#Events in the Japanese Bond Market

[goldenpilearn]

Events in the Japanese Bond Market - Read articles on bonds and finance sector at GoldenPi. These articles includes complete information, tips and reviews on bonds in India.

[upismediacenter]

Batch 2024 participates in 2-week off-campus internship

University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Batch 2024 completed their 2-week off-campus internship at various sites from February 12 to 23.

Part of the Grade 12 work program is the two-week off-campus internship which aims to apply the knowledge and skills they have obtained from Kindergarten to Grade 11, to experience a real-world work environment, to understand and explore the careers they may pursue in the future, and to develop proper attitudes regarding leadership structure, employee interactions, and professionalism.

Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) Track

Grade 12 - Kalayaan, the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) track, had their work immersions at Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, Interactive Children’s Literacy Program (ICLiP), M&P Creatives, and Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas. UP Diliman Information Office (DIO) and DZUP 1602, despite being within the UP campus, were also included as internship sites for the off-campus work immersion.

The sites offered internship tasks such as writing articles, creating scripts, designing social media posts and publicity materials, covering events, newscasting, hosting, observing and teaching classes, assisting video shoots, joining rehearsals, and participating in activities conducted by the sites.

Zaeda Wadi, a former UPDIO intern, shared some of the most important lessons she learned through her internship. “At the UP DIO, I learned that being attentive is such a helpful asset to have! Be it in article-writing, observing during programs, interacting with others, or following instructions, having a present mind makes things clearer—and easier. I also realized that there are various activities in UP Diliman that I can participate in! It opened more doors for me to venture that can set me on new experiences as a student and community member,” she stated.

Additionally, she talked about some of the discoveries she made through UP DIO. “UP DIO staff taught me that in the hustle of life, sharing conversations and laughs makes the office life bearable and memorable! I learned from their close bond how it is always nice, even essential, to check in daily wholesome chats with people we meet at the workplace,“ she shared.

Business and Entrepreneurship (BE) Track

Grade 12 - Kapayapaan, the Business and Entrepreneurship (BE) track, experienced working at Underdog Fitness PH, Revised Salon, Friuli Trattoria, Puff & Dough BakeLab, SGD Coffee, Street Kohi, Noki Japanese Fried Chicken, and Urban Chick for their off-campus internship.

Some of their work included taking orders from customers, cleaning and setting up the area, making orders and food products for the business, assisting in supply inventory, creating and designing social media posts, preparing financial reports, assisting in administrative-related tasks, and conducting market research.

Princess Tan, a former intern at Noki Japanese Fried Chicken, shared her thoughts on how different the off-campus internship is from completing regular coursework for classes. “The real world is less structured than the system in school. The tasks we had to do weren’t listed for us and weren’t taught to us from the very start to end. You are expected to learn the operations as you go through the work program. Additionally, mistakes would cost you more unlike in school where you’ll just get a deduction on your score,“ she said.

Applied Sciences and Engineering (ASE) Track

Grade 12 - Karangalan and Karunungan, the Applied Sciences and Engineering (ASE) track, held their internship programs at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS), ADMU - Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering (ECCE), ADMU - Department of Mathematics, Buri Technologies, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), DENR - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), LCI Envi Corporation, New Era General Hospital, Smile Studio Dental, and Wilson Hobby Studio.

Some specific tasks given by the sites consisted of conducting playtests, exploring and programming with Artificial Intelligence (AI), attending workshops and seminars, testing websites, creating courses on websites, performing Test Case Documentation, listing products and packaging of companies, managing and operating with information and cybersecurity, weather research and reporting, assisting in dental-related work, input and documentation of dental procedures and prices, assisting in tech support with 2D software, 3D printing, and attending discussions and seminars held by the sites.

Enjoce Lampa, a former intern at ADMU - Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS), shared the skills he was able to develop or enhance through his experience. “The skill I used the most during the internship was definitely my knowledge in programming. I think I already had pretty good programming [or] coding knowledge from my experiences but this internship further enhanced my skills because I was able to use it on a real project. I learned the Godot game engine and its native language, GDScript, to create our game and I think I will be using this knowledge more in the future,“ he stated.

Batch 2024 is the first batch of Grade 12 students to experience separate cycles for their off-campus and on-campus internship since the pandemic. Last year, they finished their on-campus internship, which lasted from December 4 to 15. //by Mira Leaño and Ria Bautista

[todayisafridaynight]

It's been wonderful being able to talk about these things for me too! I haven't really had the opportunity since Y7 came out, so I'm positively buzzing. And no worries about the tone of your post about Daigo's article haha, I appreciate it when issues are pointed that I might've missed otherwise since that's at least something actionable.

But I'm obviously not going to stop anyone from venting frustrations with the wiki or with Fandom as a platform; I frequently find myself frustrated too! It's one of the things that keeps people editing the wiki. I'm honestly fine with whatever as long as it's not accusing us of being fujoshi for the billionth time lol, but for better or worse I do like to clarify what we're trying to do if there's any confusion.

Speaking of, Mine's relationship tags are kind of a funny story! So a lot of them have these dotted underlines and question marks, right? You're supposed to be able to hover over underlined terms to see a short definition (on desktop) and click the question mark to see an article with all the definitions on mobile, since hover actions aren't possible on a touchscreen.

But since the article was and still is under construction, Fandom doesn't show the link to logged-out users. So I had no idea it just looks like we're saying the tag is ambiguous lol. It's up now though, so it's hopefully easier to understand what we're trying to do!

I just found it funny I specifically added that feature to reduce confusion. Half the grief we get over Mine's "romantic interest" tag is because people assume we're saying it's mutual (we chose the term to try and avoid the "mutual" connotations of "love interest," but I guess that didn't work out). I also thought it might help with somewhat esoteric tags like "co-parent" (which was put in place for Jo and Arakawa and then I kept thinking of others) and "surrogate son." Turns out it's tough to boil complex relationships down to one term!

I definitely have SO many questions about New Year's Day and I probably always will; for the space of only one night, it's a huge blank. I certainly do have to wonder if shipping Masato off to America was decided then and there. There's a lot that could possibly be expanded on in RGGO (further interactions between Arakawa and Jo included lol), so I've got hope for that too now that we're back to random events. I'd be really interested to see how you'd portray it someday!

Talking about Nakai and Tsutsumi reminded me, Nakai mentioned he read the whole script in a day so he "wouldn't do a disservice to Arakawa or Sawashiro's characters." That kind of stuck out to me precisely because there are so few scenes between them compared to like, Arakawa and Ichi, and they're all relatively low-impact in comparison.

Of course, it could be marketing on account of him and Tsutsumi getting to co-star again, or the scenes could simply have stood out to him more for that reason, or he could've had a different impression of the ratios having read the script rather than played the game. But the part of me that makes me want to go Off The Deep End speculating is kind of wondering if there were other scenes planned?

And absolutely! I'm not able to reblog often because the post editor's been crashing whenever I try to tag my posts, but I hope you know I love your work and I'll support pretty much anything you put out! I'm very excited to share my findings as well.

A lot of it's to do with Mine's relationship to Western culture vs. Japanese culture (his "westabooism," basically), so that's specific to him, but there a lot of interesting concepts and theories in Japanese psychology regarding familial bonds, met and unmet emotional needs. They work as an explanation for his probable feelings of alienation from Japanese culture, but I feel they would make for an interesting lens to examine the Arakawas through as well.

