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How to Choose Secure Investment In Ireland After The Pandemic

Sam Allcock
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How to Choose Secure Investment In Ireland After The Pandemic

According to a recent Bank of Ireland study, a cohort of people became “accidental” savers during the Covid-19 crisis. Many of these people intend to continue saving once the restrictions are lifted. Perhaps in part due to an economic uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

Despite rising savings rates and the current low-interest rate climate, the research shows that investment awareness is lacking. Only 23% of respondents said they have enough knowledge in this area to make the best decisions, and 86% said they are afraid of losing their money.

For those of us lucky enough to have built up some pocket money during this crisis, let’s take a look at some ways you can choose secure and easy to understand investments. You don’t have to be a stock market expert to make some strategic decisions to grow your stockpile. At all levels of expertise, it’s possible to make some strategic, long-term investments to help secure your future.

The current thinking on the market’s behaviour after Covid-19 is that there will be an initial bounce. The economy’s reopening could be comparable to the roaring 1920s in America. A period when the country experienced unprecedented growth and spending. Consumer price inflation requires three factors: too much liquidity, chasing, and a scarcity of goods. The only thing lacking right now is the chasing. Once the vaccine hits a large enough portion of the population, the chasing of products and services will pick up.

In key economic sectors, demand could outstrip supply. Of course, this would be temporary, but it is part of the development of a new economy with less foreign trade and a greater focus on homemade goods and products. Could precious metals be the tried-and-true inflation shield for Irish investors in the coming new age of spending and inflation?

Precious Metals; Why They Are Always a Savvy Bet

Whether you’re a savvy investor with a strong and diversified portfolio or you’re new to the game and are looking for a way to make use of your pandemic savings, precious metals are a very solid investment.

Many banks and hedge fund managers try to steer people towards stocks and bonds in order to offer a steady stream of income. However, in a market where long-term stability isn’t a guarantee, this might not be the way to go. Despite the presence of more modern, higher-yielding assets, precious metals appear to defy logic, attracting investment from around the world and remaining a valuable commodity.

Gold

Precious metals are a great long-term investment because of their intrinsic value. Their worth as a dependable and secure store of wealth is reinforced by the fact that they generally appreciate (rise in value) over time. Although paper currencies lose value over time as more money is printed, gold, silver, and platinum remain scarce.

Despite the widespread use of unbacked paper currencies, precious metals are still the ultimate symbol of capital. It’s no surprise that many banks and governments around the world aim to keep a large portion of their assets in the form of gold bullion. There is also the fact that people, even investment novices, understand their value better than stocks.

Gold has always been a costly, but reasonably stable investment due to its scarcity and perceived elegance. With the exception of a few sporadic periods, wild spikes in the price of gold are rare.

Its main appeal, aside from its apparent prestige, is that it protects the investment portfolio from inflation. Its value remains stable while other assets fluctuate. So, it’s a common investment for those looking to protect a portion of their wealth for the long term.

Furthermore, its reputation as a ‘safe haven’ makes it a common investment during periods of economic turmoil; when trust in banks and other investments is poor, precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum become attractive alternative assets. Precious metals have consistently shown their capacity to withstand deflation.

Silver

Silver mining companies look extremely promising on a fundamental basis in 2021. Often known as the “poor man’s gold” since it is the less expensive of the two precious metals, it’s still a relatively stable long-term investment. Several factors influence the price of silver:

Supply and demand are important elements in determining the price you pay for any financial item. On the supply side, there is a limited supply of the world’s silver. As a result, supply is constrained by what is already in circulation as well as what is yet to be mined. Demand is influenced by a variety of things. The diverse uses of silver, for example, have a significant impact on industrial output.

Industrial applications accounted for roughly 56 per cent of overall silver demand in 2019, according to reports. Batteries, photography, solar energy, touch screens, 3D printing, engines, polymers, semiconductors, and other industrial applications are only a few examples. In addition, the commodity is employed in 5G technology. Although this technology is still being implemented, the Silver Institute believes that it will result in an increase in silver demand.

Additionally, silver isn’t just used in the medical industry to create high-tech medical machinery. It also works as an antibiotic and a biocide; the metal has been used to prevent the growth of dangerous germs and target bacteria without harming mammalian cells.

Silver prices are usually pegged to the US dollar. When the US dollar is weak, the price of silver usually rises. The same can also be said of gold. The price of silver tends to fluctuate in lockstep with gold prices, however, this is not always the case. In general, when the price of gold rises or falls, so will the price of silver. Silver, however, can be much more volatile than gold because it’s the smaller market of the two.

How Irish Investors Can Invest in Precious Metals

There are a variety of ways to invest in precious metals nowadays. Investors have been purchasing physical gold, silver, and platinum for years. However, there are now other options called ETFs. An exchange-traded fund, or ETF, is a fund that trades like a stock on a stock exchange, allowing it to be purchased and sold at any time.

Both have advantages and disadvantages, but we agree that purchasing physical bullion is a much safer way to invest in precious metals. Particularly if your primary motivation for purchasing gold is to use it as a stable, long-term investment.

