Chapter 8

http://www.theprovince.com/Spring+clean+your+accounts/2951314/story.html

Summary

Having more than one bank account makes it easier for you to choose the better investment- interest rates. A reason why someone would want multiple bank accounts would be to keep money separate. One account may be used for investments, another for savings, and another for monthly spending. Although most major banks would match each other's rates, it is easier to bargain for lower interest loan rates. There is a drawback that goes along with having more than one bank account. The accounts usually come with administration fees or service charges regardless of whether you use them or not. Also with so many accounts, it gets hard to track them down, maintain them, and the deal with the paperwork.

Connection

Many people have multiple bank accounts, and some with very little use. With people making investments daily interest rates are really significant. With multiple bank accounts, there will be slightly different interest rates for each one. Since interest rates are determined in the market through the demand and supply of money, the Bank of Canada influences it the most with their supply of money. Also with interest rates changing about, it will also affect the amount of inflation that goes on in the economy. With that in mind, an increase in the demand of money could lead to higher interest rates.

Reflection

Many people including myself have multiple bank accounts, and some which i seldomly use. They should probably combine them into one or two accounts so that it is easier to track and manage. Since it is with a major bank, they will usually match each other's interest rates if you ask. The same goes for loan interest rates. Although it is going to be a major change to adapt for some people, it may make life easier for others without having to worry about payments, etc.

Chapter 5

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/markets/markets-blog/the-close-shrugs-over-unemployment/article977618/

Summary

The United States may dismiss employment numbers, with news suggesting that the economy may be stabilizing. The unemployment rate is currently at 8.5% and 5.1 million Americans out of work since the recession. Although the unemployment is still high, the good news is that the stock market index rose above 80 from 39.7. Also the Bank of America Corp. went up 5% as well as Ford Motor Co. which went up 11.7%. In Canada, the Royal bank of Canada rose 1.3% and the Toronto Dominion Bank rose 2.7%. However, gold prices plummeted after the price fell to below $900 (USD) an ounce, losing almost $12.

Connection

The connection with the chapter is unemployment and inflation. Inflation is a good way to measure and indicate the progress of the nation. With the economy slowly stabilizing, unemployment should decrease and more people should be seeking jobs. Also with inflation involved, most of those stocks and financials are bound to rise and fall. With that happening, it will cause unemployment rates to fluctuate as well.

Reflection

I think that with the market getting better since the recession will cause unemployment numbers to decrease. If the economy continues to improve and progress like this, it should not be long before the economy is back to normal. But with inflation in mind, I don't know how long it will take due to the fact that the market can take twists and turns. Its assuring to know that the economy is getting better from the recession. An example would be that the Canadian dollar is at par with the American dollar.