I actually hadn't ever considered the similarity with regard to Mine and Jo's dads, but that makes so much sense! If I were to take it a step further, I think feelings of "abandonment" by their fathers have had long-lasting effects on both them and Masato. Jo we've been talking about, his father was technically still "there," but he wasn't in his corner, which feels much the same as abandonment to a child.

I think Mine's internalized a lot of the same feelings even though his father never meant to abandon him (I guess Jo's may not have, necessarily; alcoholism can destroy a family whether the individual wants that to happen or not). Like, unfairness, displacement, lack of control, the loss of the only support you have and so on. I think dwelling on that is what sent Mine's mental state spiraling, and what made it imperative to just believe Daigo was "dead" to try and move on as soon as possible. He didn't want to be hurt the same way again.

It's also probably what he was projecting in his ridiculous villain speech during The Orphanage Scene; the reason offering kids support in the way Kiryu does is a form of "victimization" in his eyes, at that moment, is because that support can be ripped away from you at any time. The scene is kind of hilarious to me because it's like, "okay we need Mine to have a kick-the-dog moment, his actions have been too understandable," but I do get it from that angle.

Similarly, I think those feelings of abandonment are why Arakawa faces the brunt of Aoki's abuse, because it's like, "YOUR negligence is why I had to go through all of that." So I get why Jo, like your sister, wouldn't want the finger pointed at him, but at the same time… damn. Perhaps if Arakawa had never had that talk with Masato, things might've been different. I get the impression he wouldn't be able to endure keeping things to himself for as long as Jo, though, given things like the letter he sent Ichi in prison.

Oh, yeah, Jo is CRAZY protective of Masato too! "If anything happens to him, killing you a thousand times would be insufficient!" I think part of his overreaction to having Masato's money is also that if Ichi can't listen to orders that fundamental, who's to say he listened to the orders to keep Masato safe? I guess if you see Ichiban as incompetent to the point of almost being a malicious actor, you might think that.

I'm sooo so glad you've noticed the rest of those similarities haha, I've been rotating them around in my brain like a cube for ages. A Venn diagram would be so fun to see! That's such an insightful look at the differences between Mine and Jo's offices too. I was a little confused about the placement of the social spaces, or even that they're there, but if you look at it as clearly separate from his personal spaces, it does make sense.

Also, not to harp on the books in the offices too much, but I compared the textures a little earlier. Mine's are basically all (very expensive) encyclopedias and language phrasebooks in English, Italian, French, and German, in contrast to Jo's discrete hardcovers and series of art history books. They're probably all stock assets lol, but I think they're surprisingly good fits; Mine dumping considerable time, money, and energy into his fascination with Western culture and Jo being the type to not want people to know what he's reading totally works for me.

But yes! It's kind of funny, because Yokoyama wasn't much of a Mine fan in his early days, but I hope he and the others keep on writing characters like him. I think of it as Mine's "legacy" in a series where past characters aren't acknowledged too often; the most I can recall are that Hakuho mention in 4 and the fencing around the Touto roof perimeter.

Speaking of, I love Mine's missed shots in the finale specifically because he's an excellent marksman in his Okinawa character story. Why? How? Who Knows, He's Perfect. (Probably not as good of a shot as Daigo though lol)

And yeahhh, there are other interviews, but it ain't the same! It was the most in-depth one I know of. I think this is one of the only remnants, and I shall entrust it to you.

But yes, exactly! And I'm also glad Y7 introduced more people to them (myself included), Tsutsumi's my favorite actor of all time and Nakai's brilliant. They make a great combi! Of the things I've seen where they co-star, I think Princess Toyotomi and Hero SP are both solid; the latter is a special for a longer show, but I honestly didn't even notice lol. Musashi I wasn't personally able to get through even though I've read the book, so I'm not sure how it plays out between them.

Also I DIDN'T KNOW TORU DIED IN PURE??? That came out of nowhere oh my god T___T But if you're ever looking for anything rare, feel free to ask! I might know a guy (gender neutral) with a stash, Fly, Daddy, Fly included.

OH MAN MINE'S WIKI ENTRY I've definitely made my opinions about it known, but now knowing the truth behind it it's kind of funny and still so unfortunate. I'd almost want to recommend a section dedicated to the topic since it's such an integral part of his character, though I also understand wanting to keep the wiki strictly to factual information and to exclude speculation (or "speculation" anyhow- it's definitely more of a concrete situation, especially going off of the information provided in your pinned post on the topic. If anything, that sort of information would belong to the "Trivia" tab wouldn't it- but again, it's such a deep situation it can't really be summarized in one or two sentences) and the topic being too niche to have a page dedicated to it. It's nice to know that the subject isn't trying to be brushed under the rug though and it's just a matter of awkward formatting/incomplete work!

Furthermore on The New Years Event, I would LOVE RGGO to expand on the topic since they've been so liberal with the stories they make and the depth those stories add to the characters. Honestly, I was expecting Masato's card to have that as its accompanying character story, so it's unfortunate that he doesn't get it or any story as far as I'm aware (or maybe he does have one and my poor pull luck has just prevented me from getting the card to find out myself, but I've looked as much as I could and couldn't find an upload of it). Oh well, I guess it's the old "if you want something done you gotta do it yourself-" not that anything I could make could ever be up to scratch, so I'm glad I do have people interested in what I have in mind :)

About Nakai, I wouldn't feel wrong trying to accredit his comment to a time before he knew the full plot or saw the full game and was just debriefed on the general story/character relationships, and I also wouldn't put it past RGG to have deleted scenes/ideas (if those do exist, RGG please let me in your vault I'd like to take a peak...)!

The psychology of Mine is another topic I've been wanting to officially tackle for a while now, so I'm glad I have this chance to share some of what I have mental bullet points for.

Moreover, Mine's dad and how he "left" Mine undeniably impacted him significantly beyond physically leaving him alone, and it definitely manifests in The Orphanage Scene and his idea that killing Daigo would be "putting him out of his misery". In those instances, he sees Daigo and the orphans as victims of an unfair reality, Daigo being comatose, and the orphans having the endure the struggles of being orphans (and that added-on, projected anxiety that their comfortable lives now could vanish at any second like it did for Mine). Mine's mustache-twirling villainy is funny for its absurdity, but I also genuinely appreciate it since it lets us peak into his warps philosophy better. It doesn't justify his actions by any means, but it explains to us why he can justify his actions as from a place of love or pity as opposed to thoughtless evil.

To add on, Mine's relationship with his father, from what we're allowed to gather, was healthy and positive. Because of their positive relationship, the removal of such adds credence as to why Mine's desperate to get that love again. It especially makes sense considering Japan's horrendous attitude and negligence towards orphaned children that was even demonstrated during Mine's childhood while his father was alive.

And as an inverse aside, Jo's relationship with his dad was toxic, whether it was due to blatant abuse or combined negligence. It's fair to assume that Jo never got to experience genuine, secure love growing up, so as a result, it's not something he actively seeks out. He's been without it long enough that it's not something he necessarily craves like Mine who used to have it until it was taken from him.

Masato certainly makes it clear he felt isolated despite the efforts Jo and Arakawa repeatedly went through for him, and it's apparent it's an unfortunate side affect of internalized ableism. It definitely doesn't help anyone's case that Masato had seemingly been informed of the night of his birthday's events (from Arakawa's point of view, obviously), and it's clear that knowledge gives ammunition as to why he resents him.

