Cross-Platform Development vs. Native iOS Development: Pros and Cons

In custom mobile applications development, most business organizations are stuck in front of a crucial decision-making process between cross-platform and native iOS development. Each of the two has its specific strengths and weaknesses, and the above factors, such as performance, cost, and time to market, are not spared. To guide you on the right decision, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cross-Platform Development

Pros:

Cost-Effectiveness: Among the critical benefits of cross-platform custom mobile app development, is possible to highlight the fact that it is less costly. This integration alone can save a lot of costs that are usually incurred in the development of both iOS and Android applications. When it comes to calculating the cost of designing an app, cross-platform development usually comes into mind as the cheaper solution.

Faster Time to Market: The outcomes of this analysis indicate that a unified codebase speeds development and deployment. This allows businesses to convey their messages to the target audience using the identified platforms simultaneously, thereby giving them a competitive edge.

Easier Maintenance: Updating and managing a single codebase requires less effort than managing multiple codebases from different native languages. This process keeps the different platforms standardized so they are uniform in look and feel, and errors are limited.

Wider Reach: Cross-platform apps allow businesses to reach more people as the application can be developed on different operating systems, bettering the user experience and increasing the potential for profit.

Cons:

Performance Limitations: Developing cross-platform apps may not be as efficient and effective as developing apps that are native to the platform being used, especially for graphically intensive and computationally demanding apps. Such performance problems may negatively affect the perceived usability of the end users.

Limited Access to Native Features: Although frameworks that allow for creating applications for both platforms simultaneously, such as React Native and Flutter, help overcome this issue, developers can still be somewhat behind in using iOS’s (new) APIs.

User Experience: Unfortunately, when it comes to creating cross-platform apps, the idea of a perfect user experience is usually far from ideal. Most apps fail to meet the expectations of both iOS and Android users, not even coming close to the guidelines laid down for both platforms. This can result in the development of an app that is not very user-friendly and engaging.

Native iOS Development

Pros:

Optimal Performance: The native iOS application uses Swift or Objective-C and is developed specifically for the iOS system. This helps achieve high performance, which is always associated with responsiveness and reliability when it comes to delivering quality experiences to end users.

Full Access to iOS Features: Native development is beneficial in that it gives the developer full control of the application and its features. It also supports newer versions of iOS and its APIs, enabling the integration of new specialized features into your app and enhancing the overall user experience.

Enhanced User Experience: Native iOS apps can follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines almost to the letter and, therefore, provide users with a familiar and easy-to-use UI. This alignment can sometimes lead to higher user satisfaction and participation.

Better Integration: The main advantage of native apps is that they are optimized to use the system’s resources. This means that accessing resources like cameras, GPS, or push notifications will be more effective.

Cons:

Higher Development Costs: The contradiction in the native mode of development leads to the creation of an individual code base for the iOS and Android platforms, which in turn costs more to develop. That is why, when answering the question ‘How much does it cost to design an app?’, one should note that native development is usually more costly.

Longer Development Time: As mentioned earlier, creating, as well as maintaining, a different app for every platform takes a lot of time which results in a longer time to market.

Maintenance Complexity: Coping with several sources of code might be rather challenging and time-consuming; thus, it is crucial to develop a separate team for each platform.

Conclusion

The decision to choose cross-platform application development or native iOS development depends on some factors, such as how much it costs to design an app, time, and specific requirements of the project. Developing applications for more than one operating system is cheaper and faster than the development of an application for a single operating system, and specifically for iOS applications, the performance is better, the usage experience is more enhanced, and the ability to access new features is more enhanced. Companies must analyze their goals and limitations to determine which of the approaches would be most effective for the development of their custom mobile applications.

Understanding Macro Interest & Open Interest

Introduction

Two important metrics in investing and trading are macro interest and open interest. While both have different applicability, understanding them is crucial for market participants. This blog will explore macro interest and open interest, how they impact trading, and why they are important.

What is Open Interest?

Open interest is a key metric in options and futures trading, showing the total number of outstanding contracts. When you look at an option or futures quote, you’ll often see open interest displayed alongside the current price and volume.

Volume indicates the number of contracts traded during a specific period. Open interest, however, shows the total number of open contracts, providing a clearer picture of market activity.

A change in open interest occurs when new traders enter the market. It doesn’t represent the sum of all transactions by each buyer and seller; instead, it reflects the total number of contracts.

Open interest can predict the level of market activity but cannot predict price movements. High open interest shows significant market participation, while low open interest indicates fewer open positions.

Importance of Open Interest

Open interest is crucial for options traders because it provides insights into market liquidity. High open interest means many unfilled contracts, suggesting active market participation. Conversely, low open interest indicates fewer active trades.

Increasing open interest signals new money entering the market while declining open interest suggests money is leaving. This information helps traders understand market dynamics and can be a top trading strategy.

What is Macro Interest?

