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Potential Opportunities In Cosmetic Healthcare Highlighted Through SBC Medical’s Story

Benzinga

By Gerelyn Terzo, Benzinga Cosmetic healthcare is no longer reserved for Hollywood elites. Rising demand has increased access to aesthetic surgery, as technological advancements have paved the way for innovative financing options and less invasive procedures – placing it within the grasp of a wider swath of the population. Meanwhile, the market opportunity is growing and expected to increase, placing the advantage in the hands of companies that have already gained the trust of their consumers – brands like Japan’s SBC Medical Group Holdings (NASDAQ: SBC). According to Research and Markets, the global market for cosmetic surgery will grow by double digits in 2024 to reach a size of $53 billion. Furthermore, it will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% over 2024-2028 to culminate in a market size of $73.22 billion. In a recent report, McKinsey & Company predicted that the medical aesthetics sector, particularly in the United States and Canada, is here for the long haul and has demonstrated strong resilience in the face of changing economic cycles. The North American market growth is being fueled by demand for injectable procedures like Botox. According to the report, consumers continue to spend on cosmetic procedures, a heightened focus on cost-effective products and treatments notwithstanding. Demand is two-pronged, comprising a growing segment of the population who are most interested in the cosmetic benefits of self-care as well as those facing medical issues such as skin conditions in search of relief. Either way, the cosmetic healthcare industry seems poised for growth, and companies like SBC Medical Group are working hard to position themselves to continue to benefit from these macro trends. As a provider of comprehensive consulting and management services to medical corporations and their clinics, SBC Medical boasts the largest network of franchised clinics in Japan and a leading position in the aesthetic medical industry. The company’s revenue is growing as the number of clinics under its umbrella continues to expand. SBC Medical Group: A Case Study In Expansion In Aesthetics SBC Medical Group enjoys a dominant industry position in its home market of Japan, where it estimates it enjoys a 31% share of the market across hundreds of clinics. However, the company’s management team remains ambitious and has set its sights on expansion as SBC continues to take ground in cities like Irvine, CA and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Most recently, the company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("AHH"), a privately-held Singapore-based company that owns and operates several brands that provide aesthetic medical treatments, in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition by SBC of AHH marks the first step in the company’s strategy to grow its business through acquisitions, which includes plans to expand its business internationally with a primary focus on the U.S. and Asia markets. The company believes Singapore represents the ideal hub for the further development of its brand in the region. Furthermore, while the cosmetic surgery market is growing around the world, SBC Medical has managed to exceed the average growth rate. The company reports that its five-year revenue CAGR between 2018 and 2023 hovered at 24%, far outpacing the industry’s growth rate. SBC Medical attributes its growth largely to clinics that, under its leadership, are expanding their sales and customer base in Japan and beyond. The company benefits from a diversified revenue model in which it collects sales through different types of services, including management, procurement, rental and royalty income. While the market opportunity may already seem attractive, there may still be a growth story yet to unfold in the cosmetic healthcare market. For example, aesthetic medicine penetration among women up to their 30s in age is still increasing, fueled largely by demand for medical needs involving dermatology treatments. With total market penetration hovering at a modest 10%, as per estimates compiled by SBC, there is still plenty of room for further growth as the industry finds ways to reach middle-aged female and male patients whose ages range from 40 to 60. Cosmetic surgery among men has been growing as many search for cures like hair loss treatments and laser hair removal. To capture a potential windfall, SBC Medical is developing dermatology-focused services under its SBC brand and expanding laser hair removal to dermatology clinics via its Rise Clinics. While competition may be growing as more companies look to jump on the bandwagon, SBC Medical Group reports that it enjoys key advantages, not least its early-mover industry position. To maintain its lead, SBC is hyper-focused on growth, including expansions into adjacent medical fields such as treatments for fertility and hair loss, while it also looks to strike key business-to-business partnerships through which it can leverage complementary strengths. With an income statement comprising double-digit revenue growth, gross profit margin and operating profit margin, SBC Medical Group’s approach may already be paying off. Interested investors who are looking to add exposure to this market opportunity to their portfolios can learn more about SBC Medical’s stock on the company’s website sbc-holdings.com/en Featured photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Thanksgiving on Viberse: Real Thanks, Real Connections