You're right on Jo potentially seeing Ichi as a bad actor, it's not as if he has disdain for him for no reason! Like even if Ichiban hadn't taken Masato's money the way Jo could have imagined, the idea that Ichi can't be responsible in one avenue can easily lead back to Ichi having the potential to look after Masato, especially when he seems to be the one who predominately looks after him when he's tasked to.

I've already got my program open to make my little chart and have my reference pictures ready, so hopefully I can have that silly thing out soon haha- I'm glad you're interested in seeing it, and I hope other people will like to see it too! Jo and Mine really are my favorite antagonists, so it's funny (and I guess not surprising) that they have parallels to them.

To add on to that though, I think it's fun to look at the extra details, no matter how small; I'm probably more happy than I should be that you looked at their office's books, but I can't help be a fan of the details you found (whether they're generic models or not, I'm running with them- I've done more with less before lmao)! Mine having language books is definitely in-line with his interests, but Jo having art history books is weirdly endearing (and dare I say another point for "these are the same picture" comparing it to Mine's own love for art). Jo being so private to the point of blocking out the binds of the books he owns is so accurate to him and his secrecy, and the concept that he likes to read about art in his spare time is a new favorite concept for me.

Mine really isn't acknowledged much after 4; in comparison to Ryuji and Nishiki, he's remembered throughout the series the least (you can argue the same for Ryuji, but considering he gets a whole new life in Dead Souls, I think it's fair to say that makes up for the mainline series forgetting about him. Though I guess the same could be Mine getting a prominent role as Hijikata in Ishin... Definitely not as cool of a spot as to be a playable protagonist with a machine gun arm if I'm honest). In that, it's great that his likelihood can exist in future characters, and I hope they continue the trend of phenomenal antagonists in LaD8 and onward!

I'm eternally grateful for this frame you've gifted me thank you so much- Nakai's smile is such a blessing honestly, I'm glad if anything survived from the interview it can be this shot at least.

I've got Princess Toyotomi and Hero SP added to my watch list, DEFINITELY something I'll be excited to check out as a reward once I have all my important business taken care of this week! Honestly, I haven't seen Musashi either: while I was looking through their filmography I saw it was a project they did, but I've always been bad at watching long series so I didn't take the time to see their performance together.

For things I have seen though... yeah he dies SORRY IF THAT WAS HOW YOU FOUND OUT </3</3 Honestly I didn't expect myself to love the series as much as I did (admittedly it was predominately because of the leads and their relationship), but when it happened I was both- dare I say crushed- a little humored a little funny in a dark-comedy way.

And if you do have access to harder-to-get films, I'd absolutely be interested in hearing about it. One of Nakai's movies Good Morning Show has been haunting me for weeks: it sounds like such a fun movie yet I can't find it anywhere </3

[faroreswinds]

Can you share what you've seen between Dimitri and Claude in more detail ? I don't play FEH so I'm curious what happened with Dimitri and Claude there too

during the summer event with I thought Dimitri challenged Claude to swimming and the latter couldn't keep up or smthin, I cant recall much from the posts I've seen about it.

Also for Hopes Heroes and Engage I'm not sure how accurately Claude is being portrayed.

Claude's character is a mess. He's the least popular lord and tbh I don't think the devs/writers care about him at all and are just using him to fit whatever theyre thinking of in that moment. Like it doesn't matter if they can't fit a round peg in a square hole but they're gonna force him to fit so they can use him for their narrative/plot needs . That's how his character came off in Hopes

Of the lords i think Dimitris routes tend to be the most well written , then Edelgard gets the 'am waifu must market to fanboys" treatment , and Claude just exists so they need to squeeze him in there somehow. Sad cuz he was my fav Houses lord lol

I mean, it's not much. But there are a few times Claude and Dimitri interact way more than Claude and Edelgard

Claude and Dimitri actually can be seen talking to each other when you explore the monastery.

In FEH, one of the forging bonds has Dimitri and Claude hanging out together. It's only a brief interaction, but they are together. I just can't remember which FB it is.

In FEH, Dimitri challenges Claude in a fun summer game. Claude eventually escapes it though, to relax on the beach, thanks to Edelgard going to get Ingrid and Sylvain to play with Dimitri instead.

There is a Japanese-only CD drama with the Three Lords that is just cute fluff, and Claude marvels at Dimitri's muscles.

In Engage, Louis tells Edelgard he sees Dimitri and Claude hang out together a lot, and wonders if they are friends.

There might be a few more examples but these are on the top of my head.

I'm starting to develop a headcanon that since Claude choses to hang out with Dimitri, he picks on him more and that's why he seems so mean to him. One of these days, maybe I'll make a complication of all the Claude/Dimitri interactions I can recall. FEH in particular is harder to remember because they also have twitter events and to dig through those would be... tiring.

[dojae-huh]

This is for Q3 (July-October) of 2022.

135.1-40.4=94.7

94.7 is the price of producing the goods and the content (music albums, shows, concerts).

40.4-27.6=27.1

27.6 were spent on advertising, distributing and on staff salaries (I guess?)

22.1 - what's left after taxes, the real gained money the company can add to the capital

6 coins spent gave 7 coins back, 1 coin of gain. And it's a very good quarter for SM. This company is really not that big, heh.

Correct me if I'm wrong with what I've written, I'm not an expert in economics.

Anyway, I'm posting the graph because I was surprised how much Appearence brings in? NR and Puma feed the boys? Heh. To be fare, there were still not that many concerts held in 3Q.

I also want to know what is MD/licensing - streaming and other groups performing SM songs on their own shows? How is it so high?

...

Considering how much money albums bring in, do you think it is in SM's interests to sabotage itself when it comes to its current breadwinner if there is not a big obstacle in the way? After the repack has been already done (money spent on its production)? Forget idols as people, cold-blooded business talk here.

I think the root of the problem is MarkHyuk being in two permanent units (and it were the fans who demanded OT7 and Dream to stay, originally there was planned another unit (or two) without MarkHyuk and with new neos). Both units bring in similar amount of money (similar album sales, sold out stadiums), so neither can be forgotten at this point of time. And if there is a problem with one unit (cancelled 127 Dome dates for 127 in January, cancelled Dream Show in July) it is the domino effect and a displacement of all initially planned events. Add to it 3 SMTown shows that must be attended (because as Kangta said, the newer artists help the older artists to perform before giant crowds).

The concerts are important right now as the bond with fans must be reinforced. The concerts and fanmeets in Japan are very important (I'm talking Dream upcoming Dream show in November), as it's the second largest musical market, and NCT is finally on the rise there. SM is still lagging behind Hybe and JYP. Dream has launched a Japanese fanclub, and a membership costs ¥5,400 for one year (~38USD). Dream will perform in 10-15-17k seat capacity venues. If they sell out, it's 72k with 5 concerts.

The Japanese fanclub opening and the Dream show 2 (scheduled for November) were announced in September. 2 Baddies comeback was in September. The timeslot for 127's comeback with the repack was only possible in late October-early November. What did October have? 2 concerts in US and 2 Olympic stadium concerts. US concerts were announced in August. The Seoul dome concerts were announced at the end of September. What did early November have? 2 concerts in Indonesia (a new market SM pays special attention to, Indonesian fans are among those who stream the most), also announced in September.

