- Diamonds rose in value this year, and have broken pre-recession levels. Even though Europe has seen economic turbulence in recent years, the diamond market has managed to keep strong. Demand by diamond jewelry retailers is up by around 15%. As well as being the perfect item of jewelry, diamonds are also being seen as great investments, just like gold and pieces of art. As diamonds never go out of fashion and don’t have a physical lifespan, it is perhaps no surprise that this new trend has developed, as those are two key qualities that long term investors look for. Continue - Diamond Stud Earrings
- Big advancements have been made with simulation software in the past year. Almost everyone will have benefited from these advancements in one way or another, even if they don’t realize that they have done. Why? Because simulation software has so many varying applications, from weather predictions to electronic circuits to gaming to chemical reactions. By simulating developments before implementing them we can be certain that they will work properly, which leads to a lot less money being spent on projects that will not work – either at all or not as expected. Continue - Simulation Software
- Businesses have largely seen big increases in gas prices this year and can expect similar rises for 2012. Whilst prices have gone up though, not all gas suppliers have raised their prices equally, and so for businesses who research and shop around there is still scope for them to minimize the amount they are paying. Businesses looking to get a better deal need to contact various suppliers and negotiate hard. If they’re willing to sign up to an extended contract then getting a significantly better deal than they’re currently on is certainly possible. Continue - Business Gas
- With people these days having less money to spend on their homes, you might have thought that sales of solar panels would be diminishing, however, 2011 has seen their popularity rise. This is because money conscious homeowners have recognized that investing in solar panels now will start saving them money straight away, and that their initial investment will be paid off within a couple years. Solar power grants provided by Governments in various countries have also helped to boost the sales of solar panels. Making the switch to solar energy has never been cheaper than it is now. Continue - Solar Power
- Mortgage lending gross advances were higher during the third quarter of 2011 than since the end of 2008. As for gross mortgage lending, it was up 19% compared to the second quarter of 2011 and approximately 7% up on the third quarter of the previous two years. Also for the third quarter, there was, unusually, an increase, compared to the second quarter, in new commitments of 6%. This makes it the highest figure since the third quarter of 2008. There were reductions in the third quarter of each subsequent year until now. Continue - Calculator