Viberse

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and gratitude—what’s not to love? This year, Viberse, the social media app for connecting everyday people through real, everyday moments, invites you to spread the love. Show appreciation for the people and experiences that make life meaningful by sharing your thanks as “vibes” with others around the world. (Thanksgiving) Vibes Get creative with topics like “( ) Challenge” and “ThisIs ( ).” Post your moments of gratitude with “(GivingThanks) Challenge,” or show your favorite turkey recipes using “ThisIs (TurkeyDinner).” These “vibe” posts bring Vibers together, turning individual thanks into a global gratitude fest. Your Gratitude Goes Global On Viberse, gratitude travels far and wide. This Thanksgiving, join us in building a worldwide community of thankfulness. Share your thanks beyond your usual circles of family and friends, and discover heartwarming stories from Vibers across the globe. About Viberse Founded in 2024 in Singapore, Viberse Technology is creating a platform where users can explore the extraordinary within everyday life, share their experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. Viberse offers a more authentic way to socialize in the digital age. Contact Details Viberse Christine Lin christine.lin@viberse.com

November 27, 2024 11:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Linacre Investments Launches Offshore Feeder Funds in South Africa

Pinion Newswire

Linacre Investments has announced a major initiative to provide South African investors with unparalleled access to international investment opportunities. This strategic development, enabled through partnerships with prominent South African banks, includes the introduction of offshore feeder funds. These funds simplify the process of diversifying portfolios globally by eliminating the need for SARS tax clearance certificates. Introducing Asset Swap Capacity Central to this initiative is Linacre Investments’ new asset swap capacity, a sophisticated financial mechanism that enables South African investors to access offshore investments without using their personal discretionary allowances. Asset swap capacity allows investors to leverage Linacre’s institutional offshore allowances, overcoming regulatory barriers and streamlining access to global markets. Through this facility, clients transfer funds in ZAR to Linacre Investments, which then facilitates the conversion and allocation of these funds into international investments denominated in USD, EUR, or GBP. This process adheres strictly to South African Reserve Bank (SARB) regulations while significantly reducing administrative burdens for investors. Diversifying Beyond the Rand This initiative provides South African investors with a powerful tool to hedge against the volatility of the rand by holding funds in stable foreign currencies. The offshore feeder funds offer access to a range of opportunities, including capital-protected international bonds with attractive fixed returns. For those seeking higher growth, Linacre Investments also facilitates access to private equity opportunities, allowing clients to invest in companies with significant growth potential before they list on public markets. Addressing Growing Demand The launch of these offshore feeder funds is timely, addressing a surge in demand for global diversification amid South Africa’s economic and currency challenges. Linacre Investments asset swap facility provides a streamlined and compliant pathway for investors to safeguard and grow their wealth internationally. Strengthening Partnerships and Operations Linacre’s collaboration with leading South African banks ensures robust operational support for the feeder funds. These partnerships will enable the company to scale its services to accommodate increased demand while maintaining compliance with both local and international financial regulations. A Leader in Global Wealth Management This initiative cements Linacre Investments position as a leader in the global wealth management sector. By offering innovative solutions that reduce reliance on the volatile rand and unlock access to global markets, Linacre is helping clients within South Africa achieve financial security and growth. Contact Details Linacre Investments Ltd Mrs. Sarah Bramston (Public Relations Officer) +44 845 004 7888 media@linacreinvestments.com Company Website https://www.pawfury.com/

November 27, 2024 11:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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ABIR and EY Return as Headline Sponsors for 2025 Bermuda Risk Summit

