The casino paradox
Mutual fund managers are setting their sights on Taiwan, encouraged by the unusually high rate of personal savings. This is despite the islanders' penchant for high-risk investments. For many, personal investment in Taiwan - once dubbed the 'Republic of Casino' - is a highly leveraged, speculative affair. Individual investors account for 90% of daily stock transactions, the vast majority through margin accounts.

Cyber scramble down under
Australian businesses are jumping on the internet bandwagon and there's plenty of encouragement from eager investors. Australia is emerging as one of the front runners in the cyberspace race, with personal computers in almost half of all households, and one person in six hooked on the Internet - the highest level of penetration in the world after the United States.

Tech fund magic may wear off
The latest darling of Asian stock markets, Internet stocks are booming with the region's recovery and the bull-run on US tech stocks. But as fund managers jump on the bandwagon, it's buyer beware, 'high-tech' stocks are notoriously volatile so investors should think carefully before diving into the market.

Baby Boomers
Japan's small-cap stocks have long been among the world's worst assets. But now, big things are expected from new niche players.

Getting Ahead
Most parents see their children's education as a top priority, but many underestimate the costs involved.

Kiwis Might Fly
While most New Zealand stocks wallow in the shadows, there are some dramatic moves in the telecommunication and airlines sectors.

On Shaky Ground
Asian equities are back in spotlight, but some analysts fear the return of investors might be premature as interest rates looks set to rise.

Risks And Rewards In Thailand
Equities the Best Bet in Thailand but careful stock selection is the key as some volatility looms during the slow recovery.