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These are the Internet’s most Googled investment questions – and the answers to them 

ABC Staff
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  • “How do I invest in cryptocurrency?” is searched an average of 150,400 times each month around the world
  • The second most searched investment question is “How can I start investing?”, which is Googled 137,000 times each month 

The Internet’s most Googled investing question is “How do I invest in cryptocurrency?”, new research has revealed.

The study by Investing Reviews analysed thousands of investment-related search terms to see which is Googled the most, with the most common phrase questioning how to invest in cryptocurrency.

The data indicated that the question is Googled on average 150,400 times every month around the world.  

The second most common phrase is “How can I start investing?” which receives an estimated 137,000 average monthly searches online.  

In third place is “How much should I invest when I start?” which is Googled 64,000 times a month on average. 

The top five is rounded out by “What should I be investing in right now?” in fourth with 56,600 monthly searches, followed by 49,500 searches each month for “What is passive investing?”.

“How is return on investment calculated?” ranks as the sixth most searched investment question, thanks to an estimated average of 39,600 searches each month globally, followed in seventh by “Is cryptocurrency a good investment?” on 31,100 monthly searches. 

Rounding out the eighth and ninth most asked investment questions is “How can I trade safely?” in eighth with 27,800 global monthly searches and “What is the safest investment to make?” with 19,200 global searches each month.

In tenth place is the question, “What are investment bonds?” which is Googled 9,400 times around the world each month on average.

Simon Jones from Investing Reviews provides the definitive answer to each of these key investment questions:

  1. How do I invest in cryptocurrency? – 150,400 combined monthly global searches

Investing in cryptocurrency is primarily done online, via major cryptocurrency exchanges such as Coinbase or Binance. Usually, you will need to deposit some money, with different platforms requiring a different amount so make sure to do your research if you don’t want to deposit a larger sum to begin with. Take some time to research which cryptocurrencies you’d like to invest in as the cryptocurrency market can often be volatile and you should take caution before investing.

  1. How can I start investing? – 137,000 combined monthly global searches

How you start investing can entirely depend on what you what to invest in. Similar to investing in cryptocurrency, you can trade and invest in stocks on the stock market via apps and websites which can provide a more autonomous experience to trading where you remain fully in control of where you invest your money. However, speaking to a broker can help if you’d rather have a professional handle any of your investments, this can make investing a lot easier if you’re considering investing a large amount of money.

  1. How much should I invest when I start? – 64,000 combined monthly global searches

There isn’t a specific amount of money that will automatically “work” when it comes to seeing a return on your investment when you begin. The important thing is to trust your instinct and do your research. If you are feeling hesitant to invest, start off with a smaller amount of money so that you’re not in a risky situation.

  1. What should I be investing in right now? – 56,600 combined monthly global searches

There is no “right” thing to invest in at any one time as there are many factors that can contribute to whether the value of a stock or an item increases or decreases. However, there are steps you can take to see what might be worth investing in. Following the news, particularly business news, can give you an indication on what stocks you should invest in.

  1. What is passive investing? – 49,500 combined monthly global searches

Passive investing is a strategy wherein the aim is to maximise your returns whilst minimising your buying and selling. Typically, this works as a ‘buy and hold’ strategy and is a long-term form of investment. The benefit of this the simplicity in that there isn’t a lot of active buying and selling, however this can have its drawbacks in that it’s so limited that quick returns aren’t always guaranteed.

  1. How is return on investment calculated? – 39,600 combined monthly global searches

Return on investment (ROI) is relatively simple – it’s subtracting the initial investment cost from its final value before dividing this number by the cost of the investment. Calculating ROI is beneficial as you can spot trends, and see what is working and why, making all your future investments easier to strategize on.

  1. Is cryptocurrency a good investment? – 31,100 combined monthly global searches

The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile and whilst this can mean you can get a fast return and make money quickly; you can risk losing it just as fast. Therefore, cryptocurrency investing can require a lot of time and effort and if this isn’t something you’re able to commit to, it might be worth looking at investing into something else. There are cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin that are generally considered more ‘stable’ than others such as Dogecoin, however caution should still be practised.

