#preferred return private equity

[auxryn]

One thing each modern culture must deal with is reproduction (economic). Workers need to be fed. They need to be able to raise kids. There needs to be regular maintenance on roads and bridges. Schools must be funded to create a new generation of workers. Resources must be reinvested into the economy to keep it running. You can only skim so much before it breaks down.

I can think of various answers to this:

1. Liberals are good caretakers of the capitalist economy. Minimum wages, public schools, and unemployment benefits all help keep a healthy, productive, and exploitable working class. The words "a basic social safety net" come to mind. It's a balanced approach.

2. Fascists, sometimes called conservatives, have people who they don't think deserve those basic social services. Generally these people are racial or sexual minorities, but Fascists can always identify some form of "useless eater." They want socialism for their preferred race or religion but nothing at all for YOU. Once the "unhealthy" parts of society are unable to maintain economic reproduction they will die out and leave a "healthier" society.

This is why American conservatives turned against public schools as soon as they were forced to racially integrate. They have always been this way.

As a system founded on subjugation, theft, and extermination, this can never create a stable society. Eventually you run out of people to kill and steal from and either eat yourself or face the original question.

3. Socialists invest more heavily in the working class than would be strictly necessary. Past the point of Return On Investment break-even where the Liberals tap out. The words "a robust social safety net" get thrown around. I would like to live in a kinder world.

The disadvantage of this is that it leaves fewer resources to invest in other places.

4. Kleptocrats butcher the cow for meat instead of milking it. They aren't trying to maintain economic reproduction or don't believe in silly Marxist concepts or just don't care. I can think of genocidal famines in Ireland, Ukraine, and Cambodia that can be attributed to this thinking. Incompetence and callousness combined with authority.

5. The last group are determined to milk every last drop from the cow. They provide the absolute minimum of care while extracting maximum profit. These are the Private Equity people. They may just have a different idea of what "minimum tolerable conditions" are but are generally willing to move between stance 1 and stance 4 as needed.

This is a big part of why society seems unsustainable and feels like it's rotting from within.

That and the unexpected sudden addition costs of climate change dragging on an already heavily loaded society.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 30, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Oct 01, 2024

One hundred years ago tomorrow, former president Jimmy Carter arrived in the world in Plains, Georgia. According to the Atlanta Constitution of that date, he arrived just after the worst wind and rainstorm of the year passed off to sea. His home state of Georgia, along with North Carolina and Virginia, sustained significant damage, with railroad tracks and bridges washed out, crops damaged, and at least seven lives lost. 

Today, almost a hundred years later, the destruction from Hurricane Helene continues to mount. At least 128 people have died in six states, and many more remain unaccounted for. Roads remain closed, and power is still off for more than 2 million people. In remarks to reporters today, President Joe Biden called the damage “stunning” and explained that the federal government is providing all the support it can. He noted that federal help was on the ground before the storm and when asked if there were more the government could be doing, answered no and explained that the administration had “preplanned a significant amount of it, even though they…hadn’t asked for it yet.” 

Biden said this morning he will not tour the damaged areas until his presence will not disrupt emergency response operations. This afternoon, he said he would travel to North Carolina on Wednesday for a briefing and an aerial tour of Asheville, after ensuring the travel “will not disrupt the ongoing response.” He has also said he may have to ask Congress to come back into session before its mid-November return date to pass a supplemental spending bill. Punchbowl News political reporter Melanie Zanona noted that Congress left disaster aid out of the short-term continuing resolution to fund the government it passed before leaving town. 

And yet, the hurricane has become the latest topic of disinformation for MAGA Republicans. Social media today is full of accounts claiming that the federal government is not responding to the crisis in western North Carolina because it prefers to spend money in Ukraine and on undocumented immigrants. Newsmax host Todd Starnes claimed that FEMA’s “top priority is not disaster relief” but to push diversity, equity and inclusion. “So, unless you’ve got your preferred pronouns spraypainted on the side of your submerged house—you won’t get a penny from Uncle Sam. Western North Carolina is just too Conservative and too Caucasian for FEMA to care.” The House Judiciary Committee posted that “Joe Biden was at the beach.”

These posts echo Russian disinformation, and Trump was on board with it. Touring Valdosta, Georgia, today, as a private citizen where people are still without power amidst the devastation, Trump said he had spoken to Elon Musk to get his Starlink satellites into North Carolina; FEMA has already provided 40 of the systems to North Carolina. He claimed that Georgia governor Brian Kemp is “having a hard time getting the president on the phone. They’re being very non-responsive.”

Kemp himself told reporters that Biden had called yesterday. “And he just said, ‘Hey, what do you need?’” Kemp told him, “We got what we need, we’ll work through the federal process. He offered that if there’s other things that we need just to call him directly, which I appreciate that.” South Carolina governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, called it “a great team effort…the federal government is helping us well, they’re embedded with us. There is no asset out there that we haven’t already accessed.” 

Republican governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin told reporters that he was “incredibly appreciative of the rapid response and cooperation from the federal team at FEMA.” Asheville, North Carolina, mayor Esther Manheimer told CNBC “We have support from outside organizations, other fire departments sending us resources, the federal government as well. So it's all-hands-on-deck, and it is a well-coordinated effort, but it is so enormous….” 

FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg responded to a post claiming that FEMA was refusing to help certain Americans, saying: “This is a lie. We help all people regardless of background as fast as possible before, during and after disasters. That is our mission and that is our focus.” 

In contrast, numerous posters today noted that Trump repeatedly withheld federal aid from Democratic governors—including that of North Carolina—after disasters in their states. After the Trump campaign organized a fundraiser for victims of the hurricane, David Frum of The Atlantic reminded readers that in 2019, Trump was fined $2 million and three of his children were ordered to take classes as a penalty for taking for their own use funds from charities they ran.

When a reporter asked President Biden and Democratic North Carolina governor Roy Cooper to respond to Trump’s accusation that they are ignoring the disaster, Biden responded: “He's lying. And the governor told him he was lying…. I've spoken to the governor, spent time with him…. I don't know why he does this. And the reason I get so angry about it, I don't care about what he says about me, but I care what he communicates to the people that are in need. He implies that we're not doing everything possible. We are…. I assume you heard the Republican Governor of Georgia talk about that he was on the phone with me more than once. So that's simply not true. And it's irresponsible.”

Economist Paul Krugman noted: “We’ve all become desensitized, but it’s amazing how at this point the Trump campaign rests entirely on denouncing things that aren’t happening—[an] imaginary bad economy, imaginary runaway crime and now an imaginary failure of Biden and Harris to respond to natural disaster.”

In Florida, though, Governor Ron DeSantis says his state does not need more federal help. “We have it handled,” he said. DeSantis might be eager to downplay the damage to the state in part because in May he joined other Republican leaders in an attack on Biden’s actions to address climate change. 

DeSantis signed into law a new Florida measure that erased any references to climate change in state law, where they had been included in a 2008 climate change and renewable energy package then backed by the state’s Republicans. The new law prohibited cities and counties from approving restrictions on energy policy, relaxed regulations on natural gas pipelines, and state and local governments from taking environmental concerns into consideration in their investing policies. DeSantis also rejected more than $350 million in federal funding for initiatives to promote energy efficiency, and $320 million for reducing vehicle emissions. 

Like DeSantis, the authors of Project 2025 claim that those working to address climate change are part of “the climate change alarm industry,” which is “harmful to future U.S. prosperity.” 

In fact, the U.S. economy is booming in part thanks to the climate change initiatives begun under the Inflation Reduction Act, which have prompted both domestic and foreign investment in alternative technologies. Biden approached the need to address climate change as an opportunity to create good jobs, including union jobs, in the United States.

