News

[ad_1] S&P cuts Russia's rating to junk, Moody's issues junk warning [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] By Malini Bhupta Paresh Sukthankar, former deputy managing director of HDFC Bank, once famously said that had Lehman Brothers been Lehman Sisters, the global financial crisis wouldn’t have happened. Sukhtankar’s theory may have taken a few hard knocks, with at least two high profile women — Chanda Kochhar of ICICI Bank and Chitra Ramkrishna of NSE — in the dock over how they used the institutions they headed for their personal enrichment. Though nothing has been conclusively proved as yet, serious charges on personal integrity have been pressed against them by regulators, investigative agencies and other stakeholders. This has expectedly led to murmurs in corner rooms and board rooms about whether Kochhar and Ramkrishna have made it difficult for India Inc to break the glass ceiling and see more women at the top. There are only a few who are willing to go on record on such a sensitive issue, but the consensus seems to be that while greed is not gender-specific, women’s ability to navigate sticky situations will be under the scanner due to the outsized influence of a husband or a companion or even a godman. A senior human resource executive said men are better at navigating difficult situations. There was a time when several women helmed banks and financial institutions because they were considered to be incorruptible. Unfortunately some of them have come under scrutiny and are not seen as role models anymore for younger women. K Sudarshan, managing director at EMA Partners India, disagrees. “Boards will continue to look at individuals and not gender. For any leader it is important to navigate the environment and handle power and not succumb to pressure. How decisions are taken depend on a lot of factors — how you reach the top, your track record and how you are perceived both by internal and external stakeholders, etc. It is a fact that women always start from a position of disadvantage and they make it big by fighting heavy odds.” Some women leaders believe that these developments will be used by people who want to discredit women. According to R.M. Vishakha, CEO and managing director of IndiaFirst Life Insurance, the storm some women CEOs have found themselves in will further feed into the bias against women. “People who want to put women down will use this. I believe people should be judged as professionals because leadership is not a gender-based trait. Women are good at conflict management.” Vishakha said society nurtures aggressive men, but the same trait is discouraged in women. Several top executives that FE spoke to cited Indra Nooyi’s autobiography where she shares her experiences and the hurdles she faced as a woman.Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of InGovern, said, “It is a complete bogey that women in leadership positions will be viewed differently. Greed is a human nature and it has nothing to do with gender. I don’t think women will be denied opportunities.” [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] This week’s HW+ member spotlight features Chris Heller, chief real estate officer at OJO Labs, who has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. From Rookie of the Year in 1989, to serving as CEO for Keller Williams and mellohome, Heller has dedicated his career to delighting homebuyers and supporting agents. As chief real estate officer, Heller oversees all industry partnerships, creating a direct line between real estate professionals and OJO, and accelerating adoption in the industry. Below, Heller answers questions about the housing industry: HousingWire: To start off, what is your current favorite HW+ article? Chris Heller: “Have you clearly defined your brokerage’s value proposition?” by Tracey Velt. The piece is full of really great, evergreen advice from Steve Murray, one of the brightest minds in the real estate industry. It’s a topic I always talk about at length with people in the brokerage space, and it’s never been more important than in 2022. HousingWire:  When do you feel like a success at your job? Chris Heller: [I feel like a success when] I’m contributing at a high level to the metrics that matter most. And also when I’m able to help my team members and teammates and contribute to them at a similarly high level.  HousingWire:  What has been one of your biggest learning opportunities? Chris Heller: Getting to work for and report to two self-made billionaires taught me a lot of lessons on accountability, responsibility and plenty more. I also learned many things to do to be successful — and just as many things not to do. HousingWire: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Chris Heller: Show up, pay attention, tell the truth and don’t be attached to the outcome.  HousingWire: What keeps you up at night and why?  Chris Heller: One thing that’s troublesome is the widening of the gap between the haves and the have nots. There used to be a low, middle and upper class and now that middle class is disappearing. It’s more evident than ever when you look at housing, and the individuals being locked out of homeownership. HousingWire: What do you think will be the big themes for the housing market in 2022?  