10 Most Expensive Currencies of the world in 2014

The world’s economy experiences a dynamic switching where one country enjoys a smooth GDP while the other suffers its best. What makes a country expensive or cheap is the value of its currency and the best way to judge a currency’s worth is to compare it with the US dollar.

Here are 10 most expensive currencies of the world in 2014. Have a look!

1) Kuwaiti Dinar

Kuwait

Currency: Dinar

Value of 1 dinar against dollar: $3.51

Value of 1 dinar against rupee: Rs.209.91

Highest banknote: 20Introduced in 1961 to replace Gulf rupee, it was equivalent of one pound sterling initially.

The currency has seen it’s ups and downs. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, they replaced Kuwaiti dinar with Iraqi dinar. After liberation, the Kuwaiti dinar was restored.

2) Bahrain Dinar

Bahrain

Currency: Dinar

Value of 1 dinar against dollar: $2.65

Value of 1 dinar against rupee: Rs.158.49

Highest banknote: 20

Bahrain introduced dinar in 1965 to replace the Gulf rupee. Initially one dinar was equivalent to 10 rupees. Before Malta adopted the euro, Bahrain’s dinar was the third highest-valued currency and is now the second.

3) Omani Rial

Oman

Currency: Rial

Value of 1 rial against dollar: $2.60

Value of 1 rial against rupee: Rs.155.20

Highest banknote: 50

There was a time when India rupee was the main currency, along with Maria Theresa Thaler, circulating in Muscat and Oman. In 1940, however, the rial was made the currency of Oman.

4) Latvian Euro

Latvia

Currency: Lats

Value of 1 lats against dollar: $1.89

Value of 1 lats against rupee: Rs 112.76

Highest banknote: 500

First introduced in 1922, lats were replaced with Soviet ruble when USSR occupied the country. After the country regained independence, the currency was reintroduced in 1993.

In June 2013, European Union asses the Latvia and gave it the green light to introduce euro. Lats will no longer be the country’s currency from January 1, 2014, once euro is introduced.

5) UK Pound

United Kingdom

Currency: Pound

Value of 1 pound against dollar: $1.53

Value of 1 pound against rupee: Rs 91.64

Highest banknote: 100 (in Scotland and Northern Ireland) and 50 (in England and Wales)

The pound sterling is the world’s oldest currency still in use and it is the fourth most traded currency in the foreign exchange market, after the United States dollar, the euro, and the Japanese yen.

Sterling is also the third most held reserve currency in global reserves (about 4 per cent).

6) Jordanian Dinar

Jordan

Currency: Dinar

Value of 1 dinar against dollar: $1.41

Value of 1 dinar against rupee: Rs 84.51

Highest banknote: 50

From 1927 to 1950, the Palestine Currency Board issued Palestine pound as the official currency in both Palestine and the Trans-Jordan Emirate, according to Wikipedia.

When Jordan became independent in 1946, the country wanted its own currency and Jordanian dinar became the kingdom’s official currency.

7) European Union Euro

Countries in European Union

Currency: Euro

Value of 1 euro against dollar: $1.33

Value of 1 euro against rupee: Rs.79.22

Highest banknote: 500

The currency is the official currency of Eurozone that comprises of 17 countries. Some these include Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

The currency is the second largest reserve currency as also the second most traded in the world.

The currency was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency in 1995.

8) Azerbaijan Manat

Azerbaijan

Currency: Manat

Value of 1 euro against dollar: $1.27

Value of 1 euro against rupee: Rs.75.74

Highest banknote: 100

After gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan became a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.The banking system of Azerbaijan consists of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, commercial banks and non-banking credit organizations.

9) Cayman Islands Dollar

Cayman Islands

Currency: Dollar

Value of 1 dollar against dollar: $1.22

Value of 1 dollar against rupee: Rs. 72.99

Highest banknote: 100

With no direct taxation, the islands thrive as an offshore financial center, with hundreds of banks, insurers and mutual funds. One Cayman Islands Dollar equals $1.21 US. The earlier currency used in Cayman Islands was Jamaican dollar, which was replaced in 1972. On the islands, the US dollar is accepted as legal currency.

10) Switzerland Franc

Switzerland

Currency: Franc

Value of 1 franc against dollar: $1.07

Value of 1 franc against rupee: Rs.64.16

Highest banknote: 1,000

Historically, the Swiss franc has been considered as a safe-haven currency with virtually zero inflation and a legal requirement that a minimum of 40 per cent be backed by gold reserved.

The currency saw a sudden appreciation in 2011 as investors sought safety when Greek-sovereign debt crisis occurred. It further appreciated when European crisis continued and US, too, was witness economic turmoil.

As the currency appreciation was looked as a threat to domestic business, Switzerland’s central bank intervened. At present, the bank has set a highest target for the currency and does not let it appreciate beyond that.

