A bad return policy can cost retailers over 19BN

Zigzag Global, the global platform that enables retailers to turn their return policy into a business game-changer, today announced new insights that show that UK retailers could lose ্যের 19 billion worth of business if they do not have their return policy. Scratch

Online fashion is still the most valuable sector in the UK retail industry, with Forrester predicting more than bn 28bn in 2022. To help retailers understand the impact of their return policy on sales and retention of clients, ZigZag conducted a thorough study of consumer attitudes toward returns. Policy matters when they will purchase.

Returns – free, fast and easy

More than three-quarters (76%) of UK shoppers now examine the return policy before making a purchase. Moreover, 8 out of 10 retailers (78%) say that it should be easier for you to get your product back – this has increased to 85% among 18-25 year olds. Easy returns can also be the key to customer loyalty, with 82% agreeing that an easy return experience will encourage them to shop with the retailer again.

A bad return can be just as damaging, with 62% of UK buyers claiming they will never shop with a retailer again after experiencing a bad return.

According to UK buyers, a good return policy should:
Free (75%)
Quick return (63%)
Provide multiple options for return (45%)
Paperless and trackable everywhere (43%)

Currently, a quarter (26%) of UK buyers say they find the experience of returns disappointing to most retailers, and 36% agree that it must be a problem.

“Returns have been a contentious issue for retailers for many years. Just offering a free return is not enough. This is just as important as removing the barriers to retail returns, as a simple and efficient return process can make all the difference when it comes to sales, “said Al Gerry, founder and CEO of Zigzag Global.

Emergence of regular returns

According to GlobalData, retail returns will grow 27.3% in five years by 2023, hitting a total of £ 5.6 billion. This is mainly due to the trend of returns across clothing and footwear and the rise of ‘regular returners’.

Zigzag found that almost half (47%) of UK shoppers now consider themselves ‘regular returnees’ – a significant increase of 67% among 18-25 year olds. Interestingly, about one in five buyers (18%) consider the cost of higher returns to retailers, but it does not affect how much they return. One-third (33%) of respondents said they did not rely on cost at all.

Retailers also find themselves in a frustrating catch-22. 38% of UK buyers say that if a retailer charges for a return, they will pay less. Yet, as Zigzag has found, charging for returns will discourage them from making an initial purchase.

Al adds: “Although the frequency and price of returns are increasing, it does not require the retailer to sell. Retailers now have plenty of options to make up for lost sales and to encourage customer loyalty and repeat purchases. “Whether it’s retailers returning digital gift cards, live exchanges or re-trading opportunities, retailers can turn small losses into big gains in the long run.”


Janiolo’s goal helped Roma win their first Europa Conference League title

TIRANA – Nicolo Janiolo’s goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Feyenoord in Albania’s Europa Conference League final has earned him the first major European title in more than 60 years, a unique European trophy for Jose Mourinho.

Roma coach Mourinho, who has previously won the Champions League, Europa League and the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Cup with other clubs, can now add a third tier European title – Italy’s first trophy in 14 years – with a number of medals.

Janiolo, 22, beat Roma by 32 runs.nd Minutes, he became the first Italian to score in a European final after Filippo Inzaghi against Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League.

Roma, whose only previous continental title was the Old Fairs Cup in 1961, stopped an enthusiastic return from their Dutch opponents, who were twice rejected by Woodwork in the second half.

It has been confirmed that Mourinho has become the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs, following previous successes for Porto, Inter Milan and Manchester United.

“We are a real team, we have proved that. Now we have to celebrate and then start again, which is always difficult after a great win, but a real team wins, celebrates and starts again, “Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italy.

“I said yesterday that I never imagined I would achieve this with a 25-year-old Roma jersey and captain’s armband. It’s a wonderful moment. “

Both Roma and Feyenoord have already competed to secure the next season of Europa League football through their domestic league positions, which was a matter of pride for Tirana.

At first glance it looked like there was only one winner, as Roma dominated the starting exchanges without bothering Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bielow to play his first match since March 10.

The only chance they had was to hold on to the lead at the interval, before Janiolo brilliantly landed the ball on his chest before scoring his first goal in all competitions since the hat-trick in the quarter-final against Bodo / Glimt.