Bermuda Business Development Agency

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) is pleased to announce that the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) and EY will return as headline sponsors for the 2025 Bermuda Risk Summit, marking their fourth consecutive year of support. The 2025 Bermuda Risk Summit will take place at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club from March 10–12, 2025. Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive agenda featuring a variety of engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and curated experiences throughout the event. Kendaree Burgess, Managing Director of the BDA, stated: "We greatly appreciate ABIR and EY's unwavering support over the past four years. Their partnership reinforces the Bermuda Risk Summit’s role in showcasing Bermuda as a leader in the global (re)insurance industry. As we approach the 2025 Summit, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience that fosters meaningful connections and insights at a crucial juncture in the industry's calendar." John Huff, President & CEO of ABIR, stated: "The Bermuda Risk Summit is a premier forum for the (re)insurance industry, fostering critical dialogue and collaboration among global leaders. ABIR and its member companies are honoured to support this pivotal event, which drives innovation and actionable solutions to address the global protection gap. We are keen to collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure the 2025 edition exceeds expectations." Craig Redcliffe, EY Bermuda Partner and Regional Insurance Leader at EY, added: "EY is thrilled to once again serve as Headline Sponsor of the Bermuda Risk Summit. We’ve seen the Summit evolve into a cornerstone event for the global (re)insurance community. The 2025 Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, showcase Bermuda’s competitive strengths, and continue shaping the future of the global risk industry. We look forward to teaming with the BDA and leveraging our global networks in support of this important event." The immediate economic impact of the 2024 Bermuda Risk Summit, which had over 450 attendees (40% from overseas), was estimated at $3.4 million. This impact encompassed spending on lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, and recreation, while supporting 432 jobs. Even more significant were the long-term economic benefits driven by additional visitors who travelled to Bermuda for business meetings during the week of the summit. This signature event continues to play a vital role in advancing the BDA’s broader strategy to strengthen Bermuda’s global presence, drive economic growth, and cultivate valuable relationships within the international business community. Registration is now open at a rate of $495 until February 28, 2025, after which a rate of $595 will apply from March 1 to 10. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please click here for more details and e-mail bermudarisk@bda.bm if you wish to participate. To secure accommodation at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, reserve your room online or contact 1-441-295-3000 or the Global Reservations Centre at 1-800-441-1414, using the booking code ‘Bermuda Risk Summit’ to access preferred rates. The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Contact Details Bermuda’s Business Development Agency (BDA) +1 441-707-0038 info@bda.bm Company Website https://bda.bm

November 26, 2024 03:36 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Global Trending Sensation Cutoshi Surpasses $1 Million Raised, With Over 3,200 Holders Now Token Farming On Its Platform

Cutoshi