With Goldcore your silver or gold is safely stored on your behalf in a professional high-security vault that keeps your investment in your hands. This offers you the assurance that the safety of your money is not reliant on the performance or stability of a bank or other company. Thereby fulfilling the exact reason you would have chosen to invest in a physical commodity with an intrinsic value rather than put your money in a bank or invest in shares or other financial instruments.

Construction Industry Experts Launch New Business Venture ‘Defect Assist’

Sam Allcock
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0
Construction Industry Experts Launch New Business Venture ‘Defect Assist’

Two Leeds-based construction industry veterans have launched a new business venture ‘Defect Assist’, offering consultancy, support and assistance specifically for homebuyers who are having problems with their new build properties.

With over half a century of collective experience in the field, specifically within the building surveying, building regulations and insurance sectors, Defect Assist’s founders and Directors, Glenn Gale and Rob Clay-Parker, are hoping to use their expertise to help combat and resolve the rising number of major problems that more and more buyers of new homes are encountering nationwide.

Unlike a typical snagging company, Defect Assist is instead available to identify serious defects where a developer has not complied with the technical manual of its warranty company, or correctly followed Building Regulations. This unique service stems from the founders’ experiences, that has equipped them with a detailed knowledge of the issues people are having, and the warranty policies that are meant to cover them.

Rob offered his thoughts on the main reasons why these defects are occurring:

“The construction industry has seen huge growth over the last two decades, while at the same time, skilled labour has reduced significantly and more rigorous building and construction standards have been put in place. This in turn has had knock-on effects on the quality of the properties that have been built by developers across the country.

“In addition, more stringent safety measures and financial constraints have reduced the time Site Managers have for quality control. Equally, many developers have an over reliance on Warranty and Building Control, whose visits to sites are becoming more and more infrequent and are causing construction standards to drop.”

Glenn went on to add his summation of how Defect Assist can help:

“We want to help our customers find the resolutions they deserve. If we find that their new build problem(s) are covered by technical guidance, regulation or manufacturer’s requirements, we can help get these issues acknowledged and sorted by those who are responsible for doing so.

“We also know that it can be challenging for your average homebuyer to have to deal with these situations, as they can be awkward and hard to understand – especially if you’re dealing with something as intricate as a warranty policy. But we know how to ask the tough questions and can be a mediator between everyone involved.”

As part of the launch, Defect Assist is currently offering customers a free initial consultation. Also, alongside its claims support and resolution services for new build problems, the company provides surveys and specialist reports and even emergency home repairs.  

Consumers and brands alike are becoming interested in CBD for dogs

Sam Allcock
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Consumers and brands alike are becoming interested in CBD for dogs

Consumers are becoming familiar with seeing medicinal and recreational cannabis products on the shelves of their local dispensaries, pharmacies, and even grocery stores. With an increasing number of products getting the cannabis treatment – from edibles and sodas to bath bombs – the age of mainstream cannabis has truly arrived.

But one area of cannabis innovation that’s still turning heads is the arrival of pet CBD. Now, it’s not unusual to find a CBD section containing infused oils, treats, and balms in your local pet store.

While they can work for all kinds of pets, the vast majority of these pet CBD products are aimed at dogs and their owners. As active and intelligent animals, dogs are vulnerable to a number of conditions that can be improved with CBD supplementation. These include canine anxiety and arthritis, as well as chronic seizures and diseases.

In response to consumer interest, a growing number of cannabis and pet brands are pivoting towards CBD for dogs. Here’s a look at how consumers have become interested in the pet CBD market, and how brands are responding.

Consumers and pet CBD

One way of showing consumer interest in pet CBD products is by looking at the shopping habits of dog owners in the US. According to a Neilsen Group report, a whopping three-quarters of people who buy CBD products own a pet, while around 13% of dog owners are already giving their pet some form of CBD.

Stats such as these show a clear openness towards CBD supplements, both for humans and pets. They also suggest that dog owners are driving the growth of pet CBD, meaning that products will continue to be tailored towards dogs over other domestic animals.

More generally, Google search data shows that interest in pet CBD has been increasing online since late 2016. Search queries grew in mid-2019 and have held steady since. Searches for CBD oil for dogs are evenly distributed throughout the country, suggesting potential consumers in every part of the US.

As positive online reviews from owners and word-of-mouth recommendations begin to spread, pet CBD is becoming one of the best-performing sectors in the entire cannabis industry. Data from Grand View Research suggests a potential annual growth rate of 40% from a market value that was already over 25 million dollars in 2019 alone.

Brands and pet CBD

In response to the growing demand for pet CBD products, small and large companies alike are pivoting their product lines. It’s not uncommon for mom-and-pop CBD businesses to offer pet products alongside their main range. Well-known cannabis companies like Canopy Growth, Charlotte’s Web, & CBD Oil Canada, who also traditionally sell products for humans, are now adding product lines specifically for dogs.