Macro interest refers to the interest rate set by a nation’s central bank, which influences the rates domestic banks charge to borrow funds. Central banks adjust these rates to manage the country’s money supply in response to economic changes.

Key factors affecting macro interest include the supply and demand for credit and inflation. Higher demand for credit increases interest rates, while higher supply lowers them.

Inflation also plays a role; as inflation rises, interest rates typically increase because lenders need higher rates to match the decrease in the purchasing power of future payments.

Importance of Macro Interest

Macro interest is crucial in market analysis as it directly affects economic conditions and financial markets. Central bank interest rate adjustments influence borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which impacts investment and spending. Higher interest rates can lead to reduced spending and lower stock prices, while lower rates typically stimulate economic activity and boost stock markets.

Additionally, interest rates affect bond yields and currency values, with higher rates attracting foreign investment and strengthening the currency.

Difference between Macro Interest & Open Interest in Options Trading

 

Aspect Macro Interest Open Interest
Influence on Markets Affects overall economic conditions, influencing stock prices, bond yields, and currency values. Influences market activity in specific options and futures contracts.
Key Factors Central bank policies, inflation rates, GDP growth, unemployment rates. Number of active contracts, trading volume, and changes in open interest levels.
Impact on Trading Determines borrowing costs, investment returns, and overall market liquidity. Indicates market interest and potential price movements in specific options.
Scope Broad economic environment, affecting all asset classes. Specific to futures and options markets.
Usage by Traders Long-term economic analysis and strategic investment decisions. Gauge market sentiment and liquidity for short-term strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding open interest and macro interest is essential for informed trading decisions. These metrics provide insights into market activity and economic conditions, aiding traders in navigating financial markets effectively. If you wish to learn more about various trading strategies, enrol in Upsuge.club’s courses such as scalping trading course.

How to Finance Your Dream Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

The procedure of planning a dream wedding is always fun programming, but it is frequently connected to a considerable cost. Venue booking, catering, attire, and decoration are the main expenses that can make a couple feel very anxious about their finances, and they will be overwhelmed by all these. Nevertheless, couples can successfully plan their wedding and only spend a little money if they are careful and use financial tools such as instant personal loan and personal loans. They can help the couples to plan their wedding events without any stress or financial burden.

  1. Establish a Realistic Budget:

The first empowering step in financing your dream wedding is to establish a realistic budget. Take control of your savings, income, and any financial gifts from your family. Allocate your budget to each aspect of the wedding, prioritizing the essentials and setting aside a cushion for unexpected expenses. This sense of control over your finances will help you feel confident and prepared.

  1. Research Cost-Saving Options:

Discovering cost-saving options can provide a sense of relief and reassurance, knowing that you’re actively working towards your dream wedding without overspending. Explore alternative venues like public parks or community halls, which can be more budget-friendly. Opt for seasonal flowers and homemade décor to cut down on floral and décor expenses. Consider a season or weekend wedding date to reduce venue and vendor costs. These steps can help alleviate any financial anxiety.

  1. Utilize Instant Personal Loans for Immediate Needs:

When time is of the essence, instant personal loan can be a secure and stress-free solution to meet your immediate wedding needs. Whether it’s securing a venue or booking agents, the fast approval and disbursal of these loans can provide a sense of security, ensuring you have the funds you need when you need them. However, it’s important to borrow responsibly and only what you can comfortably repay within the loan term, maintaining your financial security.

  1. Consider Personal Loans for Long-Term Financing:

Personal loans can be a useful tool for managing smaller wedding expenses or consolidating existing debts. They offer low interest rates and manageable monthly payments, allowing you to spread the cost of your dream wedding over time. However, it’s crucial to borrow responsibly and only take on what you can comfortably repay within the loan term. Be sure to compare lenders and choose one that aligns with your financial goals.

Conclusion:

Planning a wedding that is perfect but also limited to a tight budget is possible if one manages the finances well and gets creative. With the generation of a realistic budget, the assessment of the money-saving ways, and the use of financial tools like instant personal loans and personal loan, couples can arrange their wedding without wasting a penny. Being creative and flexible, and with the help of the people they love, couples can turn their wedding dreams into a beautiful reality, and at the same time, they will be within their budget.

What should you know about Nifty Midcap, S&P BSE Small Cap Indices?

The stock market can be a scary place even for the experienced, but it is especially intimidating for those who are just getting started. Nevertheless, it is important to know the components of the indices to make informed investment decisions. In India, two very important indices are the Nifty Midcap and the S&P BSE Small Cap. This type of indices follows the performance of mid-cap and small-cap companies respectively, and can be used by investors to diversify their portfolios.

  • Understanding Nifty Midcap and S&P BSE Small Cap Indices:

The Nifty Midcap index consists of 150 companies that rank after the top 100 companies in terms of market capitalization. These companies are typically well-established and have the growth potential. On the other hand, the S&P BSE Small Cap index comprises companies that rank below the Nifty Midcap index in terms of market capitalization.