The CUTO presale has become the top trending token presale on X (Twitter) and has been dubbed the fastest-growing presale of 2024. Within weeks, Cutoshi has raised over $1 million due to its rapidly evolving community, which is spreading like wildfire. Thousands of these community members have started farming and are earning CUTO for helping accelerate the project. Cutoshi: Start Your DeFi Journey With Good Luck Many Asian people keep Maneki-Neko, a cat figurine, in their homes to harness its lucky powers. According to Chinese mythology, the cat brings good fortune to its owners. Cutoshi has made this lucky cat its mascot and brought it to the blockchain to make its powers accessible to everyone by tokenizing it as its native token, CUTO. Cutoshi is a utility meme coin hybrid that combines the fun community of meme coins with the practicality of a utility token. Thus, it brings the best of both worlds to its community members. Users can access the Cutoshi Academy, token farming and NFTs in the vast ecosystem. Cutoshi also plans to open a CUTO-themed merch shop within this ecosystem. In the Cutoshi Academy, community members will have access to learning materials that explain the complex DeFi and Web3 concepts that help them adapt to the decentralized world. Thus, those new to crypto and decentralization can start their DeFi journey smoothly. The best part is that all the materials on the platform are free for everyone, leaving nobody = out of the evolving decentralized economy. If you are an early member and CUTO holder, you can win a limited edition Cutoshi NFT. These NFTs will have stunning CUTO-themed artwork and will provide owners with special and unique functionalities within the ecosystem. NFT holders will have access to advanced platform features and get rewards for their loyalty and participation. Cutoshi will mint NFTs and divide them into five classes according to functionality and rarity. Users will also be able to trade these NFTs with other community members and thus can collect as many as they wish and unlock many platform features. Users with these NFTs are also eligible for extra discounts on the merchandise shop. The Cutoshi shop will include various decorative and practical everyday-use items, including t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, coffee mugs, phone cases, etc., so members can show their devotion to the mission and represent the Cutoshi community. These merchandise allow people to keep the lucky cat’s spirit close to them and even give it to someone to spread its power to them. Easy Money With The Cutoshi Token Farming Cutoshi Token farming has been live for a few days and over 3,200 members have joined and are farming right now. The rules are simple: complete the quests and challenges on time and receive CUTO points. The quests are in three categories: one-time, daily and weekly. The quests, which include voting, reacting, following handles and quizzes, have been designed to boost the community's growth and drive the token value. Thus, the farming mechanism gives a new meaning to community-driven tokens since the members' participation directly affects the project and the token’s growth. The higher you rank, the more exciting the rewards get, so complete as many as possible to rise through the leaderboard and reach the top. After the presale, it will be harvesting time, where users can convert their acquired CUTO points to CUTO tokens and receive them in their linked wallets. Capture Massive Gains With The CUTO Presale Besides farming, you can get CUTO from the token presale and join the community. The presale has reached stage three, raising over $1 million. The current price is $0.0259 per CUTO, which will surge within a few days as stage three is almost over. The value will increase throughout the token presale and the early members will make the most of it as their capital compounds with the new stages. For more information on the Cutoshi (CUTO) Presale: https://cutoshi.com/ Join and become a community member: https://twitter.com/CutoshiToken https://t.me/cutoshi Welcome to Cutoshi, the revolutionary meme coin, DeFi hub and educational platform inspired by the Lucky Cat and Satoshi Nakamoto’s teachings. Traditionally, people put the Lucky Cat in their homes and businesses to maximize its lucky powers and bring them good fortune and wealth. Now Cutoshi the Lucky Cat is on the blockchain bringing luck, prosperity, and wealth to your digital assets. Cutoshi is creating a path to financial freedom, for those who choose to honor the power of the Lucky Cat. Supporting the principles of freedom, privacy, anonymity, and monetary empowerment for the masses. Cutoshi aims to bring the benefits of blockchain to everyone. The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Custoshi. Contact Details Cutoshi hello@cutoshi.com Company Website https://cutoshi.com/