Janiolo became the youngest Italian to score in a major European final since Alessandro del Piero against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in May 1997.

Feyenoord, who wanted to be the first Dutch club to win a European competition in 20 years since winning the UEFA Cup in 2002, failed to really test Rui Patricio with a Roma goal early on.

Yet as they got off to a brilliant start to the second half, Roma’s Gianluca Mancini removed the early Feyenoord Corner in his own post.

The Dutch team kept coming and hitting the woodwork again as Tyril gave Malaysia a great strike from 25 meters over the Patricio post.

More opportunities have come and gone, but some last-ditch blocks and vain finishes confirm that Roma’s long wait for the European Trophy will end in Mourinho’s first season in the Italian capital.

“We really wanted to take that cup with us, to thank the fans and to get Feyenoord back on the map. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way,” Buzzlow said.

“We put pressure on them and then you saw that they had trouble working with us. But unfortunately, it was not good enough. It’s terrible that we can’t take the cup to Rotterdam. ” – Reuters

Sunak races to finalize the cost of living response after the energy bill warning

Sage Sunak is pushing for the finalization of a package that could be announced as early as Thursday to ease the living crisis, with energy regulators saying annual bills are likely to rise by more than 40% in October.

Ministers are under intense pressure to act after OffJame chief executive Jonathan Briarley wrote a letter to the chancellor on Tuesday informing him that the fuel price cap, which limits the domestic bill, could potentially hit 2,800 – a further increase of more than £ 800. – After a sharp rise in April.

“The price change we’ve seen in the gas market is actually a phenomenon that hasn’t happened in a generation since the oil crisis of the 1970s,” Brearley told MPs from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) committee.

Treasury officials are working on a windfall tax plan that could fall not only on North Sea oil and gas producers but also on power generators, including windfarm operators, which have benefited from global price increases in recent months.

It could be used to fund a direct energy bill rebate as part of a package that could cost up to bn 10bn.

In addition to targeted support for low-wage workers, Boris Johnson is seen as advocating for measures that will benefit the middle class, such as reducing VAT or pushing ahead with the 1 per cent income tax cut promised for Sunak 2024.

The pair have rival economic outlooks, and Tory MPs are increasingly frustrated that a stalemate between them has delayed radical action to help the struggling families they see operating in their constituencies.

A number of cabinet ministers, including Energy Secretary Quasi Quarteng and Brexit Opportunity Secretary Jacob Rees Mugabe, have voiced their opposition to a windfall tax, fearing it would hinder investment.

Sunak repeatedly said he was waiting for more information on what would happen to the power bill in the autumn before deciding how the Treasury would respond, and even suggested that it was “stupid” to act before that.

Following OffGame’s intervention, the Resolution Foundation warned of the potentially devastating effects of the ThinkTank Cap increase. It said an increase of about 8 2,800 in October could mean 9.6 million households across England are under fuel pressure this winter, with at least 10 per cent of their total budget defined as being spent on energy bills alone.

The shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said the offgame warning was “extremely worrying”. He said: “[It] Already rising bills and rising inflation will be of great concern to families. How many more alarm bells will the Chancellor have to hear before he acts? The government needs to address this crisis and protect our families and our economy. “

Several Westminster sources have suggested that officials are now awaiting Thursday’s announcement. This time will allow the government to divert attention from the Sue Gray report on lockdown socialization, which is expected to be released on Wednesday.

However, a Whitehall insider suggested June 8 was a potential date, with Sunak and Johnson still not signing firm policy proposals.

A Treasury spokesman stressed that nothing has yet been finalized – including moving forward with a windfall tax. One person with knowledge of the department’s thinking said the package was expected to be “significant” and would be the target of the minimum wage.

A No. 10 source further suggested that the arrangements are still being finalized. “There are various options that are being considered but no decision has been made,” they said.

Charities and anti-poverty campaigners have called for improved benefits, with a 3.1% increase effective in April, a significant reduction in living standards for some poor families.

But Sunak claims that older IT systems have made it impossible. Whitehall sources further claim that the Treasury is reluctant to raise public credit after being stalled in the fight to remove £ 20-a-week during the epidemic.

Sunak’s spring statement in March was widely judged to have failed to do enough to help families struggle to end, even as some cabinet ministers were disappointed that the 22 22 billion spent so far to reduce the cost of living crisis has been poorly noticed.