As for pet companies, industry leaders like Nestle, who own various sub-brands including Purina, now sell CBD for pets under the brand name Garden of Life. Many bespoke and small-batch pet food producers also offer CBD treats and snacks.

Alongside these shifting product lines are pet-only CBD brands, which breed hemp plants and create cannabis extracts with the exact needs of dogs and other pets in mind. These brands have a deep knowledge of how different cannabinoids can be used to treat common canine conditions, and often infuse their products with other animal supplements like turmeric and glucosamine.

The most popular pet CBD products are formulated as oil tinctures, which can be mixed into food or dropped directly into dog’s mouths. Other formats include treats, sprays, balms, and creams.

Retailers and pet CBD

For a period during the expansion of the CBD market, growth was inhibited by a lack of retail opportunities. Cannabis products were only available in certain states and were often restricted to licensed dispensaries.

Since amendments to the 2018 federal Farm Bill, however, cannabis products made from non-psychoactive hemp have been legally produced and sold across the country. This opened up retail opportunities that many large chains have taken advantage of. Pharmacies like CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Rite Aid all carry (or intend to carry) CBD topicals, while grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Target now sell a selection of CBD products.

Pet stores are also jumping on the CBD bandwagon. PetSmart first began stocking CBD products in 2020, while Petco offers several of the leading pet CBD brands both online and in-store. Alongside the larger chains are thousands of smaller pet retailers across the country who are now several years into stocking CBD supplements for dogs and cats.

7 Strategies to Save Money When Buying Art

Sam Allcock
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7 Strategies to Save Money When Buying Art

How many times did you say “no” to marvelous pieces of art because of their hefty price tags? The cost of paintings at art galleries and art fairs confuses a vast number of people. However, as it turns out, the problem is actually in buyers who do not know how to buy fine art.

There is a strong belief that you need to be a millionaire to start collecting art, which is a long-standing stereotype being perpetuated for many years now. In reality, the whole situation is much more optimistic than you could possibly imagine. Never before has the art market been so welcoming and open to beginners. If you want or plan to buy art, then all that you need is some basic knowledge of how the contemporary marketplace works.

Below you will find seven strategies that will help you save not only lots of money but also time and effort when buying art. Each of them has withstood the test of time, so you can follow them without hesitation.

7 strategies to save money when buying art

1. Shift focus

If you have a limited budget, the first thing you should do is start changing your focus. Most probably, you pay attention to wrong things. Think of the art market first. The fact is that there are many dealers looking for potential buyers. You cannot go wrong if you decide to work with art galleries, but these are the least money-saving strategy for you. The same goes for art fairs.

Once you have decided what art you want to buy, you have to find sellers. Some small local galleries and auction houses might be a good start. At the same time, avoid some shady dealers offering dirt-cheap prices.

2. Opt for alternatives

Who told you that you should buy only original artworks? First, they are expensive. Second, they are usually hard to obtain because there are many people hunting for them. To save money, go for art prints instead of originals. Over the last decades, prints have become an affordable way to collect art without breaking a bank. Many contemporary artists create a limited number of fine art prints to make their artworks more accessible to private collectors.

3. Think small

Thinking small is another must-have skill for people who want to save money on art. With so many artists nowadays, you won’t find it difficult to pick something close to your heart and suitable for your budget. Hundreds of emerging artists are waiting with the hope that someone buys their pieces. The quality of such art is usually superb, to say nothing of low and reasonable prices.

4. Consider buying online

These days, buying art online is extremely advantageous. There is probably nothing easier than making purchases on the Internet, as an almost unlimited list of online art marketplaces is now available for art lovers. If you go one step further, you can even start buying paintings or art prints directly from artists. It is much simpler than it sounds. Often, everything you need is a social media profile.

5. Find an art advisor

Art advisor services are one more effective strategy. However, it does not work for everyone. If you want to save as much money as possible, then you will hardly find it appealing. An art advisor is a specialist who helps beginner art collectors and ordinary art buyers find and buy necessary artworks. In other words, it is a strategist who does all the work for you. Though such services do require some initial investment, they are still beneficial in the long run.

6. Reduce additional expenses

When acquiring art, you need to cover some additional expenses as well. If you manage to cut them, you will be able to spare some money. For example, take your time to find a reliable fine art shipping company if you cannot pick up items by yourself. It is important not to be in a rush and ask art shippers as many questions as possible. The purpose is to avoid hidden fees and make sure your pieces are delivered without getting damaged.

7. Get the timing right

In case you have decided to take a shot at buying art at art galleries and fairs, there is one trick that will help you save money. It is about timing. The chances are that you will get a discount at the end of the show or exhibition. If there are some unsold paintings, you can go right to a gallery sales manager and start negotiating the price.

Once you start pursuing these strategies, you will suddenly find out how easy and painless it is to buy art. Whether you purchase artworks to decorate your home or you plan to become an art collector, all the above-mentioned methods are but a good start.