November 26, 2024 01:58 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Blockrock's Bitcoin ETF Records Historic Day; Can Viral New Altcoin Also Gain Traction As It Adopts Satoshi's Bitcoin Principles

Cutoshi

On November 19, Blackrock launched its Bitcoin ETF. In just 24 hours, it reached a trading volume of $1.9 billion, sparking excitement throughout the market. With Bitcoin now closing in on $100,000, the altcoin market is building momentum, with projects like Solana reaching all-time highs over the last week. As prices snowball upwards, an innovative new altcoin called Cutoshi is gaining traction. Having recently passed the $1 million raised milestone, this viral altcoin has gained huge spectator attention and been praised for its use of Satoshi’s Bitcoin principles. Cantor Fitzgerald Plans To Launch A Bitcoin Lending Program Leading financial services company Cantor Fitzgerald has announced plans to create a $2 billion Bitcoin lending program. The program will be supported by Tether and will let investors borrow dollars against Bitcoin, blending traditional finance and DeFi. Meanwhile, Hong Kong digital bank ZA Bank has announced the release of cryptocurrency transactions for retail customers. This is the first Asia-based financial institution to offer cryptocurrency transactions, marking a pivotal moment in global cryptocurrency adoption. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $98,300.22 following a massive 46% monthly increase. During this rally, Bitcoin inflows have rocketed, with Coinmarketcap showing a daily trading volume of ​​$55.38 billion over the last 24 hours. Blackrock Bitcoin ETF Sees $1.9 Billion In 24-Hour Trading Volume The Blackrock Bitcoin ETF made global headlines over the last week after experiencing an unprecedented trading volume. In just 24 hours, trading volume reached $1.9 billion, pushing Bitcoin to new highs of $98,935.03. Known as the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF saw a massive 354,000 contract trade in 24 hours. According to Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF trading volume was "unprecedented for a first day.” Balchunas also stated that most transactions were call options, suggesting that investors anticipate additional price increases for Bitcoin and the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF. The Blackrock Bitcoin ETF marks a major milestone for the DeFi industry and could result in huge institutional investment in 2025. This could have a significant knock-on effect for the rest of the DeFi market, with the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF continuing to see huge inflows. Cutoshi Gains Momentum With Satoshi's Bitcoin Principles Cutoshi is an exciting new altcoin that’s gained significant traction during its presale. Having recently passed $1 million in raised funds, spectators are anticipating huge returns going into 2025. Cutoshi builds on Satoshi’s Bitcoin principles. It looks to combine outstanding utility with the hype of meme coins to empower investors and educate the next generation of DeFi enthusiasts. Using a Chinese Lucky cat theme, Cutoshi introduces a lucrative new decentralized exchange, educational tools, NFTs and a farming program that attracted over 1,300 users in just a few days. The Cutoshi exchange stands out due to its extremely low fees. Investors can make cross-chain transactions with fees of just 0.25%. 80% of these fees are given to liquidity providers and the remaining 20% are used for $CUTO buybacks, after which the tokens are burned. With great passive income options, an active DeFi community and a rapidly growing ecosystem, spectators are bullish about Cutoshi’s growth. $CUTO tokens can currently be purchased for just $0.0259, though with 76% of stage three already sold out, tokens will remain this low for long! For more information on the Cutoshi (CUTO) Presale: https://cutoshi.com/ Join and become a community member: https://twitter.com/CutoshiToken https://t.me/cutoshi Welcome to Cutoshi, the revolutionary meme coin, DeFi hub and educational platform inspired by the Lucky Cat and Satoshi Nakamoto’s teachings. Traditionally, people put the Lucky Cat in their homes and businesses to maximize its lucky powers and bring them good fortune and wealth. Now Cutoshi the Lucky Cat is on the blockchain bringing luck, prosperity, and wealth to your digital assets. Cutoshi is creating a path to financial freedom, for those who choose to honor the power of the Lucky Cat. Supporting the principles of freedom, privacy, anonymity, and monetary empowerment for the masses. Cutoshi aims to bring the benefits of blockchain to everyone. The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Custoshi. Contact Details Cutoshi hello@cutoshi.com Company Website https://cutoshi.com/