Quarteng told MPs he hoped the families would get more help. “What we see now is not a complete picture,” he told the BEIS committee. “Both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have stated that more will be announced in due course.”

Quarteng added: “These interventions may not be able to solve all the problems that consumers face, but they can go a long way in tackling the cost of living.” Johnson said last week that the government would “throw weapons around people” during the epidemic.

A Treasury spokesman said: “We understand that people are struggling with rising prices, and while we cannot afford to face global challenges, we support British families to navigate the coming months with a 22 billion aid package. “

Fuel prices pushed the consumer price index (CPI) to 9% in April, sparking criticism that the government had failed to protect millions of low-income families from choosing to feed themselves or heat their homes.

Johnny Marshall, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The sheer scale and depth of the crisis in Britain’s livelihoods means that the government urgently needs to provide significant additional support. The fact that the crisis is so concentrated on low- and middle-income households means that it is unclear how government policy support should be addressed.

“Facilities are clearly the best route to help the most vulnerable in the short term – whether it’s through early operating or single payments to help poor families get through the difficult winter ahead.”

Earth’s friends have called on the government to use a windfall tax to finance an immediate project to block homes. “Existing plans to strengthen the UK’s energy supply and reduce costs are not moving fast enough,” it said. “Obviously there is a growing need for emergency assistance for those unable to meet rising electricity prices, while a free road-by-road blockade program aimed at helping struggling families first can help reduce bills quickly before next winter.” The government can help finance this today by taxing the extra profits of fossil fuel companies. ”


5 best standalone DJ systems so far in 2022

Technology has come a long way in the unique DJ system space over the years. And choosing an all-in-one system doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality, versatility or world-class performance – you can really get it in a single compact unit.

Individual DJ systems are especially popular among beginners but can also cover the needs of high-profile professionals. Far from the lack of options, the main problem with the line-up of today’s standalone DJ system is that you’re spoiled for choice.

With that in mind, here’s a brief overview of the five recommendations for the top standalone DJ system currently available in the UK:

1. Newmark Mixstream Pro

Numark combines the same high-end software as the Mixstream Pro Prime 4 with a pair of built-in speakers to score the highest number. Not only sound education but his alertness and dedication too are most required. It’s a true all-in-one system that you can use anywhere and anytime, no matter if you have your headphones with you.

2. Denon DJ Prime Go

With its tiny jug wheel, two channels, and relatively modest features, the Denon DJ Prime Go is less likely to be a major part of your performance hardware. However, consider the fact that it has a built-in rechargeable battery and you may suddenly realize that you are looking for a highly desirable device. Complete with the same sexy 7-inch screen as the Numark Mixstream Pro, the Denon DJ Prime Go boasts battery life which means you can use it. Literally Nowhere in the world – no main power supply is required.

3. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3

This thing continues to rank among the best standalone systems of its kind for the simple reason that its setup looks and feels close to club-standard gear. Not to mention its huge versatility – the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 can be used independently or as a separate mixer for a CDJ or record deck. The highest quality hardware can be bought with money, the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 does a great job on stage, in the studio and in the back bedroom of any amateur DJ.

4. Denon DJ Prime 4

A staple of the scene for some time, the Denon DJ Prime 4 has combined an unusual layout with the brand’s most advanced performance hardware. The result is probably the most technically sophisticated all-in-one you can buy right now, boasting everything from built-in WiFi to engine DJ software to full DJ lighting control through its onboard soundswitch control system.

5. Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ

Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ without a doubt The Unique system for those who want to get a complete club-style setup from an all-in-one power house. It has the same size jug wheel as the CDJ-3000, a full-size mixer that is almost identical to the DJM-900, and has more inputs and outputs than anything else in its class. It’s the most expensive of the five options here at a moderate interval, but what you’ll find is a convenient, practical, and fully portable unit with a practically complete Pioneer club-level DJ experience.

Moonpig will make Gifting Group Buagift a 124 million deal

Greeting card giant Moonpig has announced a proposed acquisition of the অভিজ্ঞ 124 million gift experience platform Buyagift.

The acquisition accelerated Moonpig’s strategy to become a leader in the gifting market, and entered their bn 6bn experience segment.

