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Is Sports Betting a Good Investment?

You probably understand there are different forms of investments if you have been in the investment world for a while now. You can either decide to go for low-risk investments involving fixed-term bonds and cash deposits or choose high-risk investments like shares and stocks where you have no guarantee that your capital will increase.

Sports betting is also another form of investment that has seen rapid development due to technological improvements. Not only does it offer entertainment value and convenience, but it is also easy to start and allows investors to realize both positive and negative returns, making it ideal for risk-takers.

However, you have to consider the risks so that you can get reasonable returns. This article outlines a few strategies that can help you make an informed decision in your sports betting investment and some of the benefits of this form of investing.

Make Use of Data-Driven Investment Strategies

Most investors get into sports betting thinking their knowledge of sports is adequate for making smart investments. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like this. You require statistical data on the previous matches so that you can make the correct predictions. You can also factor in other elements like weather conditions during the game, coaches’ comments, and slight injuries in coming up with a data-driven investment strategy. You must also ensure that you use a site or sports betting app with awesome reviews to avoid being scammed.

Place Value Bets

Most investors assume since sports betting involves luck and chance, all it takes is to place the bets randomly. This is not the right approach as it doesn’t increase your chances of winning.

On the other hand, value bets allow you to profit from sports betting by wagering in undervalued markets. However, the fact that the general public prefers a specific side does not guarantee it is the winning side.

Manage Your Bankroll

Are you aware of how much you are going to make in each bet? Ensure that you always strive to earn more than your wager. Manage your bankroll by ensuring that you do not lose more than what you are making.

The unit and percentage of bankroll are the two variations that you should keep your eyes on. The unit makes sure that you are using fixed amounts for your wager. On the other hand, the percentage allows you to balance your risk against the potential wins associated with each bet you place.

Be Consistent

If you want to make money through sports betting, you need to be consistent. You cannot be successful in betting if you only do it once in a while. Furthermore, the more you bet, the more experience you get after learning more betting strategies.

Convenience

There are lots of hobbies out there. Unfortunately, you can’t play them all the time. This is because some games are costly, and thus you can’t afford to engage in them all the time. Luckily, sports betting is an affordable pastime that you can enjoy any day and time. Apart from that, you have the option of playing at online or land-based casinos and still get the benefits that the game offers. Sports betting, therefore, allows you to make a bet at any time regardless of your location, provided you have access to the internet.

Easy to Start

You are required to follow specific rules and adhere to scheduled times when playing various games. This is always a challenge if your schedule is too tight or you lack the resources. The most pleasing thing about sports betting is that you don’t need any financial commitment before staking. All you need might be only $5 to begin staking. With this amount of money, you can bet from time to time.

Provides Entertainment

Most sports betting sites provide immense entertainment to bettors; that’s why most people invest in sports betting. Nothing is thrilling, interesting and fun, like a game that involves real money. Regardless of the team, you place your wager on, the main agenda will be supporting it and wishing it wins. However, you are advised not to place all your emotions on betting and thus be ready for any outcome.

Chance to Make Cash

Another great advantage that sports betting holds is that it provides an opportunity to make money. Any amount of cash you use when betting can earn you some profit as long as you bet on a reputable site and use the right strategies. When betting, however, you need to be patient and accept losses as this allows you to control your emotions.

Bikers

With the rapid advancements in technology, there has been incredible growth in the sports betting industry. Not only does it provide entertainment, easy start-up and convenience, but it also provides an opportunity to make money. As an investor, however, you need to follow the right strategies so that you can enjoy great returns if you invest in sports betting. 

The Sports Business Venture

Sports betting was estimated to have generated $388.3 billion in 2020 and has been growing over the years due to the advancement in technology. In this era, you can place bets with independent bookmaking agents within your area or even go beyond the borders. As a punter, however, the preference of who you place your bets with is yours. But there are a few basic things to keep in mind before you get started.

Choosing the right sportsbook is crucial, just like some of the bets that you decide to place. Picking the right site improves your chances of winning and your general experience. To help you make the right decision, here are a few ways to choose the right sports betting website.

Read Online Reviews

Reading third-party reviews and talking to fellow punters is an ideal way to begin. This allows you to know what players are saying about the bookmaker. Feedback, comments from current customers and online reviews will help you settle for the best Offshore Sportsbooks if you want to experience something new.

Find reviews that contain information like deposit options present, bonuses present, sports covered and user experience. This will help you pick the right betting site as you will be having real insight regarding the site.

Customer Support

The finest betting sites provide customer services all the time, and they respond promptly to all the queries once contacted by customers. Customer support services might seem unnecessary in your first days as a punter. But as you grow into sports betting, that’s when you realize the need for customer service.

Customer support allows you to gain the required information so that you can place the bets accordingly. If the services are lacking, there are higher chances that you will be misinformed. As a punter, pay attention to customer support and confirm it is working efficiently before making your choice.

Bonuses Available

Sportsbook agencies normally use strong bonuses so that they can entice gamblers. Bonuses can boost your winnings. Therefore, as a punter, when choosing a bookmaker, bonuses and free bets should be on your top list.