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News Beat 12:46  No comment

Top 10 Richest Rappers of the World in 2014

Music has no boundaries, therefore the singers and the rappers can be assumed as the universal service providers, earning equally from all ends. Rappers have always been one of the most followed celebrities who keep their followers entertained for their exceptional moves in the field of music.  Here are top 10 richest rappers of the world in 2014!

Have a look!

10) Lil Wayne

Net Worth: $135 million

Lil Wayne is an American rapper, producer and music executive who has a net worth of $135 million. Whether you call him Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter or Weezy F. Baby, the New Orleans born rapper has reached stardom in ways other musician’s only aspire to Growing up in the 17th ward of New Orleans, Wayne started his career at only 15-years-old with Cash Money Records rap group Hot Boys and soon debuted his solo album The Block is Hot, which went double platinum and reached #3 on the Billboard charts.

9) Eminem

Net Worth: $140 million

Eminem is a multi-platinum selling American rapper, producer and actor who has a net worth of $140 million.

In 1997 release of The Slim Shady EP, earned Eminem the attention of Dr. Dre, who executive-produced the major-label release of The Slim Shady LP. The album was an instant commercial and critical success, earning Eminem a Grammy for best rap album. 2000 and 2002 saw the releases of The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show. Both albums were huge successes commercially.

8) Notorious Big

Net Worth: $160 million

The Notorious B.I.G. was an American rapper who had an estimated net worth of $160 million dollars.

The Notorious B.I.G. released “Ready to Die”, his debut album, in 1994 and instantly became a force in the East Coast hip hop scene as well as raising its profile at a time when West Coast hip hop was dominating the mainstream music scene. The growing feud between the East Coast and West Coast hip hop scenes was something The Notorious B.I.G. was very involved in and on March 9, 1997 he was killed in a drive by shooting outside of a Los Angeles museum. “Life After Death”, his double – disc set was released 16 days after his death. The album rose to number one on the U.S. album charts and became one of the few hip hop albums to be certified Diamond in 2000.

7) Birdman

Net Worth: $170 million

Birdman is an American rapper, CEO and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $170 million. Birdman, also known as Bryan “Baby” Williams is the CEO and founder of Cash Money Records. Cash Money Records is the most commercially successful label in the history of hip-hop music with 50 million records sold and annual revenues in excess of $100 million.

Birdman owns a $30 million condo in Miami. He claims that every 6 months he buys 100 new cars and gives away all the “old” ones. At any given time he is wearing millions of dollars worth jewelry.

6) 50 Cent

Net Worth: $260 million

50 Cent is an American rapper and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $260 million. 50 Cent earned his net worth through lucrative endorsement deals and millions in record sales. Ever since bursting onto the scene with his debut album Get Rich or Die Trying, 50 Cent has been launched into the stratosphere of richest rappers. His studio albums alone have sold over 21 million units. In his relatively short time in the spotlight, 50 Cent founded label G-Unit records, launched G-Unit clothing company.

5) Russell Simmons

Net Worth: $325 million

Russell Wendell Simmons was born on October 10, 1957 and is a very successful American entrepreneur, the co-founder (with Rick Rubin) of the pioneering hip-hop record label, Def Jam. His personal net worth is reputed to be $500 million. Simmons is one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world of hip-hop. In addition to his music empire, Russell Simmons also is owner and operator of three clothing lines that he founded.

4) Master P

Net Worth: $350 million

Master P ,a rap mogul, an entrepreneur and a film producer has a net worth of $350 million. In the late 90s Master P built a well diversified business empire, empire that included several rap labels, a clothing line, a management company, a high end travel agency, a film production company, and a video game company.

His most notable and likely most successful endeavor has been No Limit Records which pioneered the Southern Rap sound and has sold over 80 million records worldwide.

3) Dr.Dre

Net Worth: $360 million

Dr. Dre is an American rapper, actor and producer who has a net worth of $360 million.

Dre frequented nightclubs where he learned to DJ and became a member of electro-hop group World Class Wreckin’ Cru in 1984. After meeting fellow rapper Ice Cube, Dr. Dre joined rap project N.W.A. run by rapper Eazy-E under Ruthless Records and released Straight Outta Compton in 1988. Three years later he co-founded Death Row Records, on which he debuted his first solo album, The Chronic, through which he went multi-platinum less than a year after its release. In 1996, Dre established Aftermath Entertainment where he produced and showcased numerous talents such as Eminem,Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.

2) Jay-Z

Net Worth: $500 million

Jay-Z is a rapper, songwriter and businessman who has a net worth of $500 million. Jay-Z has earned his net worth through his career in the music industry, beginning as co-founder (with Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs) of Roc-A-Fella records, where he began his recording career. He signed with Def Jam and released his album, “In My Lifetime, Volume 1.” It won platinum status. A year later, he released “Volume 2, Hard Knock Life,” which has sold over five million copies and is five times platinum. With continued success, Jay-Z’s net worth is expected to reach $1 billion or more within his lifetime. A truly incredible achievement for any celebrity.