With those investments, economist Mark Zandi wrote yesterday that the U.S. economy is one of the best performing economies in the past 35 years. “Economic growth is rip-roaring, with real GDP up 3% over the past year. Unemployment is low at near 4%, consistent with full employment. Inflation is fast closing in on Fed’s 2% target—grocery prices, rents and gas prices are flat to down over the past more than a year. Households’ financial obligations are light, and set to get lighter with the Fed cutting rates. House prices have never been higher, and most homeowners have more equity in their homes than ever. Corporate profits are robust, and the stock market is hitting a record high on a seemingly daily basis.” 

Zandi noted that there are “blemishes.” Lower-income households are struggling, there is a shortage of affordable housing, and the government is running large budget deficits. As always, things could change quickly. “But in my time as an economist,” he wrote, “the economy has rarely looked better.”

North Georgia, the area represented by MAGA Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, is one of the areas that has been revitalized with new solar panel manufacturing funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Yet Phil Mattingly and Andrew Seger of CNN reported on Friday, September 27, that while voters there like the strong economy, in this year’s election they say they still plan to back Trump, who has called Biden’s green energy initiatives a “scam” and vowed to claw back any money still unspent from the Inflation Reduction Act.  

Aaron Zitner, Jon Kamp, and Brian McGill of the Wall Street Journal today called attention to this paradox, that people in counties that vote for Trump are significantly more likely than those that vote for Democrats to rely on federal government funding. This is in part because they are older and thus receive Social Security and Medicare, and in part because they live in areas hollowed out when industries there left. These are the areas the Biden-Harris administration have targeted for investment.

The authors note that these government-funded pro-Trump counties are clustered in the swing states that will decide the election. About 70% of the counties in Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina rely significantly on government income. So do nearly 60% of the counties in Pennsylvania. 

In other news today, in Georgia, Fulton County Superior Court judge Robert McBurney struck down the state’s six-week abortion ban, which prohibited abortions before many women know they’re pregnant, as unconstitutional. A government investigation recently showed that two Georgia women died after being unable to obtain abortion care in the state shortly after Georgia’s ban went into effect. 

In a searing 26-page decision, the Republican-appointed judge wrote that the state cannot force a woman to carry a fetus that cannot live on its own. “Women are not some piece of collectively owned community property the disposition of which is decided by majority vote. Forcing a woman to carry an unwanted, not-yet-viable fetus to term violates her constitutional rights to liberty and privacy.” 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[misfitwashere]

A variety of subjects

September 30, 2024 

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

OCT 1

One hundred years ago tomorrow, former president Jimmy Carter arrived in the world in Plains, Georgia. According to the Atlanta Constitution of that date, he arrived just after the worst wind and rainstorm of the year passed off to sea. His home state of Georgia, along with North Carolina and Virginia, sustained significant damage, with railroad tracks and bridges washed out, crops damaged, and at least seven lives lost. 

Today, almost a hundred years later, the destruction from Hurricane Helene continues to mount. At least 128 people have died in six states, and many more remain unaccounted for. Roads remain closed, and power is still off for more than 2 million people. In remarks to reporters today, President Joe Biden called the damage “stunning” and explained that the federal government is providing all the support it can. He noted that federal help was on the ground before the storm and when asked if there were more the government could be doing, answered no and explained that the administration had “preplanned a significant amount of it, even though they…hadn’t asked for it yet.” 

Biden said this morning he will not tour the damaged areas until his presence will not disrupt emergency response operations. This afternoon, he said he would travel to North Carolina on Wednesday for a briefing and an aerial tour of Asheville, after ensuring the travel “will not disrupt the ongoing response.” He has also said he may have to ask Congress to come back into session before its mid-November return date to pass a supplemental spending bill. Punchbowl News political reporter Melanie Zanona noted that Congress left disaster aid out of the short-term continuing resolution to fund the government it passed before leaving town. 

And yet, the hurricane has become the latest topic of disinformation for MAGA Republicans. Social media today is full of accounts claiming that the federal government is not responding to the crisis in western North Carolina because it prefers to spend money in Ukraine and on undocumented immigrants. Newsmax host Todd Starnes claimed that FEMA’s “top priority is not disaster relief” but to push diversity, equity and inclusion. “So, unless you’ve got your preferred pronouns spraypainted on the side of your submerged house—you won’t get a penny from Uncle Sam. Western North Carolina is just too Conservative and too Caucasian for FEMA to care.” The House Judiciary Committee posted that “Joe Biden was at the beach.”

These posts echo Russian disinformation, and Trump was on board with it. Touring Valdosta, Georgia, today, as a private citizen where people are still without power amidst the devastation, Trump said he had spoken to Elon Musk to get his Starlink satellites into North Carolina; FEMA has already provided 40 of the systems to North Carolina. He claimed that Georgia governor Brian Kemp is “having a hard time getting the president on the phone. They’re being very non-responsive.”

Kemp himself told reporters that Biden had called yesterday. “And he just said, ‘Hey, what do you need?’” Kemp told him, “We got what we need, we’ll work through the federal process. He offered that if there’s other things that we need just to call him directly, which I appreciate that.” South Carolina governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, called it “a great team effort…the federal government is helping us well, they’re embedded with us. There is no asset out there that we haven’t already accessed.” 

Republican governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin told reporters that he was “incredibly appreciative of the rapid response and cooperation from the federal team at FEMA.” Asheville, North Carolina, mayor Esther Manheimer told CNBC “We have support from outside organizations, other fire departments sending us resources, the federal government as well. So it's all-hands-on-deck, and it is a well-coordinated effort, but it is so enormous….” 

FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg responded to a post claiming that FEMA was refusing to help certain Americans, saying: “This is a lie. We help all people regardless of background as fast as possible before, during and after disasters. That is our mission and that is our focus.” 

In contrast, numerous posters today noted that Trump repeatedly withheld federal aid from Democratic governors—including that of North Carolina—after disasters in their states. After the Trump campaign organized a fundraiser for victims of the hurricane, David Frum of The Atlantic reminded readers that in 2019, Trump was fined $2 million and three of his children were ordered to take classes as a penalty for taking for their own use funds from charities they ran.

When a reporter asked President Biden and Democratic North Carolina governor Roy Cooper to respond to Trump’s accusation that they are ignoring the disaster, Biden responded: “He's lying. And the governor told him he was lying…. I've spoken to the governor, spent time with him…. I don't know why he does this. And the reason I get so angry about it, I don't care about what he says about me, but I care what he communicates to the people that are in need. He implies that we're not doing everything possible. We are…. I assume you heard the Republican Governor of Georgia talk about that he was on the phone with me more than once. So that's simply not true. And it's irresponsible.”

Economist Paul Krugman noted: “We’ve all become desensitized, but it’s amazing how at this point the Trump campaign rests entirely on denouncing things that aren’t happening—[an] imaginary bad economy, imaginary runaway crime and now an imaginary failure of Biden and Harris to respond to natural disaster.”

In Florida, though, Governor Ron DeSantis says his state does not need more federal help. “We have it handled,” he said. DeSantis might be eager to downplay the damage to the state in part because in May he joined other Republican leaders in an attack on Biden’s actions to address climate change. 

DeSantis signed into law a new Florida measure that erased any references to climate change in state law, where they had been included in a 2008 climate change and renewable energy package then backed by the state’s Republicans. The new law prohibited cities and counties from approving restrictions on energy policy, relaxed regulations on natural gas pipelines, and state and local governments from taking environmental concerns into consideration in their investing policies. DeSantis also rejected more than $350 million in federal funding for initiatives to promote energy efficiency, and $320 million for reducing vehicle emissions. 

Like DeSantis, the authors of Project 2025 claim that those working to address climate change are part of “the climate change alarm industry,” which is “harmful to future U.S. prosperity.” 

In fact, the U.S. economy is booming in part thanks to the climate change initiatives begun under the Inflation Reduction Act, which have prompted both domestic and foreign investment in alternative technologies. Biden approached the need to address climate change as an opportunity to create good jobs, including union jobs, in the United States.

