Car loans declines - Banks willing to lend, but borrowers shy
Riding the bullish auto market that was in play up to 2007, and for a time in 2008, commercial banks, in this wave of consumerism, became accustomed to doing booming business from car loans.

Employers, union on collision course over leave pay
In a rare moment of agreement, the Government and Opposition have both given the nod to changes giving more teeth to the 62-year-old Holidays With Pay Act. But the leader of the country's employers' group and head of a main workers' union differ sharply on the amendments and what further overhaul is needed to the legislation.

Scotia going after millionaire clients
In what the company dubbed as individuality, Scotiabank Jamaica last Thursday formally launched Scotia Private Client Group (SPCG), a unit dedicated to bringing in business from top tier clients.

More cuts for bank rates
Scotiabank Jamaica has again cut its prime lending rate, this time by less than a point, moving it to 19.875 per cent from the 20.5 per cent rate set in August. The new rates become effective November 1.

Are motor insurance affinity schemes all hype?
For the past six years, my wife and I insured our two cars on a scheme designed for the employees of a certain company. It offered preferential discounts and was arranged by a broker. There were no claims during the period. I recently left the company and I was told that because I was on a company scheme I am not entitled to a no-claim bonus.

Choosing the right stocks to buy with $250,000 - Questions from a young prospective investor
As a young prospective investor, my questions to you are: 1. I would like to buy some shares; what companies' stock would you advise I buy? 2. What is the maximum amount of shares a person like me should purchase? 3. I want to invest $250,000.

Lightly regulated markets versus social good
Is it possible for markets to serve the needs of the people as much as those of companies and shareholders? This issue lies at the heart of a debate in Europe and elsewhere that questions the social value of a lightly regulated and taxed system...

Billionaire among six nabbed in inside trading case
One of America's wealthiest men was among six hedge fund managers and corporate executives arrested Friday in a hedge fund insider trading case that prosecutors say generated more than US$25 million in illegal profits and should be a wake-up call for Wall Street.