You might receive welcome bonuses when you sign up on a particular site. Once a member, you will continue receiving other types of bonuses and promotions. If you benefit from bonuses and promotions, you should consider betting sites that offer them more regularly. However, it is also important to make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the bonuses.

Most bonuses have certain restrictions and requirements that you must fulfill before you are allowed to claim any winnings. Read the terms and conditions in the fine print when you receive any promo or bonus.

Betting Options

Most people normally think of sports betting when choosing a bookmaker. It is best to have an open mind as there are other betting alternatives that are offered by other websites.

These alternatives consist of race books, casinos, poker rooms, and lottery and sports contests. It is important to note that the quality of these products varies from one provider to the next. Before committing to any sportsbook, factor in first what you are looking for in terms of betting action.

Conduct your Research

Choosing the right sportsbook is the dream of every punter. Although conducting your own research is the hardest way of finding the right sports betting sites as it is time-consuming and it is impossible to get all the info you require.

However, as a punter, it is critical you find as much as you can about the site and ensure that you do it correctly so that you do not pick the wrong website. There are a bunch of unreliable betting sites, but if you do your homework, you are definite that you will choose a trusted site. The last thing you need is a bad experience on a site where you are investing real money.

Track Sports

Compatibility

When choosing a betting site, you ought to make sure that it is compatible with your devices. Ensure that the site is compatible with your computer, mobile devices, iPad or even tablet.

It would be best if you also made sure that the site is compatible with you. As a punter, you need a website that you can navigate easily and find what you are looking for without any hassle. In case you find yourself experiencing some difficulty navigating through the site it would be wise to find another sports betting site.

With the growth of the sports betting industry, choosing the right sportsbook has become quite a hassle.  However, factoring in crucial elements such as customer support, online reviews, sites compatibility, betting options and conducting your research can help you choose the right betting site that will improve your betting experience and improve your winning chances.

How Tourists Can Buy Marijuana in Santa Ana California

Californians have been able to purchase marijuana for medical use since 1996. On January 1, 2018, they gained the right to buy it recreationally too. While you’re likely familiar with the laws requiring 21+ to purchase cannabis legally. . There are limits on how much tourists can purchase, but it’s worth remembering that medical marijuana is still legal in California, so you can always get it if you get a prescription. Here are some details on actually purchasing weed products at a dispensary in California.

Marijuana in California

California made marijuana officially legal under state law. A new recreational cannabis marketplace opened for business at that moment, with hundreds of licensed pot shops opening their doors to serve consumers 21 and older. Anyone with an ID proving they are of legal age can now buy up to an ounce of weed flowers, eight grams of concentrate or edible cannabis products, and unlimited weed-infused soaps and lotions. But don’t expect a free-for-all in which anyone can walk into any store and buy up to an ounce of cannabis without showing any I.D. or being required to purchase a santa ana marijuana product alongside their flower.

Search online for a “recreational cannabis dispensary.

Where can I buy recreational cannabis? Each city has its own laws which govern whether or not you can purchase cannabis in their city. It’s best to speak with people who live or work in the area, especially someone who works at a dispensary. Google is another good resource for finding out if there are any dispensaries in your area.

If you’re 21 or older, it will be easier for you to find a recreational marijuana dispensary that serves both recreational and medical clients. Retail dispensaries are open to the general public—but before showing up at one, check online to verify that it is open.

Buying Weed in California: Bring I.D. and cash

If you’re planning on visiting Santa Ana or another city where weed is made legal, here’s what you need to know before buying an eighth (a popular measure of weed).

First off, anything consumed in public can still be illegal, so don’t light up in the middle of the street. Second, don’t forget your ID. A state-issued piece of identification is required to enter the dispensary. And it doesn’t have to be a driver’s license. Your passport, student or employee identification card, or even a Social Security card will be accepted by most dispensaries. For security purposes, most will need to see your ID before you are allowed in. A Lesser record will not do you any favors if you are caught.…

Lastly, Bring cash. Legal pot in California may not accept credit cards.  That’s because pot shops operate on a cash-only basis since federal law prohibits banks and credit card companies from doing business with the industry.

Buying Weed in California: How much can I buy?

California is home to some of the best marijuana on the planet. Whether you’re looking to buy weed for recreational or medicinal purposes, your trip to this vast state won’t be complete without smoking some dank California cannabis. But there are both restrictions and suggestions on where, when, and how much you should smoke. Purchasing cannabis in California is different from buying any other product or service, so you should educate yourself on the ins and outs of purchasing it legally.

You can buy up to 28.5 grams of any cannabis product, but weed currently costs more per gram than other products. Flowers are sold at about $10-$15 per gram, depending on the dispensary. Then you have concentrates like oil and wax, which are stronger but generally cost between $15-$30 per half gram. Kief, which is the most potent part of weed or hash, may be sold in bulk or individually.

According to the law, California dispensaries may sell you up to 8 grams of concentrates (including edibles, which contain concentrates). However, many dispensaries sell in 1 gram increments. So if you need less than 8 grams, but more than 1 gram — this is where your salesperson can help influence sales.