With those investments, economist Mark Zandi wrote yesterday that the U.S. economy is one of the best performing economies in the past 35 years. “Economic growth is rip-roaring, with real GDP up 3% over the past year. Unemployment is low at near 4%, consistent with full employment. Inflation is fast closing in on Fed’s 2% target—grocery prices, rents and gas prices are flat to down over the past more than a year. Households’ financial obligations are light, and set to get lighter with the Fed cutting rates. House prices have never been higher, and most homeowners have more equity in their homes than ever. Corporate profits are robust, and the stock market is hitting a record high on a seemingly daily basis.” 

Zandi noted that there are “blemishes.” Lower-income households are struggling, there is a shortage of affordable housing, and the government is running large budget deficits. As always, things could change quickly. “But in my time as an economist,” he wrote, “the economy has rarely looked better.”

North Georgia, the area represented by MAGA Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, is one of the areas that has been revitalized with new solar panel manufacturing funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Yet Phil Mattingly and Andrew Seger of CNN reported on Friday, September 27, that while voters there like the strong economy, in this year’s election they say they still plan to back Trump, who has called Biden’s green energy initiatives a “scam” and vowed to claw back any money still unspent from the Inflation Reduction Act.  

Aaron Zitner, Jon Kamp, and Brian McGill of the Wall Street Journal today called attention to this paradox, that people in counties that vote for Trump are significantly more likely than those that vote for Democrats to rely on federal government funding. This is in part because they are older and thus receive Social Security and Medicare, and in part because they live in areas hollowed out when industries there left. These are the areas the Biden-Harris administration have targeted for investment.

The authors note that these government-funded pro-Trump counties are clustered in the swing states that will decide the election. About 70% of the counties in Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina rely significantly on government income. So do nearly 60% of the counties in Pennsylvania. 

In other news today, in Georgia, Fulton County Superior Court judge Robert McBurney struck down the state’s six-week abortion ban, which prohibited abortions before many women know they’re pregnant, as unconstitutional. A government investigation recently showed that two Georgia women died after being unable to obtain abortion care in the state shortly after Georgia’s ban went into effect. 

In a searing 26-page decision, the Republican-appointed judge wrote that the state cannot force a woman to carry a fetus that cannot live on its own. “Women are not some piece of collectively owned community property the disposition of which is decided by majority vote. Forcing a woman to carry an unwanted, not-yet-viable fetus to term violates her constitutional rights to liberty and privacy.” 

—

[elsa16744]

Unlocking Value Creation: How Private Equity Firms Benefit from Strategic Outsourcing 

Private equity firms prefer efficiency. That is why they adopt strategic outsourcing. Doing so ensures that private equity (PE) professionals have an advantageous position vital to unlocking value creation. In PE strategies, that value creation must encompass all portfolio companies. This post will explain how private equity firms benefit from strategic outsourcing. 

The improvement of operational efficiency translates to better profitability, and professional PE strategists recognize this. After all, similar enhancements boost the companies’ growth potential, making them attractive investments to future buyers. 

The Need for Private Equity Outsourcing 

PE firms can benefit from additional leverage and outsiders’ specialized expertise in investment research services. They can, for instance, successfully decrease costs while fostering more core competencies. Therefore, it is no wonder that faster business transformations powered by strategic outsourcing are popular. Eventually, portfolio firms will yield higher returns on investments, allowing for better exit options. 

How Can Strategic Outsourcing Benefit Private Equity Value Creation? 

1. Cost Efficiency and Operational Improvements 

One immediate advantage of embracing strategic outsourcing in PE activities is cost reduction. It not only saves tremendous expenses but also facilitates economies of scale. As a result, the efficiency of the processes skyrocketed. 

PE firms and strategists have been dealing with standardization challenges. However, professional private equity support teams sport some of the latest in tools and technology to address them. Similar to how an IT enterprise outsources operations to independent specialists, many cost overheads will undergo distribution between the private equity firms and their external associates.  

The sharing of liabilities may involve maintenance, tech upgrades, and cybersecurity considerations. That also entails more effective resource allocation to protect the interests of clients and support providers. 

Outsourcing further allows PE firms to initiate operational improvements rapidly. In this way, PE firms can leverage the expertise of third-party providers to acquire best practices or access the latest technology. 

2. Focus on Core Competencies 

In an industry with high competition, focusing on core competencies is critical for portfolio companies. Otherwise, they will struggle to grow and differentiate themselves. Strategic outsourcing gives a private equity company the ability to transfer some of the auxiliary tasks to others. Doing so helps secure more management bandwidth, which will be necessary to concentrate on integral business activities that deliver robust growth. 

This approach allows leadership teams to focus more time and effort on innovation. They can also enrich customer engagement and strategic initiatives by focusing more on process and vision alignment. Consequently, private equity firms will witness a faster business expansion trajectory. 

More agile business operations to become a stronger market player will further PE firms’ objectives, like seamlessly securing the most attractive acquisition deals. 

3. Quicker Workflow Transformations and Growth Initiatives 

PE firms want to take portfolio companies, focus on value creation, and exit the investments at better returns. In other words, rapid growth acceleration allows private equity firms to exit earlier or ensure better gains. Strategic outsourcing allows scaling capabilities and speeds up the changes, operational or structural, for agility. 

Therefore, if the firm wants to enter new geographies or experiment with alternative trade channels, PE outsourcing service providers could help. They will optimize the capital needed to conduct deal operations while supply chain and leadership evaluation become straightforward. 

Conclusion 

Modern private equity firms use strategic outsourcing as the most effective pathway for value creation across their portfolios. They have acknowledged that outsourcing can help reduce costs, create operational efficiency, and prioritize core practices. 

Besides, screening companies, entering deals, and exiting the market becomes easier as the related sharing of liabilities accelerates growth and resell strategy implementations. Given the hurdles in finding the best talent to plan, lead, and execute private equity transactions, the worth of strategic outsourcing can only be appreciated. 

[treuallahtreuvulieou]

Dwellchip...SSSG.

Dwellchip...SSSG.

Dwell chip A Non profit everyone one profits foundation bound upon property collection and property management properties are not for Distribution extribution exchange or private Dwellingspace all properties belong to Dwellchip and are group dwelling space and or Social Support Group meeting be it only takes two too meet and encourage moral ethical conduct and be A coach and or support , Dwellchip is self sustainable Corporation institution our mission is to purchase and or legally Acquistion Real estate with goal of Supporting the AA and SSSG program through gathering and sharing or Confession and Closer contact with God King of Greece no matter the time period A Dog Breeder companion company profit margin secured credit debit insurance and self funding all our concerns secondary primary operations Non profit pet dog prescription and advising Bigger Dwellingspaces and Resorts or Hotels are considerably encouraging and generation of income by property banking equity and property value by Legal Tender debt equivalent our Funds insured and invested in contribution form Our mission to venture and field it more scout and acquire property that SSSG as A whole have primary administration and active status until one may decide to release the property to A preferred member of SSSG and every Social Support Group member our vision to become A lasting foundation founded within the walls of the Chip house of Sovereignty Huojinsi before Friday secured by Monday Moonday Sunday or Sonday Suun and Tsunday our mission will be greatly more famous with A name and the inability to spell it make it famous and people celibate celebrities our value be in God's purist will and follow A code of discipline conduct morality and ethics with Kingdom Banking Rates and Interest rates and or return rates revenue income rates with interested Networks and Networking Welcome to ChipDwell....A Non profit everyone profit Private Stock and future property index Founder Terry i

[axvoter]

Blatantly Partisan Party Review X (NSW 2023): Public Education Party

Prior reviews of parties related to this entity:

Voluntary Euthanasia Party: federal 2013, VIC 2014, federal 2016, VIC 2018; NSW 2019

Reason Party/Australian Sex Party: federal 2013, VIC 2014, federal 2016, VIC 2018), federal 2019, federal 2022

There has been an interesting and somewhat quixotic evolution here. In 2014, the NSW branch of the Voluntary Euthanasia Party was founded. It became the NSW branch of the Reason Party in 2019, in part because it believed it was too narrow as a single-issue party and wished to ally with a federal party that shared its platform on euthanasia. Then, in 2022, Reason NSW considered winding itself up after state parliament legislated for voluntary assisted dying, and because the party had had a consistent lack of electoral success. Instead, it announced it would merge with the obscure and never-registered Fairer Education Party (so obscure I hadn’t heard of them until the merger), which had been formed in 2021 to promote the interests of government schools.

