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BRUSSELS-The European Union could drop controversial investor-protection rules from its free-trade talks with the U.S., it is unlikely they do the same for its trade deal with Canada, its designated trade commissioner said. The deal is an important agreement between the states and the EU because it allows for faster and simpler trading between the countries. However, the debate has been intense around a specific clause which provides investors with additional protection which, if exploited, could allow them to potentially sue governments. The question is how free should the trade agreement be and what is the right level of government control.

LONDON Nov 7 (Reuters) - Britain's goods trade deficit widened by more than expected in September, hit by a jump in oil imports and by weak export growth to the European Union, official data showed on Friday. This article paints a very clear picture about Britain's ever increasing manufacturing crisis. Britain has becomes a consumer nation, with little being produced that could reduce the current account deficit. The figures in the article show a continued increase in deficit which will have to lead to more borrowing to bridge the gap. To me this suggests that more has to be done to increase the balance of trade in goods through manufacturing and high end exports in goods.

India is experiencing a huge trade deficit and is now trying to reduce that by signing a deal with China to increase collaboration between the two countries. The deal will hopefully see more exports from India to China and break down chinese trade barriers to make access to the market better for India.

Germany has dropped its opposition to an EU trade deal with Canada despite continuing concerns over the inclusion of controversial investor protection rules. This is an example of an international trade agreement and how is can be difficult for governments to balance domestic politics with international politics.

As many of us know Marijuana is on its way of being decriminalized and legalized in the U.S., some states like Washington and Colorado have already legalized Marijuana completely. Now people in Colorado have voted for a 15% excise tax on wholesale and a 10% sales tax on retail Marijuana to help regulate the trade.

Foreign currency markets have always been a popular trading ground. However, towards the end of summer the picture looked oblique since volatility in exchange rates (rate of fluctuation in price) has been dropping, something that means less profits for traders. New regulations and restrictions as well as additional attention on the currency markets by regulators seems to be one of the causes for this. More over, low interest rates due to the recent crisis mean that currencies are not experiencing much change and have essentially flat lined. Most floating exchange rates appear to me fixed. This means lost revenue to banks and traders dealing in these markets.