Chris Heller: The obvious things are a rise in interest rates, low inventory and high demand in the first half of the year. But In the back half of the year, I think we’ll actually start to see demand wane, inventory rise and prices soften. HousingWire: What’s one thing that people aren’t paying attention to that you think they should be paying attention to? Chris Heller: People often don’t pay enough attention to their savings — really looking at what they spend, what they consume and can they be fulfilled with less. We should also be looking at how to make sure we are better positioned for the future.  Agents should be thinking about additional ways to create new relationships and deepen the ones they already have, especially with all the options consumers are being presented with today.  To become an HW+ member, click here. For more information on HW+ benefits, click here. The post HW+ Member Spotlight: Chris Heller appeared first on HousingWire. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Gas costs can be a hefty line item, especially for Canadians with a daily commute—and it’s one that is largely out of our individual control. Using the right credit card when you fill up will earn you a return on your fuel expenses. But which card should you pick? We break down the options in our list of the best credit cards for gas. Find your next credit card.What kind of credit card are you looking for? Get matched with the best cards for you in under 2 minutes at ratehub.ca. Let’s get started. I want to earn rewardsI want to pay low interest You will be leaving MoneySense. Just close the tab to return. The best credit cards for gas in Canada Best cash back credit card for gas — CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite* Best no-fee cash back credit card for gas — Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard* Best credit card for gas with roadside assistance — TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Best credit card for gas and travel — Scotiabank Gold American Express* Best credit card for gas at Canadian Tire — Triangle Mastercard Best credit card for gas at Costco — Rogers World Elite Mastercard Best credit card for gas at Esso — PC Financial World Elite Mastercard* Best cash back credit card for gas CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite* With the Dividend Visa Infinite, CIBC offers a strong contender in the cash back credit card category, especially for drivers, and even more so if you add your grocery bill to this card. With a return of 4% on gas and groceries, this card is designed to put money back in your pocket. There are a few other bonus categories through which to earn cash back, including 2% on daily transit (including rideshares and public transit), so it’ll get you rewards on all modes of transit, as well as 2% on dining and recurring payments. Annual fee: $120 (rebated for the first year) Interest rates: Purchases 20.99%, cash advances 22.99%, balance transfers 22.99% (21.99% on cash advances for Quebec residents). Earn rate on gas: 4% Rewards on other purchases: 4% cash back on groceries, 2% on dining, daily transit and recurring bills, and 1% back on everything else. Welcome bonus: Get 10% cash back for all purchases on your first four statements, or first $2,500 in purchases (up to $250 in cash back). After that, the earn rate becomes 4% on gas and grocery purchases and 1% cash back on everything else. Additional benefits: Emergency travel medical; car rental collision and loss damage insurance; mobile device insurance; plus save up to $0.10 per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations when you link your card with Journie Rewards. Income required: $60,000 or $100,000 as a household Get more details about the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite* Best no-fee cash back credit card for gas Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard* The Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard has no annual fee and it offers straight cash rewards, which gives it strong appeal to a large number of Canadians. Credit cardholders are rewarded with 2% cash back on unlimited purchases in two categories that include gas, groceries, restaurants and drug stores. Opt to have your cash automatically deposited into a Tangerine savings account and receive 2% cash back in a third category. (You’ll earn 0.5% on everything else.) The current welcome bonus will put $250 into your account if you spend at least $5,000 in your first three months. Plus, you can transfer balances from higher-interest cards at a low promotional interest rate of 1.95% for six months. For those who want to monetize their fuel purchases without paying for the privilege, this no-frills card is a winner. Annual fee: $0 Interest rates: Purchases 19.95%, cash advances 19.95%, balance transfers 19.95% Earn rate on gas: 2% cash back Rewards on other purchases: 2% in up to two other spending categories of your choice and 0.5% cash back on everything else. Welcome bonus: Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 on everyday purchases within the first 2 months of having the card. Must apply before February 28, 2022. Additional benefits: Purchase assurance and extended warranty Income required: $12,000 Get more details about the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card* Best credit card for gas with roadside assistance TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* On face value, the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite is a strong money back card offering a 3% return on gas, grocery and recurring bill payments (and 1% back on everything else). The return rate on gas would be enough for the card to place on our list, but it’s actually the roadside assistance (among other perks) that make it a standout card for drivers. Cardholders have complimentary emergency road services through an included Deluxe membership with TD Auto Club. This package includes 24-hour emergency assistance calls, towing, lockout and winching services, traffic accident emergency transportation, meals, accommodations and necessities, and even reimbursement options for issues TD Auto Club was unable to assist with. Plus, cardholders have auto rental loss and collision insurance and discounts at Avis and Budget. For frequent commuters or road-trippers, these perks can easily cover the card’s annual fee. Annual fee: $120 (rebated first year) Interest rates: Purchases 20.99%, cash advances 22.99%, balance transfers 22.99% Earn rate on gas: 3% cash back (up to $15,000 annual spend) Rewards on other purchases: 3% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments (up to $15,000 annual spend each); 1% back on everything else. Welcome bonus: 6% cash back for the first 3 months (up to a total spend of $2,000; must apply by May 30, 2021). This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. Quebec residents, please click here. Additional benefits: Automotive benefits like rental insurance, discounts on car rentals and a Deluxe membership with TD Auto Club; travel insurance, including travel medical and delayed or lost baggage; access to Visa Infinite perks, such as concierge services and complimentary room upgrades when you travel. Income required: $60,000 or $100,000 as a household Get more

[ad_1] The post How a SWOT Analysis Can Help You Become Financially Independent appeared first on Millennial Money. When I think of financial independence, I imagine that scene from Disney’s DuckTales when Scrooge McDuck jumps into a giant vat of coins. I want to be that level of filthy rich — where I can literally swim in my money.  Okay, so that’s mostly a pipe dream, because keeping my wealth in coins means missing out on those sweet, sweet market gains. And physics isn’t on my side. But the principle remains, I want to be filthy rich.  And to do that, I need a roadmap. It can be intimidating to start out, especially if you’re like me, in my mid-20s, making about $40,000 a year, with some debt and student loans.  But that’s why tools like the SWOT analysis are so helpful. They help you take stock of where you are right now and create a long view of where you need to be going.  Creating a SWOT Analysis for Financial Independence  Before you create your SWOT analysis for financial independence, you’ll want to collect some information. You’ll need the following  How much you make  A good idea of what your spending habits are  An accounting of the debt you have  Your savings rate How much you have in savings  It can take some time to track down all your information, and you might have to comb through bank statements to ensure you have the numbers correct. Having this information upfront will allow you to fill out the SWOT analysis fairly easily.  I like to organize my SWOT analysis on a sheet of paper that’s been divided into four squares. Each square has a different heading: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. But you can organize it however you see fit.  Strengths  You want to focus on what you excel at for this part of the analysis. Since we’re looking at ourselves through the lens of financial independence, this is going to involve your money-growing habits.  You’ll want to focus on all the things that you do well or that you see as an asset for financial independence.  Maybe you’re doing great at your 9-to-5 job, and you see that as an asset. If so, that would go in the strengths column.  Maybe you’ve got a side hustle that’s crushing it; mark it in the Strengths column. I’m a freelancer, so my ability to make money doing what I love goes in this column. I also have quite a bit in retirement savings. I count that as a strength as well.  And if you’ve made a habit of saving money, that’s a strength as well. You’ll want to put the actual amount you have saved in this column as well. That’s a huge building block toward financial freedom, and it’s definitely a strength. You worked hard to collect that cold, hard cash.  Basically, anything that propels you toward financial independence goes in this column.  You’ll want to take a moment and congratulate yourself on what you’ve been able to put in this column. It’s a big deal. These are things you already have going for you. You don’t need to focus on them, because you’re already doing them.  Weaknesses  Weaknesses are internal barriers that keep you from achieving your financial dreams. You’ll want to think about where you can improve your finances, the pressure points between you and your budget, and other things that obstruct your path toward financial independence.  This is where having a good idea of your spending comes in handy. I suggest going over your last three bank statements — the last three months of transactions — to see what your spending is like.  