The repack's fate was sealed already in September, people. Before 2 Baddies comeback happened. SM just didn't tell us.

Ergo, the concerts, especially the Olympic stadium ones, were prioritised over the repack. The fans meeting idols in real life were prioritesed over the music show appearences. And it's not only about the concert dates themselves, but fans' money spent on tickets as well, I guess. And what is more important for 127 neos regarding dreams come true with the help of SM? To perform before 60000 alive fans or wake up 3 a.m. and perform on a music show before a hundred of fans 2 weeks in a row? Not to mention, idols get more money from concerts, especilly abroad.

And fans complain? Because they don't think, but emote.

Don't take me wrong, this year is messy, and I don't want a repeat of it. But I acknowledge that there are circumstances out of SM staff's control, like the coronavirus making new waves with new variants or getting into the artists, and countries' extending covid restrictions last minute. After the covid there is surelly no lack of music acts and sport teams wanting to rent venues. I doubt securing one is that easy of a job this year.

Before covid really hit, NCT system worked. 127zens are loud, but let's be honest, there are more of solo stans than unit-stans.

in 2022 127 neos got solo projects (Mark, Taeyong, Taeil, Jaehyun), radio-shows (Yuta), movies/tv (Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun (a postponed release, but let's count)), brand deals (Jaehyun, Yuta and Mark (I think?)), DJ gig (Johnny), OSTs and side projects (Doyoung, Taeil, Haechan, Mark, Taeyong, also Yuta, Yuta sang in the OST for his movie), MC gig (Jungwoo) and magazine covers (Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Haechan, Yuta). There was new YT content with games (with subs in 6 languages). The Dingo live session. Vlogs from all concerts and all special pop-up stores to those fans who couldn't attend to get the feeling of how it was. The work of "let's make fans happy" is being done. However, it is never possible to make everyone happy. There will always be people who are dissapointed.

MarkHyuk being in two units is a problem in my opinion, the problem that SM didn't plan when the NCT system was created. It were the fans, the circumstances (dremies showing too much chemistry and SM creating too good of a concept for them), and the need for a proper vocalist and a proper rapper. As such, the blame is not on SM or the NCT system (the way it was designed) for this. 127 wouldn't debut without Mark, but it could have been lacking Haechan if the two units were planned as permanent right away. No 2Dongs, no MarkHyuk, no Sun&Moon in this alternative reality...

SM has a problem and it deals with it however it can while trying to earn from both units.

There is an additional problem. The covid prevented the debut of the new two groups (NCT new unit (or two, there is Hollywood) and the new bg) and slowed down aespa's development as a new breadwinner. The circle of one new group every 4 years was broken. Currently it's Dream and 127 that bring in the most money, and yes, SM will milk both because it has to comeback on its feet after the pandemic.

Look at 2020, SM earned nothing that year, it actually got below the minus (-300 grey is net profit). You know why 127 are so loud about being late bloomers? Because they didn't give the money invested in them back quickly enough. Taeyong even thanked for additional budget for Favorite. 2019 also was a weak year. Yes, the revenue and the expenses are from all the activities and businesses, some of them are not profitable.

NCT position in 2018 and 2019

I wholly agree that SM needs a proper reforming of its inner structure to be more efficient (who was forgotten to be mentioned in a promo post again recently? Yuta?), and a better communication between the artists and the planning team is desireable, but from what I gather, the problems the company shows are widespread in all Korean institutions, they even shoot dramas about it. What I do not agree with is that SM staff who works with 127 or the company (at least in the face of LSM, who is in charge for now, or the current CEO who supervised Cherry Bomb and created multiple versions wanting it to be perfect) intentionally neglect or don't care about 127 neos.

If this were so, they wouldn't get solos or money for cover MVs, no song-writing and producing opportunities, no day-offs and surfing trips in the middle of promotional week.

[starseedfxofficial]

Markets See Green as Crude Slips: Veterans Day Calm What a Day! European Markets All Green and RTY Leads the Pack Today has been like that rare morning when every single traffic light turns green, and you actually get to work on time—except this time, it's European equities lighting up. Across the board, markets are in the green, with the RTY (Russell 2000) taking the lead in what looks like a solid morning session for Europe. You'd think they all had an extra shot of espresso, wouldn't you? But wait, it's not all fun and games. The DXY (Dollar Index) is feeling robust, riding high on the "Trump Trade," which seems to be alive and well. Now, if you're wondering what that means for our friend the Japanese Yen (JPY), it's not good news. The Yen is having a bit of a tough time today, falling behind after the Bank of Japan's Summary of Opinions (SOO) revealed they have no rush in their plans to hike rates. Imagine the JPY as the one kid on the playground who missed the memo that it was time to play—that's kind of the vibe here. Bonds Are a Mixed Bag (But Scholz Stirs the Pot) As for bonds, it’s a mixed picture today. Bunds (German government bonds) are slightly firmer. And why, you ask? Well, there's chatter that Chancellor Scholz might move forward with a vote of no-confidence. Whether or not that happens is still up in the air, but it's certainly enough to keep the Bunds on their toes. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury cash trade is on a pause today because of Veterans Day. Honestly, even the market needs a break sometimes—a day off to appreciate our veterans. Crude Oil Slips on Negotiation Rumors, Gold and Metals Feeling Dollar Pressure Now, let’s talk about the commodity space. Crude oil is slipping a bit today. Word on the street (or, well, from Hezbollah) is that negotiations are in progress to stop the war. As you can imagine, the markets react quickly to such headlines, and crude—always sensitive to geopolitical winds—is down. It’s like the price decided to take a little nap, but we all know it's keeping one eye open just in case. And what about gold and base metals? They're feeling the pinch from a stronger Dollar (thanks, DXY) and softer-than-expected Chinese inflation metrics overnight. Essentially, the stronger Dollar makes these metals more expensive for everyone else, and that's bad news for their prices. Picture this: gold, the shining star, is losing a bit of its glimmer, but we all know it’s just temporary—because nothing keeps gold down for too long, right? A Quiet Day Ahead – Veterans Day Reminder Looking ahead, it's going to be a relatively quiet day with no Tier 1 events on the docket. And just in case you missed it, today is U.S. Veterans Day. A day to honor those who’ve served, and a reminder that even when the markets are moving, some things are more important. For traders, it means one less market influence to consider, but also a moment to reflect. Wrapping Up: What's Your Move Today? So, here we are. Markets are green, Bunds are steady but with a hint of drama, crude is dipping, and gold is feeling the weight of a stronger Dollar. The next move? That’s entirely up to you. Maybe it’s time to sharpen that trading plan, keep a watchful eye on Europe, and remember that today is more about subtle positioning than making big, splashy moves. As always, trade smart, stay informed, and keep that humor handy—after all, the markets can be stressful enough without forgetting to smile. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[aishatradinginsights]

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Market Volatility and the USD’s Future

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, markets worldwide are preparing for potential shifts that could significantly impact trading opportunities. This election is more than just a political event; with major issues like economic policy, healthcare, and climate change on the line, the stakes are high for investors and traders alike. The future of the U.S. dollar, in particular, stands in a pivotal position. Could it surge to new strengths, or will it face unprecedented pressures? These questions weigh heavily on the financial sector as November 5 nears.