  1. How can I trade safely? – 27,800 combined monthly global searches

If you have any reservations when it comes to any form of investment, the best recommendation is to talk to a professional. There are steps you can take on your own too that can protect you and your money:

  1. Read reviews: If you’re not sure what site or platform to use to trade on and invest your money on, then research a site and read user reviews. If there are many negative reviews, then this is a major red flag. Even if it’s something as simple as glitches which may not be a massive issue on a social media app occasionally, but when it comes to trading your money quickly and safely, even a few negative experiences from other users can be an indicator that it might not be the right place to spend your money.
  2. Don’t invest too much at once: It can be tempting to keep investing money if the stock market or cryptocurrency market appears to be offering you good returns but always make sure you have reserves. A single business deal at a certain company can impact your whole trading portfolio, making investing unpredictable at times, so don’t be encouraged to invest all your money at any one time.
  3. Study the market: Research and stay up to date on the market where your investment lies, whether this is the cryptocurrency market or the housing market. This can help you forecast your returns and know when to stop investing more money where you’re likely to lose it.
  1. What is the safest investment to make? – 19,200 combined monthly global searches

Every investment pose risk and reward without a guarantee, therefore it can be difficult to determine what is a “safe” investment. That being said, there are investments that have a generally more reliable track record when it comes to growing your money – such as property, however these are usually long-term investments that may require a lot of time and research.

  1. What are investment bonds? – 9,400 combined monthly global searches


An investment bond is a medium to long-term investment strategy. It involves putting your money in a single-premium life insurance policy with the benefit being that the investments are held in a tax-efficient way. Whilst you may not even see a return on your initial deposit as the value of the bond can fluctuate, it’s generally considered a relatively low-risk strategy.

This study and the answers given were provided by Investing Reviews, which provides in-depth reviews on investing platforms, trading apps, cryptocurrency exchanges and more. 

China stocks could rise up to 24% by the end of 2023, according to Goldman Sachs

ABC Staff
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China stocks could rise up to 24% by the end of 2023, according to Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs said in a Monday note that the market will gradually shift from reopening to recovery.

By Friday’s close, the MSCI China index had lost about 8% since its peak on Jan. 27. That puts it close to correction territory, where an index falls more than 10% from its most recent peak.

A shift from “reopening to recovery” is expected to drive Chinese stocks higher by the end of this year by as much as 24%.

A Monday note by the firm predicts a 24% upside to the MSCI China index as it moves from its stringent zero-Covid policies to a growth phase.

According to Goldman Sachs strategists including chief China equity strategist Kinger Lau, “the primary theme in the stock market will gradually shift from reopening to recovery, with the driver of potential gains likely rotating from multiple expansion to earnings growth/delivery.”

Early this year, Chinese stocks entered bull market territory – with the MSCI China index peaking at the end of January, up nearly 60% from October’s lows.

According to Friday’s close, the index had lost about 8% since its peak on Jan. 27. That puts it close to market correction territory, which occurs when an index falls by more than 10% since its peak.

Goldman Sachs in July cut its earnings forecast for the MSCI China index to zero growth. The index tracks more than 700 China stocks listed worldwide, including Tencent, BYD, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

As in a typical equity cycle, these moves will “resemble a transition from Hope to Growth,” they wrote, adding that Covid is now “arguably in the rear view mirror,” in China.

“The latest purchasing manufacturer’s index and consumption levels show clear signs of activity normalization, albeit from a low base,” the strategists wrote.

China’s economy is expected to grow by 5.5% in 2023, driven by 9% and 7% growth in the second and third quarters, respectively, according to Goldman Sachs.

“The growth impulse should be heavily tilted toward the consumer economy, where services are still operating significantly below pre-pandemic levels,” they wrote, highlighting Chinese households’ surplus savings of more than 3 trillion yuan ($437 billion) in 2019.