  • Risk and Return Potential:

Along with the other benefits of investing in the Nifty Midcap and S&P BSE Small Cap indices, you have an opportunity of getting a better return on your investment. Mid-tier and small-tier companies usually have more chances to blossom than the big-tier ones, which are generally in the early stage of their business life cycle. Even though these indices are more volatile since small companies are more likely to be affected by market changes, thus, it is still worth considering as they are one of the good sources of diversification.

  • Diversification Benefits:

The allocation of funds to the Indices Nifty Midcap and S&P BSE Small Cap can aid investors to diversify their portfolios and hence, reduce the risk of their portfolios. Indices are the means through which investors can diversify their portfolios by getting access to different sectors or industries, thus minimizing the probability of extreme exposure to a single company or a sector. Also, their performance in most cases does not follow the same pattern as that of the large-caps indices, thus a great opportunity to a portfolio balance.

  • Investment Strategies:

Investors can either use the Nifty Midcap and S&P BSE Small Cap indices as a tool by using different investment tools such as mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stocks. It is important to do detailed research and seek professional advice to identify the most suitable investment strategy which is in sync with each investor’s risk appetite and investment goals.

  • Liquidity Considerations:

Although mid and small-cap companies give investment opportunity in terms of growth, liquidity is also a factor which should be considered in investing in these indices. Lower trading volumes are a common challenge for small companies and sometimes this may be a problem if one wants to buy or sell shares at the price they want. It is vital to conduct thorough research before the decision to invest in any liquidity of individual stocks or investment vehicles.

Conclusion:

Nifty Midcap and S&P BSE Smallcap indices are the instruments that help investors add diversification to their investment portfolios and consequently get higher returns. However, one should not ignore the risks of this investment therefore, it is necessary to decide to invest after thorough research. Such composite indices are in a diversified portfolio, and by getting professional guidance, stock market investors can boost their confidence and perhaps reach their financial goals.

Customer Centricity: Importance, Challenges and Benefits

In today’s highly competitive business world, Customer-centricity is essential for success. It means prioritizing the customer in all decisions and strategies, going beyond just product offerings. Prioritizing the customer leads to lasting success. Understanding customer needs creates meaningful experiences, promotes loyalty, and drives advocacy. Customer-centricity has become widely popular, especially in digital marketing transformation, customer experience management, and customer-oriented business approaches. Customer-centricity is crucial for business success. It means placing the customer at the center of all strategies and decisions. However, there is confusion about its true meaning, which essentially involves prioritizing the customer in all aspects of the business.

What is customer-centricity

Being customer-centric means focusing on more than just existing customers. It includes those who might become buyers, other stakeholders, and your customers’ customers. The idea is to really care about the experience of the business world. Satisfied customers can become brand identity and influence others. So, being customer-centric is about making sure everyone connected to your business has a positive and satisfying experience.

Understanding Customer Centricity

Customer-centricity means centering all business decisions around the customer. It involves creating customer value, prioritizing their needs, and delivering exceptional experiences. It goes beyond simply focusing on customers, recognizing them as individuals with unique preferences and expectations. Customer-centricity involves customers’ situations, perceptions, and expectations. It means understanding their wants, needs, and communication preferences, leading to satisfying products, services, and experiences. Prioritizing the customer helps build lasting relationships and a competitive advantage.

Importance of Customer Centricity for Brands and Businesses

Putting customers first is more than just a different idea; it is a crucial strategy for all organizations. Having satisfied customers is like fuel for a company’s success. Customer-centric brands provide easy and effective interactions and offer personalized deals and effective communication. If a company does not connect with customers and understand their needs, it can make them unhappy and lose their loyalty. Research shows that more than one bad customer experience can make about one-third of customers leave a brand they once loved. Positive experiences, on the other hand, create a sense of value, efficiency, and a human touch, which are essential for maintaining customer loyalty.

Challenges in customer-centricity include:

  • Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Changing the organization’s mindset and values to prioritize the customer in all aspects of decision-making can be challenging.
  • Technology and Tools: Using the necessary technology and tools to support customer-centric initiatives can be costly and require expertise.
  • Resistance to Change: Employees and stakeholders may resist the changes necessary to become customer-centric, causing problems inside the organization.
  • Understanding Diverse Customer Needs: Different customer segments may have unique needs and preferences, making it challenging to meet with everyone’s needs effectively.
  • Competing Priorities: Other business priorities may divert attention and resources away from customer-centric efforts.
  • Employee Engagement: Making sure that employees are fully engaged in their work and are determined to give customers great experiences can be a constant challenge.

The Pillars of Customer-Centricity

1. Customer-centricity involves several key components:

  • Seamless Customer Experience: In today’s world, when customers interact with a company, they want everything to be easy and smooth. It’s important for businesses to make sure that all their different parts work together well. This way, customers have a nice and consistent experience, no matter how they connect with the company.
  • Empathy and Human Touch: Customers value human touch in interactions. When employees are kind and understanding, it helps create trust and loyalty with customers.
  • Relevant Content Marketing: Customers want straightforward communication and relevant content. It’s really important to adjust how we advertise to match customers’ needs and desires.
  • Prioritization and Responsibility: Being customer-centric requires someone in the organization to be responsible for driving the customer-centric culture, measuring its effectiveness, and setting clear goals.