November 26, 2024 12:36 PM Central Standard Time

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The How And Why Of Trading Gold

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Interested in trading metal futures? Click here to check out Plus500! Gold has rallied significantly in 2024 thus far, as the macroeconomic backdrop and geopolitical landscape have compelled investors to seek safety in this asset class. Gold's primary value proposition is its ability to protect against inflation, be a source of diversification and buffer against uncertainty. Though inflation in many global economies has been greatly reduced, the demand for gold is still top of mind for many due to the fact that much uncertainty still remains in the broader socio-economic environment. While the investment themes of artificial intelligence and semiconductors have been prevalent for investors recently, this has also raised concerns among some around market concentration in big tech names. Given the low correlation of gold to other asset classes, exposure to this asset class could seem attractive at this point, given its diversification capabilities within a portfolio. There are also geopolitical development considerations, such as war, that have been supportive of assets such as gold. Gold's perceived safe-haven qualities may make it an ideal asset class to invest in regardless of the current economic cycle. Apart from being seen as a safe haven in uncertain times, gold also has industrial uses in electronic goods, which further diversifies its demand. The precious metal is usually priced in U.S. dollars. In the current environment, Goldman Sachs Research analyst Lina Thomas expects its price to rise to $3,000 per troy ounce by end-2025. Central Banks And Their Influence On Gold As mentioned previously, with inflation in many global economies coming down, central banks in these regions have begun to materially reduce interest rates. Most notably in September 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve made a 50-basis point cut, with the market anticipating further cuts in the future. Given that gold is a non-yielding asset, the reduction in interest rates will impact interest-bearing instruments adversely; as such, it’s possible investors may begin re-orienting their portfolio including toward gold, further driving price increases. While the change in interest rate may have a tangential impact on gold prices, the direct actions of central banks are also influencing gold prices. As noted in research by Goldman Sachs, the central banks of the U.S., France, Germany and Italy have gold holdings making up 70% of their reserves. However, since the freezing of Russian central bank assets in 2022, emerging market central banks' gold purchases have also risen in an effort to diversify their reserve holdings (i.e., de-dollarization). As noted in the report, China, for example, reports having just 5% of its reserves in the metal. With some central banks in emerging markets attempting to catch up to their counterparts in developed countries, the demand for gold by these institutions could be long-tenured. As such, some anticipate buying pressure that will keep prices high. Engaging In Gold Trading While some investors may choose to invest in physical gold, others may trade it, utilizing investment instruments such as futures, options, spot prices and/or exchange-traded funds to gain exposure to the asset class. Trading aims to generate sizable returns based on an opportunistic event or perceived mispricing of an asset that one can capitalize on. As such, it eschews the traditional buy-and-hold approach of investing, allowing investors to make advantageous long or short positions with the aim of generating a profit in a relatively short time frame. It is important to note, though, that due to the risks and volatility, one might end up losing their entire capital. Among the previously mentioned instruments, gold futures are a popular way to trade the asset. Gold futures are a legal contract between a buyer and seller to exchange and take delivery of a specific amount of gold at a predetermined price and date. One of the primary attractions of gold futures for traders is the ability to speculate on the price of gold. As a legal contract, it has an end date, however, traders normally do not take ownership of the gold, as the contract enables them to engage with price fluctuations before the contract's expiration date. Using futures allows traders to access the asset at a lower price, benefit from greater market liquidity (i.e. given that they trade on an exchange) and utilize leverage as a means of amplifying their returns. However, use of leverage comes with the potential of losses greater than one’s principal investment, should market movements go counter to one’s trade. Another way in which traders can gain exposure to gold is through options, the derivative instrument that provides the right – but not the obligation – to transact at a predetermined price. Gold options are options contracts that utilize either physical gold or gold futures as their underlying instrument. As such, call options on gold give the contract holder the right to buy the metal at a pre-set price before it expires, and put options provide the right to sell. Using options in trading gold allows traders to deploy smaller capital, but due to the nature of options contracts, they can still maintain exposure to a large quantity of the asset. By using less capital to achieve an outsized exposure to gold's price movements, options can lead to higher returns/losses on capital compared to a direct investment in gold. Spot gold purchasing and selling is also an option for traders, allowing them to trade the asset in the moment – no contracts involved. Doing this is relatively simple but does mean that traders are exposed to market fluctuations. Finally, exchange-traded funds offer another avenue for traders, enabling them to gain comprehensive or specific industry exposure to companies that are stakeholders in the gold value chain. Having such exposure in a turnkey manner does allow for greater ease in trading in or out of the industry, if a material event does occur. Why Consider Gold Now? There is much uncertainty within the global landscape at this juncture, as such, gold allows investors to mitigate their risk exposure. Given the asset class’s traditional use as a store of value, due to its finite nature, gold is broadly accepted as a means of transaction in the absence of traditional currency. Finally, as a means of diversifying one’s portfolio, gold is proven to be an additive and generally complementary component. How To Trade Gold With Plus500 Plus500 (OTC: PLSQF) is a multi-asset fintech group operating trading platforms globally. Established in 2008, the firm has grown its importance within the financial trading sector, being listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PLUS and included in the FTSE 250 Index. Given the firm’s global operations, it is regulated by several entities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) and others across Europe and Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. Regarding service offerings, Plus500 is expanding and currently offers three platforms: Plus500 Contract For Differences (CFD) with more than 2800 CFD instruments, Plus500 Invest with more than 2700 shares (available in certain countries) and Plus500 Futures, which is a futures platform available in the U.S. only. As a trading platform, Plus500 is designed to be straightforward and accessible for beginners while offering advanced features for experienced traders. Traders can start with as little as $100. Plus500 Futures (U.S.) offers a deposit bonus of up to $200. For traders interested in gold and other commodity CFDs, Plus 500 can provide up to 1:20 leverage on such transactions. Plus 500 also provides educational resources that can be utilized to upskill one’s trading ability, with ongoing 24/7 professional support as needed. Ready to begin your gold trading journey? Click here to check out the Plus500 platform! Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Featured photo by Zlaťáky.cz on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 26, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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The Downside Of Simulated Trading: Why Prop Trading Firms With Real Accounts May Be A Better Option