According to the strategists, professional speculators are showing a greater appetite for Chinese stocks.

According to GS Prime Brokerage, hedge fund investors have substantially re-risked their investments in Chinese stocks, primarily in offshore equities, with their net exposures to China almost returning to all-time highs.

A stablecoin firm could shake up the entire $137 billion market if it is targeted by the SEC

ABC Staff
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A stablecoin firm could shake up the entire $137 billion market if it is targeted by the SEC
  • The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may take action against Paxos, the company that issued Binance USD (BUSD).
  • The SEC hasn’t initiated any official action. However, the agency’s actions are being closely watched since it could have huge implications for all stablecoins, including tether.
  • According to Paxos, BUSD does not qualify as a security under federal securities laws.

Paxos, which issues stablecoins, may be targeted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Experts told CNBC that the move will have major implications for the $137 billion market.

It is a type of cryptocurrency that mirrors real-world assets such as the U.S. dollar.

The stablecoins are often backed by real assets such as bonds or cash in reserve, and have become the backbone of the crypto market since they allow people to trade between different coins without having to convert between currencies.

In 2014, Paxos released an electronic currency called Binance USD, also known as BUSD. It is a stablecoin linked to Binance, one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges.

New York state’s financial regulator ordered Paxos to stop issuing BUSD last week.

In a separate statement, Paxos said the SEC had informed it that it is considering recommending an action alleging that BUSD is a security.

However, the SEC’s actions are being closely monitored. If the agency initiates an official procedure, it could have huge implications for all stablecoins, including Tether and USDC, the two largest are worth $110 billion combined.

According to Renato Mariotti, a partner at law firm BCLP, anyone issuing stablecoins should register with the SEC if the SEC charges Paxos.

Stablecoins are securities, aren’t they?

The SEC has not yet announced specific charges, but the notice to Paxos asks whether stablecoins are securities.

In its response, Paxos said it “categorically disagrees with the SEC staff because BUSD is not a security.”

SEC uses the Howey test to determine whether something is a security or investment contract. There are four criteria to determine whether something is an investment contract, for example, if an investor expects a profit.

The SEC will oversee BUSD if it is deemed a security by the regulator. Whoever issues BUSD would need to register with the SEC and accept more restrictive regulations.

The label will also be applied to other stablecoins.

“This action will likely have wide-ranging implications for other stablecoin issuers selling coins into the U.S.,” Townsend Lansing, head of product at CoinShares, told CNBC.

How likely is it that the outcome will be?

It depends on what the SEC alleges against Paxos and how the two sides proceed.

“It is likely that the SEC will reach a settlement with Paxos in which Paxos concedes that BUSD is a security, leading other stablecoins to follow suit and register,” Mariotti said.

“Paxos could aggressively sue the SEC, but the costs would be high,” Mariotti said.

“Litigation would take years and the risk of losing to the SEC would be significant. Paxos’ fight against the SEC would create risk and make BUSD less attractive.”

The SEC may also regulate what assets are used to back stablecoins and what disclosure requirements must be met for digital currency issues, according to Mariotti.

In Lansing’s words, what the SEC considers a security or investment contract actually extends beyond just the Howey test, and the agency has “extensive knowledge of how to apply both the law and judicial precedent.”

Reuters reported last year that the Justice Department was investigating Binance for suspected money laundering and sanctions violations. Bloomberg reported in 2021 that U.S. officials were investigating whether Binance employees engaged in insider trading.

CNBC’s request for comment was not immediately answered by Binance.

Bloomberg reported that Binance has a “zero-tolerance” policy for insider trading and a “strict ethical code” to prevent misconduct.

Commercial banks in China refine their capital and risk management

ABC Staff
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Commercial banks in China refine their capital and risk management

China’s banking regulator and central bank plan to adopt a differentiated regulatory system for assessing commercial banks’ capital adequacy and risk management, in an effort to prevent financial system risks.