After this merger, the party changed its name to the Public Education Party. So… now they’re a single-issue party again. Jane Caro, who has been a consistent advocate for public education, led the Reason ticket in NSW at last year’s federal election, so a bunch of us micro-party watchers assumed the name change had something to do with her making a run for state parliament. But she is nowhere to be found on the ballot. There is, though, some continuity with the old Voluntary Euthanasia Party: the registered returning officer of the Public Education Party was the lead candidate for the VEP back at the 2015 NSW state election.

Anyway, you’re absolutely never gonna believe the Public Education Party’s main purpose is to promote government schools and the public education sector. They believe that the sector is underfunded and that governments are routinely reluctant to invest in it properly. The policies about education are, consequently, fairly detailed and seek more equitable funding and other reforms to staffing and resourcing in line with the recommendations of the Gonski Review.

I’m pretty sympathetic to this. I went to public primary schools and a private high school; on reflection, my views are strongly in favour of public education and of funding the system to a much greater extent. To me, many private schools would be best nationalised, and the privileges of elite private schools need to be reined in (and certainly not have their handsome income topped up with public money). Indeed, my views on this are stronger than what the Public Education Party says explicitly, which is simply that public schools should be “the preferred educational setting for young people”.

This party is a single-issue vehicle, unlike the more broadly conceived Reason NSW, and I’ve said many, many times that single-issue parties are conceived too narrowly for the fullness of parliamentary business. The background in Reason NSW means I anticipate this party would generally take a centre-left approach to other policies, but all they say is that they are “advocating for social justice and equity, and fighting for a fairer, more cohesive, and productive society”. This is a motherhood statement that doesn’t tell the prospective voter an awful lot. I cannot give any single-issue party an unqualified endorsement.

Recommendation: Give the Public Education Party a decent preference.

Website: https://www.publiceducationparty.org.au/

[islepropertiesguam]

Finding Your Dream Home: Explore the Best Guam Homes for Sale on GuamRealEstateProperties.com

Guam, with its breathtaking landscapes, thriving communities, and welcoming culture, is a paradise for those looking to settle down. Whether you're seeking a cozy family residence, a luxurious beachfront property, or a strategic home near military bases, Guam has it all. At GuamRealEstateProperties.com, we provide the most comprehensive listings of Guam Homes for Sale, Guam Rentals, and Guam Military Rentals to cater to your needs.

Why Choose Guam for Your Next Home?

Guam is more than just a tropical island; it's a community filled with opportunities and a quality lifestyle. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or leisure, Guam offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and natural beauty.

Benefits of Owning a Home in Guam:

Access to stunning beaches and outdoor activities.

A thriving local economy with ample job opportunities.

Strong community values and a family-friendly environment.

An excellent location for military personnel and contractors.

Types of Guam Homes for Sale

1. Single-Family Homes

Ideal for families, these homes offer spacious layouts, private yards, and proximity to schools and community amenities.

2. Condos and Apartments

Perfect for individuals or small families, condos provide modern conveniences, lower maintenance, and access to facilities like pools and gyms.

3. Luxury Properties

For those seeking an upscale lifestyle, luxury homes in Guam feature oceanfront views, high-end finishes, and exclusive locations.

4. Homes Near Military Bases

If you're a military member, properties near bases like Andersen Air Force Base or Naval Base Guam offer easy commutes and tailored conveniences. These homes often double as ideal Guam Military Rentals for service members and their families.

How GuamRealEstateProperties.com Simplifies Your Search

Finding the right home can be overwhelming, but GuamRealEstateProperties.com makes it easy with:

Extensive Listings: Browse through a diverse range of properties for sale and rent.

Detailed Filters: Narrow your search by price, location, property type, and more.

Expert Guidance: Work with knowledgeable agents to find your perfect match.

Guam Rentals vs. Guam Homes for Sale: Which is Right for You?

If you're unsure whether to rent or buy, consider the following:

Renting in Guam

Flexibility: Ideal for short-term stays or those new to the island.

Lower Upfront Costs: No need for a large down payment.

Diverse Options: Choose from apartments, condos, or Guam Military Rentals tailored for service members.

Buying a Home in Guam

Long-Term Investment: Build equity and enjoy the benefits of homeownership.

Customization: Make your house truly your own with renovations and upgrades.

Stability: A permanent address provides security and peace of mind.

Steps to Buying a Home in Guam

Define Your Budget: Consider your financial situation and explore financing options.

Choose a Location: Decide if you prefer urban convenience, suburban tranquility, or beachfront views.

Browse Listings: Use GuamRealEstateProperties.com to explore available Guam Homes for Sale.

Schedule a Visit: Inspect properties in person or via virtual tours.

Work with Experts: Partner with real estate professionals for a seamless buying experience.

The Benefits of Investing in Guam Real Estate

Owning property in Guam is not just about having a home; it's about securing a valuable investment. Guam’s real estate market is steadily growing, making it an excellent choice for both residents and investors. Whether you’re purchasing a primary residence or an income-generating rental property, Guam offers promising returns.

Explore Guam Rentals and Military Rentals

If buying isn't your immediate plan, consider the extensive range of Guam Rentals available. Service members and their families can benefit from Guam Military Rentals conveniently located near bases and offering flexible lease options.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect home in Guam is a rewarding journey, and GuamRealEstateProperties.com is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're searching for Guam Homes for Sale, Guam Rentals, or Guam Military Rentals, our platform offers the best options to suit your lifestyle and budget.

[charleskenahan]

Smart Investments: How to Allocate Assets for Optimal Wealth Growth

In today’s financial landscape, saving money is insufficient to build significant wealth. The key to economic success lies in intelligent investments and asset allocation. By diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments—you can reduce risk and enhance your chances of achieving long-term financial goals. Proper asset allocation ensures that your investments grow in a way that aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and overall objectives. This article will guide you through intelligent investment strategies and asset allocation principles to help you make informed decisions for optimal wealth growth.

Understanding the Basics of Asset Allocation

Asset allocation spreads your investments across different asset classes to balance risk and reward. The primary asset classes include:

Equities (Stocks): Stocks offer high potential returns but have higher volatility and risk. Equities tend to outperform other asset classes long-term, making them essential to a growth-focused portfolio.

Fixed Income (Bonds): Bonds provide stable income and are generally less volatile than stocks. They are considered safer, particularly government bonds or high-quality corporate bonds, making them ideal for risk-averse investors or those closer to retirement.

Real Estate: Real estate investments can provide passive income through rental yields and potential for appreciation. Real estate is often seen as a hedge against inflation and can add diversification to a portfolio.

Commodities and Alternative Investments: This category includes precious metals, cryptocurrencies, private equity, and other non-traditional assets. These investments can hedge against market volatility and inflation but are typically higher-risk and less liquid.

Asset allocation aims to create a diversified portfolio where the potential risks and rewards are balanced in a way that supports your investment goals.

Risk Tolerance: The Foundation of Your Investment Strategy

Understanding your risk tolerance is one of the first steps in creating an effective asset allocation strategy. This refers to the level of risk you are willing to take in your investments. Several factors, including your financial goals, age, income, and experience with investing, influence your risk tolerance.

Aggressive investors might have a higher risk tolerance and are willing to invest more in stocks and alternative investments for higher returns.

Conservative investors, on the other hand, prefer safer investments like bonds or real estate that offer stability but may yield lower returns.

To determine your risk tolerance, it’s essential to evaluate both your capacity and willingness to take on risk. Your capacity is your ability to withstand potential losses based on your financial situation, while your desire is how comfortable you are with the uncertainty that comes with investing.

