Monday - Global view

Let's start off this week's updates with a look at some of the more important news on the global scene. Here are a few of the big items we noticed over the weekend. These stories will have continuing importance as we head into the week and the months ahead.

1. China puts together new leadership team. FT highlights the changes with an interactive chart of the Politburo members.

2. Sovereign funds warning. People are increasingly worried over the impact that these national investment funds might have on world markets in the future.

3. Burma seizes top democracy activist. The military government is looking to stamp out the opposition.

4. Thai King hospitalized. Stability of the country is called in to question ahead of December elections.

5. Yuan, Rupee rise at record pace in fight on inflation. China and India are now trying to strengthen their currencies in an attempt to reduce the cost of importing much needed commodities. Will this signal a meaningful pause in the "competitive devaluations" scenario?

6. Oil rises to record high on increased Iraq-Turkey tensions. Well done, everyone.

7. Global share returns over 5 year period. The Big Picture looks at a recent NY Times article which shows U.S. share index returns were #79 out of 83 major global share markets.

8. Biggest companies by market cap - China and US dominate. Bespoke Investment Group lists the world's largest publicly held corporations. PetroChina is now bigger than GE, in terms of market capitalization.

That should give you all something to chew on. We'll see you soon, lots more stuff to share as the week progresses. Till then, have a good one.