Key Election Issues Impacting the Markets

The two primary candidates bring vastly different visions to the table, each with implications for various sectors:

Economic Policies and Sectoral Shifts: The economy is top of mind for U.S. voters, with inflation, taxes, and job growth at the forefront. The winning candidate’s economic strategy will impact several key sectors:

Tech and Energy: Proposed regulatory and tax changes could lead to increased volatility in both technology stocks and traditional energy sectors. A green-focused candidate may push for renewable energy incentives, boosting clean energy stocks while challenging oil and gas companies.

Healthcare: Healthcare stocks could also be in for a turbulent ride. Expanded healthcare access could increase demand for services, while new regulations might impact pricing models for pharmaceutical and insurance companies. These shifts may bring short-term trading opportunities as policy announcements and election results unfold.

Currency Fluctuations: The U.S. dollar’s stability is a critical focus. Historically, pro-business policies tend to strengthen the dollar, while increased spending plans can apply downward pressure. This election may lead to fluctuations across major currency pairs such as EUR/USD and USD/JPY, as traders assess how fiscal and trade policies will shape global currency markets. Emerging market currencies could also see volatility as they react to USD performance and trade relations with the U.S.

Safe-Haven Assets: Political uncertainty often drives demand for safe-haven assets like gold, Japanese yen, and U.S. Treasury bonds. With the 2024 election bringing concerns of potential post-election instability, these assets may see increased interest from traders seeking protection. In the case of a smooth transition or clear policy direction post-election, traders might expect outflows from these assets as confidence returns to the markets.

Global Trade, Commodities, and the Ripple Effect

Trade relations are a significant focal point of this election. U.S. policies affecting tariffs and international agreements have implications for commodity prices and global trade. Key areas of impact include:

China-U.S. Relations: Trade relations with China may be redefined, affecting companies with significant export ties and impacting raw material prices. This could influence commodities such as steel and oil, leading to volatility across sectors dependent on these inputs.

Commodities and Agricultural Exports: Trade policies may also impact prices of agricultural products and industrial commodities. A candidate with a more protectionist stance could drive up tariffs, raising prices for commodities like soybeans, oil, and metals, potentially impacting emerging market economies tied to U.S. demand.

Preparing for Potential USD Movements: Boom or Bust?

The U.S. dollar’s trajectory post-election remains one of the largest questions for traders. With fiscal and trade policies likely to impact USD valuation directly, a few scenarios are worth considering:

Strong Dollar Scenario: If the election results in policies that reduce regulation, boost business incentives, and encourage economic growth, the USD could strengthen. This would likely impact other global currencies, leading to potential shifts in currency pairs, particularly those involving the yen, euro, and emerging market currencies sensitive to dollar strength.

Dollar Under Pressure: Alternatively, if government spending increases or trade policies create uncertainties, the dollar may face downward pressure. This scenario could impact imports, debt obligations for dollar-denominated loans in emerging markets, and shift capital flows into assets like gold and other safe-haven investments.

For traders and investors, the next few weeks will be crucial for preparing and strategizing around these potential movements. Assessing sectors sensitive to economic policy changes, monitoring polling data, and tracking global trade discussions will be essential in positioning for the election outcome.

For those looking to deepen their understanding and develop trading strategies, Victor Say’s seminar, “2024: USD Boom or Bust?” on November 8 at Tower Two, Singapore will dive into these scenarios and provide expert insights on how to navigate the post-election market landscape. This event will offer detailed analysis on trading opportunities, sector-specific impacts, and what to anticipate for the U.S. dollar’s future.

[michaelmikulec0]

Savoring Connections: How Culinary Adventures Unite Cultures

Discovering Cultures Through Food

Food is a universal language, transcending borders and fostering understanding between people from different backgrounds. When travelers embark on a culinary journey, they are not merely savoring new flavors but embracing an opportunity to learn about a culture's traditions, history, and values. From bustling street food markets to high-end dining experiences, the world of food opens doors to meaningful connections and shared experiences.

The Role of Traditional Dishes in Cultural Identity

Every culture boasts a unique culinary identity, often reflected in traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. These dishes are more than just recipes; they tell stories of migration, survival, and celebration. For instance, Italian pasta dishes highlight the significance of regional agriculture and historical influences from neighboring countries. Similarly, the spices in Indian cuisine reveal the country's deep ties to the spice trade and its multicultural influences.

Understanding these connections allows travelers to appreciate the cultural importance of each dish. By participating in cooking classes or dining in family-owned eateries, visitors get a firsthand experience of how food reflects a nation's identity and values. These experiences are often humbling and enlightening, emphasizing the diverse ways cultures express themselves through cuisine.

Culinary Traditions: A Gateway to Shared Experiences

Food traditions are deeply ingrained in societal rituals, celebrations, and daily life. Participating in these traditions fosters a sense of belonging, even for those unfamiliar with the culture. Take, for example, Japan's tea ceremony, a meticulously orchestrated ritual that reveals insights into Japanese aesthetics, discipline, and the appreciation of life's fleeting moments. By taking part in this ritual, visitors gain more than just an understanding of Japanese tea; they also learn about the philosophy and etiquette that shape Japanese society.

In Mexico, a simple meal of tamales shared with a local family during Día de los Muertos provides a glimpse into the significance of honoring ancestors and celebrating life. It is through these shared meals and rituals that genuine connections are made, as travelers are invited to participate in the daily joys and reverence of different cultures.

The Unifying Power of Food

One of the most compelling aspects of food is its ability to unify people, breaking down cultural barriers and creating moments of understanding and joy. Culinary experiences often serve as icebreakers, sparking conversations between strangers who may not share a common language but can bond over a shared meal. This unifying power of food is evident in communal dining settings, where strangers sit side by side and exchange stories, laughter, and smiles.

The global popularity of food festivals is a testament to this unifying effect. Events like the Taste of Chicago or the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the diversity of food cultures. Such events provide a space where the love of food transcends social, cultural, and geographical divides, turning strangers into companions and culinary enthusiasts into global citizens.

Culinary Journeys Promote Cultural Preservation

Culinary tourism has a profound impact on cultural preservation. As more travelers seek authentic food experiences, there is a growing appreciation for the preservation of traditional cooking methods and local ingredients. This, in turn, encourages communities to safeguard their culinary heritage and pass it on to future generations.

In some cases, culinary journeys have even led to the revival of forgotten recipes and the resurgence of indigenous ingredients. Farmers and artisans are finding new markets for their produce, while chefs are embracing and experimenting with traditional cooking techniques. This movement not only sustains local economies but also highlights the importance of maintaining a connection to cultural roots.

Culinary Travel: A Form of Responsible Tourism

Culinary travel can also be a form of responsible tourism. By prioritizing local and sustainable dining experiences, travelers can positively impact the communities they visit. Supporting family-owned restaurants, shopping at farmers' markets, and engaging in farm-to-table experiences are ways to contribute to local economies while learning about food production and consumption practices.

Additionally, many culinary tours emphasize ethical and sustainable practices, educating travelers about the impact of their food choices. Through these experiences, tourists become more conscious of the cultural and environmental significance of their meals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the global food ecosystem.

The Joy of Cooking and Sharing

For some, the joy of culinary travel extends beyond tasting dishes; it involves learning to cook them. Cooking classes abroad have become a popular way to immerse oneself in a new culture. These classes are more than just lessons in technique; they provide insights into the cultural significance of each ingredient and the stories behind the dishes.