5 Pitfalls of Art Investment and How to Avoid Them

Sam Allcock
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5 Pitfalls of Art Investment and How to Avoid Them

In recent years, the art market has become one of the most profitable and fruitful investment areas. Сollecting fine art seems like an appealing and satisfying activity that brings plenty of benefits in the long run. For that reason, the number of would-be art investors exponentially grows each year. While this is a pretty normal and natural tendency, many novices, blinded by a desire to earn money, do not fully understand what they do in the first place.

Art investment is not smooth sailing, and if you do not do your homework and get prepared for upcoming difficulties, you will hardly achieve much more than mediocrity. Knowing how to invest in art is not enough; it is more crucial to realize what pitfalls and common mistakes are waiting for you on your way. Only then can you start building your art investment strategy.

So, what pitfalls should you know? And how to avoid them? Let’s take a look!

5 pitfalls of art investment and how to avoid them

1. Buyin from shady art dealers

Art investment is worthwhile only when you buy original works of art, be them paintings, drawings, or other artworks. This is when you understand you need a reliable seller, an experienced art dealer, or a reputable art gallery. Nowadays, different marketplaces allow you to buy art directly from artists, which is definitely a good idea for those who prefer online shopping.

The common mistake, in this case, is cutting your own budget. This may lead to an attempt to find cheaper alternatives and, as a result, to some unscrupulous dealers who do have some dirty-cheap artworks for sale. There are mainly two problems with this approach. First, you never know whether you buy originals or fakes and copies. Second, you can simply buy stolen art, which is a pretty widespread issue nowadays. The verdict is simple: don’t cut corners.

2. Not understanding what you want to buy

Surprisingly or not, the rule “buy what you love” does work. There is a myriad of items you can collect. If you focus on something that is only trendy and will allegedly bring you money in the future, you probably won’t be happy with the outcome. At the end of the day, art investment is not only about money but also about the inner pleasure and joy that you get.

Before you start collecting art, make time to find something that fills your heart with bliss and exhilaration. The choice is vast, so you don’t need to limit yourself. You might well like some traditional American art, Russian Orthodox icons, or Tibetan antique statues. Don’t believe slogans and advertisements — it’s only you and your preferences.

3. Not questioning your incompetence

Confidence is a strong and positive virtue, but only when it is not exaggerated. You must acknowledge that you are a novice who still has to learn a lot about the investing strategies and art market in general. If you feel like you lack experience in certain situations and need help, it is perfectly normal.

When people feel overwhelmed, they tend to make stupid mistakes. To avoid them, it is always better to take a pause and wind down. In case you are super motivated and are not ready to stop, you should consider hiring an art investment advisor, a specialist who will guide you through all the steps. With the help of an expert, art investment will become markedly easier, as you are going to attribute part of your responsibilities to a qualified person.

4. Focusing on monetary gain only

The impact of a strong focus on money has been repeatedly mentioned above, so, hopefully, the lesson is learned. It doesn’t, though, mean that monetary gain is bad or evil. Investment is all about benefits, after all. However, art is a more sophisticated form of investment, where you should find the fine line between what you like and what brings prospects in the days to come.

Again, the common pitfall is building your collection around art based on its cost. In reality, the cost of some artworks is subject to change on a regular basis, so money hunting in the art business is usually irrelevant or, at least, counterproductive.

5. Providing art with insufficient care

Art requires care and love, so when you buy valuables, you should always think one step ahead. To provide maximum safety to your art, starting collectors should remember some basic rules of art protection, such as avoiding direct sunlight and keeping a humidity level low. Also, consider getting art insurance that will save you money if anything nasty happens to your artworks.

Learn from mistakes before making them

Knowing these common pitfalls and mistakes will save you a good deal of time, money, and energy. Art investment should not be a burden but a rewarding journey that you will never forget. Good luck!

Meet Eterneva: The Texas-based Business Changing How Americans Grieve

Sam Allcock
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Meet Eterneva: The Texas-based Business Changing How Americans Grieve

As the COVID-19 pandemic has raged on, our world has been flipped upside down. But while much of the world has slowed down, if not outright stopped, due to the pandemic, the funeral industry has not.

Learning to grieve and mourn during the deadliest pandemic since 1912 has been a lesson in mortality and the temporary nature of life. As life continues its slow shift toward normalcy, with vaccinations on the rise, families around the world will be looking for a way to grieve, mourn, and grow with their losses.

Eterneva is a grief wellness company based out of Austin, TX. Originally gaining mainstream attention due to an appearance on Shark Tank, Eterneva offers to transform the cremated remains of deceased loved ones into diamonds, memorializing them forever following an inclusive and wellness-focused eight-month journey. An honest and potentially insightful new approach to grieving, Eterneva is laying the groundwork for an entirely new industry.

Origins of a Grief Wellness Campaign

Eterneva would come to life under the care and guidance of co-founders Garrett Ozar and Adelle Archer. Launched in the wake of a loved one’s passing, Adelle would come face-to-face with how underwhelming current memorial options were. To honor the passing of her mentor, Adelle would have her mentor cremated and her ashes turned into a black diamond.