Time Horizon: Investing for the Long-Term

Your time horizon plays a significant role in how you allocate your assets. If you’re investing for a goal that’s decades away—such as retirement—you can afford to take on more risk by assigning a significant portion of your portfolio to stocks or growth assets. These assets typically experience more volatility but have higher growth potential over the long term.

Conversely, suppose you’re saving for a shorter-term goal, like purchasing a home in the next 5 to 10 years. In that case, you might want to allocate a significant portion of your portfolio to safer, more stable assets like bonds or cash equivalents. Short-term investments are less likely to be affected by market volatility, giving you more confidence that your money will be there when you need it.

The Role of Diversification in Wealth Building

Diversification is often touted as one of the most important principles in investing. It’s the practice of spreading your investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographical regions to minimize the impact of a poor-performing asset. By holding a well-diversified portfolio, you reduce the risk that one underperforming investment will dramatically affect your overall wealth.

For example, a stock market downturn may negatively affect your equity investments. Still, if you also hold bonds or real estate, these assets may remain stable or even increase in value. Diversification can smooth out the fluctuations in your portfolio and help you achieve more consistent long-term returns.

It’s also important to diversify within asset classes. For example, within equities, you can invest in a mix of large-cap and small-cap stocks and international stocks to increase your exposure to different markets and sectors.

Adjusting Asset Allocation as Life Circumstances Change

As you age and your financial goals evolve, your asset allocation should also change. Early in your career, when you’re young and have a long time horizon, you can afford to take on more risk. Over time, as you accumulate wealth and approach retirement, you’ll likely want to shift toward more conservative investments that offer stability and income.

Young investors might allocate as much as 80% to 90% of their portfolios in equities for growth. The remaining portion might be allocated to bonds or real estate.

With retirement approaching, investors in their 40s or 50s may adjust their allocation to a more balanced portfolio, with about 60% in equities and the rest in bonds, real estate, and other stable assets.

Retirees or those approaching retirement typically allocate a significant portion of their portfolio to fixed-income investments like bonds, which can provide predictable income streams while reducing exposure to the stock market’s volatility.

A good rule of thumb is the "100 minus age" rule, which suggests that the percentage of your portfolio allocated to stocks should be approximately 100 minus your age. For example, if you’re 30 years old, you might consider allocating 70% to 80% of your portfolio to equities, and as you age, gradually shift toward safer assets.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio for Optimal Performance

Once you’ve established your initial asset allocation strategy, it's crucial to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired allocation regularly. Rebalancing involves adjusting your investments by buying or selling assets to return your portfolio to your target allocation.

For instance, if stocks perform well and now represent 75% of your portfolio (instead of the targeted 60%), you may want to sell some of those stocks and reinvest the proceeds into bonds or real estate. Rebalancing ensures you’re not overly exposed to one asset class, helping maintain your risk level and achieve long-term growth.

The frequency of rebalancing depends on market conditions and your personal preferences. Some investors rebalance annually, while others do so quarterly or after significant market movements. They consider transaction costs and taxes essential when rebalancing, as these can reduce your overall returns.

Seeking Professional Advice: When to Hire a Financial Advisor

While many investors can successfully manage their portfolios, others may benefit from the expertise of a financial advisor. Financial advisors can help you design a personalized asset allocation strategy based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. They can also help with tax planning, estate planning, and more complex investment strategies.

Suppose you’re new to investing or have a significant amount of wealth. In that case, hiring a financial advisor may be a smart move to ensure you’re making informed decisions and staying on track to meet your financial objectives. Be sure to choose a certified fiduciary advisor who must act in your best interests.

The Key to Smart Investments

Investing is a long-term commitment, and the path to optimal wealth growth involves making intelligent decisions about asset allocation, diversification, and regular portfolio rebalancing. Understanding your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals allows you to tailor your investments to build wealth while minimizing unnecessary risk.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to asset allocation. What works for one person may not work for another. As your life circumstances change, it’s important to adapt your investment strategy accordingly. With a disciplined approach and a well-diversified portfolio, you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial success and securing a prosperous future.

[sanjana-s]

The Role of Asset Management Companies in Modern Investment Strategies

An Asset Management Company is a firm that pools funds from clients and invests them in various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds. These companies employ financial experts and portfolio managers who strategize to grow investments based on the client’s objectives and risk tolerance.

By diversifying portfolios, AMCs aim to optimize returns while mitigating risks. They charge fees, usually as a percentage of the assets managed, which fund their operations and expertise.

Core Functions of Asset Management Companies

1. Portfolio Management

AMCs specialize in creating well-balanced investment portfolios tailored to their clients' needs. This involves assessing market conditions, evaluating asset performance, and making strategic investment decisions.

2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Managing risks is a cornerstone of AMC operations. They conduct thorough analyses to identify potential market threats and adjust portfolios to minimize losses while maximizing growth opportunities.

3. Financial Advisory Services

Asset management firms also offer expert financial advice, helping clients set achievable financial goals and create plans to meet them. This includes retirement planning, tax optimization, and wealth preservation strategies.

4. Research and Analysis

AMCs employ dedicated teams for market research. These professionals analyze economic trends, sector performance, and geopolitical events to make informed investment choices.

5. Investment in Specialized Funds

Many AMCs provide access to specialized funds, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and sector-specific funds, offering clients exposure to niche markets.

Types of Asset Management Companies

1. Traditional AMCs

These firms manage investments in conventional financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. They are ideal for clients seeking steady returns with moderate risks.

2. Alternative Investment Firms

Focusing on hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital, these AMCs cater to high-net-worth individuals and institutions looking for high-growth opportunities.

3. Robo-Advisors

Technology-driven AMCs, or robo-advisors, use algorithms to manage investments. They provide cost-effective solutions for investors preferring minimal human interaction.

4. Real Estate Asset Managers

These firms specialize in managing investments in real estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Future Trends in Asset Management

1. Integration of AI and Machine Learning

Advanced technologies are revolutionizing asset management by enabling predictive analytics and enhancing decision-making processes.

2. Sustainable Investing

The demand for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments is on the rise, prompting AMCs to incorporate sustainability into their strategies.

3. Increased Focus on FinTech

The adoption of financial technologies is streamlining operations and improving client experiences.

Conclusion

Asset Management Companies are indispensable players in the financial ecosystem, offering expertise and strategies to optimize investments. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a novice, partnering with the right AMC can significantly enhance your financial journey.

[mariastamolis]

An Overview of Private Equity Real Estate Investing

There are many unique classes of financial assets, including alternative investments. These investments cannot be categorized under a standard investment category, such as stocks or bonds. Real estate is one of the best-known examples of an alternative asset, with subcategories including private equity real estate.

Private equity real estate investments gained mainstream attention during the 1990s as property prices fell and investors explored strategies for acquiring properties and optimizing value. As an alternative asset class, private equity real estate typically comprises multiple pooled and professionally managed property investments.

Private equity real estate investing involves several steps, including acquisition, financing, and management. It is somewhat comparable yet distinct from equity real estate investment trusts, also known as equity REITs, which are publicly traded shares representing property investments that generate revenue through rent.

Investors interested in private equity real estate should know several challenges. While the return on investment can range from 6 to 8 percent using core strategies and 8 to 10 percent for core-plus strategies, investments are usually considered high-risk. This risk is exacerbated by high up-front costs, which may limit their appeal outside of accredited and high-net-worth investors. In addition to high-net-worth individuals, endowments, pension funds, and other institutions often take on the risk and expenses of equity and debt-holding investments.

The upfront capital commitment demands of private equity real estate cannot be overstated. Individuals can expect to spend at least $250,000 on initial expenses plus many costly follow-on investments over time. These investments offer zero liquidity, meaning investors with short-term outlooks should avoid private equity real estate. In most cases, the capital commitment window is multiple years.

Lock-up periods, during which investors cannot cash out of a specific investment, can extend 12 years or longer. Investors earn money through cash flow, a time-consuming process. During this time, investors can use the 2-and-20 fee structure to pay fund managers, meaning managers charge 2 percent of invested assets annually plus 20 percent of portfolio profits.