Whether it's rolling sushi in Japan, preparing paella in Spain, or mastering the art of French pastry, cooking classes abroad create lasting memories and inspire newfound appreciation for the hard work and love that goes into preparing traditional meals. The joy of sharing these culinary skills with friends and family back home further extends the cultural exchange, creating ripples of connection long after the journey ends.

Food as a Bridge to Empathy

When people connect over food, they often open up about their lives, struggles, and dreams. This vulnerability creates space for empathy and understanding, reminding us that we are all more alike than different. A bowl of pho enjoyed in Vietnam, for example, may reveal the complexities of Vietnamese history and resilience. Similarly, savoring injera in Ethiopia can spark conversations about community and the joy of sharing meals.

Food serves as a bridge, inviting people to share not just their cuisine but also their stories and aspirations. Culinary journeys thus foster a more compassionate and connected world, one meal at a time.

Embrace the Culinary Adventure

In the end, culinary journeys are about more than discovering new flavors; they are about forming deep, lasting connections. Every dish tells a story, and every meal shared with locals offers a chance to understand a different way of life. By embracing these adventures, travelers can experience the world in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

So, the next time you embark on a journey, let your taste buds guide you. Take the time to savor every bite, listen to the stories of the people who prepare your meals, and allow the shared love of food to connect you to the heart of a culture. In doing so, you'll find that the world is full of flavor, warmth, and endless possibilities for meaningful connection.

[forexer02]

The Forex Market: Exploring the World's Most Dynamic Financial Marketplace

The Forex market, or foreign exchange market, is the largest and most liquid financial market globally, where currencies are bought and sold in pairs. With a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion, it surpasses stock and bond markets in size and scope. This immense market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, as major financial centers around the world — such as London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney — open and close, allowing for seamless, round-the-clock trading.

Forex trading revolves around currency pairs, where traders speculate on the value of one currency against another. Common pairs include EUR/USD (Euro/U.S. Dollar) and GBP/JPY (British Pound/Japanese Yen). The goal is to profit from fluctuations in exchange rates, driven by various economic, political, and social factors. For instance, a trader might buy the EUR/USD pair if they anticipate the Euro will strengthen against the Dollar. These rate fluctuations can be triggered by events like interest rate changes, economic indicators, and geopolitical developments, making the Forex market highly responsive to global news.

The Forex market is decentralized, meaning there is no central exchange. Instead, it operates through a network of banks, financial institutions, and online brokers that facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers worldwide. This decentralized nature provides high liquidity, enabling trades to be executed quickly and at competitive prices, even for substantial positions.

One unique aspect of the Forex market is the use of leverage, allowing traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. While leverage can magnify profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses, making risk management essential for successful trading.

To navigate the Forex market effectively, traders often rely on technical and fundamental analysis. Technical analysis involves studying price patterns, charts, and indicators, while fundamental analysis focuses on economic factors that impact currency value. Many traders use a combination of both approaches to make informed decisions.

the Forex market offers unparalleled trading opportunities for those who understand its complexities. With continuous learning, disciplined strategies, and effective risk management, traders can explore the vast potential of this dynamic market and engage with the global economy in real-time.

[darkmaga-returns]

US markets are still very sensitive to hints of slowdowns, rate hikes, and inflation. And in the wake of the Fed’s rate cuts last month, yields have gone up, not down.

Bill Bonner

Oct 25, 2024

Source: Grok Image Generator on X

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Bill Bonner, writing today from Baltimore, Maryland 

I'm turning Japanese  I think I'm turning Japanese  I really think so 

—The Vapors 

Why would 250 young people go into a large auditorium, strip naked, and ‘do it’ all together? 

Because they are Japanese? 

So far, we’ve confined our ‘what have we missed’ search to the bushes and by-ways along the path we think most likely.  

But what if we go in a different direction altogether? What if the road takes us to Japan? 

Suppose the end of the Primary Trend did not come in 2020-2022. What if that was just another data point... another interim peak in the great bond bull market that began in 1980? If so, can’t we expect lower interest rates in the future... not higher ones? And lower inflation too? And more debt... much more debt? 

This hypothesis has the advantage of being very contrarian and hard to follow. The idea is that worldwide, big investment pools — such as insurance companies, pension firms, and governments themselves — use US Treasury bonds as a ‘safe haven,’ long-term asset.  

Yes, they took a beating on those bonds in ‘20-’22... but now they believe the inflation crisis is over. They think it was caused by a one-time event, the Covid crisis. That won’t be repeated anytime soon, or so they believe. 

[sdsdsasadsadsa]

forex trading

What is Foreign Exchange Trade? An Introduction to the World’s Largest Financial Market Foreign exchange trade, commonly known as forex or FX trading, is the process of buying and selling currencies to profit from changes in exchange rates. It is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, with a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion. Unlike traditional stock or bond markets, the forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, providing traders with constant opportunities to engage in transactions. But what exactly is foreign exchange trade, and how does it work? Understanding the Basics of Forex Trading Forex trading involves the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another. Currencies are traded in pairs, such as the Euro against the US Dollar (EUR/USD) or the British Pound against the Japanese Yen (GBP/JPY). The first currency in the pair is the base currency, and the second is the quote currency. The exchange rate represents how much of the quote currency is needed to purchase one unit of the base currency. For example, if the EUR/USD pair is quoted at 1.10, it means that one Euro can be exchanged for 1.10 US Dollars. Traders speculate on whether the value of a currency will rise or fall relative to another. If a trader believes that the Euro will appreciate against the US Dollar, they will buy the EUR/USD pair. Conversely, if they believe the Euro will depreciate, they will sell the pair. Participants in the Forex Market A wide range of participants engages in forex trading, including commercial banks, central banks, financial institutions, hedge funds, corporations, and individual retail traders. Central banks are key players because their policies and interventions can significantly impact currency values. For instance, changes in interest rates, inflation data, and geopolitical events can cause fluctuations in currency prices. Retail traders, however, are gaining more prominence due to the increasing accessibility of online trading platforms. These platforms offer tools and resources for anyone interested in forex trading, regardless of their level of expertise. Factors Influencing Foreign Exchange Rates Several factors affect currency exchange rates, making forex a highly dynamic market. Interest rates, inflation, political stability, and economic performance are primary factors. For example, a country with higher interest rates typically attracts foreign capital, which can cause its currency to appreciate. On the other hand, political instability or poor economic performance can lead to a depreciation of a currency. Market sentiment and speculation also play a significant role in driving forex prices. Traders often react to news events, economic data releases, and geopolitical developments, leading to short-term price movements that can be quite volatile. Why Trade Forex? Forex trading offers several advantages. The market's high liquidity means that trades can be executed quickly, and spreads, which are the difference between the bid and ask price, tend to be low. Moreover, the 24-hour nature of the forex market provides flexibility, allowing traders from all over the world to participate at any time.forex trading Leverage is another key feature of forex trading. It allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital, potentially amplifying profits. However, leverage can also magnify losses, making forex trading a high-risk activity. Conclusion Foreign exchange trade is a complex but accessible financial activity that provides a wealth of opportunities for those interested in the global currency market. Whether you are a central bank managing national reserves or a retail trader looking to profit from market movements, understanding the fundamentals of forex trading is essential. With its high liquidity, round-the-clock trading, and opportunities for leverage, forex remains an attractive option for traders worldwide. However, it is crucial to remember that it also involves substantial risk, and a well-thought-out strategy is vital for success.