Buying Weed in California: Budtenders are there to help!

Once you prove your age and state residency, a budtender will guide you through the various strains of cannabis available.

In most dispensaries, the budtenders have been trained to talk you through the various products and tell you what they consider to be the best strain or blend for your particular needs. In general, they’d rather help you than just ring up a sale

Buying Weed in California: Some basic cannabis knowledge goes a long way

One of the more confusing parts of using cannabis is deciphering the various labelling systems for cannabis products. After all, there is no universal standard for cannabis testing or naming conventions. You can’t simply choose something because it sounds good; some knowledge is necessary.

Cannabis strains are primarily known by their type, or “family.” Sativa strains are generally associated with cerebral effects, which are ideal for daytime use. Indica strains are linked with body-centered effects, which are best suited for evening use. Hybrids are a combination of both sativa and indica that produce unique highs.

Takeaway

California is one of the most beautiful and influential states; even their laws are ahead of the curve. If you’re planning on traveling to California soon and want to visit a recreational marijuana dispensary, make sure to keep those handy tips in mind. You’ll not just enjoy your stay but make sure not to catch any form of trouble.

6 Things That Make A Good Trading Strategy

If you want to become a profitable online trader, it is imperative that you have an effective trading strategy. There are different types of assets you can trade online, and you need to conduct proper planning to keep losses at a minimum. If you are still a beginner, you may be in a hurry to make money, but things aren’t always that simple. There are many things you need to know in order to achieve your goals. Here are 6 things that make a good trading strategy.  

• Trading Plan

First and foremost, you must create a trading plan which is essentially a written set of rules or blueprint that specifies each trader’s entry, money management, and exit. In short, this is a comprehensive decision-making tool for the activity, and it helps you choose what to trade, when to do so, and how to conduct it. Before you risk your money, it is easier to test your idea; this is known as backtesting. You can achieve this by utilizing technology to access historical data to check if it is viable. When backtesting shows positive results, you can develop a plan that you can use in real trading.

As the saying goes, when you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail. Without a solid plan, you may not be able to achieve anything meaningful. Make sure you create a trading plan that suits your needs and also outlines all the measures you can take to ensure success in your endeavor. While you can use someone’s plan as an outline, remember their approach to trading and attitude toward risk could differ significantly. Therefore, your plan must clearly state your motivation and what you want to achieve from trading. You must also include the time commitment you are willing to make in your plan. 

The other purpose of a trading plan is that it helps you outline your trading goals and risk management rules that will help protect your investment. You should identify the markets you want to venture into in your trading. A plan is effective since it outlines your strategy regarding how you intend to enter and exit trades. For instance, you can decide to buy and hold forex and sell at an appropriate time when the price increases. A good trading plan will help you make meaningful decisions and avoid using your emotions when you undertake your trade.  

• Study The Markets

One thing you should know from the onset is that you must stay abreast of the latest news about financial markets. Access information about any other kind of trade you wish to pursue. You can use the details of your trading plan to determine the market you are interested in. For instance, a stock trading plan and forex trading plan are different, so you should first try to evaluate your expertise regarding markets and asset classes. Try to learn as much as you can about the specific type of investment you want to make. Consider other aspects like market volatility, market opening, and closing, and calculate the potential profit you can make from a specific trade. 

You can use technology to your advantage if you want to access information and take advantage of the different tools used to evaluate the markets. For instance, you can choose the best website that provides reviews and the best education about online trading. Professional brokers at www.binaryoptions.com explain that with the right trading tool, you can access guides for beginners, get free trading signals, and learn profitable binary options strategies. When you gain trading knowledge from experts, you can increase your chances of trading profitably. Experienced traders and analysts are committed to providing true information that can help beginners and experienced traders to stay on course. 

You need to remain focused on learning new things every day to improve your knowledge about the markets. This is an ongoing process that helps you research and understand facts that will sharpen your instincts. World politics, economic trends, and news events are some of the things you must stay abreast with since they can impact the markets in different ways. You must know that the markets are dynamic and subject to changes. It is essential to use technology to your advantage to analyze the markets so that you are able to make informed decisions. If you keep current with all the products and details, you will enjoy better rewards from your efforts. 

• Treat Trading Like Business

You must treat trading as a full-time business, not a hobby if you want to be successful. Remember that for you to begin your first trade, you invest some money, so this is not different from any other type of business. To safeguard your business, you must approach trading seriously and not view it as something you simply do for fun. You will lack the real commitment to learning if you take trading as a hobby. To trade viably, you must bear in mind that trading does not provide a regular paycheck. Therefore, if you are serious, it is crucial that you develop a positive attitude to help you achieve your objectives. 

It is critical to set realistic goals which are attainable to avoid frustration when you begin your trade. When you are in business, you should know that you are bound to incur expenses, taxes, losses, and face uncertainty and risk. As a trader, you need to research and strategize since you are a small business owner. This will help you maximize your business potential if you have achievable goals in place. 

