probing eyes

The question of investments

Mahmudur Rahman

The age-old tug-of-war in concepts would appear to have become of topical interest as far as investments are concerned. Crumbling economies battling suppressed consumer demand and supply gluts are forcing a pull-back on investment funds. The vicious cycle of budget deficits are forcing more and more countries to off-load white elephants in an attempt to woo investors who are careful where they put their money.
Russia, feeling the ice more than their seasonal winters are putting Aeroflot up for sale, chillingly similar to that what was forced on the Greek government. With the major developing economies such as China reining in their infrastructure spending, commodity exporters such as Brazil are feeling the pinch.
And new news on investment appetite would suggest that it is brands that have grown in appeal. For all the economic woes football stadiums in Europe, especially those of the big teams are packed to the rafters. The English Premier League has seen over a billion pounds being spent on player transfers and this is set to increase next year on the back of a mouth-watering £8.0 billion TV Rights deal that has been struck. The spoils are demarcated so as to provide clubs the incentive of spending money on players and management in order to stay in the top flight. And as good results means sales of tickets and merchandise, it's a lure for investors. Chinese businessmen have already bought shares in English and Spanish Clubs but the news is that following US,, Russian, Thailand, Middle-Eastern interests, it may be Chinese businesses' turn to buy-up a club. Through all the economic woes, Spain and Greece's football clubs didn't have problems paying the exorbitant salaries of their players. Surprisingly, the apparently penniless people of these countries can still find the money to pay for the bit-so-cheap tickets. What is of greater interest is that investors are seeing prospects, if not immediately then in the future.
The fact is that football is so much a part of life in Europe, be it at club or national levels that its interest is engrained in people's pulses. And just as money begets money, the inherent shopaholic cannot but be swayed to purchase merchandise in support of their teams and players.
These are the areas that need to be explored for prospective investments at home and abroad. The newest investments in start-ups are aimed at easing people's lives in terms of convenience as well as catering to that which they hold close to their hearts. Football is one. Cricket has gone out of control and the game is heading for uncertain quagmires. The money is pouring in but the game has degraded into a picnic where skills and tactics are losing out to economics. And it can only be a matter of time before the appeal of glitter wears out.
(The writer may be reached at mahmudrahman@gmail.com)