2. Becoming Customer-Centric: A Mission, Not a Concept

To become truly customer-centric, organizations must treat it as a mission, not just a trend. It requires clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction and loyalty. Leadership plays a vital role in driving customer-centric initiatives.

3. The Role of Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Customer-centricity involves understanding customer lifetime value (CLV) to measure the long-term profitability of customers. Prioritizing high CLV customers helps businesses optimize value creation and develop strategies to attract and retain valuable customers.

4. Customer-Centricity in the Digital Age

With the rise of the internet,  social media, and digital channels, customers have more power and control. Organizations must adapt to meet customer expectations and deliver exceptional experiences.

Benefits of Customer-Centricity

  • Improved Customer Loyalty: Satisfied customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand and become brand advocates, driving referrals and new business.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: A customer-centric approach ensures a seamless, personalized, and satisfying customer journey, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
  • Higher Customer Lifetime Value: Focusing on high customer lifetime value (CLV), customers can maximize long-term revenue and profitability.
  • Optimal Resource Allocation: Prioritizing efforts on valuable customers allows organizations to allocate resources efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, Customer-centricity is vital for business success in today’s competitive world. It means prioritizing the customer, delivering exceptional experiences, and promoting loyalty. This approach goes beyond existing customers to include prospective buyers and stakeholders. Embrace it by building a customer-centric culture, leveraging data, and capturing feedback. The benefits include improved loyalty and experiences, optimal resource allocation, and growth. In the digital age, it’s even more critical as customers wield more power through digital channels. Ultimately, making the customer the center of your business drives lasting success.

How to Choose a User-Friendly Trading Platform for Beginners?

Beginners in stock markets require a user-friendly trading platform that is easy to use and offers quicker execution as well as the security of financial data.

There are a lot of web trading platforms available in the markets by various brokers, which makes it confusing for new traders to make a decision.

In this article, we will go through crucial factors that can help you to choose a user-friendly trading platform.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trading Platform for Beginners

It has been observed that at times individuals select the web trading platform just because it is being used by their friends and relatives. This is not an ideal approach.

First, you need to understand your requirements. Consider the features that you need in the trading platform. This majorly depends on your trading objective, preferred securities, etc.

Every trader has different goals and objectives. Therefore, a proper analysis of this needs to be done. Do not copy others. Select a platform as per your needs.

1. Ease to Use

When you are looking for a user-friendly platform, ease of use becomes a necessity.  You should be able to place and monitor your trades and portfolio easily on the platform.

For this, you need to check the icons, settings, operating interface, etc. before selecting. They shall be easy to use and operate.

2. Research Tools and Resources

Research is very necessary before trading. Through proper research, you can make the correct trading decision. The research tools can help you understand the trend, pattern, industry analysis, etc.

An efficient trading platform will offer you research tools and resources to help you make informed trading decisions. This includes but is not limited to, stock screeners and watchlists, tools for technical and fundamental analysis, charts and indicators, educational resources, and more.

3. Security and Reliability

Security and reliability matter a lot when you open trading account online in India. See that the platform or the share market app provided by the broker has encryption, two-factor authentication, and other important security features.

Ensure that the app is stable. Also, assess if the broker has been registered with SEBI or not. Always prefer to select a platform that is registered with SEBI.

4. Demo Account

As a beginner, you don’t have enough knowledge about markets. It takes time to understand the market.

So, it’s advisable that you take a demo trade before starting actual trading and investing.

Certain brokers do offer you a demo account. With this demo account, you can explore the platform and its tools without risking your real money.

5. Customer Support

Good customer support is very much needed for a beginner in stock markets. As a beginner you may have a lot of queries like how to place an order, accessing reports etc. At such times customer support can help you.

Ensure that the platform offers multiple customer support channels like email, phone, and chat.

Conclusion

If you are new to trading and planning to open trading account online then this article would be very useful to you. While choosing a user-friendly platform, ensure that the platform has a simple and easy-to-use interface and has efficient customer support. Moreover, it should offer research tools. If you are looking for such trading platforms, Dhan can be an option.

Dhan is one of the most popular share market apps and platforms in India. It offers unique features like real-time market data, reports, live market scanners etc. In addition to this, you can also create multiple watchlists and activate price alerts for stocks in the Dhan app, which helps you with your trading journey.

Introduction to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) for Beginners

What is an ETF?

An ETF is an investment fund that combines the diversification benefits of mutual funds with the ease of trading stocks. It tracks the performance of a specific index or sector and allows investors to buy and sell shares on stock exchanges. ETFs offer lower fees and increased liquidity compared to traditional funds. Consider factors like fees, liquidity, and portfolio fit when evaluating ETFs.