The markets are dynamic, so it is imperative to focus on the big picture when you trade. Losing is part of the game, and it must not deter you when things don’t go the way you expect them to. Your emotions will not impact your trading performance heavily once you accept that losses and wins are common and part of the business. You are likely to encounter several risks that can affect your trade. This is the main reason why you must set realistic goals to keep your trading in perspective. You must earn a reasonable amount of money over time. If you treat trading as a get-rich-quick scheme, you may be setting yourself up for failure. This is not an overnight event where you can expect to become a millionaire from your initial trade. 

• Determine the Capital to Use for Trading

Another important thing that can help you make a good trading strategy is to determine the amount of money you can set aside for trading. Never put yourself in a position where you risk more money than you can get if you want to avoid stress. Even if you are a professional trader, you can lose your trading capital since the whole exercise involves a lot of risks. Try to use a demo account to familiarize yourself with how trading functions before you use your real money. You will also learn how to use the trading platform and understand different fixtures that are designed to help you navigate all the variables that can affect your trade. 

You need to learn to protect your trading capital. This can be possible if you exercise financial discipline and train yourself not to take unnecessary risks. Instead, you should do everything that can help you protect your business and only risk money that you can afford to lose. Keep the money in your account until a certain period when you think that it is now expendable. The other thing you must not do is allocate trading money for other purposes like paying your mortgage or any other needs. 

Losing money is often stressful, and this can be worse if you risk all that you have. Raising other capital can be a great challenge. Analyze the trends prevailing in the market first to make an informed decision. As indicated earlier, you must know about the markets and other factors that can affect trade. This can go a long way in helping you avoid making costly mistakes that can affect your entire business.  

• Know When to Stop Trading

Another important rule that can make you a better trader is knowing when you should stop trading. You can use the stop-loss feature which involves a predetermined amount of money you are willing to lose in each trade. This limits the level of risk you are likely to experience since your trade will automatically stop when it reaches a certain amount. The money in your account will not be affected, and this can give you peace of mind. Knowing that you can only lose a specific amount in any trade will help you prevent huge losses. Trading without a stop loss is not a good idea, even though it can lead to a winning trade at times. 

The other important thing you must know is how to exit the trade with a profit. This may not be easy, but you can do it if you exercise financial discipline. Additionally, if your trading plan is ineffective or you have realized that you are an ineffective trader, you must exit the trade. If your plan is characterized by more heavy losses than anticipated, there is no reason to continue with the trade. Your marketing plan may fail to meet expectations due to factors like volatility or changing markets. If you do not see any chance of recovery in the market, it will be a good idea to opt-out and save your money.

When you exit your initial trade, you must maintain your business principles and try to venture into a different market. You must re-evaluate your plan to make necessary changes that can help you start again on a free page. Some traders become ineffective as a result of failing to follow their trading plans. You must take a break if you feel that you are not in good form instead of continuing to risk your money. 

• Evaluate performance

When you start trading, you must constantly revisit your trading plan to check if everything is in order. Always monitor the risks to be able to evaluate your performance. The market prices are constantly changing, so you need to keep pace with all the changes to ensure that you do not record terrible losses. If you are still a novice, you should take on lower-risk trades to have a feel of how the markets function. This will also help you assess your potential for making profits and make necessary adjustments. As you master the art of trading, you can take more risks to increase your chances of gaining bigger profits.

Trading

You must select the risk-reward ratio you are comfortable with to ensure that your trade is profitable. At times, you may realize that you lose more times than you win, but you can still enjoy consistent profits. This depends on the amount of risk you are willing to take. If you have a higher risk-reward ratio, it means the profits you are likely to generate are double the loss you can make in each trade. While determining your ratio for risks and rewards, try to be realistic and deal with attainable figures. 

You must try to access the latest news updates on different events that can affect trade in various ways. For instance, you must follow the market trends to determine the direction of trade, so that you can make an informed decision. You can also detect the risks you are likely to face, and this can help you change tactics before you risk your money. Compare your current performance to previous performances to see the areas that may need attention in your plan. It also is a good idea to seek advice from professional traders to ensure that you do the right thing.   

Trading different things online can allow you to generate passive income over an extended period. To achieve your goals, you need to understand each of the above rules and know how they can work together to help you establish a viable business. The entire exercise requires hard work, patience, and discipline if you want to increase your chances of success in this competitive area.

Home Renovation & Insurance- Facts You Must Know

Buying a home is a great thing, but you cannot stop there. At some point, you will have to consider a renovation project – from new living room flooring in Brisbane to laundry renovations in Perth. The benefits of renovation extend beyond enhancing your living space with aesthetics and functional features. It can also add value to your property. However, it is easy to focus on the project itself and forget about upgrading your insurance. The truth is that renovation may increase your insurance rate or even reduce it. So you must review your home insurance policy during the project and take the necessary steps. Here are some facts you must know about the upgrades that can affect your home insurance.

Expanding your space

As your family grows, adding square footage to your living space becomes imperative. You may want to build an additional dwelling unit or add an extra floor. In any case, expanding your space may increase your home insurance rates depending on the increase in square footage. You may also consider a different type of coverage for the new addition. For example, water backup coverage is ideal when you build a basement with a new carpet.