Buyagift is the UK’s leading gift experience platform with the number one and number three brands in the sector, Buyagift and Red Letter Days.

With more than 4,400 partners across various categories, including short stays, theaters and family day-outs, the company offers a wide range of experiences to its 3m customers across the UK.

Last year, it posted revenue of £ 44m, with an EBITDA of £ 14m with a cash conversion rate of over 100 percent.

The transaction will immediately triple Moonpig’s gift range, without any inventory.

In the meantime, Moonpig will apply its data and technological capabilities to BuaGift brands to accelerate growth.

As a result of the acquisition, Moonpig now expects revenue of about £ 350m for its extended year-end results for the expanded Moonpig Group.

Moonpig chief executive Nikil Raithatha commented: “The transaction has strong strategic logic and mandatory financial benefits. Buyagift is profitable and highly cash-generating, with a proven track record of strong growth and we’re excited to further transform the business using the group’s proven playbook. “

“We see significant potential for cross-selling gift experience to Moonpig’s loyal customers. We look forward to working with the Buyagift team to provide an enhanced offer for our customers and to create value for our shareholders. “


dnaPower: Helping people make better, data-driven health decisions

Humans have unique genes that diversify their responses to a variety of foods, exercises and medications. What works well for one person often doesn’t work for another, which is why there is no “one size fits all” solution for achieving optimal health. Most people spend years trying to find a diet and exercise regimen and medicine that will work best for them. Through DNA testing, you can take active steps to improve your well-being by finding out where your genetic problems may be, which can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, metabolic problems and chronic diseases. DNA testing has inspired this significance and impact Dr. Lois Nahirni Found DNA power Inc.. dnaPower has been providing personalized DNA testing for health and wellness since 2008.

Dedicated to making the world a better place, the company conducts research into genetic variations among lifestyle-related individuals to present the best and most useful scientific information about your unique body in your hands.

We spoke to Dr. Lois at Insights Success to learn more about dnaPower and how it helps people lead healthier lives.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Give us dnaPower Inc. Give a brief overview of its journey, mission, and key aspects of its strong position in the food and fitness industry.

DNA testing is revolutionizing preventive health. I have established dnaPower añer private DNA testing which has helped me to solve years of health problems that doctors could not explain or solve. DNA results show that I have a general genetic deficiency in vitamin B. Within 2 weeks of taking a complex vitamin B, my health problems of the year were virtually gone. I couldn’t believe that such a simple answer exists through DNA! I have decided to pivot my career and focus on making this valuable test and information available to the world.

dnaPower aims to create a healthier world by helping people learn about their unique genetics for living healthier lives. Our detailed testing provides key insights into proper diet and exercise for our clients.

Describe your top offers that meet the needs of your customers.

Your DNA is your body’s roadmap – it shows where your genes are strong and where they are weak. Areas where you have a weak gene are more likely to have problems over time. dnaPower focuses on genetics related to diet, fitness and health. When you take care of these genes, the rest of your body is more likely to be healthy. We help you find the underlying contributors to weight gain, chronic fatigue, autoimmune reactions, bowel problems, or daily well-being.

We examine over 70 areas with 200 genetic variations and provide easy-to-read red / green graphs to highlight where clients need to pay the most attention. People learn about their genes related to gluten, lactose, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones and more. A clear set of actions provides recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes based on outcomes.

Do your clients prefer your company over other competitors?

dnaPower provides the most comprehensive test on the market using polygenic assessments to provide more accurate, holistic insights into key areas of focus for long-term health. We include a 45-minute consultation with a certified nutritionist to ensure clients get the most out of their results and how to incorporate these changes into their lives. We’ve been doing this for over 10 years so we know how this information can positively impact human health.

From a business leader’s point of view, what are your thoughts on the impact of the current epidemic in the DNA testing sector and related markets?

Preventive health has never been more important. Strong immunity is essential. DNA testing provides insights into specific genetics that could put people at higher or lower risk. DNA can show you if the body needs the extra help of unique vitamins C, D, and zinc genetics. This enables you to address specific deficiencies in advance, potentially avoid an illness or reduce duration and severity. If you know where the genetics of your lifestyle is weak, you can take steps to support your body and health so that your body is in the best condition to fight any virus or disease.