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Click here to check out BluSky’s prop trading platform, where you keep 90% of what you make! Simulated prop trading firms provide traders with access to the futures markets without the inherent risk. With no money on the line, clients of these firms don’t have to worry as much about a strategy going south. But that often means they don’t get the real experience and opportunities to make money that live trading affords them. It’s why BluSky Trading Company uses real Wall Street brokers and real money in its prop trading firm accounts. Without a doubt simulated trading or demo accounts serve a purpose in futures trading. They give investors a way to hone their skills and learn about the markets. Traders can test strategies, take risks and develop positions they can eventually bring into the real world. However, simulated trading carries its own set of downsides. The Downside Of Simulated Trading The way BluSky sees it, simulated trading can cause more harm than good. For starters, it can give traders a false sense of confidence as emotions are taken out of the equation. Money isn’t involved with virtual trading. If the trade doesn’t pan out, the trader doesn’t have to worry about losing cash. Sure, they put in the time and effort, but their money is still intact. As a result, it may not trigger common emotions like fear, dread and greed. In the real world, a big loss may manifest, and if a trader doesn’t know how to react, it can lead to poor decision-making. Then there’s the potential for overconfidence. It’s easy to take risks when you aren’t trading your own money. However, what happens on a simulated trading platform may be very different from what happens in the real world. Limited access is another common complaint about some virtual trading platforms. They provide delayed market data and limited asset classes to invest in. That makes it harder to learn and execute complex trading strategies. Simulated Trading Payout Problems Ultimately, simulated trading platforms can sometimes actually prevent traders from reaching their full potential, which is why BluSky Trading Company offers real money accounts to trade with. That’s not true of simulated trading firms, which don’t have real brokers and have to pay out of pocket which can take weeks. If cash in the coffers suffers, so do the payouts. That has led to some instances in which virtual trading firms delayed or denied payments without a clear explanation, reports BluSky. It has also resulted in the shutdown of some prop trading firms, including Fast Track Trading, which closed six months after launching. Fast Track Trading had very competitive pricing, which lured traders to its platform but ultimately did the prop trading firm in. Fast Track Trading’s demise underscores the need for traders to conduct due diligence before joining a prop trading firm. It’s important to choose an established firm that has a good reputation in the market and is transparent about its fees and payout rules. It’s something BluSky prides itself on. It knows its reputation is everything and goes to great lengths to be completely transparent with traders and offer them what BluSky says is top-notch support. In general, prop firms with real money have stricter and more transparent evaluation rules than simulated trading accounts. To get started trading a real brokerage account with BluSky, click here. When Traders Do Good, Everybody Wins BluSky is looking for experienced futures traders and doesn’t make it cumbersome for them to trade for the firm. To access a funded account, traders sign up and trade the evaluation simulator for at least eight days. If the trader doesn't break any rules and meets his or her profit goal they move on to a funded account. They don’t have to trade for weeks or months with a simulated account to prove their mettle. BluSky is also willing to invest in their success. After all, the better the trader does, the better BluSky fares. Its entire business model is focused on retaining successful traders, which is why traders keep 90% of their profits. BluSky doesn’t have any payout rules either. With BluSky, traders can take all the payouts they want; they just have to maintain the minimum balance in the account. Educating traders on an ongoing basis is also part of BluSky’s business model. It gives them the tools to succeed, including free coaching. Trading is hard, but better education can make things easier. With BluSky’s free one-on-one coaching traders can brainstorm ideas and get tips to become better traders. Prop trading with a real brokerage account brings transparency to the industry and empowers traders to make money they can access when they want it. It’s proving to be a successful business model for many and a differentiator in an industry in need of some assurances. To learn more about how to trade with BluSky’s real brokerage accounts, click here. Try prop trading with BluSky’s real brokerage accounts — get 30% off your first evaluation using code ‘BENZINGA’ on its website. Featured photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 26, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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How Halcium Energy Is Helping Rewrite The Urban Renewable Energy Narrative Through Innovation Combining Solar And Wind Energy