In a joint announcement, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission and the People’s Bank of China announced amended draft rules aimed at helping banks “continuously improve the precision of risk measurement.”

By dividing lenders into three categories based on business scale and risk level, the draft rules bring the banking sector closer to global standards.

Lenders with a relatively large scale of assets or cross-border business will be subject to stricter capital requirements and will have to disclose more information to regulators.

Furthermore, the rules will include more specific factors to measure banks’ exposure to mortgage lending, such as the type of property, the source of repayments, and the loan-to-value ratio.

Due to fragile demand and mounting debt defaults by developers, China’s property market has slowed sharply over the past year.

Nevertheless, some banks’ capital adequacy ratios will change slightly following implementation of the new rules, according to the two regulators.

Before Jan. 1, 2024, the commission and central bank are seeking public comments.

2023 cashless payment trend survey reveals just 17% of UK consumers prefer paying in cash

ABC Staff
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2023 cashless payment trend survey reveals just 17% of UK consumers prefer paying in cash

In the digital age wherein almost everything can be done from our phones – including making payments – and contactless bank cards have become synonymous with the shopping experience, the time wherein consumers opted to pay in cash has seen its heyday come and go. But just how popular have cashless payments become? 

In a new research report published by one-stop business comparison website BusinessComparison, the most recent data from across the globe was gathered alongside a survey of 2,000 UK adults to determine how often people pay using cash, and which payment types are the most commonly used. The research found that, overall, Europe had seen 180,147 million cashless payments in 2020. The continent recorded the third-highest volume of cashless payments at the time of the data being collected, accounting for 20% of all global cashless payments. 

In terms of the United Kingdom, the country recorded 30,914 million payments during the 12-month period, of which, 20,722 million were cashless – making up 67% of total payments for the UK.

Broken down per capita, this amounted to 455.32 cashless payments per person in 2020, with the United Kingdom recording a population size of over 67 million people at the time.

Whilst the research clearly indicated that cashless payments have grown exponentially in popularity, BusinessComparison wanted to know which cashless payments had come out on top – debit/credit cards, or digital wallets. 

The UK recorded 17,522 million debit card payments, alongside 2,851 million credit card payments and 345 million delayed debit card payments. Interestingly, no records for digital wallet payments were found at the time of the data collection.

From the data collected, it was clear that debit card payments were the most prominent form of cashless payment.

With cashless payments rapidly becoming so popular, what has become of traditional cash? BusinessComparison surveyed 2,000 UK adults to find out more about their cash-spending habits. Consumers were asked when they had last paid using cash, where the cash was spent, and what had prompted them to use cash rather than a cashless method.

Interestingly, the survey found that cash was still being used relatively often in the UK. 44% of respondents said that they had paid in cash within the last week, with a further 17% using cash in the last two weeks. An additional 13% reported paying in cash within the last month. 1% of respondents had never paid using cash. Unsurprisingly, many of these respondents were between the ages of 18-24 (8%).

In particular, 62% of respondents from Wales had paid in cash within the last week, alongside 51% from the North West. In comparison, 24% of respondents in the North East and 20% in Northern Ireland had used cash within the last month.

When asked where they had last paid using cash, it was hospitality that came out on top. 11% of respondents said they had been in a cafe or deli, with 9% spending cash in a restaurant. 
Other common locations for physical cash to be spent included:

  • Charity shop (9%)
  • Farmer’s market (7%)
  • Pub (6%)
  • Butcher’s shop or fishmongers (5%)

Finally, BusinessComparison wanted to know why consumers were choosing to pay using cash. For many, it was a matter of necessity. Almost 30% said they had used cash as they were only making a small purchase (29%), with another 29% saying they were using up cash they already had on them. 
Other common reasons for paying in cash included:

  • The business only accepted cash (15%)
  • Technical issues meant only cash could be used (7%)
  • Prefer paying in cash (17%)

Most notably, just 17% of respondents said they prefer paying in cash – highlighting how much attitudes towards cash payments have changed. A vast majority of respondents had spare cash to use up (29%) with just under 30% using cash to make small purchases (29%).