Kitchen or bathroom upgrades

Kitchen or bathroom remodeling are popular renovation projects that add value to your property. Adding quality features like custom cabinets and new countertops makes it essential to extend coverage. The idea is to ensure its adequacy so that you need not worry about rebuilding or repairing your upgraded features if something goes amiss. Your insurance agent can help you determine new coverage, especially when consulting a reliable general contractor connecticut. You may even qualify for a discount with features like new electrical or plumbing systems.

Building a pool

A swimming pool is an excellent feature that brings luxury to your living space. But it makes sense to understand the implications it has on your insurance premium. You can Read more on what Home insurance covers and what it doesn’t cover first. Typically, it will not include a swimming pool because its case is different. A standard policy often includes liability coverage for medical costs for injuries to a person on your property. A pool owner must get a higher liability coverage than usual because the chances of premises injuries and lawsuits run high. When venturing into pool installation Brisbane, it’s advisable to engage with insurance specialists who can tailor coverage to specifically address the associated risks. By consulting these experts, you can ensure adequate protection against liabilities that may arise from owning and operating a pool on your property. 

Adding a home office

The concept of a home office is popular these days as gig jobs and remote work are common. But you may need an additional insurance policy after investing in a home office. Regular policies do not provide sufficient protection for equipment for home-based businesses. Even if you have one, do not expect the coverage to be enough to safeguard your supplies, inventory, or specialized machinery. You may bolster the existing home insurance policy or buy an additional business policy to cover everything. 

Roof replacement 

A roof replacement is an ideal project that ensures more safety and adds value to your living space. Even better, it cuts down your insurance premiums, making it a worthy investment for any homeowner. Likewise, upgrading your HVAC system and installing security alarms can also reduce your premium bills. You get extra benefits if you live in areas prone to hurricanes, storms, and thefts. Aluminum guttering could  help your living space as well.

A renovation project can have a far-reaching impact on your home insurance. Before starting with the project, you must consider this factor for better planning and timely coverage upgrades. 

Coinrise – Helping Customers Achieve Their Financial Independence?

What is Coinrise? 

Coinrise is a provider of trading and investing services, headquartered in Canada but serving a global audience, aiming to ensure anyone can get involved in the financial industry with the proper tools. The brand uses its expertise accumulated over the years and helps customers take control over their finances, facilitating access to services such as crypto trading, private growth & VC, and private equity. 

Committed to helping people succeed, Coinrise has been providing new features along the way and continues to do so, as financial markets are constantly changing and opportunities arise in different sectors. 

Coinrise Trading Benefits

Firstly, it would be fair to emphasize there are many benefits to trading with Coinrise, including the list of comprehensive products, state-of-the-art trading technologies, fast trade execution, advisory services, and dedicated customer support. 

After working with individual investors and corporates for a long time, the company acquired enough expertise to know how trading infrastructure should be structured, so that anyone can start trading from the comfort of their place, at the office, or while on the go. 

Coinrise trading benefits
Source: https://www.coinrise.ca/benefits/

 

An increasing number of people view the Coinrise crypto offer as appealing since they can buy derivatives tracking tens of cryptocurrencies. At the same time, with investing services also part of its list, the company ensures ample diversification capabilities. 

Coinrise Trading Platform

To ensure beginners don’t find it hard to trade, as well as to ensure that experienced traders can use a wide array of trading tools, Coinrise designed its unique platform, now offering TradingView charts, risk management tools, and a simple user interface. 

Coinrise Trading Platform
Source: https://www.coinrise.ca/trading/

The platform can be accessed via a browser and does not require any installation. Greater flexibility is thus ensured, as traders can access their accounts at any point and on any type of device. This is a platform operating smoothly on a smartphone or tablet, just like it does on a PC or laptop. 

Coinrise Account Selection

Traders come to the market with different needs and to satisfy them all, Coinrise offers no less than 6 different account types. The Mini account is a low-cost solution available for a very small initial deposit. It comes with competitive commissions and raw spreads, and it is ideal for scalping or high volume trading. 

But even if at this point traders can trade at their will, things are taken even further when it comes to Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or VIP accounts. Coinrise unlocks a higher welcome bonus, 1-on-1 education courses, weekly managed sessions, trading alerts and other useful benefits. 

Coinrise Bottom Line

Only when they are fully equipped with the right tools, can traders get involved in the financial markets and use all the opportunities arising to their advantage. Coinrise turns out to be a provider where services are well-diversified across a wide range of markets and that transpires into more potential benefits for customers. 

Things are not overcomplicated with Coinrise, as traders can easily open an account, fund it, and then proceed by using the trading platform to look for trade setups. Those with little knowledge can use the educational resources associated with their account type.

World Trade Threatened by Unilateralism

By Dr. Dan Steinbock

Recently, the WTO celebrated the 20th anniversary of China’s entry into the global trading system. To overcome the threat of unilateralism, the WTO can no longer be an arm of the G7. It must become more inclusive and multilateral.