An ETF is a pooled investment security that functions similarly to a mutual fund. It tracks an index, sector, commodity, or other assets and can be bought and sold on a stock exchange like a stock. It can track various types of assets, from individual commodities to diverse securities or specific investment strategies.

How ETF works

ETFs work by pooling various assets into a basket, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies. The ETF provider creates shares in the fund and offers them to investors. Investors can buy and sell these shares on an exchange, similar to trading stocks. The value of the ETF shares is determined by the performance of the underlying assets it tracks. Buyers and sellers can trade ETF shares on the exchange throughout the trading day.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) come in various types, each designed to serve different investment strategies or objectives. Some common types of ETFs are given below:

  • Equity ETFs: Equity ETFs primarily invest in stocks and aim to replicate the performance of specific sectors or industries, such as technology or healthcare, without mentioning any particular stock index.
  • Bond ETFs: Bond ETFs allocate their investments to fixed-income securities like government, corporate, or municipal bonds. They provide exposure to the bond market, and their holdings typically correspond to an underlying bond index or a specific bond market segment.
  • Commodity ETFs: These ETFs track the performance of commodities such as gold, silver, oil, natural gas, or agricultural products. They can hold physical commodities or invest in futures contracts and other derivative instruments to gain exposure to the commodity prices.
  • Sector ETFs: Sector ETFs focus on specific industry sectors, such as technology, financial services, healthcare, or energy. They offer investors a way to target sectors they believe will outperform the broader market.
  • International ETFs: International ETFs enable investors to diversify their portfolios globally by offering exposure to foreign markets. They can cover broad global indices or focus on specific regions or countries.
  • Currency ETFs: Currency ETFs track the performance of foreign currencies relative to the base currency, typically the U.S. dollar. Investors use these ETFs to gain exposure to currency movements or hedge against currency risks.
  • Real Estate ETFs: Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) ETFs invest in real estate-related assets, such as commercial properties, residential properties, or real estate development companies. They aim to provide investors with income generated from rents or capital appreciation.
  • Dividend ETFs: Dividend ETFs focus on stocks that pay regular dividends. They provide investors with income by holding dividend-paying stocks or high-yield dividend securities.

Advantages of Investing in ETF

  • Diversification: One of the critical advantages of ETFs is diversification. Investing in an ETF exposes you to a wide range of securities, sometimes consisting of hundreds or thousands of assets. This helps spread your investment risk across different companies, industries, and geographical locations. With ETFs, you can quickly and efficiently create a diversified portfolio that covers various asset classes.
  • Accessibility: ETFs provide broad accessibility to a wide range of investors.
  • Cost Effectiveness: ETFs are cost-effective investment options as they allow you to invest in an entire index or specific sector with a single trade, reducing transaction costs compared to buying individual stocks. Many ETF providers have lowered their fees, providing attractive pricing structures to investors, and some ETFs even have zero fees.
  • Liquidity: ETFs offer high liquidity as they are traded on daily exchanges. This means you can easily buy or sell ETF shares at market prices whenever the market is open. Unlike certain investments, such as real estate, which may take time to sell and potentially involve price negotiation, ETFs allow investors to quickly and efficiently enter or exit positions.
  • Transparency: ETFs enhance transparency by disclosing their holdings daily. Investors can easily access information about the underlying assets held by an ETF. Unlike traditional funds that often reveal limited information about their holdings, and sometimes with a delay, ETFs allow investors to see the entire composition of their portfolios, enabling better-informed investment decisions.

Unlike some investment options that require significant minimum investments, ETFs often have low minimum investment requirements. This means you can start building a portfolio of ETFs with just a tiny amount of money and gradually add more funds over time.

Risks that should take into consideration while investing in ETF

  • Tax risk: Tax risk is an essential consideration for ETF investors. In some cases, the tax treatment of the underlying assets held by the ETF can impact the tax rate applied to investors. Investors must know these tax implications when investing in ETFs and consider their potential impact on after-tax returns.
  • Shutdown risk: ETFs are investment vehicles that offer the diversification, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, liquidity, and transparency by tracking index performance and being traded on stock exchanges. While ETF closures can happen, investors receive cash, but there may be tax implications, transaction costs, and other considerations.
  • New thing risk: The ETF market constantly introduces new options, but investors should be cautious of exaggerated claims. It is essential to thoroughly analyze marketing materials, understand the underlying index’s strategy, and remain skeptical of back-tested returns.
  • Crowded trade risk: The “crowded trade risk” occurs when ETFs focus on niche areas of the market with potential value. However, as more money flows into these assets, their attractiveness may diminish, and limited liquidity could impact returns. It is essential to be cautious when investing in such investments and consider their role within your portfolio.
  • ETF trading risk: ETFs can have transaction costs due to varying spreads, and their liquidity may differ for different trade sizes. To minimize trading costs, consider these factors: understand ETF liquidity before buying, use limit orders, and avoid trading during market open and close times.
  • Broken ETF risk: Disruptions can occur in ETNs or commodity ETFs when the product ceases to issue new shares. In such cases, these funds can trade at significant premiums, and if you purchase an ETF trading at a substantial premium, you may likely experience losses when selling.

