HI was 49th and AK 50th. I asked about Canada's subprime.
Humour my friend...you wouldn't happen to be Canadian or Quebecois for that matter? (rhetorical question, need not be answered). Canadians can be a little sensitive to the ignorance here in the US, and I'm not sure if it's nationalism or being tired of the same old joke. Still, it was more of a poke at the poor geography IQ of Americans, and apologies to any Canadians and anyone who might be offended.
Back on topic/off topic was the mention LIBOR used as the measure instead of a US index. My understanding is that LIBOR better reflects international exchange rates and global economic rates. While the US is a large part of the world economy, it's more volatile than the rest of the world and eventually all risk is spread across the global economy. By tying the rate to LIBOR, it transfers that risk directly to the individual rather than let the banks have to manage (or mismanage) that.
As far as Canada, the same subprime mess was somewhat exported to Canada, but probably in a more limited basis. Cananda is heavily influence by the US, both from close geography as well as close business and political ties. However, Canadians feel closer to Europe, and there have even been calls for Canada to Join the EU (http://www.dantaylor.com/insights/CanadaEU.html )In that way, Canada is a bridge between the US and Europe, and shares some of the best and the worst of each. As far as Apple is concerned, Canada might as well be Europe. (not Apple's fault, like ATT tree killing spree, but government/regulatory issues/incumbent businesses/etc. impacting Apple's choices.)
Now I haven't noticed much talk about iPhone in Canada, but seems like it's anytime now for some time(http://www.johnwiseman.ca/blogging/technology/apples-new-iphone-availability-in-canada/ , iphoneworld.ca ) or not for a long time (if you listen to others canada.com ). My guess is that Apple is counting on some half a million Canadians in that first 10 million estimate. Now if Canada were a 51st state, iPhones and other first US exclusive Apple products would be available sooner. That's one excellent reason for picking US over EU! |