Although challenges exist, private equity investments allow general partners to invest in many different property types. While some investors may prefer new properties or raw land, others target existing properties and begin complete redevelopment projects following the acquisition. Investors can provide struggling properties with strategic cash flow injections rather than taking on the time and energy demanded by a redevelopment project.

Pooling funds is critically important to investing in private equity real estate. A portfolio powered by pooled funds comprises investments from numerous investors. Popular examples include pension funds and mutual funds. By aggregating their assets, investors benefit from economies of scale. Pooled private equity funds enjoy lower trading costs and the benefits of diversified investing.

Investors must also carefully consider the types of private equity real estate investments they can make. Office buildings, from high-rises to garden offices, are particularly popular with private equity investors. Industrial and retail properties, as well as multifamily properties, are also common. Individuals can also research niche investment opportunities, such as senior housing. Hotels, medical offices, and single-family housing investments have gained traction in recent years, in addition to undeveloped land.

[terraequity]

Unlocking the Benefits of Multifamily Investing: A Guide for Institutional and Real Estate Investors

Multifamily real estate investing has long been a core strategy for both institutional investors and private equity firms seeking stable returns and diversification. The demand for rental housing continues to rise, driven by factors such as urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving housing preferences. As a result, multifamily properties have become a sought-after asset class for investors seeking both cash flow and capital appreciation.

This guide outlines the benefits of multifamily investing, as well as considerations for institutional and real estate investors looking to unlock the full potential of this asset class.

1. Stable Cash Flow and Risk Mitigation

One of the primary reasons investors are drawn to multifamily properties is the potential for stable, consistent cash flow. Multifamily properties typically provide higher rental income compared to single-family homes due to the scale of the investment. This steady income stream makes them attractive to institutional investors seeking predictable returns.

Key Benefits:

Multiple Income Sources: With multiple units in a single building or complex, vacancies in one unit are less likely to significantly impact the overall income, as the other units continue to generate rental income.

Lower Risk of Default: While individual tenants might default on rent, the risk is mitigated across multiple units, making it a lower-risk investment compared to single-family rentals.

Rental Growth Potential: With rising demand for rental housing in many urban markets, multifamily properties offer opportunities for rental rate increases, further boosting cash flow.

2. Appreciation and Long-Term Value Creation

In addition to cash flow, multifamily properties have strong potential for long-term capital appreciation. Over time, the value of the property typically increases, driven by factors such as local economic growth, demand for housing, and property improvements.

Key Benefits:

Forced Appreciation: Investors can drive value by improving the property (e.g., through renovations, rebranding, or operational efficiencies). These improvements often lead to higher rents and, in turn, higher property valuations.

Market Trends: In cities with high population growth and a strong economy, multifamily properties can benefit from long-term appreciation trends, especially in prime locations.

Leverage for Growth: Multifamily properties allow for leveraging capital (using debt to finance the acquisition), which can enhance the overall return on equity.

3. Portfolio Diversification

Multifamily properties provide an excellent way to diversify an investment portfolio. They are typically less volatile than stocks or bonds and can act as a hedge against inflation. In times of economic uncertainty, people still need a place to live, which means that multifamily properties often retain their value and generate income.

Key Benefits:

Inflation Hedge: Rent tends to rise with inflation, providing a built-in protection against rising costs and ensuring that cash flow remains stable over time.

Non-Correlated Asset Class: Multifamily properties often do not move in lockstep with the broader financial markets, making them an effective hedge against stock market volatility.

4. Tax Advantages and Depreciation

Real estate investors enjoy significant tax benefits, and multifamily properties are no exception. The ability to depreciate the property and deduct expenses related to ownership can help reduce taxable income.

Key Benefits:

Depreciation: The IRS allows property owners to depreciate multifamily assets over 27.5 years, providing a non-cash expense that can offset rental income and reduce tax liability.

1031 Exchange: Investors can use a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains taxes when selling one property and purchasing another, allowing them to reinvest the proceeds into a new multifamily property without incurring immediate tax consequences.

Interest Deductions: Mortgage interest on multifamily loans is deductible, further reducing the tax burden on investors.

5. Economies of Scale

Multifamily properties offer economies of scale, allowing investors to manage multiple units within a single location. This can lead to significant cost savings in both property management and maintenance.

Key Benefits:

Operational Efficiency: With multiple units in one building or complex, investors can streamline property management, maintenance, and other operational tasks, leading to reduced costs per unit.

Bulk Purchasing: Investors can take advantage of bulk purchasing for supplies and services, such as landscaping, maintenance, and insurance.

Centralized Management: Property management becomes more efficient with a single point of management for multiple units, reducing the administrative burden and improving oversight.

6. Demand and Market Resilience

The demand for multifamily housing is typically more resilient than other property types. Factors such as economic cycles, population growth, and changing societal trends all contribute to the continued demand for rental housing.

Key Benefits:

Urbanization and Demographic Shifts: As populations continue to grow in urban centers, there is a consistent need for housing. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, have shown strong demand for rental properties, especially in metropolitan areas.

Flexibility in Leasing: Multifamily properties tend to attract a wide range of renters, from young professionals to families, providing flexibility in lease structures and helping to mitigate vacancy risks.

Adaptability: With the rise of remote work and shifting lifestyle preferences, multifamily buildings can be adapted to changing demands, such as adding co-working spaces or enhancing amenities.

7. Institutional Investor Appeal

For institutional investors, multifamily real estate offers an attractive risk-adjusted return profile. Large investment firms, pension funds, and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) have long favored multifamily assets because they combine income stability with long-term value appreciation potential.

Key Benefits for Institutional Investors:

Scalability: Institutional investors can deploy large amounts of capital into sizable multifamily projects, whether through direct acquisition or by investing in real estate funds or REITs.

Diversification Across Markets: Large institutions can invest in a portfolio of multifamily assets across different geographic locations, reducing exposure to localized risks and taking advantage of varying market conditions.

Access to Exclusive Deals: Institutional investors often have access to high-quality deals, including large developments and Class A assets in prime locations, which might not be available to smaller investors.

8. Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are substantial, there are also challenges to consider when investing in multifamily properties. These include:

Capital Intensive: The initial investment for acquiring multifamily properties can be significant, requiring substantial capital for down payments, renovations, and ongoing operational costs.

Management Complexity: As the size of the property increases, so does the complexity of managing tenants, maintaining the building, and complying with local regulations.

Market Risks: While multifamily properties are generally considered a stable investment, local market conditions (e.g., economic downturns, changes in demand, or oversupply) can still impact performance.

Conclusion

Multifamily investing offers institutional and real estate investors a host of benefits, from stable cash flow and long-term appreciation to tax advantages and diversification. By understanding the unique opportunities and risks associated with multifamily assets, investors can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance. With continued demand for rental housing and favorable economic conditions, multifamily properties remain a key component of a diversified investment strategy.

[fiananceblogs]

How ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Criteria are Influencing Fundraising Decisions

What is ESG ?

So first let understand what is Environmental , Social and Governance (ESG) .It is a composite set of standards used to judge the operations and performance of any company over three main bases. ESG factors have increasingly become significant to investors, stakeholders, and consumers who are concerned about issues of sustainable and ethical business practice.

Where Environment this aspect measures the environmental impact of a company, elements

comprised of:

● Carbon Emissions: Gas Emissions Review and Carbon Abatement Activities. Review of energy usage efficiency and usage of renewable energy from energy consumption. ● Waste Management: All the activities relate to waste disposal, recycling, and pollution control. ● Resource Conservation: The authority over the usage of natural resources, including both the use of water and biodiversity. The Social dimension addresses the company;s relations with its stakeholders and encompasses: ● Labor Practices refers to the treatment of employees, working conditions, and compliance with labor standards.

● Human rights : Obligations regarding human rights in operations and supply chains.

● Community Engagement: Giving back to the communities and to society in general by the company.