22% of respondents from the West Midlands said they preferred paying in cash, alongside 20% from the East of England.

Philip Brennan, Founder and MD at BusinessComparison, commented on the research: 
“In recent years, we’ve seen cash payments become increasingly undesirable, whether due to inconvenience or something else. Cashless payments have quickly risen in popularity to become the most predominant form of in-person payment. 

“As well as highlighting the global success of cashless payments, our research shows how cash payment trends vary in different parts of the UK, with Wales and the North West making notable contributions to the growing popularity of convenient cashless payments.

“It’s clear that savvy UK consumers understand the benefits of cashless payment methods, making it essential for businesses to cater to their preferences.”

BT launches IoT national roaming in a major boost for businesses, keeping smart devices connected wherever they are

ABC Staff
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BT launches IoT national roaming in a major boost for businesses, keeping smart devices connected wherever they are
  • Internet of Things (IoT) national roaming SIMs help businesses across the UK keep smart devices connected no matter the conditions

 

  • BT’s IoT national roaming will use the UK’s largest and best mobile network, EE* as well as other MNOs, where required, so coverage is provided wherever there is a network

 

  • New service is set to shake up the IoT market providing fast, reliable connectivity for data intensive tasks

BT today switched on its IoT National Roaming SIMs for businesses across the UK, allowing them to keep smart devices connected wherever they are. 

IoT national roaming SIMs allow smart devices to connect to mobile networks ensuring they stay connected while on the move or in remote locations. BT’s IoT national roaming SIMs will connect devices to the UK’s best and largest network, EE, meaning data is quickly and reliably relayed where it’s needed most. As well as a primary connection to EE, part of BT Group, the SIM can connect to multiple other major UK networks, helping to keep smart devices online. 

The rollout of BT’s new service is set to benefit courier and delivery companies in particular by giving them reliable, fast network access no matter where they are – whether in cities, rural areas, or by the coast. Just last week EE announced the arrival of 5G to over 500 new, predominantly rural locations, bringing the total number of UK cities, towns and villages where customers can access the service to over 1,000. At the same time, EE’s leading 4G network coverage is on track to reach 90% of the UK’s geographic landmass by the mid-2020s. 

The new IoT service will help end users such as drivers and delivery workers improve accuracy and efficiency by giving them access to important information in real-time. An example of this would be providing visibility of fuel efficiency, changes to a delivery schedule and cold chain management so temperatures can be constantly monitored on a refrigerated vehicle.

IoT national roaming ensures that devices can continue performing to a high standard even in the harshest remote conditions thanks to the enterprise-grade IoT sims, offering reliable, fast connectivity. BT is also offering the product at the same competitive price as its existing pay-as-you-use IoT SIM service, meaning businesses only pay for the data they use rather than risking underutilising data on a fixed rate.

Marc Overton, Managing Director, Division X at BT, said: “Businesses across the UK are increasingly understanding the benefits of using IoT devices in running their operations. And now, with the unveiling of our IoT national roaming SIMs, we’re making sure those connections stay strong no matter where business takes you. Whether in the heart of a bustling city or out in the countryside, our solution ensures data is transmitted quickly and reliably. We’re excited to help both our existing and new customers fully harness the power of their smart devices with lightning-fast mobile connectivity.”

In addition to the improved connectivity, BT’s IoT national roaming service will offer a secure management portal with full security measures to protect important data and help businesses keep track of all their smart devices. The added security helps to ensure the safe and efficient use of devices, allowing companies to focus on their core operations without worrying about data breaches or device mismanagement.

The launch of BT’s IoT offering is poised to shake up the B2B IoT market thanks to its connectivity capabilities, powered by the UK’s largest and most reliable network, EE. The added benefit of being able to switch to other operator networks, when necessary, also offers greater simplicity for businesses with many currently negotiating separate deals with mobile network operators depending on where they have operations in the country.