[ivanmkt100kirara]

Post #4 - SWOT Analysis

Strength: For the targeted demographic it aims for, which was designed for primarily young men despite the cute endearing looks, it has a unique sort of feel towards it. You don't expect a magazine that is devoted to cute girl stuff to be aimed at a higher audience, but because of the more relaxing and entertaining motive of what is offered, the strength of the band is having a unique position in terms of Japanese magazines, and other work in general. The relatively cheap price and constant release schedule also allows for much needed customer excellence to be present regularly.  In a 2007 interview with chief Hiroyuki Kobayashi, it was mentioned that the aforementioned demographic expanded to include younger teenagers, mentioning more universal appeal as a key strength.

Weakness: That being said, given that the magazine and brand is dedicated to just cute girl stuff, an obvious weakness would be that if someone is not interested in those things, the magazine will not appeal to them. It’s a very specific reach. Not everyone is going to be interested in what the world of Manga Time Kirara is going to offer, and some may only like fractions of it, but not the whole package. Someone may enjoy just the series featured in the MAX magazine, and another could only be interested in Carat’s offerings. Of course, any revenue is good for Kirara and subsequently Houbunsha, but if you were in their shoes, I imagine you would want to aim for your average consumer to like all your magazines.

Opportunities: In part to the sponsorship and events that Manga Time Kirara does for the magazine, another benefit is their events to celebrate their characters and franchise. Starting in autumn 2018, Manga Time Kirara has held exhibitions honoring their work, as well as engaging with their audience by providing the chance to explore and getting to know the magazine at heart, which take place almost yearly, or at least every other year. Just last month, Manga Time Kirara Exhibition FINAl, their latest event, took place in honor of the 20th anniversary of the magazine. Lasting for a week in Tokyo, the event served as an exhibition of both Kirara’s history and their legacy, including displaying their past magazines for attendees to see and discussing the impact left behind across the decades. It felt like not just a celebration of the magazine, but also for those who have stuck around throughout the years, showing a great respect between the company and the audience. These exhibitions allow an opportunity for engagement that makes the bond between sides stronger. It makes the brand feel lively.

Threat: In terms of other competition, there really isn't anything out there to combat against it. There are a few other magazines that have tried to do a similar thing, including Comic Cune, which began in 2015, but none have reached the impact and love that Kirara has in Japan. They are the lead in their target market, and it’ll likely be that way for a while. In contrast to other brands or companies or even magazines, the threat is comparably minimal. Most would probably like their threats to be that way, and that's about it for threats.

Sources:

Plachina (8, June 2007) Moe 4 Frames, Good Kanji? Manga Time Kirara Editorial Department Interview. Plachina. Retrieved October 2nd, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20100704140425/http://www.p-tina.net/interview/80

Yahoo Japan (20, September 2024) Writing Down 100 Works Such as "K-On!" "Manga Time Kirara Exhibition FINAL" Opens on the 21st. Yahoo Japan. Retrieved October 2nd, 2024 https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d2bd60ffb7228cc743e1022a912cbe1429ffa9e0

[small-left-blog]

A Comprehensive Guide to Major Currency Exchange Rates from a Licensed Money Changer with 15 Years Experience

Understanding Factors Impacting USD to MXN, YEN to USD and CAD to USD Conversions based on Technical and Fundamental Analysis

As a licensed and bonded money changer with over fifteen years in the foreign exchange industry, I have helped individual and commercial clients achieve the most cost-effective currency exchange rates. In this detailed guide, I will breakdown the technical and fundamental drivers currently influencing some of the most traded currency pairs including USD to MXN, yen to USD and CAD to USD based on my extensive experience.

1. Supply and Demand Imbalances

·  For USD/MXN - Increased remittances from the US boost peso demand while tariff threats curb it

·  In USD/JPY - Major dividend pay outs fuel yen selling pressure at period end

·  CAD/USD tracks oil price shifts affecting petro-currency flows in both directions

2. Relative Economic Data and Central Bank Divergence

Stronger Mexican growth supports peso while policy divergence favors dollar. Bank of Japan maintained stimulus splits yen pairs.

Mixed Canadian figures versus resilient US data underpins greenback. Greater policy tightening differential benefits American currency.

3. Geopolitical and Political Risk Events

NAFTA talks, elections and security concerns impact Mexico-US trade and investment links affecting currency pair

Escalating US-China tensions increase yen safe-haven demand during periods of uncertainty.

Resource nationalism and pipeline politics add volatility to commodity-linked loonie.

4. Technical Trading Levels and Positioning

Recognizing breakouts, consolidations and trend changes in daily FX charts is essential as momentum trading persists.

Large speculative currency bets by financial institutions can sway short-term prices.

Understanding support/resistance zones aids navigating frequent whipsaws in highly traded currency pairs.

5. Fiscal and Monetary Policy Statements

Weekly policy communications by Federal Reserve, Bank of Mexico and Bank of Canada shape outlook and influence trading activity.

Bank of Japan’s Yield Curve Control policy statement watching affects yen valuations.

Any adjusts to rate forecasts or commentary on currency intentions sway prices.

6. Major Economic Data and Events

Non-farm payrolls, inflation, GDP, trade and other monthly reports spark volatility around high-impact release times.

Oil inventory figures can spark loonie reactions given Canada’s export reliance.

Japanese trade balance impacts yen flows given the economy’s external profile.

In Summary

Staying atop relevant supply/demand, macroeconomic, political and technical dynamics is paramount to profiting from or hedging exposure to currency fluctuations over various horizons. This extensive primer on key FX pairs draws from my fifteen years navigating money markets to offer timely insights for mitigating currency risks and achieving optimal exchange rates.

[accapitalmarket]

Gold and Japanese Yen rise ahead of FED Interest Rates Decision

The Fed will announce its next monetary policy decision on Wednesday, driving Gold and the Japanese Yen to new long-term high prices.

Markets are split on whether the central bank will cut rates by 25 basis points to a range of 5% to 5.25% or by 50 basis points to a range of 4.75% to 5%.

This week will see the decision of many central banks around the world, if the general consensus is that inflation is falling, the decisions will give an indication on the views of the overall economic outlook.

GOLD

Gold hit a new high as markets waited for the Federal Reserve to begin easing monetary policy for the first time in more than four years.

Gold touched nearly $2,590 per ounce and now trading around $2580 area.

Central-bank buying and strong haven demand due to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have helped the advance.

The precious metal was also supported by a weaker US dollar, which fell after an apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield holds above 3.6% making difficult for XAU/USD to find direction.

Technical Overview

Gold is trading bullish and could keep rising higher and higher.

Gold is in the overbought zone, according to the RSI, but in a strong uptrend on all timeframes. If the RSI drops back out of overbought might indicate a possible correction. In the event of a correction, the first support lies at $2,550, $2,544 (0.382 Fibonacci retracement of the September rally), and $2,530 which has been representing a significative resistance in the past.

Japanese YEN

JPY net long positions are at their highest level since October 2016. The USD/JPY bounced and trading now just below ¥140.70 bottom which changed the short- and medium-term timeframes to bearish after the currency pair traded at a new 1-year low below the round number of ¥140, at ¥139.56. Trend and momentum traders will be interested in being long of the Yen.

Technical Overview

The MACD oscillator is standing beneath its trigger and zero lines, while the RSI is crossing below the 30 level.

