Over this period of time, rents in Singapore rose 53.6 per cent to the price of US$67.97 per sq. ft. per annum (S$8.60 per sq. ft. per month). 90 per cent of the office markets monitored showed positive growth in the 12 months to the first quarter 2007.
Ten other Asian markets were among the top 50 markets with the fastest growing rents, including three in the top 10: New Delhi ranked number 2, with year- over- year rent growth of 79 per cent; and Mumbai was number 6, having experienced 45 per cent rent growth over the last 12 months.
The appreciation in office rents and pricing is a consequence of a fast expanding economy and is consistent with the increases that have been observed in other regional centres. Office occupation cost is a relatively small component of the overall cost of operating out of Singapore.
Financial institutions and major MNCs appear more focused on issues such as access to skilled labour, quality infrastructure and the Singapore government's positive approach to business than excessive concerns over office rents. This said, the tightness of availability of space is certainly a worry and is placing constraints on business expansion.
In North America, the fastest growing rents were recorded in Edmonton, Canada, which ranked number 4 overall, with 60 per cent rent growth. Downtown New York ranked tenth, as rents increased 43 per cent.
In the list of the 50 most expensive office markets, London's West End, the City of London and Tokyo's Inner and Outer Central Five Wards are the top four most expensive office markets in the world, respectively. New Delhi's Connaught Place (CBD), India, was the only newcomer to the top ten most expensive markets, with an occupation cost of US$116.19.
Asia Pacific - Singapore moved up 13 places to take the 24th position. It was number 37 six months ago in November 2006, and number 43 a year ago in May 2006.
Mumbai's Nariman Point rose two spots to fifth in the Top 10 most expensive markets, climbing to US$138.41 over the last 12 months. Occupation costs in Tokyo's Inner Central Five Wards are US$162.09, while Outer Central Five Wards costs are US$143.52. In the Pacific Region, Sydney was the only market to make it into the top 50 most expensive, coming in at 44th.
Europe - At US$241.22, London's West End once again led the Top 50 most expensive office markets. Occupation costs in that submarket are 46 per cent higher than the next most expensive submarket, the City of London (financial district), where occupation costs rose to US$165.72.
Also notable in the region was the Eastern European city of Sofia, where rents in local currency jumped 63 per cent in the last year, making the Bulgarian capital the third fastest growing rental market in the overall global rankings.
Americas - Three North American cities are represented in the Top 50 most expensive office markets: Midtown Manhattan (rising two places to 21st); Calgary (33rd); and Toronto (37th). Caracas rose to US$50.17 and jumped up to 41st from 67th, while Sao Paulo (42nd) increased to US$49.58.
Every minute there are at least 19 people that have their identity stolen. This translates into more then 10 million people a year!
There are over 7 million households that had to deal with the devastation of identity theft in the year 2004... with identity theft on the rise by more then 80% today can you honestly believe you are safe?
The FBI currently has more then 2000 open cases of identity theft right now!
The worst part, your kids aren't even safe. There are over 400,000 cases of child identity theft each year and that number is on the rise.
The bottom line here is that it is more likely that your identity will be stolen then it won't unless you take the precautions to prevent this crime from happening to you. Every time you give out personal information over the internet, every time you hand the waiter or waitress your credit card and they walk off with it and every piece of mail you throw away without shredding that contains any personal information about you or your family members you are increasing the likelihood of your identity being stolen.
This includes any medical records and insurance information. Did you know that if someone else claims to be you, has tests run and is diagnosed with a disease of any sort it will be on your medical record for ever. It is important that you protect yourself and your family.
The first thing you should do after reading this article is get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report is going to be the first indication that someone else is using your identity. Unfortunately many people do not take the time to go through their report. It is more common then you realize for their to be mistakes and inaccurate information on your credit report.
The next step is to not sign the back of your credit cards. While some places will tell you that they can not accept your credit or debit card then without a signature that is simply not true. What they need to do is see your identification along with your credit card. They should be verifying that it is really you anyway.
In this day and age shopping on the internet is a wonderful thing. We can buy just about anything we want, get all the information that we want all for a small price. That price could also come with the risk of your identity being stolen. Consider setting up a separate account that is only used for internet shopping and then link that to a PayPal account. So that you aren't giving out your information to people when you are buying items. All someone needs to steal you identity is your birthday, name and address and social security number.
Protect those precious items. If you don't feel secure enough to take care of it all yourself or fear having to wage the battle alone once your identity is stolen there are services available to you for a very small fee. Look into those services and protect you and your family.
Both Wantanee Khamkongkaew & Don Hayes are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Wantanee Khamkongkaew has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Property Investment and Finances. Wantanee Khamkongkaew is an independent author evaluating and commenting on leading , es. Wantanee Khamkongkaew's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Don Hayes has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Work From Home and self improvement and motivation. Don Hayes is an Independent Associate Small Business & Group Benefits Specialist. Some of PPL benefits are free letter writing on your behalf, free Experian report & score;etc If you are a victim of identity theft or know someone who has been, here's what. Don Hayes's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.