Adelle says of her decision, “I chose to have them turned into a black diamond to capture her sparkling spirit, and ensure that her legacy lives on.”

From the experience she shared with her mentor Tracey, Adelle and Garret were able to manifest the formation of Eterneva, but they didn’t do it without help. Adelle and Garrett would appear on an episode of “Shark Tank” in 2019 where they would pitch their business idea to Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Cuban and Eterneva would sign off on a $600k agreement.

An Eight-Month Journey Into Grief Wellness

To better offer sensitive services to those in need, the team at Eterneva would need to develop a process that was at once inclusive and healing. As a result, Eterneva would develop what would become an eight-month journey through grief, walking clients through each step of the process from carbon purification to diamond cutting and placement.

This multi-stage process was developed in conjunction with a company-wide effort to ‘elevate the branding, photography, videography, and even ‘storytelling’ of the experience. Let’s briefly outline how this multi-step journey works as well as what clients should expect throughout the process.

Stage 1 — The Welcome Kit

Each process begins with a Welcome Kit. The Eterneva Welcome Kit features an informational video, instructions, return postage, and the required tools to transport your loved one’s ashes to Eterneva.

Stage 2 — Carbon Purification (1.5 – 2 Months)

At this point, Eterneva will isolate the carbon found within your loved one’s ashes. While the majority of carbon burns off during cremation, some carbonates remain. It can take several weeks to properly purify and extract these remaining elements. Eterneva customers will receive a video of this part of the process to see the amazing transformation take shape.

Stage 3 — Diamond Growth (2 – 3 Months)

Eterneva utilizes diamond growth facilities throughout Texas and Germany. Utilizing state-of-the-art machinery, Eterneva replicates diamond growing conditions from beneath the Earth (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, 850k pounds per square inch). As each person has uniquely different carbon combinations, this process itself requires a personalized approach.

Stage 4 — Quality Assessment

With the raw diamond finally fully formed, Eterneva will scan the diamond-like an X-ray to ensure proper size, shape, and fit. At this point in the process, quality overshadows speed, and perfection is the expectation.

Stage 5 — Diamond Cutting

Upon passing quality inspections, your loved one’s diamond will be cut and formed by a master cutter with a focus on care and precision. With over 45 years of experience crafting diamonds, customers can expect to get a diamond that is sparkling with the quality that they deserve.

Upon finishing the diamond cutting process, shoppers can inquire after diamond coloration or custom grading & engraving. These optional services may require excess time and additional funding to complete.

Expanding Into New Spaces

Adelle Archer and Garrett Ozar have set out to create a more meaningful experience in the grieving and funeral-care space. By focusing on memorializing loved ones through a grounded keepsake, Eterneva is providing its clients with the opportunity to anchor their grief. Candi Cann is a Professor of Religion at Baylor University where she also performed grief research for Eterneva. Cann pointed out that diamonds are both ‘palatable’ and ‘portable’ which makes them ideal for anchoring grief, similar to a grave or a burial site.

Adelle and Garrett have long believed that their business was on the precipice of ‘hockey stick-like growth’ and it appears that they are operating under that guidance, as well. Eterneva recently announced several major operational changes both at a consumer level and at a corporate level.

On the consumer side of things, Eterneva would launch  in May 2021  The Little Things campaign, celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed by sharing the little details, quirks, beloved stories, and cherished habits of loved ones, while also supporting customers and community members through their unique grief journeys. By The other major announcement about daily operations involved the Eterneva HQ receiving major computing upgrades. Eterneva currently grows all of its diamonds in South Austin at 4115 Freidrich Lane. Originally in possession of just one diamond growth machine, Eterneva aims to order a total of 15 machines by the end of 2022.

Funeral Spaces & Eterneva

As Adelle and her team continue to focus on growth, with up to 80 employees expected on the roster by 2022, Eterneva continues to underscore the importance of ‘in-house expertise’. Adelle wants Eterneva to sit at the front of the bus when it comes to leading the grief wellness revolution. This thought process was amplified by a round of significant C-Suite additions during the fourth quarter of 2020. To date, Eterneva has raised a total of $6.7 million with eyes on $10 million during the series A round of investing.

With this explosive growth and investment turnaround, Eterneva sees that funeral homes have become a ‘major enterprise segment’, at least according to Adelle. She would go on to say, “They represent about 16% of the company’s customer acquisitions.” Adelle believes that by 2022, funeral homes will account for more than 50% of customer acquisitions.

At the time of this writing, Eterneva is currently partnered with funeral homes at more than 120 locations throughout North America. Adelle believes that Eterneva will eclipse the 1,000 location mark by the end of 2022’s fiscal year. Stats are supporting this optimism as well with the National Funeral Directors Association revealing that nearly 53% of Americans were cremated since 2010.