Pound to bounce if post-Brexit Northern Ireland protocol deal confirmed

ABC Staff
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The British pound will receive a “significant bounce” if Britain and the EU reach a deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements in the coming days, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.

The bullish observation from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as UK PM Rishi Sunak flew to Northern Ireland on Thursday evening for a previously unannounced visit for talks with the region’s parties.

He says: “Sunak’s arrival in Belfast on Thursday night and the foreign secretary, James Cleverly’s trip to Brussels on Friday for talks with the European Commission vice-president, Maroš Šefčovič, signal that a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol could be imminent.

“After weeks of difficult back-and-forth discussions, it seems negotiators are close to finding solutions at a technical level on matters including customs.

“Hopes the UK and the European Union will strike a post-Brexit trading deal for Northern Ireland is bullish for the pound.

“A new agreement could pave the way for improved trading relations between the UK and the EU and bolster investor sentiment on Britain’s economic outlook.

“It could help traders move past ‘peak pessimism’ regarding the UK, as it would likely help encourage a broader and healthier relationship with the EU which would boost economic performance.

“We expect the pound will enjoy a significant bounce should a negotiated solution between the UK and EU be agreed – which could happen as early as Friday.”

An accord has been signalled for around the last four weeks and is likely to include a settlement on the elimination of some checks on goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, and a new dispute resolution mechanism which does not involve the European Court of Justice in the first instance.

Nigel Green continues: “Since Brexit, the pound has been out of favour with FX traders, with the UK currency falling nearly 18% against a basket of currencies since the referendum. 

“It has also been dragged down in recent months by fears over slowing economic growth and multi-decades high inflation.”

Earlier this week, the pound fell sharply, slipping to its lowest level in six weeks against the US dollar as a sharper-than-expected slowdown in UK inflation eased the pressure on the Bank of England to keep raising interest rates.

He concludes: “Sterling was one of the worst-performing major currencies in 2022. A new post-Brexit deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol could herald the start of a reversal of fortunes for the beleaguered British pound.”

UAE Participates in Conference of WMO’s Regional Association I in Ethiopia

ABC Staff
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UAE Participates in Conference of WMO’s Regional Association I in Ethiopia

A delegation from the United Arab Emirates headed by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), and President of the Regional Association II (Asia), took part in the Regional Technical Conference of WMO’s Regional Association I (RA I RECO 2023) held from February 13 to 17, 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Drawing the participation of nearly 200 representatives from RA I which consists of 53 countries in Africa, the Conference aimed to enhance the capacities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in Africa towards digital transformation in service delivery to ensure early warning services for all.

His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al-Rashedi, UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia and its Permanent Representative to the African Union welcomed the UAE delegation’s participation RA I RECO 2023, which demonstrated the country’s commitment to international collaboration and partnership in advancing weather forecasting and meteorology practices. Al-Rashedi expressed his best wishes to Dr. Al Mandous in WMO presidency election and noted the positive response he has received from the delegates and ambassadors who praised his SMART approach and appreciated the UAE’s efforts to find effective solutions to the many challenges facing the world in the field of meteorology, climate and related areas.

On the sideliners of the Conference, Dr. Al Mandous hosted a dinner reception in honour of the Permanent Representatives of African countries to WMO and the ambassadors of a number of African countries accredited to Ethiopia. He also shared a presentation on his candidacy for WMO’s 2023 – 2027 presidency and outlined his vision and commitment to the organization and the world meteorological community.

Dr. Al Mandous also met with His Excellency Dr. Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy in Ethiopia during the official opening of the Conference and held discussions with fellow delegates, meteorologists, and climate experts from across the region to exchange views on the latest advancements in meteorological research and technologies.