In conclusion, ETFs are investment vehicles that offer diversification, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, liquidity, and transparency. They track indexes or assets and can be traded like stocks. While there are advantages to investing in ETFs, such as diversification and low costs, it is essential to consider potential risks, such as tax implications, ETF closures, exaggerated claims, crowded trades, trading costs, and disruptions in certain ETF types. By understanding these factors and making informed decisions, investors can harness the benefits of ETFs while managing associated risks.

Understanding ESG Investing: Investing for a Better World

In recent years, ESG investing has been trending. ESG investing allows you to support companies aiming to impact the world positively. It aligns your investment choices with your values by focusing on environmental, social, and governance factors. ESG investors seek companies that commit to improving their performance in these areas.

What is ESG?

ESG stands for environment, social, and governance. ESG investing is a way to invest in companies that strive to improve the world and align with personal values. It focuses on three areas: environment, social, and governance. Sustainable investing is a broader term encompassing various strategies aiming for financial returns while benefiting society. These strategies can range from excluding “bad actor” companies to investing in companies that support specific environmental goals. The asset management industry is encouraged to be more intentional with branding to improve public understanding and help investors.

Working of ESG investing:

  • Environment: This looks at a company’s environmental impact, including its carbon footprint, efforts to mitigate toxic chemicals, and commitment to sustainability in the supply chain.
  • Social: It assesses how a company improves its social impact internally and in the broader community. This includes factors such as LGBTQ+ equality, racial diversity in leadership and staff, inclusion programs, hiring practices, and the company’s advocacy for social good beyond its business scope.
  • Governance: This focuses on how the company’s board and management drive positive change. It considers issues like executive pay, diversity in leadership, and how effective leadership interacts with shareholders.

Importance of ESG investing:

ESG investing is crucial because it emphasizes a company’s responsibility towards its stakeholders, encompassing workers, communities, customers, shareholders, and the environment. By considering the impact on these stakeholders, ESG investing becomes a practical approach for assessing the quality of investments.

According to Mike Walters, CEO of USA Financial, this approach benefits the stakeholders and helps identify reliable and sustainable companies. When companies strive to balance the benefits for each stakeholder, they become well-run companies, making them good stocks to own.

How to find ESG investments:

ESG investment can be found with the help of following ways like

  • Do research on your own: If you are an investor looking for individual stocks, you can start by referring to “best of” lists published by various outlets that highlight the top ESG-rated stocks each year. These lists can help you identify potential investments that align with your goals. Once you have recognized these stocks, you can build a diversified portfolio by considering an asset allocation strategy that suits your investment horizon.
  • Robo-advisors: Robo-advisors offer a unique combination of do-it-yourself (DIY) investing and expert guidance, explicitly focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Notable ESG-conscious options in this space include Betterment, Ellevest, Wealthsimple, Sustainfolio, Earthfolio, and OpenInvest. Although robo-advisors may have slightly higher fees than traditional DIY investing, they provide valuable research and automated portfolio management. It’s worth noting that these platforms may suggest exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that you could select on your own, but their recommendations can still be beneficial.
  • Financial advisors: Financial advisors offer valuable help with ESG investing and provide a comprehensive overview of your finances. They consider personal values to customize ESG strategies. If you already have an advisor, they can guide you towards high ESG-rated investments aligned with your goals. When choosing an advisor, enquire about their past ESG recommendations. While more expensive, working with an advisor gives you a trusted partner for impactful investments.

Which are the ESG funds?

  1. SRI fund: Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a strategy that helps investors to align their investment choices with their values. It involves investing in companies that agree with an investor’s social and environmental values.

ESG investing considers how a company’s practices and policies impact profitability and future returns, but SRI is more focused on whether an investment is aligned with an investor’s values. While ESG focuses on corporate performance, SRI focuses on the investor’s outlook.

If someone is careful about health and well-being, an SRI strategy may not invest in companies that produce alcohol or tobacco products.

  1. ESG funds: ESG funds focus on investing in companies that score well on environmental, social, and governance criteria. These companies prioritize reducing their ecological impact, treating employees and customers well, promoting corporate diversity, and aligning their policies with shareholder interests. Climate change, racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical financial metrics because a company’s workforce plays a significant role in its success.
  2. Impact funds: ESG funds primarily focus on assessing risks to a company’s valuation rather than their contributions to the community. They prioritize factors like environmental impact, social practices, and governance. On the other hand, impact funds aim to make tangible progress toward sustainable goals. Morningstar categorizes impact funds into five buckets: climate action, healthy ecosystem, resource scarcity, basic needs, and human development. While ESG funds may reward companies with low carbon footprints, climate impact funds specifically invest in companies manufacturing solar panels or wind turbines, providing immediate solutions for climate transition.