JD.com’s Logistics Arm Goes Public with Liu Qiangdong at the Helm

Sam Allcock
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JD.com’s Logistics Arm Goes Public with Liu Qiangdong at the Helm

JD.com’s logistic arm, JD Logistics is aiming to make a significant name for itself, going head-to-head with Amazon in yet another way. The company, which has been JD.com’s logistic subsidiary for 14 years, has Liu Qiangdong working as the CEO.

The company stated on May 17th that it was aiming to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. It is working to market the company at a price range of $39.36 to $43.36 (Hong Kong) per share. That could raise as much as $26.4 billion for the company ($3.4 billion in U.S. dollars). That price could occur if the company’s IPO brings in the top price range it is seeking.

To achieve this, JD Logistics says it will sell 609.2 million shares of the company on the market. That is about 10 percent of the company’s enlarged share capital. In addition, it is possible for this to increase by another 91.4 million additional shares if there is strong demand for the shares once they hit the market.  CEO Liu Qiangdong’s leadership has helped the organization to reach new heights.

Direct Competition for Alibaba

JD.com is the direct competition to Alibaba in China. The company has a strong foundation having started its logistics and transportation network in 2007. It then spun out this sector of the company in 2017. This allowed the logistics arm to become more independent, something other tech companies were doing at the time.

There are differences between JD Logistics and Alibaba. For example, Alibaba has a network of third party partners that handles the fulfillment of its orders. By comparison, JD.com moved to build up its own warehouse centers and then created a strong courier staff, which helps to manage its deliveries. JD.com’s processes are much more like those of Amazon.

Last year, JD Logistics reported it has over 246,000 employees working in its delivery sector and warehouse divisions. The company’s complete headcount is over 258,000 people located around the world.

An Impressive IPO Is Likely

The JD Logistics IPO is expected to be the second multi-billion dollar IPO in the country for 2021. This comes after Kuaishou Technology, a short video platform backed by Tencent, raised $6.2 billion U.S. at the start of the year. That was the largest IPO for the year at this point.

There is already significant talk about the likely investors in JD Logistics IPO. Among them are eight cornerstone investors who have, combined, committed to purchasing $1.5 billion U.S. at the launch. That planned purchase is at about 39 cents per share should the deal get priced at the higher end of the offering. These investors include Temasek Holdings, a Singapore-based wealth fund, and Softbank. Tiger Global Management and Blackstone are also named in that group of eight.

Why the Move to IPO

JD Logistics has a strong history of growth and development. Once it was made an independent organization from JD.com, the company was able to then provide its technology to customers beyond what they were using for JD.com itself. The company’s move to extend its technology like this allows for numerous retailers to see significant improvement in logistics operations. One such example is Skechers. The company significantly optimized its logistics operations after working with JD Logistics.

The move to extend its services like this improved profits, growing external customer reviews from 29.9 percent in 2018 up to 38.4 percent in 2019. In the nine months ending September of 2020, the company reported a 43.4 percent level of growth for 2020 thus far.

JD Logistics has focused its growth on just that – providing logistics services and supply chain support to other companies. Outsourcing these supply chain services is likely to be their main focus moving forward.

The company believes that, as a third party service provider, they will be able to continue to provide services more efficiently than what those companies could do for themselves with in-house operations in place. This is due, in part, to the wide range of innovative technology and resources that companies like JD Logistics can offer. This also makes it more affordable to meet current demand as third party service providers like JD Logistics can often significantly reduce employee costs.

There are numerous advantages that JD Logistics brings to the table for any company it works with for logistics and supply chain support. This includes access to same-day and next-day delivery services. That is due in part to the massive growth of its warehouses that are located as close as possible to most likely end consumers. The company reported that, in 2020, 90 percent of its total orders were processed and then delivered on the same day or next day, working to meet consumer demand.

Profit Margin Growth Is Likely

JD Logistics’ efforts to move towards same-day and next-day delivery solutions is not an inexpensive process. It has been a significant loss for the company for some time, but that is changing. In 2018, JD Logistics reported a net loss of 2.8 billion Yuan. In 2019, it has a loss of 2.2 billion Yuan. In the first nine months of 2020, the company reported a loss of 11.7 million Yuan, showing a significant trend of improvement.

For that last nine month period, JD logistics reported a gross profit margin improvement from 8.5 percent to 10.9 percent. Many factors contributed to this improvement, including better operational efficiency, economies of scale, as well as a reduction in social security funds for government subsidies.  

The IPO for JD Logistics will run from Monday to Friday. It is expected to begin on May 28th. BofA Securities, Haitong International, and Goldman Sachs will act as joint sponsors of the IPO for the transaction. UBS will serve as the financial advisor.

How much could they see in this raise? Most experts in the industry expect JD Logistics to hit the top goals it has set. Yet, there are many factors in play that could create changes to this, including a wide range of economic uncertainties.

Make Large Profits Buying & Selling Bitcoin on the BitQT App

Sam Allcock
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Make Large Profits Buying & Selling Bitcoin on the BitQT App

In recent years, many people began showing interest in trading cryptocurrencies, and with instances of significant profit-making, the popularity of crypto trading has reached a new height. These days, trading on Bitcoins is making people rich.  