If you’re an absolute nerd like I am, you can create a pie chart to visualize your spending. I find it gives me a very quick visual of what I’m spending the most on. But just having a general idea of categories works well too.  My weak points are my pets, clothing, and eating out. I love all three equally. That’s a lie; I love my pets the most. And while it’s not bad that I spend money on the things I love, I need to make sure it’s within my budget. If I notice I’m overspending in one category, that’s a weakness.  You’ll also want to categorize your debt in this section as well, because it’s hindering you from living your best life.  Itemize your credit card debt, car notes, student loans, and any other debt you might have. Some people include their mortgages in this category, and some leave their mortgages out of their SWOT analysis completely and treat it as a bill.  Overall, this section should look at your spending and debt and show you where you need to be careful.  Opportunities  The goal of this section is to put together a list of future-oriented things you can try to increase your cash flow. You can approach this category in two ways. But both start with moments in your life when you create opportunities for yourself, financially speaking.  On the one hand, this is a great time to run a fine-tooth comb through your budget. Look for areas where you can decrease your spending and increase your savings. Even $20 or $30 a month can start to add up over the years.  For me, I can make an effort to cook more and eat out less. The money I save can go toward my financial independence fund. I can also build a capsule wardrobe I adore, so I stop spending as much a month on clothing.  Look for small changes that are going to make a big difference, based on what your pressure points are.  On the other hand, think about money-making opportunities. Do you have any skills you can monetize? Starting a side hustle is a great way to add a little extra cash flow into your life.  I’m a writer, so for me, it’s easy to start pitching

[ad_1] This is a great deal on St. Ives Face Scrub! You can get a GREAT deal on St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub on Amazon right now! Here’s how: Go HERE. Clip the 25% off e-coupon. Change the quantity to 3 under Subscribe & Save and then hit the “set up now” button. You’ll get one for free because of the Buy 2, Get 1 Free Sale. You’ll also get the 25% off from the coupon + the Subscribe & Save discount and free shipping. Pay $6.38 shipped after all discounts! That’s only $2.13 each, shipped! Such a great price for this brand!! Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders. Thanks, Hip2Save! [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] U.S. to impose sanctions on Russia's Putin [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Dhanlaxmi Bank said in a regulatory filing on Friday that the Reserve Bank of India has extended the term of Dr G Jagan Mohan, additional director, for a further period of two years from February 27, 2022, to February 26, 2024, or till further orders whichever is earlier. Mohan, an RBI nominee, was appointed as additional director by the RBI for a period of two years on February 27, 2020. Currently, the Thrissur-based lender has just 6 directors, including two RBI nominees as against the maximum strength of 11. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had advised Dhanlaxmi Bank in June 2021 to ensure transparency in the nomination process of directors and follow best corporate governance practices. The regulator, while pointing out that the bank has had a chequered history on the governance issues, directed the bank to expedite and complete the process of appointment of directors in accordance with the best governance standards. A case filed by a shareholder and two others against the Bank Board’s decision of rejecting their candidature for the office of director to be placed before the members during the Annual General Meeting on September 29, 2021, is pending. Five individuals, which include two former directors and prominent NRI Ravi Pillai, moved their candidature under Section 160 of the Companies Act and it was rejected by the board and not placed for consideration of the last annual general meeting. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Each week, Cut the Crap Investing founder Dale Roberts shares financial headlines and offers context for Canadian investors. Is your portfolio ready for war?  In the early morning of February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And, sadly, the invasion of Ukraine dominated the headlines this week.  President of Russia Vladimir Putin was quoted in this Reuters.com article:  “I have decided to conduct a special military operation … to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide … for the last eight years. “And for this we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine. And to bring to court those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation.” And Ukrainian President Olodymyr Zelinskiy is quoted in the same article:  “As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history. Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself & won’t give up its freedom no matter what Moscow thinks.” Chilling words, and troubling times indeed. It is with a heavy heart that I write this column. The safety of those in Ukraine dominates the importance of our portfolio readiness. That said, we should protect our wealth and recognize the risks that take many shapes and forms when we can.  Very sad. Attempting to flee to safety. https://t.co/u9tHryj6Xw — CutTheCrapInvesting (@67Dodge) February 24, 2022 These are certainly the darkest hours for Europe since World War II.  Unfortunately, I was right in early February when I suggested that Russia could invade Ukraine.  In that column, I wrote:  “Those political risks might be growing in the early months of 2022, as Russia looks ready to invade Ukraine. That invasion appears quite likely as Russia has amassed over 120,000 troops on the border. They have set up military hospitals. This is a fighting army and not a political bargaining chip, experts say.”  Regarding portfolio risk management, I wrote:  “While the risk to life and property of those in Ukraine is the greatest concern, we might be able to predict the movement of certain assets during this time of strife. Gold and energy might soar if Russia invades Ukraine. Gold may prove itself—once again—to be the ultimate safe haven asset.”  These were not difficult calls to make. Gold has a very solid record as a safe-haven asset. The world was already experiencing energy shortages and much higher energy prices. Gold prices and oil and natural gas prices have spiked in recent days.  Brent crude topped US$100 a barrel, and gold prices hit a one-year high, reaching US$1,970 per ounce. Gold is up almost 9% from early January, while U.S. stocks (S&P 500) are down almost 12% into trading on February 24. The tech-heavy Nasdaq slid into a bear market, now down more than 20% from recent peaks.  International stocks (XEF) are down by 10%, year to date.  In Canada… Canadian stocks (XIC) are holding up much better, down just 3% year to date. The Canadian high-dividend route (VDY) is still in positive territory, up 3% for the year into Thursday’s trade.  In my coverage of advanced couch potato ETF portfolios, I suggested to consider gold and commodities in the area of 10% to 20% weighting. And here is gold and other precious metals and energy assets within the PRA Diversified Real Asset ETF. That exchange-traded fund (ETF) is up almost 9% over the last month and over 20% over the last year.  You can find gold and commodities offerings at Horizons.  For those with U.S. accounts, look to the Invesco Index Commodity Tracking ETF.  You’ll find long-term U.S. treasuries (ZTL) in the advanced couch potato models as well. That asset is also having a good week, doing its thing as a risk-off asset.  The key of course is to rebalance your portfolio during these uncertain times as assets move to extremes to the upside and downside.  There is a greater need to manage risks when in retirement or within the “retirement risk zone.” But if you are young and early in the accumulation stage, you may decide to not hold defensive assets like bonds, gold and commodities. Stocks are going on sale in 2021. If you have the risk tolerance level, you might keep adding to your equities on a regular schedule. I’d suggest it is important to be emotionally prepared and aware. Markets could correct for years, months or weeks. We simply don’t know the future, of course. It is crucial you always invest within your risk tolerance level.  While past performance does not guarantee future returns, wartime is historically not a bad time for stocks. Stocks can sell off in the initial stages and then soon recover. Investopedia shows tables of wartime returns for stocks and other assets.  As this tweet says, don’t let short term fear cloud your judgement: Short term fear, should not influence a long term #investing strategy. Don't let emotions cloud your judgement. Wars don't last. pic.twitter.com/X7ad4MvGBD — Tom | decryptom.eth (@decryptom) February 24, 2022 Stocks recovered throughout the day on Thursday, February 24. Then oil and gold weakened.  Source: Seeking Alpha  Stock markets opened in positive territory on Friday, February 25.  The invasion of Ukraine has taught us another lesson on the topic of risk. Within two years, we experienced the first modern-day pandemic—and now, war in Europe.  Be prepared.  More Canadian earnings  While earnings season is slowing down, the big Canadian banks are just getting started. Here’s an overview of Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO) courtesy of Dan Kent at stocktrades.ca.  Royal Bank posted solid results to kick off 2022, with earnings per share of $2.87 topping estimates of $2.72 and revenue of $13.1 billion exceeding expectations by more than $1.1 billion. The Canadian housing market continues to fuel results, as Royal Bank of Canada posted 11% growth in its residential mortgage segment. Surprisingly, despite market activity cooling down, Royal Bank is still benefiting from pandemic-fuelled tailwinds in the capital markets segment as well. There was no

[ad_1] This is a great deal on O’Neill Hoodies! Zulily has these popular O’Neill Men’s Hoodies on sale for $19.99 today (regularly $55)! Plus, you’ll get an extra 10% exclusive off at checkout on the purchase of any 3 items sitewide today! Shipping starts at $6.99. But if you place one order today, the rest of your orders will ship for FREE through 11:59 p.m. PT tonight! [ad_2] Source link