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This article stresses the continue increase of the prices of goods and services in Singapore, causing the inflation in the country to keep growing further. Moreover, this article talks about that the consumer price index (CPI) has risen in August of this year 2% more in comparison with the last year, they also had calculated the CPI in July of this year, which was 1.9% meaning that the inflation kept increasing constantly. This article also strains that one of the main causes for the increase in inflation in Singapore is because of the government measures to slow the inflow of the cheap foreign workers into the city-state. If the inflation in Singapore continues to increase, in the long run this will cause the country's currency to have a value of almost nothing. The consequence of this will be that the people living in this country won't have enough money to live a normal life. Therefore, they will have to have an aid from the government.

Singapore has been dealing with high inflation, which has risen significantly. This is especially in relation to core inflation, that excludes house and car costs, which is higher than had been predicted. Their CPI has increased as well. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has tightened the monetary policy in response to decrease the rate of inflation.  The inflation has partially been caused by restrictive government policies, which attempted to reduce the amount of low-wage foreign workers. These actions were taken due to locals' requests as there is a limited amount of jobs in this small state. The effect was that firms had to increase prices because of increased wages (cost of production) once the cheaper workers were no longer available. Consequently inflation increased more quickly, as did the CPI. To solve the issue, governments are encouraging firms to hire Singaporean employees.   

1) Briefly summarize the article (3-4 sentences) The article is about the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's protectionist strategy in the purchase of Australian companies. This highlights the event where Archer Daniels Midland attempted to purchase Graincorp, as well as the example of George Bush's Protectionist policy for US steel workers. It is concluded it is better to maintain an open anti-protectionist policy to encourage trade to find the best comparative advantage. 2) Is your article arguing for or against free trade? Explain The Article is mainly for free trade, as it takes the stances of criticizing Abbott's actions as well as likening it to Bush's "Failure". It determines Australia needs more foreign investment to remain competitive. It does however mention Abbott's encouragement to give Quantas more foreign investments. 3) Explain how different stakeholders might be affected (foreign/domestic producers, consumers, gov't) It is stated domestic producers will suffer from the lack of investments, which will consequently affect consumers. Consumers will experience higher price levels and hence higher costs of living. Foreign producers may not experience as much difficulty as domestic producers, though the lack of any comparative advantage will make it less beneficial for the foreign producers. The government is the only stakeholder who will gain, as the higher tariffs may increase tax revenue.

This article discusses about the recent (August) increase of inflation in Japan, after a deflation that had been lasting for fifteen years. The labor market is very tight and companies have been starting to raise wages, which would indicate that prices will still rise, leading to Japan reaching its goal of a 2 percent inflation rate. Japan has come through recession in 2012, and prices raising tend to indicate that Bank of Japan's monetary stimulus and reflationary policies have been bringing improvements to the economy.  The fact that inflation has been increasing lately will have absolutely a positive effect on Japan's economy, which has grown by a third between April and June. What Japan needs to focus on now is keeping the inflation rate stable and not letting it be affected by disinflation. Prime Minister Abe has been pressuring employers to raise wages, which it might not be the best move, since it will reduce their competitiveness. In the long-run, if the inflation is kept at a normal and stable percentage it will surely be positive for Japan's economy. 

China is continuing to protect its rare earth minerals. It's important to note that China holds nearly 97% of all rare earth's in the world. These rare minerals are needed for many manufacturing ventures. China will increase its regulation on rare earth production to prevent any further externalities.  The article outlines a plan against free trade. Yet, stirs arguments about China's possible attempt to monopolize the industry. The United States, for instance, argues that China's export tariffs are too high, and that they inhibit America's domestic production of needed goods. China argues back that it's an environmental issue.  Countries who rely on technological progress will be hurt by this protection. The minerals are needed for cell phones, wind turbines, missiles, and many other high-tech products. If protection continues, prices will rise, thus lowering the advancement in that sector for many economies around the world. In China, however, less exports mean more jobs domestically. Also more supply domestically. And lastly, the environmental concern of China can further improve the standard of living for citizens whilst cutting down the pollution levels.