Benzinga

By Joshua Enomoto, Benzinga Click here to check out Halcium Energy’s WeFunder page and be a part of their growth story! Disruption in the contemporary sense often entails an antagonistic concept: displacing a traditional paradigm for a newer one. While the solution may be superior, the imposition of broad social change can often spark vigorous debate. Fortunately, change can also be harmonious and integrative, which is the strategy adopted by renewable energy specialist Halcium Energy. A privately held startup enterprise, Halcium is making a place for itself in the green revolution. Offering a compact wind turbine system with an enclosed chassis, the omnidirectional PowerShell is designed to complement existing green energy infrastructures in urban areas. Since major cities already command high premiums related to available real estate, PowerShell’s integrative profile could slot in organically. Fundamentally, Halcium’s innovative wind system can operate during periods when solar panels are less effective, such as during overcast days. Furthermore, its smaller stature can allow for installation in multiple, unintrusive locations, thus blending into the metropolitan background. Thanks to this positive and accretive disruption, Halcium has garnered interest in its WeFunder campaign, which has already hit its first goal. This could be a pivotal opportunity for interested investors to participate on the ground floor of an enterprise working hard to accelerate the renewable energy narrative. Contemporary Challenges In The Current Green Energy Paradigm According to recent research by Prophecy Market Insights, the distributed energy generation market — which includes solar photovoltaic and wind turbine systems, among others — will likely reach a valuation of $403 billion by the end of this year. By 2034, the sector could skyrocket to over $1.41 trillion. If so, such expansion would represent a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%. Despite the promising backdrop, the renewable component of the broader distributed energy market features significant challenges. It’s true that both solar and wind solutions have increased in proliferation and overall popularity. Nevertheless, certain obstacles exist that have hindered the push for green energy integration. For solar energy systems, the challenges are as follows: Intermittency: Discounting the rare example of polar day cycles — the so-called midnight sun — solar panels only have a certain portion of a 24-hour cycle where they can gather energy and be effective. Weather dependency: Even during the day, solar panels are not guaranteed to work 100% effectively due to weather conditions like overcast conditions or rain. Seasonal variability: Shorter days during the winter, along with lower solar angles, may reduce solar output. Urban shadows: A less-discussed but still pertinent issue is the concept of urban shadows, which can negatively impact solar panel performance. Traditional wind turbines can pick up the slack when solar panels are less efficient. For example, wind energy production often peaks during the winter months. Still, such systems have their own drawbacks: Spacing constraints: Traditional turbines – known as horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) due to their blades spinning on a horizontal axis – require a tremendous amount of real estate, something that many metropolitan areas can’t provide. Noise: Generally speaking, wind turbines produce little noise relative to their size. However, decibels are logarithmic, meaning that placing turbines close to urban areas can be disturbing. Ecological disruption: Since turbines feature external propellers, they can harm wildlife. Such disruptions can negatively alter the broader ecology, raising significant social and political debate. Safety: While modern HAWTs feature extensive safety features, severe weather or unforeseen structural defects can cause propellers to break off, leading to risks of harm in urban environments. To be clear, this is not to say that green energy solutions are ineffective. Rather, it’s evident that there are areas for accretive improvement, which is where Halcium enters the fray. Harmonious Integration Sets Halcium Apart As previously stated, Halcium is not in the business to outright replace other green energy systems. Rather, it seeks to plug gaps that neither wind nor solar can fully address in metropolitan areas. For instance, Halcium’s enclosed vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) system can bolster energy production during the winter, precisely when solar panels are less effective. Below are specific ways that Halcium can provide the rising tide to lift all boats: Omnidirectional: Unlike traditional HAWT systems, Halcium’s PowerShell has no centralized “face,” enabling it to capture wind energy in any direction. Plus, it’s always on, enabling it to harvest energy in certain situations where solar is less effective, such as stormy summer days. Aesthetic integration: Because of the PowerShell’s vertical orientation, it can organically integrate into the urban landscape. Furthermore, the enclosed shell structure emits less noise, making it more appropriate for urban deployment. Compact: Because of its much smaller size relative to traditional wind turbines, PowerShell can be placed in a wide variety of settings. Rooftop integration could be an option, allowing for an out-of-sight, out-of-mind profile. Secure: With the smaller size and enclosed chassis comes the inherent safety profile. Nearby residents don’t have to worry about propellers breaking off. Importantly, Halcium’s PowerShell is ecologically friendly, eliminating harm to wildlife. Maintenance: Another key benefit of Halcium’s innovation is its simplified maintenance. Since the PowerShell can sit close to the ground, it’s much easier to perform maintenance and repairs. Ultimately, Halcium is positioning itself to attempt to capture a significant portion of the distributed energy market, and it may even make the market bigger. In other words, this could potentially be a positive sum game. Expanding Urban Sustainability Through Collaborative Innovation Halcium Energy seeks to rewrite the narrative on renewable energy disruption, presenting a model of collaboration and integration rather than displacement. The PowerShell solution doesn’t aim to replace solar or traditional wind systems; instead, it fills the gaps left by both, particularly in urban areas where energy needs are complex. By seamlessly operating in conditions where solar panels can falter – overcast days, stormy weather or during winter months – Halcium provides an essential boost to urban renewable portfolios. For interested investors, this moment may represent a rare opportunity to support a privately held startup with transformative potential. Through its WeFunder campaign, Halcium invites investors to participate in this innovative journey. With its compact, safe and aesthetically integrated wind solution, Halcium believes it is poised to redefine what urban energy resilience looks like while complementing existing infrastructure. Those interested in accelerating the renewable energy narrative should consider joining this groundbreaking effort. Featured photo by Pixabay on Pexels. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 26, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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