● Customer Relations: Safety and quality of the products and satisfaction to the client.

Governance refers to systems that govern and guide a company internally, which involves such things as:

● Board composition: Diversity and independence of its members.

● Protection of the interests and rights of shareholders.

● Transparency and Accountability: Clear reporting practices and ethical behavior in business-related activities.

● Executive Compensation: Tie executive compensation directly to the company ;performance and sustainability goals.Of course, in the recent past, ESG criteria have played a much more critical role in financial decisions; especially concerning the decision of raising funds. More and more investors and corporations realize nowadays that just good morals are provided through responsible, sustainable practicing behavior, but that also great long-term performance and resilience can be achieved through such conduct. ESG considerations now play a critical role in strategies applied by businesses and investment firms when raising capital.

1. Growing Interest of Investors in ESG Investments Increasing Investor Preference to ESG:

It is very highly driving the function of ESG influences raised by the increasing demand from institutional investors, asset managers, as well as other retail investors towards sustainable investments. Many investors, especially today, have a preference for funds or projects which meet up to their perception of sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance.

According to various studies, in several instances, investment having an ESG focus had outperformed assets having a traditional focus and therefore did imply that a lot of investors conceive ESG as being a very integral part of the whole risk-return profile of their portfolios.

ESG Funds and Impact Investing

ESG funds and impact investing are the new mainstream of fundraising. Fund managers and companies seeking to raise capital must now be ESG compliant, or they are turning investors away. That means businesses must develop ESG strategies as the very lifeblood of their corporate existence and reporting which in turn opens the door to capital markets or private investors.

2. Increased Access to Capital for Companies-Friendly to ESG

Concessionary Terms for Companies-Friendly to ESG Better ESG performers find it easier to raise access to capital at better conditions. Businesses with lower risk ESG compliance are viewed by both lenders and investors; hence they also have more stable long-term prospects, bring better valuations when equity is being raised, or have a wider pool of general potential investors. This is particularly important for those businesses in sectors such as renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable agriculture.

Green bonds and sustainability-linked loans. The constantly evolving financing opportunities have always been accessible through innovative green bonds and sustainability-linked loans. Green bonds are issued specifically for financing environment-friendly projects, while their variant in the form of sustainability-linked loans carry interest sensitive to a company performance compared with some specific ESG goals. The financial instruments motivate the companies to engage in sustainable business operations and embrace ESG goals inclusion into the company activities towards enjoying the benefits from more favorable borrowing conditions.

3. ESG as an Instrument of Risk Management and Sustainability

The investor has increasingly considered ESG factors to be critical in managing risks and ensuring the long-term viability of a company. Companies failing to manage ESG-related concerns could face reputational risk, fines from regulatory authorities, or even disruption in their activities-from natural causes, including climate change or social unrest. In this regard, companies that are integrating the consideration of ESG in funding activities can demonstrate that they are actively engaging with these risks, which would give comfort to the investor or lender.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

In those governments whose ESGs are strictly regulated, companies also need to demonstrate compliance to avoid fines and excess funds. Companies with outstanding ESG performance are best placed to demonstrate compliance with such regulations strengthening their bargaining position in the quest for funding.

4. Strong corporate reputation and stakeholder trust: Transparency builds investor confidence.

Fundraising activities are well related with the reputation of a firm in the marketplace. A good ESG recordability boosts the brand image of a company, and on the flip side, investors confidence is built. Investors now expect firms to be transparent regarding their environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices. If the right kind of ESG information is not provided, then capital attraction becomes difficult for those firms.

Social and Ethical Consideration Other than the financial metrics, investors are now taking more emphasis on social and ethical implications for investment. Investments that are perceived to be carrying out socially responsible activities such as community development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and fair labor practices appeal to the existing investor who puts emphasis on broader impacts resulting from their choice of investments.

5. Impact of ESG on Private Equity and Venture Capital

Integration of ESG in Private Equity

Private equity houses have been paying more heed to ESG considerations as part of their due diligence and management of their portfolio. ESG factors form an integral part of their investment consideration, apart from the financial performance of the company, risks as well as the opportunities associated with the investment.

While having good ESG credentials will attract a company to consider private equity funding, venture capital, especially for early-staged startups, is somewhat old news because for venture capitalists, it is about the bottom line first and the ESG implications later. Venture capital firms have started to take into account the ESG considerations even at the very early stages of investment while analyzing investments. Hence, the companies that are better compatible with the changes in needs and demands of consumers, regulators, and investors by adopting ESG principles in business models right from the onset derive first mover benefits.

6. Innovations Inspired by ESG and New Access to Funding

Green and Social Innovation Financing Another area the rise in popularity of ESG-focused investment is infusing financing into innovations of clean energy, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and socially responsible supply chains. With the companies providing solutions to challenges in the environment and society, a strong appeal presents itself for the investors looking to finance the next wave of innovation on ESG driving innovation.

The more attention towards ESG, the greater the demand for proper measurement and reporting. This culminated to investors' attention who develop tools for tracking and improving ESG performance. Improving performance shall enable businesses to be responsible and transparent hence raising capital.

Conclusion

ESG criteria are now a significant factor in raising capital across sectors in the economy. Investors are using ESG not only as a tool for ethical investment but also to spot risks and opportunities, examine longer-run sustainability, and hence question long-term prospects for a firm through their investments. The chances of the company receiving capital on the best terms possible lie better if a good record of performance about the ESG factors can be shown. Ignore such factors, and the risks may be higher on borrowings and loss of interest from investors and reputational risks. For those companies seeking to raise capital in this current market, the essence of how they can remain competitive is by incorporating ESG considerations into their core strategy and reporting processes in line with evolving investor demands.

[whydonateav]

Best Crowdfunding Platforms Europe: Discover Top Choices for Your Campaign

The recent expansion in European crowdfunding platforms has created a wealth of options for those looking to fund projects, charitable causes, businesses, and personal needs. With the increased use of technology, particularly social media, crowdfunding has reached new heights. However, choosing the right platform for your needs is essential among the many options.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, crowdfunding platforms have adapted their business models to continue serving users, leading to a significant market volume increase in recent years. Below, we explore some of the best crowdfunding platforms in Europe to help you find the ideal fit for your campaign.

What Do Crowdfunding Platforms Do?

Crowdfunding platforms in Europe enable individuals and organizations to raise funds by gathering small contributions from a large pool of people. By using crowdfunding in Europe, creators of campaigns can bypass traditional funding sources, like banks, and instead fund projects through collective support.

Using reliable crowdfunding platforms in Europe ensures that contributors know exactly where their money is going, and campaigns gain access to a supportive community. Join us in exploring these platforms to find the best match for your crowdfunding goals.

How To Choose The Best Crowdfunding Platforms Europe Offers

The first step to selecting the right crowdfunding site is understanding the various options and what each offers. If you search “crowdfunding Europe” or “crowdfunding charity,” you’ll encounter numerous platforms, each with unique benefits. Here, we’ll help you navigate 10 of the top crowdfunding sites that are accessible, reliable, and known for providing excellent user experiences.

Which Crowdfunding Platform is Best?

To pick the best crowdfunding platforms in Europe, consider factors like reliability, accessibility, and platform fees. Here’s an overview of the most trusted crowdfunding sites across Europe:

1. WhyDonate

WhyDonate is one of the best crowdfunding platforms for individuals in Europe. It supports both private and charitable projects and offers a smooth experience with minimal fees. WhyDonate also enables registered companies to conduct crowdfunding campaigns, checking for ANBI registration and CBF quality labels for transparency. With a 0% platform fee, WhyDonate stands out as a cost-effective choice for anyone interested in crowdfunding Europe.

2. FundedByMe

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, FundedByMe is a prominent crowdfunding platform that combines reward-based and equity crowdfunding. Known for its support of cross-border investments, FundedByMe helps European entrepreneurs gain capital for their ventures while contributing to job creation and economic growth.