With the basic insights it can provide, DNA testing will increase dramatically in the coming years. This information everyone needs to have.

Describe the values ​​that drive your organization.

We are passionate about helping people live their best lives. Our goal is a healthier you, a healthier world – we go the extra mile to ensure our customers gain value from their DNA information to help them be healthier and happier. We strongly believe that knowing your genes as it relates to health and wellness is far more valuable to your family than knowing your genes.

Although ancestral learning is fun, health is the ultimate goal. That’s why in addition to our direct testing, we’ve created Friend Connect products to take your ancestral data and give you health insights within 48 hours. We want to give you information so that you know how to live a healthy life.

In what ways have you or your company contributed to the community?

Gender equality, diversity and inclusion are deeply important to me. I have been an active lawyer for over 20 years presiding over a number of organizations, including the Canadian Women’s International Network, the Premier Women’s Economic Council, the Women’s Executive Network, WE for SHE and other reasons for advancing equity.

In a personal note, I have adopted identical twins from Vietnam, a transgender, which has made LGBTQ rights, diversity and inclusion more important to me in our world. To give back to our children gifts, we have an adopted family charity that builds schools in impoverished Vietnam and provides scholarships and summer camps for girls at high risk of being trafficked. I am honored to be recognized with many awards for this work, including the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.

What are your future aspirations? Where will you see your company in the next five years?

Our goal is that everyone has the ability to learn their DNA so that they can make the most conscious decisions about their health. We would like to see the Lifestyle DNA test as one of the first tests included in the personalized and preventive health program. If we can eat and live according to our DNA, work with our bodies without being against them, then we have the best chance of living a healthy life.

We are particularly excited about APOE research and our experiments related to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. If you know you have these genes, you can take proactive steps to manage your health and ensure that these genes are not released. This is the revolutionary power of DNA testing. Preventive measures are now in your hands

Alpine Villas: Your gateway to the premier Swiss lifestyle

Alpine Villa is a charming enclave with a mid-rise tower in the style of a Swiss chalet.

It brings you into the embrace of nature.

This picturesque 100-hectare Swiss-inspired luxury community in the city of Tagaytay, above all, not only entertains you with breathtaking views from the heights that allow you to climb the cool mountains. Crosswinds — which Brittany Corp. Developed by, the luxurious residential arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country’s largest homeowner, surrounds you with the serene serenity of its alluring pine forest in a beautiful glimpse of the famous Alpine region.

Alpine Villa’s new tower, Biel, was named after a famous Swiss village and was inspired by the idea of ​​bathing one’s senses in the forest environment.

Especially in the last two years it has become a favorite holiday spot in the epidemic, it is not at all surprising because it presents a captivating repetition of beautiful rural life but in a more sophisticated environment.

Spread across this magnificent expanse of leaves, rich in nearly 35,000 tall pine trees, is a vast array of luxurious houses, hotels and mid-rise residential towers that are already shaped like Swiss chalets. Plenty of open spaces যেখানে where you can breathe fresh, cool air and interact with nature, yet this community offers modern conveniences and sophisticated food to suit your discerning palate.

Crosswinds offers a wide range of outdoor recreation, from cycling and jogging paths to beautiful jogging and hiking trails.

The first oasis

Crosswinds, today, has truly become the premier Swiss oasis that can remind the wonderful Filipino communities of alpine attractions.

The latest village to bring this attraction closer to home is the 2.8-hectare Alpine Villa, a charming enclave with a mid-rise tower in the style of a Swiss chalet. The first four towers, namely, Barnes, Blanc, Brianz and Biel, will rise 582 meters above sea level, indicating an exceptional view of the exclusive community of Crosswinds.

At Crosswinds, residents can enjoy the serenity of walking through the dense forest of pine trees while enjoying the beautiful scenery of nature.

Inspired by the idea of ​​a forest bath, Alpine Villa is being built on sustainable design principles. Even before the epidemic, this development has already been conceived considering environmental, health and wellness.

Basically, this strange complex seeks to show how nature nurtures, heals and restores.

For example, the 9-storey Biel is designed to reflect the beauty of nature, with 58 units incorporating elements of wood and other natural materials, including one- and two-bedroom cuts. About 30 percent of this development will be devoted to green open space.

