, but they are being closely followed by European regulators, and they will dramatically change the financial dynamics of the money fund industry.

There are strains appearing in the financial system that are not purely attributable to the financial crisis. The new rules and legislation being introduced by regulators and governments around the world are intended to tame the banking system and make the financial markets safer. But there are unintended consequences emerging that will have an impact on many corporates.

This month sees us launch this year’s European Benchmarking Study. Many of you participated in this last year and we hope you found the results useful. You may have been able to attend one of the corporate presentations we have been making.

Just a few words this month because we want your help.

Over the last few months we have introduced the new treasurytoday.com website aimed at serving the treasury community. This provides access to our invaluable ‘back catalogue’ as well as treasury discussion forums, answers to technical questions and much, much more.

Question Answered now on-line

Our website serving the treasury community

We are delighted to see the discussion forums are gathering momentum. The idea behind this area of the site is to provide a forum where questions can be asked and comments made. We all know that we can learn a lot from the experience of others.

The forums are open to anyone who registers on the site. Registration is free.

Treasury Insights, our new weekly analysis of issues affecting treasury, was launched successfully last month and is already being emailed to a large number of our readers. If you would like be added to the circulation list please register your interest at treasurytoday.com or email insights@treasurytoday.com