BCBusiness Brief | 5 Hardest Jobs to Fill, Banking with Facebook and Real Estate Trouble

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The 5 Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2012

Hiring the best of the best is an absolute must if you are going to build a successful company. You will need to be prepared to compete against big companies with deep pockets and other up-and-coming startups that also have blue chip investors and a game-changing idea.

So, what are the most competitive areas for talent these days? Here’s a look.

Source: Inc.

 



Facebook, Your Future Bank

Nongamers may have missed Facebook’s clever foray into the world of “virtual currency,” where Facebook Credits cost 10 cents each and can be exchanged for game points or cartoony gifts.

Those dimes are adding up—the U.S. market for virtual goods will reach $2.1 billion in 2011, according to research firm Inside Network. Facebook’s currency, while just part of that market, is getting real.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek

 



TD Predicts Trouble for B.C. Real Estate

British Columbia and Ontario could both face some real estate troubles over the next two years, though economists don’t foresee a bust in Canada’s housing market.

British Columbia is forecast to have it worse, said senior economist Jacques Marcil, and will likely see “a signifcant correction” this year. Indeed, he said in a report today, the Vancouver market likely peaked last year.

Source: The Globe and Mail

 



Kodak Preparing for Chapter 11 Filing

Eastman Kodak Co. is preparing to seek bankruptcy protection in the coming weeks, people familiar with the matter said, a move that would cap a stunning comedown for a company that once ranked among America’s corporate titans.

Source: The Wall Street Journal
 



TSX Headed for First Loss of the Year

Banks and energy stocks fell Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange, putting Canada’s benchmark index on track for its first losing session of the new year.

By midday, the S&P/TSX composite index had dropped 24.15 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 12,202.32 after advancing in the past four sessions.

Source: The Vancouver Sun