Additional downward pressure with the significative break below the ¥140 level might push the bears to the July 2023 low of 137.25 before they collapse to the psychological level of 133.00, which was recorded in April 2023.

On the other hand, the break of the 140.70 area might drive the pair to the short-term descending trend line at 141.70 which may halt the upside rally.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this market commentary is of general nature only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You are strongly recommended to seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Trading margin forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Investors could experience losses in excess of total deposits. You do not have ownership of the underlying assets. AC Capital Market (V) Ltd is the product issuer and distributor. Please read and consider our Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and fully understand the risks involved before deciding to acquire any of the financial products provided by us.

The content of this market commentary is owned by AC Capital Market (V) Ltd. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action.

[digitalmediamelissa]

Blog - Emotion

Here's a revised version of your text with grammar and spelling corrections, as well as some critical refinements:

Final Fantasy VII (1997) is among the many games in the Final Fantasy series that achieved significant success in popularizing JRPGs in the Western market. Ommen frequently discussed the emotional impact of the game, speaking from personal experience about how it affected him. He emphasized that emotions are not merely momentary experiences but "formed over periods of time" (Ommen, 2018). This ongoing development of fans' emotions towards a game like Final Fantasy VII deepens and persists over time, becoming more effective as the story unfolds. Ommen also referred to the "growth of characters" (Ommen, 2018) shared alongside the player, which is crucial in creating lasting relationships and bonds. This character growth is exemplified in the main protagonist, Cloud, whose journey is driven not only by economic gains but also by personal growth. Players often experience Cloud's journey intimately as they play through the game, particularly in his bonds with female characters. Ommen argues that players often feel a "sense of affective identification" with Cloud, developing bonds with other characters through their shared experiences.

The impactful death scene within the game, described by some as "the most shocking moment in video games," demonstrates the narrative and visual prowess that creates immense emotion among players (Gamestop, cited in the text).

Shinkle (2008) discussed how "video games have somewhat limited" emotional expression, particularly evident in the first game of the series, FFVII, where emotions were challenging to portray due to low-polygon models. However, the remake of the game allowed for more expressive emotion. Despite this, the initial impact on players had already passed. Instead, the sentimental value embedded in the original game creates emotion for players revisiting moments like flashbacks of significant events. Techniques like employing blues and soft music subtly hint at sad moments, building emotional tension even before pivotal scenes unfold. Such tactics are examples of "emotioneering," aiming to make both the plot and characters "conceptually interesting and emotionally deep" (Shinkle, 2008), which often prove effective.

Critics argue that emotional narratives are typically suited to linear media like books and rely on clear "emotional cues" (Shinkle, 2008), such as facial expressions, to convey narrative intent. However, Final Fantasy VII demonstrates that a powerful story and well-developed characters can deeply move players emotionally, even without these cues or highly detailed character models. References

Shinkle, E. (2008). Video games, emotion and the six senses. Media, Culture & Society, 30(6), 907-915. https://doi-org.ezproxy.herts.ac.uk/10.1177/0163443708096810 

SQUARE ENIX. (1997) Final Fantasy VII. [DISC] Playstation1. Japan: Square Co., Ltd. 

Van Ommen, M. (2018) “Emergent affect in FinalFantasy VII and Japanese  role-playing games https://doi.org/10.1386/jgvw.10.1.21_1 

[michaelmikulec0]

Culinary Journeys: Exploring Diverse Cultures through Food and Connections

In a world rich with diversity, food serves as a universal language that bridges cultural divides fosters understanding, and builds connections. Culinary journeys offer a unique way to explore diverse cultures, savoring not just flavors but also the stories and traditions behind them. This article delves into the power of food to connect people across the globe, the cultural significance of various cuisines, and the personal experiences that highlight the essence of culinary exploration.

The Universal Language of Food

Food is more than sustenance; it expresses identity, history, and community. Whether it's the fragrant spices of Indian curries, the delicate art of Japanese sushi, or the hearty warmth of Italian pasta, each dish tells a story. This universal language of food allows us to communicate and connect with others, transcending linguistic and geographical barriers.

Sharing a meal is a deeply rooted cultural practice that fosters social bonds and promotes a sense of belonging. In many cultures, meals are communal events, bringing together family and friends to celebrate, share, and create memories. Sharing food creates a unique space for cultural exchange, where people can learn about each other's traditions, values, and way of life.

Cultural Significance of Cuisines

Each cuisine reflects its origin's geography, history, and cultural practices. For instance, Mexican cuisine, with its rich flavors and vibrant colors, tells the story of a land abundant in ingredients like corn, beans, and chili peppers. Traditional dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and mole are not just recipes but cultural artifacts representing centuries of indigenous and Spanish influences.

Similarly, the Mediterranean diet, hailed for its health benefits, is rooted in the rural lifestyle of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. The use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, and seafood reflects the region's climate and resources, while communal eating practices highlight the importance of family and social ties in Mediterranean cultures.

In Asian cuisines, the balance of flavors and the artful presentation of dishes are paramount. Chinese dim sum, Japanese kaiseki, and Thai street food offer a glimpse into their respective countries' culinary philosophies and cultural values. These cuisines emphasize harmony, respect for nature, and the joy of sharing food.

Personal Experiences in Culinary Exploration

Embarking on a culinary journey often leads to unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections. Traveling to new places and tasting local dishes allows one to immerse in the culture and gain insights beyond the surface. Here are a few personal stories that highlight the transformative power of culinary exploration:

Discovering the Heart of Italy through Pasta

On a trip to Italy, I found myself in a small village in Tuscany, where I was invited to join a local family for dinner. The meal began with freshly baked bread dipped in olive oil and a series of pasta dishes from recipes passed down through generations. As we ate, the family shared stories of their ancestors, the land they cultivated, and their love for food. Through this meal, I gained a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine and the warmth of its people.

Spices and Stories in India

In India, I had the opportunity to attend a cooking class in a bustling market in Jaipur. The instructor, an older woman with a twinkle in her eye, guided us through making traditional dishes like biryani, samosas, and chai. She explained the significance of each spice, the techniques perfected over centuries, and the cultural rituals associated with food. By the end of the class, I learned new recipes and felt a connection to the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.

The Harmony of Japanese Cuisine

My culinary journey in Japan took me to a ryokan (traditional inn) in Kyoto, where I experienced kaiseki, a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Each dish was a work of art, presented with grace and harmony. The chef explained the philosophy behind kaiseki, emphasizing the importance of seasonality, balance, and mindfulness in cooking and eating. This meal was a profound lesson in the Japanese way of life, where food is not just nourishment but a reflection of harmony with nature.

Building Connections through Food

Culinary journeys are about tasting new dishes and building connections. Food has the power to bring people together, fostering empathy and understanding. Whether sharing a meal with locals, cooking with friends, or attending a food festival, these experiences create lasting bonds and memories.

Moreover, culinary exploration can extend beyond physical travel in today's interconnected world. Virtual cooking classes, food blogs, and international recipes allow us to explore diverse cultures from the comfort of our homes. By trying new cuisines and learning about their origins, we can cultivate a sense of global citizenship and appreciation for the richness of human diversity.

Culinary journeys offer a unique and enriching way to explore diverse cultures, fostering connections and understanding through the universal language of food. Each cuisine tells a story, reflecting the history, geography, and values of its people. By savoring these flavors and sharing meals, we embark on a journey of cultural discovery and connection, one bite at a time.