The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[dewophile]

mining companies

a few questions from someone ignorant in this area if you don't mind dew:

1. given CLF has greater exposure to the US iron ore market, do you think at this point - with what looks like a slowdown in the west - vale or rio/bbl are the better investments (as more pure china plays)
1A. i noticed that seaborne iron ore is factored into the formula for cliffs iron ore pricing, but do you know how much weight this is given relative to other components in the equation (i.e if weighted heavily i am less concerned about #1 above)
2. input prices in australia seem to be increasing. to what degree will this offset growth and profitability for the australia miners
3. given the above would you say VALE is the best bet at this point? i know there is some political meddling but the PE is most attractive (although given its size i don't know about growth potential relative to a smaller company like CLF)
4. should i just keep my money in cash given the market turmoil?!

tia

PS: do you still think CLF is a buyout candidate?