In conclusion, ESG investing allows individuals to align their investments with their values by focusing on environmental, social, and governance factors. It supports companies that aim to make a positive impact on the world. ESG funds, SRI strategies, and impact funds offer different approaches to incorporating ethical considerations into investments. Finding ESG investments can be done through personal research, robo-advisors, or financial advisors. Ultimately, ESG investing enables individuals to pursue profit with purpose and contribute to a better future.

Top 10 High-Paying Jobs in Tech for Now and Then

One of the industries with the highest growth rates today is undoubtedly technology. Along with traditional high-paying jobs like doctors and CA, technology experts are also grabbing jobs with attractive remuneration. Tech experts like software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists are achieving success heights only reliant on their skill proficiency. Technology has ingrained itself into a wide range of industries and aspects of our daily life. You may wonder how completely the IT sector permeates our lives.

It is estimated that by 2023-26 computer related technology will be a $1 Trillion industry that will Provide employment to nearly 2 million people worldwide. Recent advancements in the tech industry like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning create several opportunities for businesses. 

All these statistical aspects indicate that the demand for skilled tech experts is high in the market today. Many emerging career options in tech can transform your career. You can choose one skill at a time and master it completely. This makes it easier for you to land a job quickly with a high salary range. Here are the top ten high-paying tech jobs, so you can find a perfect fit job that matches your skill and interests. 

  1. Software Engineering Manager

The software engineering manager guides and supervises software engineers in their projects, including designing and developing software, programs, and applications. It would help if you get a bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science to qualify for this position. After expertise in the software engineering you will get a change to become as a manager. Your programming language skill, assistance, and guidance to others will define your work individuality as a software engineering manager. The average annual salary for this job is nearly 32 lakhs based on 931 profiles. 

  1. Product Manager

Product managers are accountable for creating strategic action plans for marketing their products in all manufacturing organizations. Instead of developing products, these people construct a product portfolio while focusing on marketing tactics and goals. From the arrival of the product up to its marketing plans are organized by the product manager. 

The long-term goals of the product managers help the sales team of the business to identify new outcomes for products and insights of trends in the market. This job aids in good analytical skills and in-depth marketing knowledge. According to built in.com, the average yearly income for a product manager is $127,897.

  1. Full Stack Developer

Today the reputation of a business or organization is reliant on its online presence. So an official website of businesses becomes their first impression on their customers. Company’s official website serves as the public face of the company. This results in increasing demand for all sorts of web developers, especially full-stack developers. These experts work on both the front end and back end for developing and designing websites. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% growth in employment for web developers by 2024. Acquiring proficiency in this field requires excellent coding and programming language skills. The average annual salary for these full-stack developers is $106,000. 

  1. Cloud Architect

The next high-paying job in the tech world is Cloud Architect. A Cloud architect manages the computing strategies. Additionally, they also work to monitor the cloud services of an organization. A deep understanding of cloud application architecture and expertise in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google cloud services offers you lucrative job options in the future. Another must and relevant skill for a cloud architect job are excellent communication skills. You can earn up to $107,000 in this job annually. 

  1. Cyber Security Expert

All governmental and commercial sectors have an online presence today, so securing all valuable data assets is important.  Cybersecurity becomes the imperative security option for all kinds of businesses and organizations. Cybersecurity experts are in great demand as concerns about data breaches and hackers grow significantly. These security experts protect the company’s data from breaches and unauthorized leaking of information. So many high-profile companies and governmental sectors appoint cybersecurity experts to handle and secure their data. On Average, these experts can earn up to 30-40L/annum as experienced security experts. 

  1. Data Scientist 

Data scientists give rightful insights and trends in the market by researching and analyzing the data. Insights and exact data-centric decisions help organizations for developing their products and services. To be an expert in this field, you require proficiency in coding, algorithms, and machine learning. Using all these technical skills, you can research business concerns and offer them great solutions for growing their company’s business. On the basis of experience and expertise level, these professionals can gain great salaries of up to $150,000 on average. 

  1. Application Developer

Ingress of evolving application technology raises the value of application developers in the tech industry. The widespread adoption of various applications by well-known companies to achieve great user experience increases the demand for application developers. One needs a degree in computer science to enter into this technology. The skill set required for this profession is a logistic approach and full of creativity that helps developers to design a great and useful application system. The average income of these experts is $90,081.

  1. AI Engineer

AI Engineers are the individuals who utilize machine learning and AI to develop various software and applications. Applications of AI-based software assist sectors in boosting employee productivity and company revenues. To enter this field, you require a knowledge of the IT sector with a degree in computer science or statistics. There are lucrative post vacancies in companies for skilled and able AI professionals. The average income of an AI Engineer is $110K/annum. 