In the postwar era, the World Trade Organization (WTO) achieved significant reduction of trade barriers promoting trade expansion and facilitating trade frictions.

Yet, it has failed to negotiate a successful round of major trade liberalization since 1994. And it remains constrained by increasing polarization between developed and developing countries.

Until recently, rich economies fueled global economic prospects, which are today increasingly driven by large developing economies. A multipolar world economy needs a more inclusive, multilateral WTO.

From trade talks to WTO friction

Established in 1995, the 164-member international organization replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created in 1948. Today, the WTO’s mandate is to oversee global trade rules and resolve trade disputes.

The latest round of multilateral trade negotiations, the Doha Development Agenda, was launched in 2001 but it ended in stalemate. The talks have been complicated by persistent differences among the US, European Union (EU), and developing countries on key issues, such as agriculture, industrial tariffs and nontariff barriers, services, and trade remedies.

The timing is telling. The stalemate ensued with the rise of the large developing economies, which increasingly drive the global economy. While rich economies insist on their past privileges, poor economies demand a proportionate voice.

Moreover, the trade stance of the US, the architect of the GATT/WTO system, is changing. Unlike the previous US administrations, the Trump trade-war hawks believed the WTO did not add “value” to American economy. They favored bilateral pressure to multilateralism and international rules.

The Biden administration prefers to use multilateral rhetoric for unilateral trade primacy, but the net effect remains the same. Hence, world trade’s lingering stagnation.

Double standards in high-income West

When the key clause in China’s agreement to join the WTO expired on December 11, 2016, President Obama, the EU and Japan were supposed to grant China its market economy status (MES). They refused to do so. The Trump-Biden stance continues to build on that refusal.

When China joined the WTO, it was written into the agreement that member states could treat China as a “non-market economy.” Due to the size of the Chinese economy, government intervention, and state-owned enterprises, rich economies argued that Chinese domestic price comparisons must be ignored and “constructed values” should be used to gain a “true picture” of the Chinese economy.

In 2001, Chinese GDP was $1.3 trillion (12% of US GDP). Today, it is about $16.9 trillion (74% of US GDP), thanks to reforms and opening-up policies. Yet, China is still treated as it was two decades ago, as a pretext for heavy anti-dumping duties.

Imagine what would happen if these double-standards had been applied to rich economies when they were industrializing. In the 19th century America, tariffs were among the highest in the world, and infant-industry protection the norm. Washington saw US-based manufacturing critical to US sovereignty. In Western Europe, similar practices prevailed. And the same went for Japan at the turn of the 20th century.

The real litmus test of world trade

Had the WTO existed at the time and had these economies fully abided by its rules, Imperial Britain would have captured most markets in Europe and East Asia. Which is precisely why the US, Germany and France, Japan and other major economies resorted to tariffs and protection in the early stages of their industrialization.

If large emerging economies, led by China, and large developing economies, spearheaded by India, are subjected to the double standards of the high-income West, the net effect would devastate their markets and nascent industries. And it would undermine their catch-up growth, which is vital for rising living standards.

Furthermore, unlike the Western powers amid their industrialization, China has made vigorous efforts since 2001 to align itself with WTO rules, open its markets and abide by WTO rules, as vice-minister of commerce Wang Shouwen noted recently. Meanwhile, China’s overall tariff level has halved to 7.4 percent, which is lower than that of WTO’s developing members and close to that of its developed peers.

China is not the litmus test of the WTO or the world trade. Trade unilateralism is.

Risk of trade unilateralism

Recently, the WTO has been strained by US tariffs, counter-tariffs by other countries, and subsequent trade rows. Several WTO disputes are pending dispute settlement decisions. In one involving US tariffs on China, a panel ruled against the US.

Pursued in the name of national or economic security, unilateral tariffs could derail the credibility of the WTO and its principles fostering new trade restrictions.

The Trump administration amplified these pressures, when it blocked appointment of new jurists to the Appellate Body, which reviews appeals of dispute cases but hasn’t functioned since December 2019. While the EU and others have proposed reforms to address US concerns, thus far they have been rejected by the US.

The Biden administration has pledged to reengage in multilateral cooperation. Yet, it is reluctant to reset Trump’s trade policy. The possible return of Trump or like-minded unilateralists to the White House by 2024 would escalate the risks. Unilateralism is undermining the system.

Among WTO members, the US has been a complainant in the most dispute cases since the system was established in 1995. Typically, the two largest targets of complaints initiated by the US are China and the EU, which, combined, account for more than one-third. The perception is that trade disputes are exploited to foster ailing competitiveness (Figure).

Figure: WTO Disputes: US as Complainant

Figure 1
Source: WTO

Toward inclusive trade multilateralism

Since 2017, “my country first” doctrines have undermined world trade, investment and migration. and hence global economic recovery.

Relying on flawed economics, misguided nationalism and horrid xenophobia, such doctrines are the surest path to the kind of horrors that contributed to World War II.

In the early 21st century, when developing countries increasingly fuel global economic prospects, what the multipolar world economy needs is a WTO dedicated to inclusive multilateralism.