Dr. Al Mandous said: “RA I RECO is an important forum to exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, and identify regional priorities to enhance the capacity of NMHSs and harness latest technologies to deliver better weather forecasting and meteorological services. At NCM, we are committed to collaborating with our counterparts from other NMHSs to support their digital transformation drive across the full spectrum of service delivery to mitigate the risks of natural disasters and improve the quality of life for communities across the globe.”

Al Mandous added: “Through my candidacy for the WMO presidency, I aim to strengthen regional and international cooperation to ensure accurate weather forecasting and climate prediction for all regions of WMO through the use of appropriate technologies for service delivery, which is essential in mitigating the risks of natural disasters and protecting communities.”

For his part, Fetene Teshome, Director General of Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) and Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to WMO, said: “We are pleased with the participation of the UAE delegation in RA I RECO 2023, which highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing meteorological science and setting up early warning systems that have proven to be effective in proactive disaster risk reduction. We appreciate the UAE’s efforts to promote knowledge sharing and use latest technologies for streamlined meteorological service delivery. Such efforts are imperative to strengthen our disaster preparedness and achieve sustainable development.”

Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) named His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to WMO and the President of the Regional Association II (Asia), as its official candidate for the WMO’s 2023 – 2027 Presidency.

As part of his election campaign, Al Mandous aims to accelerate an internationally coordinated action to achieve UN Secretary-General’s request to ensure that “every person on Earth is protected by Early Warning Systems in the next five years” by working together with WMO’s key stakeholders and taking a five-pillar approach to deliver on WMO’s vision to promote resilience to the socioeconomic consequences of extreme weather, climate, water and other environmental events. This approach focuses on supporting the role of Regional Associations’ Presidents and Permanent Representatives, making ‘Early Warnings for All’ a reality, advancing the high-resolution climate computing research, recognizing WMO by the global society, and taking proactive steps in water security and renewable energy research.

The iGaming powerhouse Stake.com is going all in for crypto recovery

Sam Allcock
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The iGaming powerhouse Stake.com is going all in for crypto recovery

Cryptocurrencies are looking up after a tough year. Market capitalization for the entire sector was around $1 trillion in February – and many are hoping the recovery will last.

The iGaming casino Stake.com is doing its part to promote crypto’s return to a bull market.  

Stake offers a unique online gambling experience. Established in 2017, the site caters exclusively to cryptocurrency players and offers live casino games, slots and a sportsbook. It maintains a Curacao eGaming License, which means players all over the world can take part. 

At the end of last year, Stake.com co-founder Ed Craven tweeted some eye-opening stats surrounding the online casino’s influence over the crypto market. During the first half of December, Stake was responsible for 5.9% of all Bitcoin, 12.3% of all Dogecoin and 15.1% of all Litecoin transactions. These statistics are hard proof that the popular online gaming site is bolstering the crypto recovery.  

Stake Casino dodges an issue many iGaming platforms face. Specifically, working with payment providers that restrict payments and/or cash-outs of winnings. By allowing players to deposit and withdraw cryptocurrency into their account, Stake provides a fast, secure and convenient way to enjoy their games. When players are ready to cash out, they can withdraw their balances in equivalent cryptocurrency and deposit them into their crypto wallet. 

Online gaming analysts Casino.Guide took a closer look at Stake to give players a better understanding of their operation. Their seasoned professionals analyze all the aspects that make for a good iGaming experience and compile detailed and objective reviews so players can quickly see what highlights and pitfalls to expect. 

Their Stake Casino Review by Vienne Garcia goes on a deep dive into the crypto gaming platform and gives insight into the website’s functionality, provides player reviews and highlights Stake’s reputation as a major casino streamer. Vienne has over 10 years of experience in the online casino industry. She’s worked in the customer service and backend environments of virtual casinos and crafts reviews to educate players so they can make informed decisions when looking for iGaming platforms. 

Stake.com is a prime example of how online casinos can work to hold up the often vulnerable nature of cryptocurrency. For those ready to bet with their crypto coins, playing at Stake’s virtual tables helps support a strong recovery after the 2022 crash.