To make trading on cryptocurrencies easier, many websites and apps have arrived in the market offering new features. These apps have turned the opportunity of crypto trading into a high-profit potential. Out of these apps, one the leading ones is BitQT.

Many people are still sceptical about entering the realm of crypto trading because they do not have the fundamental knowledge about this subject, and it seems complicated to them.

It is a common notion that crypto trading is for exclusive people. That’s not true. It is a fact that normally trading on cryptocurrencies requires basic knowledge, but with an app like BitQT, that experience is not needed anymore. This app has been designed in such a way that even beginners can trade and make profits without hassles.

More about BitQT App

The BitQt app helps investors to do automated trading on Bitcoin by analysing market data so that they get the best opportunities to trade. The app reviews the possible price swings of certain cryptocurrencies and other important information.

Although users can collect this data on their own, it will take a lot of time, and they will end up being anxious about their trading outcomes. This app takes such manual intervention out of the equation.

The integrated trading robot in the BitQt app analyses data from many markets in a few seconds and removes the chances of impulsive trading decisions that often affect trading results.

The BitQT app is the easiest platform for buying and selling bitcoins by investors who want to generate more income using the programme that easily manages complex trading.

The app generates trading signals to provide all the required information to investors to trade on cryptocurrency easily. The platform works using a smart algorithm that has a 99 percent accuracy rate. It means on average, you can profit 99 percent of the trades when using the system. The app is 0.03 seconds faster than other programmes, and it knows how crypto tokens will shift before this happens, and protects users.

Even if you have zero knowledge of cryptocurrency, the automatic feature of the app can help you make large amounts of money, much more than most other platforms on the market.

Seasoned users can get more benefits when using the BitQt app, as they can use their experience and trading instincts, along with market analysis to earn more.

The Work Process of BitQT

The BitQT app functions with an automatic trading robot that scans the market for the best opportunities to buy and sell for high margins, complete transactions efficiently and securely. Here is the trading process using the app.

  1. Registration

First, you need to open an account on the BitQT platform. The registration process is fast and simple. You only need to enter your Name, Email ID, Country, and Phone Number. After that, there will be a verification call by a representative to confirm your details. If you have any questions, take advantage of the call so that everything is clear and you can make the most of all the benefits of the BitQT app.

  • Deposit £250/$250

Next, you need to deposit a minimum amount of £250 to be eligible for trading. The trading app will use this minimum deposit for trading. If you are a beginner, a low minimum deposit like this is better to begin trading.

  • Live Trading

After making the deposit and verification process, you can start live trading. It is quite easy, as you only need to activate the auto-trading mode, and the app will start working on your behalf scanning the entire crypto market and find the best trading trends for you. Once the app detects possible price swings, it completes the trade.

  • Earnings are credited

You can choose from various payment methods to get your account credited with earnings. Some of the payment options are PayPal, Skrill, Visa, and MasterCard. Regardless of where you live, you can find a suitable payment option that meets your requirements.

Is BitQT a reliable platform?

There is no doubt that BitQT is one of the best and reliable apps for buying and selling Bitcoin. According to the makers of this app, users generate profits in nearly 88 percent of cases.

Besides, you will also get 24/7 online customer support via phone or live chat. Overall, the platform ensures that you get complete satisfaction as a user and trader.

Celebrities who use CBD in the UK

Sam Allcock
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Celebrities who use CBD in the UK

CBD oil has become a wonderful liquid, and continues to gain popularity in the market because of its medicinal properties. CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system and positively affects sleep, appetite, pain, mood, and immune response, without almost no side effects. The World Health Organization stated that this cannabinoid lacks toxicity, narcotic effects and does not generate dependency. CBD oil, and cbd products contain very little percentage of THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid), therefore it doesn’t generate the “high” effect. CBD oil is mostly consumed through a dropper and dispensed under the tongue. It is recommended to store it in a cool and dark place.A greater understanding of the medicinal properties of this oil has led some celebrities to publicly admit that they consume CBD oil for its beneficial effects. For example, 6% cbd oil is a very common supplement to provide anti-inflammatory effects to help relieve pain (Here is the link to the Sarah´s Blessing 6% cbd oil).

Nowadays, more and more people choose to use cbd oil or other products to alleviate a wide range of different symptoms and ailments, especially when they are related to pain, inflammation, hyperactivity in the nervous system and immune problems.

Common consumers include celebrities such as actors, comedians, show hosts, musicians, models, and athletes. And as we know, people are very influenced by these referents; therefore, it is not strange to observe that the more celebrities freely express they are using cbd oil for pain, or other symptoms, the more the people are open to embrace the product.

The public always wants to know what the celebrities’ opinions and experiences are. Since celebs have discovered the CBD movement, they enjoy using their platforms to comment about the benefits of CBD oils and products. Celebrities supporting CBD products is a great way for the industry to push forward, since it is currently a pretty scary industry itself, for there are no current regulations to keep consumers safe.