About the Author

Dr. Dan Steinbock

Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group. He has served at the India, China and America Institute (USA), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see https://www.differencegroup.net

The original version was published by Shanghai Daily on Nov 5, 2021, the opening day of the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the huge business event that complements the Guangzhou (Canton) Export Fair

Prime Minister Of South Asia’s Fastest Growing Economy Invites Sustainable And Green Investment

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has invited the UK’s private sector and capital markets to partner in long term sustainable development and green investment opportunities at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2021: Building Sustainable Growth Partnership

5th November 2021, London – Following the appearance of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, at the COP26 conference on Monday 1st November, Her Excellency yesterday discussed the remit of Bangladesh’s first green bond and invited UK investment into green and sustainable projects in South Asia’s fastest growing economy.

The Prime Minister’s speech was delivered at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2021: Building Sustainable Growth Partnership, held in London at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on Thursday 4th November 2021. UK investors were called upon to invest in a wide range of sectors including renewable energy, shipbuilding, automotive, light engineering, agro-processing, blue economy, tourism, knowledge based hi-tech industries, and ICT. 

The London Investment Summit is regarded as a key step in strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh and the UK. It was hosted by a high-level government delegation from Bangladesh alongside the Honourable Prime Minister, including the Chairmen of both the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, as well as the UK High Commissioner for Bangladesh. It was also attended by a range of senior representatives from the UK government – including Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister of State for Trade – as well as major corporates, banks and investment organisations. 

The event featured a presentation on the potential of trade and investment in Bangladesh, a panel discussion on investment for sustainable growth, as well as speeches by high-profile business leaders and parallel sessions.

Following the summit, Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities Exchange Commission, said: “Bangladesh has experienced extraordinary growth to become a Middle-Income nation, and is now South Asia’s fastest growing economy. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh is on target to achieve a GDP of USD 500bn by 2026, likely overtaking powerhouses including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. We’re thrilled that we have been able to demonstrate at the summit the promising opportunities and lucrative returns available for foreign investors in Bangladesh.”

Mohammad Sirazul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had from investors at this Bangladesh Investment Summit in London and we’re looking forward to hosting our next roadshow in Manchester. We seek diversification in our trade and investment, with a focus on green infrastructure and the blue economy. The UK is the perfect partner in this, with extensive experience in this area.” 

Saida Muna Tasneem, UK High Commissioner, said: “We’re very proud to be a partner for the Bangladesh Investment Summit. The UK and Bangladesh have a long history and operate in close partnership, with the UK currently Bangladesh’s third largest trading partner. This summit has enabled UK investors to see even more potential in Bangladesh, and we look forward to continuing to grow the partnership between our two nations.” 

Bangladesh is making leaps and bounds in addressing the challenge of being a climate-vulnerable country. In her COP26 address, the Prime Minister outlined the steps being taken including doubling climate-related expenses over the last seven years, investing in significant renewable energy programs, and cancelling plans for extensive coal-based power plants. The Prime Minister is one of the most vocal leaders internationally on tackling climate change and has been conferred the ‘SDG Progress Award’ by the UN-sponsored Sustainable Development Solutions Network for Bangladesh’s steady progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Can Water Fountains Enhance Your Business?

As business owners, we all want our business ventures to succeed and our customers to have satisfactory experiences throughout their time with us. Of course, it is our primary responsibility to give out premium and high-quality products and services, but we should also start giving attention to the place where they inquire for us – our main office.

A good office interior influences what our customers would think of us the moment they step right in and improve employees’ work quality. A welcoming and calming working environment would easily make our clients comfortable and can also boost our employees’ morale and desire to accomplish tasks. Placing a stone water fountain as a centerpiece in your entrance hall or a glass standing fountain in the corner of your office will give off a certain glimpse of elegance and will immediately make the entire area livelier.

Want to know what other advantages can water fountains offer in your business? Continue reading below.

The water features of a fountain can help invite positive “water-element aspects” in life

In business, nothing is more important than an overflowing amount of insight and wisdom, as well as a wide range of connections. Being a business owner, it is not new to you how crucial it is to constantly think of new ideas and ways of marketing and selling your product. And, all of these won’t mean anything if you don’t have people interested in your service, so maintaining a good social connection is also something we must not take for granted.

Water can have so much depth and stillness, like one of a lake, or it can also be in the form of flowing and changing water, like a river. The deep elements of water can symbolize knowledge, insight, and imagination, whereas the flowing part signifies people’s connections and how we engage with the external world. Having a water feature in your working environment can help improve these specific aspects.

Water fountains can secretly act as an Air Purifier

Yes, this is scientifically proven. A water fountain placed inside your office can significantly improve air quality indoors. When the weather falls during the cold season, the water fountain you have will operate as a humidifier, assisting in maintaining pleasant room moisture levels.

It is a known scientific fact that water fountains and other water features are natural air purifiers. They emit negatively charged ions, which collect and remove impurities, dust, and irritants from the office surroundings.