GameFi Tokens: the Benefits of Investing for the Future and the Potential Problems

Claire James
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GameFi Tokens: the Benefits of Investing for the Future and the Potential Problems

What is GameFi? GameFi is a term used to describe a new generation of games that combine the best features of video games, social media, and cryptocurrencies. GameFi games are designed to be addictive and engaging, allowing users to earn rewards that can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies. The question of how to buy cryptocurrency for GameFi worries many people. In this article, we will take a closer look at the investment options and problems of GameFi.

What is GameFi?

The term “GameFi” is a combination of the words “game” and “finance.” Gaming finance is the gamification of financial systems to generate profits through participation in play-to-earn crypto games. Typically, players can earn in-game rewards by completing tasks, battling other players, and progressing through the various game levels. They can also transfer their assets outside the game to trade on the crypto market and NFT marketplaces.

The origin of the term GameFi can be traced back to November 2019, when the founders of Mix Marvel, a blockchain platform for game publishing, gave a speech at the Wu Zhen World Blockchain Conference in China about how the underlying technology of blockchain could completely revolutionize the video game industry.

The mechanisms by which players can generate returns through their GameFi play vary from game to game. Still, there are some commonalities here, and that’s because blockchain-based games primarily revolve around three main functions: Play-to-Earn, Decentralized Finance, and Ownership of In-Gaming Assets.

Advantages and disadvantages of GameFi

Is GameFi investing in crypto? Yes, that much is already inevitable. However, the GameFi model has flaws — there are drawbacks to consider alongside the numerous GameFi advantages.

Advantages:

  • Earn money with gaming or blockchain gambling.
  • Numerous ways to earn money (staking, yield farming, NFT trading).
  • Complete control and ownership of in-gaming assets.
  • Job opportunities in developing countries.

Disadvantages:

  • Blockchain games are so far inferior to AAA games, with poor graphics.
  • The in-gaming economy is only sometimes sustainable.
  • High volatility of in-gaming tokens.
  • Earnings in developed countries are vanishingly small.

The AXS token is a purchasing crypto that can be used for all transactions in the game. This token can also be bet, which in the long run, motivates players to play Axie Infinity and earn more AXS through their activities.

A feature of GameFi’s combination of many components is that the players own NFTs as game characters or objects. Thus, you can also transfer your NFTs to other blockchains or sell them on NFT trading floors outside the game.

GameFi is the next big trend in crypto and merges the decentralized finance and gaming industries. Enabled by blockchain technology and DeFi services, GameFi allows gamers for the first time to get paid for playing games (play-to-earn) and to control and own their in-gaming items fully (by issuing them as NFTs). Numerous blockbuster games are currently developing, and great role-playing and collectible card games are already on the market.

Game developers finance themselves by selling native in-gaming tokens and in-gaming items or even virtual land of the game map in the form of NFTs. Players can farm purchased virtual land and create further income opportunities. The ultimate vision of GameFi is an open, decentralized metaverse where any user or organization can create their own game, events, or facilities on virtual land and earn money.

GameFi potential problems

Along with the opportunities, there are risks and future performance for developers introducing GameFi into their video games. Above all, an important point is a responsibility to make decisions about the success or failure of investors only through their development.

Game creators face many security, privacy, administration, and development issues.

They must ensure that investors’ money is safe and that hackers cannot steal or misuse funds because of programming errors. You must cooperate with the financial authorities and clarify what conditions and rules exist for the issued tokens.

At the same time, they should ensure long-term user interest in the game through constant progress and new incentives.

From a player or investor perspective, there is a high risk that their investment is quick in a short period. For example, because of new features in the game, some items could no longer be worth anything. Of course, even worse would be a total loss due to hacking attacks, in which user confidence falls.

For example, Adue made headlines due to the Ronin sidechain hack, where hackers managed to take possession of a three-digit million-dollar sum.

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