With open spaces, colorful flowers, and the breeze of fresh pine scents, Alpine Villa inspires you to slow down, practice meditation, and reconnect with nature সাধ a pursuit that has become even more meaningful since the epidemic began two years ago.

A good thing here is that there are some remaining units left like the Biel, which offer larger unit sizes, more open space, upgraded features and better viewing and convenience points.

For those looking for comfort, serenity and serenity away from the city, this is truly the ideal property.

Helpful for pursuit

You won’t be unprepared here though Alpine Villas and Crosswinds, in particular, have created a community that is extremely suitable for countless pursuits, making it a truly ideal vacation whatever the time of year.

Indicates nature-inspired activities as the crosswinds allow outdoor recreation with cycling and jogging paths as well as running and hiking trails. A curated list of amenities divided into passive and active spaces will undoubtedly keep you busy — fitness facilities, private parks, children’s outdoor playgrounds, pet parks, function halls and tranquil gardens.

Practical features will also give you that elusive peace of mind — 24/7 security protocol, CCTV, Wi-Fi and building systems in all common areas. The units were also designed with versatility in mind, giving homeowners the flexibility to design their space.

Even better, Alpine Villa is close to the one-of-a-kind dining concept that will allow your palate to travel the world — Windmill Lausanne, Cafe Yama, Dear Joe and Andersen’s Bakery. There are also ruined projects near the entrance to Crosswinds ?, Napa, Cafe Viola and Coffee projects.

At Crosswind, kids can stay outdoors, play in different green spaces, and spend more time in nature.

Good investment

A unit at Alpine Villa is a significant investment option that will benefit you in multiple ways. In addition to giving you a home in a beautiful, peaceful community like Crosswinds, it will allow you to make significant gains through a valuation of capital if you want to dismantle it at some point in the future – although I doubt you will.

And even if you do not wish to stay here all year round, your investment in Alpine Villas will be worth it. In the last five years and even in the midst of an epidemic, unit prices here have risen an impressive 67 percent, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11 percent. Passive income opportunities are possible.

In addition to Crosswinds in Tagaytay, Brittany also offers a fine selection of home designs, high-end condominium and lot-only properties in nice places like Portofino, Alabang, La Posada, Sucat and Georgia Club, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

For more information on the Brittany Corporation’s collection of luxury properties, see www.brittany.com.ph Or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.


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The rich should be taxed more to help families with huge profits

The Sunday Times’ richest list of UK billionaires shows a record number of taxpayers should be taxed on their profits.

The huge increase in wealth at the top during epidemics shows how ‘wealth often breeds more wealth’, says think tank

Call for redistribution through higher taxes on income from assets, and repeal of council tax for a new, proportional property tax

Reacting to this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, George Dibbs, head of the IPPR think tank’s Center for Economic Justice, said: This was especially true during the epidemic, when the rich saved more wealth than the poor who saved nothing.

“The UK now has more billionaires than ever before and the combined wealth of the rich has grown again.

“We urgently need to look at ways to help the families most affected by this new price crisis, including the redistribution of wealth among the rich to pay for higher social security benefits for those most in need.”

“This means reforming the tax system so that income from assets – capital gains – is taxed just like hard-earned income from work. The time has come to replace the council tax regressive system with a fair, proportional property tax. Those with broad shoulders should contribute more.”

“At the same time we should abolish the so-called ‘non-dome’ status so that the rich can spend time abroad and avoid taxes.”


What is futures trading? – Is that a good move?

Future trading is not for beginners, it requires experience of even the most advanced traders. It is a type of trading that is available in different markets and has applications and platforms that give you a channel to trade in the future. For something that doesn’t seem to be related to stock and products, what exactly is the future, what is the purpose and what should you enter into it? We’ll find out.

What is futures trading? – Breakdown

What is futures trading? You can’t start investing hard-earned money in something you don’t understand, so we’re going to give you a quick breakdown.

Futures are derivative financial contracts. What does a derivative mean? In the case of trading, it is a contract that “generates” its value from a group of assets, an underlying asset or a benchmark. The two parties will enter into an agreement (hence the term) to agree on the purchase or sale of commodity assets or securities on a specific date in the future, for a price that has been set. Note that there is a minimum price fluctuation for each contract known as a “tick”.