1) P Diddy

Net Worth: $580 million

P Diddy is a rapper, actor, record producer, and men’s fashion designer who has a net worth of $580 million dollars. Diddy’s solo debut “Can’t Nobody Hold Me down” was number one for six weeks on Billboard’s hot 100. His debut album “No Way Out” followed, winning him a Grammy award in 1998 for best rap album. In 2001, Combs changed his stage name Puff Daddy to P Diddy and eventually shortened it to just “Diddy”.

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News Beat 12:45  No comment

Top 10 Richest People of the World in 2014

 The world is growing at a really fast pace and so is the economy in general. With new industries launching and flourishing every year, the overall GDP of the richest countries of the world are too found increasing. The year 2013 has just left us and here we are with an interesting list of top 10 richest people of the world in 2014 who are expected to be a part of Forbes listing even this year too!

1)Carlos Slim Helu & family

Net worth: $73 billion

Sources: Telecommunication, self-made, mining companies

Industry: Telecom

He was just 14 when he left his home town Lebanon and move to Mexico with nothing in hand. But today by following his father rules of financial responsibilities, the self made billionaire topped the richest list of the world. Though the biggest chunk of his fortune lies in telecom but he also owns diversified companies, ranging from real estate to mining and also a stake in the New York times. Bill gates and Slim announced concomitantly, that they are funding research to reduce hunger and supporting farmers.

2)Bill Gates

Net worth: $67 billion

Sources: Software, investments

Industry: Microsoft

The college dropout, Harvard junior student could never get over and resist the temptation of software and programming and his limitless indulgence took him to the level that now he is called as die hard ideologue. He is the richest man in the United States, despite past donations of more than $28 billion to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is now on his way to eradicate polio from third world countries in 2014.

3)Amancio Ortega

Net worth: 57 billion

Sources: Fashion designs

Industry: ZARA

The founder of one of the biggest fashion group is lying under top three for the very first time. He loves to maintain secrecy and so he is difficult to know and impossible to interview so you will hardly find updates regarding his ongoing moves. He was the years biggest gainer of 2013, his fortune is up by $19.5 billion thus moving him ahead of Warren Buffet. His company has nearly 5,900 stores in 86 countries.

4)Warren Buffett

Net Worth: $53.5 billion

Sources: Berkshire Hathaway

Industry: Investment

Could you doubt the skills and tactics taught by Ben Graham to his student? Then it’s obvious for his student to land in the list with the title of the biggest investor of all time. He is well known as the Oracle of Omaha due to his moves and tactics of investments. It’s been the first time since 2000 that he has not being among the top three, though he is the second biggest gainer, adding $9.5 billion to his fortune.

5)Larry Ellison

Net worth: $50 billion

Sources: Oracle

Industry: Software industry

He is the most flamboyant businessman in recent days demanding for the most eligible bachelors that is why he stands being the world’s fifth richest man, who is $7 billion wealthier than a year ago and thanks to a more than 20% increase in the value of his Oracle stock. Last year the doftware tycoon has been a real estate buying spree, acquiring 99% of Hawaiin island and also added the Hawaiin airlline Island.

6)Charles Koch

Net worth: $34 billion

Sources: Diversified

Industry: Multiple ranges from chemical to refine, Kosh Industry

He is one of the two richest brothers who own 84% of Koch Industry, the second biggest private company in America. The sales of the company jump from $100 billion to $115 billion a year ago. He also has investments in chemicals and refining. The reason for increase sales could be due to improves operations at Koch’s Georgia Pacific, Angel Soft toilet papers and Dixie cups.

7)David Koch

Net worth: $34 billion

Sources: Diversified

Industry: Koch Industry

Another Koch brother who is running the major chemical technology side of Koch Industries. His fortune rise the ladder of $9 billion profit since last year, mostly on surging chemical and refining profits as the price of natural gas fell.

8)Li Ka-Shing

Net worth: $31 billion

Sources: Diversefied

Industry: Beauty retailer

The school drop out student, who initially started as a labor in Plastic trading company has now become the world’s largest operator of container terminals together being the largest beauty and health retailer. He is also the Asia’s richest person and the only one standing in the list among the world’s top 20 richest.

9)Liliane Bettencourt

Net worth: $30 billion

Sources: L’Oreal

Industry: Make up

The daughter of the founder of L’Oreal, Eugene Schueller, inherited the entire makeover industry and became the third wealthiest woman in the world returns to top ten for the first time since 1999. She is luckily on the list due to the boost in French cosmetics powerhouse’s stock in recent years.

10)Bernard Arnault

Net worth: $29 billion
Sources: LVMH, inherited and growing

Industry: Multiple

It’s going to be now 24 years since 1989 of living in his dream lavish world by creating a world’s leading luxury product brand, including Bulgari, Dom Perignon and Thomas Pink De Beers. His daughter and son is now finally taking over the companies and he is heading to bring to life his another dream, Franky Gehry designed museum.

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News Beat 12:32  No comment