Help ease up tension around the office with water fountains

If your business has anything to do with healthcare, finance, and other fields that involve advice and other services that can entice tension, you might want to have a water fountain inside, as it has natural properties that naturally helps in making people and the overall ambiance of a place more comfortable and relaxing.

Waiting rooms and entrance hallways are frequently populated with stressed and anxious clients. The feeling of “waiting to be called” makes people anxious, especially if it involves their health or a crucial business offer meeting. Fountains provide a level of relaxation that other distractions such as newspapers, TVs, and elevator sounds do not.

There are still a lot of benefits water fountains give off, and if you’re asking us, “is it worth the purchase?”. Well, the reasons above are the signs you’ve been looking for. Take the purchase and place it in.

What is Fundamental Analysis in Investment?

Investments are a great way to save up for your future. Not only that, but it also ensures that the money that you currently have does not lose value over time due to inflation. But before you invest your money into anything, you need to be sure that it will make your investment worthwhile.

And that is why investment analysis is necessary to avoid making any blunders that you will regret. One of the best ways to calculate if an asset is a good investment is through fundamental analysis.

In this article, we will be discussing fundamental analysis and what pros and cons it offers. Let’s have a brief understanding of what FA is?

What Is Fundamental Analysis?

Fundamental analysis helps find the intrinsic value of an asset or a security. It includes methods through which they examine micro and macroeconomic factors.

Macro factors include the economic conditions and industry trends, whereas micro factors are the company’s financials. As a result,  analysts achieve a number which the investors can use to compare the current value of the assets or securities.

If the number is over the current value, it will soon lose worth due to overvaluation. However, if the number is below the current value, it will go up due to undervaluation. This method of analysis is different from technical analysis.

Difference between Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis

The two methods of analysis are in complete contrast with each other. The fundamental analysis finds the worth of the company through analyzing factors such as economic conditions and the company’s financial background.

On the other hand, technical analysis relies on predicting the prices of a security or asset through examining its historical market data. They study the charts and previous trends to calculate whether the value of a particular commodity would go up or down.

Breaking down Fundamental Analysis

The fundamental analysis revolves around three main components, which include industry, economy, and company analysis.

For economic analysis, you examine the current state of the economic conditions. If the economy is in the boom phase, it will positively impact the value of a certain asset, security, or commodity. If it is the vice versa, then it won’t be performing well in the future.

Apart from that, the other factor is the industry. If the industry is in decline, there is a huge chance that the value will go down. For instance, the paper industry is declining due to the widespread use of electronic systems in businesses.

In addition to that, the company’s performance is a factor that you also need to consider. By comparing their current financial with the previous years, you will have an idea about their performance.

If there is an upward trend in their profitability and liquidity, the value would likely increase and vice versa.

In addition to these, you can also check the following things that get a broader perspective about a company:

  • Leadership:Take a closer look at the company’s top leadership and the skills and capabilities. See the company’s progress in the recent years under their management.
  • Competition:Look at the financials of the big players and other firms in the market. Compare their performance with the company you are looking to invest in.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fundamental Analysis for Investments

Like other investing methods, the fundamental analysis also has some pros and cons.

The Advantages of Fundamental Analysis

The biggest advantage of fundamental financing is that it can help you evaluate the correct worth of an asset in the future. It is ideal for someone looking to invest in the long run. Instead of trading on it based on trends, you will be backing your investment by comprehensive analysis.

Therefore, it will yield good results for you in the future. It will help you make decisions that have the backing of financial data rather than just a personal opinion or volatile trends.

Moreover, you better understand the complexities and technicalities that can impact the value over time. As a result, you can determine whether you should be making an investment in that asset or not.

Furthermore, it is also helpful in preventing you from herding behaviour. Herding behaviour is when investors start panic selling or panic buying of a particular stock, commodity, or asset. Since you did your research by following the principles, you won’t have to worry much about it.

The Disadvantages of Fundamental Analysis

While fundamental analysis is a blessing for long-term investors, it is not that amusing for short-term investors. With fundamental analysis, you can get results in the long run. And that is why daily traders of securities or commodities don’t find benefit in it.

Investors trading daily will be better off with technical analysis. It can help them understand the day-to-day trends through which they can make quick investment decisions.

Also, unforeseen circumstances can complicate things for investors using fundamental analysis. Since they don’t take into account any sudden changes, it can disrupt their planning. Any negative political or economic change can cause a massive change in the value.

One of the examples of such change is the Covid-19 pandemic. It led to huge disruption throughout the world and had a significant impact on the investments of people.

Conclusion

Finding the right investment strategy is imperative to ensure it is fruitful in the future. And the best way to do that is through financial analysis. By simply looking at a few factors such as the economy, industry trends, and company ratios, you can make a wise decision.

Warren Buffet is a perfect example whose firm uses fundamental analysis to make investments. His quotes about value emphasize the need for fundamental analysis when it comes to investment.

You can use either one of the two approaches, which are the bottom-up approach or the top-up approach. In a macro approach, you consider the economic and global factors and then make your way down to the company’s finances. On the other hand, the micro-level is when you focus on the company’s finances first and then go up to the global and economic conditions.

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