These trades are made in the futures market or exchange. To participate in futures trading you will need a brokerage account that is authorized to do so.

You may think that it sounds like option trading and you will be fine, but there is a difference. At the end of the contract, there is no guarantee of the price of the options, but in futures trading, the buyer is obliged to purchase the asset and the seller is obliged to pay it.

Futures market

We have mentioned that futures are traded in the futures market. How are they different from other markets and exchanges? It’s just that it’s dedicated to the future. A general contract agreement contains information such as the amount the buyer promises to purchase and the delivery date for the seller. Examples of futures commodities include oil, metals, coffee, grain and even currencies such as cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

Break down the categories you might find in the futures market or in exchange for more examples.

Financial Future – E-Mini S&P 500, NASDAQ and Russell 2000, and Mini Dow Jones.

Currency Futures – Many world currencies such as AUD, CAD, British Pound, Yen, USD

Energy Future- Natural gas, oil, ethanol

Metal Futures – Gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium

Livestock Futures – Cattle for eating such as cattle

Food Future- Coffee, sugar, cheese

Grain Future – Corn, soy, wheat, oats

Future – How does it work?

Is trading futures divided into just a few steps?

Take fuel, for example, since prices are astronomical at the time of writing. Suppose a power corporation like Chevron and Shell wants to set prices and avoid potential future growth. The corporation will become the buyer, looking for a contract from the seller, who will be the fuel distributor, who says the amount fixed for a set price that will be delivered at a certain time in the future.

Stock futures

We’ve talked about the various products available in Futures Trading, but there are also stock options that you can’t deal with. Individual companies like some ETFs may also have futures stocks. You can even find futures bonds.

Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to painting a picture about ourselves. However, others do short-selling, which is actually a gain with a stock fall.

Future agreement

We have explained what futures contracts are, but let’s go into more detail about what is set out in each.

  • How to trade (physical delivery, cash, etc.)
  • Quantity of product
  • Coin
  • Product details such as grade, quality etc.
  • Unit of measurement

What is the purpose of the future?

A big and probably primary reason to trade futures is to hedge against the potential risk of price change. This is one of the best ways to do this for large corporations. So, risk management is a big part of it, but the other half is about estimating.

One thing to understand before the deal ends, futures trades are extremely fluid and can change hands. Why this matter? This is a great feature for those who do not plan to own a product. What such an investor does is gain from the market without being responsible for the follow-through.

Anyone who buys and sells before the expiration date will have no obligation to meet the terms of the agreement. This is complicated, which is why we do not recommend futures trading for beginners. However, if you want to go into the future and be open to learning and spending time on it, TopstepTrader is a great option. You can also consider NinjaTrader or Forex.com, but you can try the free trial for TopStepTrader first and then decide.

Future trading – good and bad

The best way to determine which type of trading or investment is right for you is to consider the pros and cons.

Professional

  • Diversify your investor profile by spreading assets across different types of investments
  • Participate in short sales
  • Potential tax benefits
  • Speculation due to high liquidity
  • Risk management
  • Deposits are usually a fraction of the total amount

Cons

  • Success requires investment and trading knowledge
  • Margins open up more risks with more profit opportunities

Advantage

We talked about all the good things that come with futures trading, from risk management to short selling. If you meet the criteria for going through futures trading, you can reap all the benefits if you understand this.

A brokerage will probably ask about your investment experience, your total net worth and even your income margin and the risks they will allow you to deal with. Commissions and fees are set by the brokerage and will vary. It also depends on the services they provide. There are some organizations that offer lots of support and advice.

Risk

The futures market is very attractive to those who want to invest a small amount, especially through small sales. We see in day trading people who just borrow money to play in the futures market. While it is true that you can gain a lot, the opposite is also true and you can lose a lot.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) warns of the volatility of individual investors and makes recommendations against it for those who have no capital or experience. Again, there are platforms to use that can give you a taste of futures trading without the risk of going it alone.

The final word

The point we are trying to make throughout this article is that futures trading is a very lucrative form of investment to hedge against future price increases and to make a lot of money through a small initial investment in short sales. It is also important to acknowledge the underlying risks of futures trading, which can equate to high profits and high losses.