That is the reason why CBD users have to educate themselves when they are looking for a product. Many people still associate CBD oil with marijuana and consider it a drug, but that is really far from the truth, since CBD products are made from hemp (not marijuana) and contain very little to almost none THC.

The fact that celebrities started speaking about how they use cbd oil for anxiety, or other ailments, helped people take a different look at the industry. Since many celebs are talking about how they love CBD products, for they are life changers, the reluctant public has begun to rethink the possibility that such a product is beneficial.Let’s take a look at some of the British celebrities who have spoken out about their CBD usage.

Patrick Stewart, Actor

Sir Patrick Stewart is known for starring many blockbuster movies. He has spoken in public about cbd benefits and cannabis in general. He’s been making headlines nowadays, because of his comments regarding this issue. The actor lives in LA, where marijuana for medicinal usage is legal and easy to access. He has commented that he has been using CBD to help him alleviate this arthritis; he uses a CBD topical spray. Even though the products Patrick uses are not the same most people are able to purchase, he is very supportive of cbd products.

Stewart also publicly supported Afie Dingley, a little boy who was denied his cannabis treatment by the UK government. This case was resolved thanks to the array of celebrity supporters, including Patrick, who actually met with the small boy´s family to show his support.

Pam St. Clement, Actress

The English actress, known for playing a role in EastEnders, suffers from polymyalgia rheumatica (an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness in the joints), and she has found relief in the benefits of cbd oil.

She says that the treatment with CBD oil has changed her life because she is no longer in pain. She claims that ever since she started taking CBD, her joints don’t hurt anymore, she can also sleep better and walk long distances. She explains that the only treatment until now is steroids, but she became resistant to them. Therefore, she is extremely happy using CBD drops under her tongue, and that she doesn’t feel any side effects.

Pam learned about CBD when she was visiting the US to promote a documentary (“Gone to Pot: An American Road Trip”) in which she did bong hits of THC-laden cannabis. It seems this trip changed her life, since it was where she found out about how cannabis has been legalized in certain states and that led her to discovering CBD. She explains she had no idea cannabis was such a rich plant and so complex with so many medicinal properties.

Valene Kane, Actress

The Irish actress who starred in The Fall, and has appeared in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and many other films, has admitted she has terrible problems sleeping. Due to her lifestyle, she has developed sleeping problems because of all the travelling her work involves, plus staying at hotels and doing split days and night shoots.

She came up with a very complex night-time routine to help her sleep, which involved lavender spray, eye mask, and white noise, but nothing worked. Until she found CBD teas. She says this new discovery is amazing and helps her a lot with her sleeping problems.

CBD tea stimulates the endocannabinoid system, which plays a major role in regulating sleep patterns, therefore, it can help stabilise sleep itself, and also trigger longer periods of undisturbed sleep, allowing a better rest. Besides, it is a delicious way to consume CBD, since it has a pleasant taste of a warm beverage. Adding a small amount of fat, like milk, to the tea, will help absorb the CBD into your body, speeding up its function.

Valene has become a promoter of CBD tea, although she supports any CBD product too, for she understands how extremely beneficial these cannabinoids are for our health.

Maya The Bee And Marco Will Have Their NFT

ABC Staff
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Maya The Bee And Marco Will Have Their NFT

Maya the bee and Marco will have their NFT in the Planeta Junior marketplace. NFTs will be available from May 27. Maya the Bee, Marco, and Vicky the Viking will have their tokens.

The Spanish company of children’s, youth and family entertainment content of Grupo Planeta, Planeta Junior, will launch its own market for the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFT, for its acronym in English), of its animated series on May 27.

According to a press release from the company, those interested will have access through the blockchain company OARO, to collectible tokens with unpublished images, scenes, scripts and other elements of Maya the Bee, Marco, and Vicky, the Viking. .

In fact, since May 20, the company is giving away the first NFT of La Abeja Maya for World Bee Day.

According to Planeta Junior, the marketplace will have a “simple and intuitive functionality” and fans of the series will be able to buy the tokens in any legal tender.

In the statement, the director of Digital & eSport, Francisco Asensi, indicated that the foray into the NFT market is the product of an innovation strategy.

Likewise, he expressed that the objective is to adapt to the needs of the market while allowing the followers of the series to be able to collect unique pieces that are part of the history of animation and of their own memories.

OARO, the company in charge of Planeta Junior’s NFTs, has been working in the blockchain area for more than 3 years and describes itself as a “global provider of digital identity and access management, document management, ticket authentication and security solutions. NFT development ». On May 20, it also launched a collectible token of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

It should be remembered that non-fungible tokens are a type of cryptographic token that represents a unique, unrepeatable asset and limited in its quantity.

Grupo Planeta catches up with Fox
In recent days, CriptoNoticias reported that television production company FOX Entertainment also launched its own market for NFT , just as Planeta did.

In the first instance, they are going to sell Krapapolis tokens, the new series from the creator of Rick and Morty. They assure that it will be “the first animated series fully curated on the blockchain.”

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