  1. Blockchain Engineer

Corporate companies and investors are recently showing interest in decentralized financial institutions for investing their money. Blockchain or crypto is the best example of the decentralization of financial services. Many investors suggest that digital currency is a promising and flexible currency option for the future of economic growth. Thus, there is great demand for Blockchain Engineers in different countries now and then. These digital experts develop and implement Blockchain for companies. An essential skill set for this job is knowledge of cryptography, programming, database networking, and data structures. Those with experience in these fields may expect to make a nice living each year. The average salary of Blockchain experts is $98,931.

  1.  Digital Marketer

Digital marketing is one of the best and most high-profile IT industry jobs. To be a successful digital marketer for leading companies, you must take a course or degree in digital marketing from a reputable university or institution. The skill set required for this profession is communication, data analysis, content creation, and designing SEO optimization to manage paid advertising campaigns on online platforms. Promoting highly reputed brands and companies on social media and websites is the main objective of the digital marketer.

How Cryptocurrency Can Revolutionize Businesses

Cryptocurrency has been making waves in the business world, and for good reason. It has the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate and interact with their customers.

In this article, let us explore how crypto can be used in business and some of the benefits it offers. Let us also discuss some of the challenges that businesses face when implementing cryptocurrency, and how they can overcome them. This way, you will have a better understanding of how this technology can be used to benefit your business.

10 Ways to Revolutionize Your Business with Cryptocurrency

Since its inception, crypto has been making headlines all over the world. This digital currency offers a lot of potential for businesses, and many are already beginning to explore how they can use it to their advantage. Cryptocurrency is still in its early stages, but it has already shown great promise for businesses.

Here are some of the ways that crypto can revolutionize businesses:

Reduce costs

One of the biggest advantages of cryptocurrency for businesses is that it has the potential to reduce costs. Cryptocurrency transactions are cheaper than traditional bank transfers, and they can be processed much faster. Also, it is not subject to the same fees as traditional currencies. When you use cryptocurrency, you can avoid paying transaction fees, exchange rates, and other charges that come with traditional currency transactions. This can save businesses a great deal of money, especially if they conduct a lot of international transactions.

Eliminate middlemen

Another benefit of cryptocurrency is that it eliminates the need for middlemen. With traditional currencies, businesses have to pay fees to banks or other financial institutions when they make or receive payments. However, with cryptocurrency, businesses can transact directly with each other, without the need for a middleman. This can also save businesses a lot of money in fees and charges.

Prevent chargebacks

Chargebacks are when a customer disputes a transaction and asks for their money back. This can be very costly for businesses, as they not only lose the original payment, but they also have to pay fees to the bank or credit card company. However, with cryptocurrency, transactions are final and cannot be reversed. This eliminates the risk of chargebacks and can save businesses a great deal of money.

Expedite wage processing

Paying wages with crypto can expedite wage processing. With traditional methods, businesses have to wait for the bank to process the payment and then send the money to the employee’s account. However, with crypto as a form of payment of wages, the payment is processed immediately and sent directly to the employee’s wallet. This can save businesses a lot of time and hassle.

Increase security

Crypto transactions are more secure than traditional bank transfers. When you use cryptocurrency, your transaction is verified and recorded on a public ledger. This makes it nearly impossible to fraud or hack. Also, because crypto is decentralized, there is no single point of failure that could lead to the loss of all your funds. This increased security can give businesses peace of mind and protect them from fraud and theft.

Offer anonymity

Another benefit of cryptocurrency is that it offers anonymity. When you use cryptocurrency, your personal information is not attached to the transaction. This can be beneficial for businesses that want to keep their transactions private. For example, businesses that deal with sensitive data or those who want to avoid government regulation may prefer to use cryptocurrency.

Increase chances for loan

Businesses that are looking for business loans have more options when it comes to cryptocurrency. In the past, banks have been hesitant to lend money to businesses that deal with crypto. However, as the industry has grown and become more regulated, banks are beginning to change their stance on lending to crypto-related businesses. This provides more opportunities for businesses to get the funding they need to grow and expand.

Prevent fraud

Crypto can also help businesses prevent fraud. When you use cryptocurrency, each transaction is verified and recorded on a public ledger. This makes it nearly impossible to fraud or hack. Also, because cryptocurrency is decentralized, there is no single point of failure that could lead to the loss of all your funds. This increased security can give businesses peace of mind and protect them from fraud and theft.

Boost customer confidence

Using cryptocurrency can also boost customer confidence. When customers see that a business is using cryptocurrency, they know that the business is up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. This can give them peace of mind and make them more likely to do business with the company.

Get ahead of the competition

By accepting cryptocurrency, businesses can also get ahead of their competition. As the world becomes more digital, businesses that are not using cryptocurrency will be at a disadvantage. However, businesses must also ensure proper crypto bookkeeping practices to accurately track their cryptocurrency transactions and comply with tax regulations. Those who are early adopters of this technology will have a leg up on their competitors and will be better positioned to succeed in the future. Crypto is a new and exciting technology that has the potential to revolutionize businesses. By understanding the benefits of crypto, businesses can make the decision to adopt this new technology and get ahead of their competition

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