Sri Lanka’s default indicates problems facing other developing countries

Protesters gather during a demonstration in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Thursday, April 28, 2022. – Bloomberg

Sri Lanka’s imminent default on 12.6 billion in foreign bonds is a warning signal to investors in other developing countries that rising inflation is poised to take a painful toll.

The South Asian nation has been running through a 78 78 million grace period since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, marking its first sovereign debt default. Its bonds are already trading deep in the troubled region, with holders reaching close to 60 cents in dollars for losses. The government said last month that it would stop repaying foreign loans.

All the debt crises are unique to the situation in Sri Lanka – the details here include an unpopular government led by an almighty family, the unresolved consequences of 30 years of civil war and violent street protests. But the island’s story is beginning to be seen as a bellwether for emerging markets where deficits have risen due to inflation, including world-record-high food costs, with the potential to destroy the national economy.

“Sri Lanka’s default is a bad omen for emerging markets,” said Guido Chamorro, co-head of Pickett Asset Management’s emerging-market hard-currency lending, which holds Sri Lankan bonds. “We hope the good times stop. Slower growth and more difficult funding conditions will increase the default risk, especially for border countries. “

Sri Lanka, the $ 81-billion economy on India’s south coast, has been in turmoil for weeks amid a year-on-year inflation of 30%, a declining currency and an economic crisis that has left the country short of the hard currency it needs to import. Food and fuel. Anger over the situation – brought on by years of excessive debt to fund inflated state companies and liberal social benefits – has erupted into violent protests.

Massive arson and clashes have been reported from different parts of the country, and the homes and properties of several government lawmakers have been set on fire. At least nine people, including a member of parliament, were killed in the violence.

Sri Lanka is currently without a finance minister, which could complicate efforts to overcome the crisis as the government struggles to restore security and get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At the same time, it is BlackRock, Inc. And a restructuring with lenders, including the Ashmore Group.

The country’s dollar bonds are among the worst performers in the world this year, with only Bitcoin-based notes from Ukraine, Belarus and El Salvador worse. The government failed to hand over about $ 78 million coupons to mature debt holders on April 18, 2023 and 2028, prompting the S&P Global Rating to declare an election default. Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Service have not yet announced their official defaults, despite issuing their own warnings.

After the grace period for this payment ends on Wednesday, negotiations with lenders could begin in earnest, a process that would be key to winning help from the IMF. The country has previously said it needs 3 3 billion to 4 4 billion this year to pull itself out of the crisis.

The country’s $ 1 billion debt this July rose 0.24 cents to 42.73 cents on Wednesday, reaching a record 42.5 cents last week, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

But such an agreement will not be easy to complete quickly. Although President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has already called on one of his political opponents to take over as prime minister following the resignation of his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, instability remains. Even after the 30-year civil war that ended in 2009, divisions remain deep and the central bank governor has threatened to resign if political stability does not return soon.

“We are in a liquid situation that is very dangerous for Sri Lanka,” said Matthew Vogel, London-based portfolio manager and head of sovereign research at FIM Partners.

The risk of duplication
As Sri Lanka struggles with instability, its problems provide a warning to other emerging markets where the burden of heavy debt is being transformed into economic problems and social unrest. The challenge is compounded by the fact that the Federal Reserve and other major central banks have raised interest rates to curb inflation, which has led to higher borrowing costs.

Trang Nguyen, executive director of emerging market strategy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., said:

At least 14 developing economies tracked in a Bloomberg gauge have debt yields of more than 1,000 basis points on the US Treasury, a threshold for bonds to be considered miserable.

Other countries, including Egypt, Tunisia and Peru, are already under increasing pressure from rising food and energy prices. It risks becoming a major debt collapse and another threat to the fragile recovery of the world economy from the epidemic. Pakistan, Ethiopia and Ghana are also at risk of pursuing the case, Bloomberg Economics said last month.

“This could be the beginning of a trend across the Sri Lankan border and in emerging markets where governments face a debt crisis – and perhaps default on their obligations,” said Brendon McKenna, a strategist at Wells Fargo in New York who said Pakistan and Egypt were particularly vulnerable. “As prices rise, many of the fundamentally weaker countries with dollar-denominated debt may struggle to repay bonds.” – Bloomberg