3. Funding Circle

For entrepreneurs needing capital, Funding Circle offers loans ranging from €5,000 to €250,000. With a free registration process and potential returns up to 18.9%, this platform is ideal for businesses ready to expand. Start investing with as little as €100 and tap into one of the best crowdfunding platforms Europe has to offer.

4. Crowdcube

Crowdcube is an equity crowdfunding platform dedicated to savvy investors who prefer taking control of their investment choices. In 2014, Crowdcube launched the ‘Crowdcube Venture Fund,’ allowing investors to contribute to start-ups with added security from a fund manager.

5. Goteo

Goteo is a unique platform for crowdfunding in Europe, promoting projects that create common goods, open-source software, and community knowledge. Goteo offers a collaborative and innovative approach, allowing members to contribute financially or through services and resources.

6. Booomerang

One of the largest reward-based crowdfunding platforms in Europe, Booomerang offers opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and artists. This Danish platform has expanded across Europe, even opening a Berlin office. Booomerang sets itself apart with a hybrid approach that combines equity and lending options.

7. Ulule

Among pioneering crowdfunding platforms in Europe, Ulule helps creators test their ideas while building a community around their projects. If they reach their financial goal, the funds are distributed, and supporters receive unique rewards. Ulule’s model encourages community involvement, making it one of the top crowdfunding sites in Europe.

8. Companisto

Companisto focuses on equity crowdfunding, attracting seasoned investors through its robust network of business leaders and venture capitalists. Investors can join with as little as €5, making it accessible to all while offering access to global markets. With over €6 million invested in startups, Companisto is a leading choice in European crowdfunding.

9. Seedrs

Seedrs allows investors to purchase shares in startups, providing a simple entry point for those interested in crowdfunding in Europe. With a minimum investment of €10, this platform is accessible to investors of all backgrounds and has a strong track record of helping companies grow their capital.

10. Betterplace.org

Betterplace.org promotes transparency by keeping supporters informed on the progress of their donations through regular updates. This Germany-based platform supports both businesses and individual donors and allows recurring contributions for long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crowdfunding in Europe

Which Crowdfunding Platform Has The Lowest Fees?

Among the top crowdfunding platforms in Europe, WhyDonate stands out with minimal transaction fees. Donors can give as much or as little as they prefer without additional costs, making it a popular choice for campaigns focused on charitable giving.

Is Crowdfunding a Good Idea?

Yes, crowdfunding is a powerful method for raising funds for various needs, from business ventures to personal causes. It provides an opportunity to reach a broader audience without relying on traditional financing.

What Types of Crowdfunding Are Most Popular?

There are four main types of crowdfunding models:

Donation-based crowdfunding

Reward-based crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding

Loan crowdfunding

Final Thoughts on Crowdfunding Platforms in Europe

With so many crowdfunding platforms in Europe, finding the right fit for your campaign is essential. Each platform offers unique benefits, so choosing based on your funding needs and audience reach is best. From WhyDonate’s low fees to Crowdcube’s equity focus, European crowdfunding offers diverse options to fund projects, businesses, and charitable causes alike.

Ready to begin your crowdfunding journey? Start by choosing one of these top crowdfunding sites in Europe, and make a difference today.

[daimonclub]

Prospect Capital Corporation

Prospect Capital recent news Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:PSEC) A stock with a very good monthly dividend. Prospect Capital Corporation is a leading publicly-traded Business Development Company (“BDC”). We make debt and equity investments in U.S. middle market businesses across a range of industries, and seek to deliver steady, attractive returns to our shareholders. N.B. I wrote this article in 2017, but in  these days I updated it. Find out more at Yahoo Finance or at the Prospect Capital Corporation official website. Thanks. Profile Prospect Capital Corporation is a business development company. It specializes in middle market, mature, mezzanine finance, later stage, emerging growth, leveraged buyouts, refinancing, acquisitions, recapitalizations, turnaround, growth capital, development, capital expenditures and subordinated debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations, cash flow term loans, market place lending and bridge transactions. It also makes real estate investments particularly in multi-family residential real estate asset class. The fund makes secured debt, senior debt, senior and secured term loans, unitranche debt, first-lien and second lien, private debt, private equity, mezzanine debt, and equity investments in private and microcap public businesses. It focuses on both primary origination and secondary loans/portfolios and invests in situations like debt financings for private equity sponsors, acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, growth financings, bridge loans, cash flow term loans, real estate financings/investments. It also focuses on investing in small-sized and medium-sized private companies rather than large public companies. The fund typically invests across all industry sectors, with a particular expertise in the energy and industrial sectors. It invests in aerospace and defense, chemicals, conglomerate services, consumer services, ecological, electronics, financial services, machinery, manufacturing, media, pharmaceuticals, retail, software, specialty minerals, textiles and leather, transportation, oil and gas production, coal production, materials, industrials, consumer discretionary, information technology, utilities, pipeline, storage, power generation and distribution, renewable and clean energy, oilfield services, healthcare, food and beverage, education, business services, and other select sectors. It prefers to invest in the United States and Canada. The fund seeks to invest between $10 million to $500 million per transaction in companies with EBITDA between $5 million and $150 million, sales value between $25 million and $500 million, and enterprise value between $5 million and $1000 million. It fund also co-invests for larger deals. The fund seeks control acquisitions by providing multiple levels of the capital structure. The fund focuses on sole, agented, club, or syndicated deals. http://www.prospectstreet.com/ PSEC Chart by TradingView Why Invest in Prospect? Prospect Capital Corporation is among the oldest and largest BDCs. Throughout our 20 years as a public company, we have provided consistent returns to our shareholders through our disciplined approach to investing in the U.S. middle market. Attractive Dividend Yield PSEC is a yield-oriented investor and has paid a continuous, regular dividend to its investors since inception. We have declared dividends to common shareholders totaling $4.3 billion, since our 2004 IPO1. We have also declared 86 consecutive $0.06 per share dividends to common shareholders. Focus on Senior and Secured Lending PSEC is focused on providing senior and secured term loans to U.S. middle market businesses. Of our total investments, 81% are in the form of loans secured by a first lien or other secured debt2. For the quarter ended on June 30, 2024, 89% of our total investment income was interest income on loans. Proven Origination Strategies Our team has developed a broad and deep network of U.S. middle market relationships over many years of investing, including extensive relationships with private equity firms, other capital providers, business owners and managers, and intermediaries. Dividend Reinvestment Plan We encourage any shareholder interested in participating in our dividend reinvestment plan (also known as a “DRIP” or “DRP”) to contact his or her broker to make sure such DRIP participation election has been made for the benefit of such shareholder. In making such DRIP election, be sure to specify to your broker the desire to participate in the "Prospect Capital Corporation DRIP plan through DTC" that issues shares based on 95% of the market price (a 5% discount to the market price), and not the broker's own "synthetic DRIP” plan with 0% discount. Broad Investment Portfolio Since its 2004 IPO, PSEC has made over 400 investments totaling 20.9 billion of capital with 117 current portfolio companies spanning 35 separate industries. Large and Experienced Team We cover the U.S. middle market with a team of over 120 professionals with experience investing across a range of industries and through multiple economic and investing cycles, with offices in New York, Florida, and Connecticut. Our investment professionals are supported by a dedicated team of attorneys, accountants, and other specialists. Conservative, Strong Capitalization With $7.9 billion of assets, PSEC is among the largest of the BDCs. We benefit from a strong balance sheet with long-term matched-book funding, reasonable leverage, and a high level of unencumbered assets. As affirmation of our financial profile, we have investment grade ratings from S&P, Moody’s, Kroll, DBRS, and Egan-Jones. Management and affiliates of Prospect own 26% of outstanding PSEC shares as of June 30, 2024, so we are very much aligned with our shareholders. Direct Stock Purchase Plan Prospect Capital Corporation offers the opportunity to directly purchase its stock through a Direct Stock Purchase Plan administered by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC.

Psec financial summary Prospect Capital Corporation Upsizes Preferred Stock Offering to $2.25 Billion 10/21/2024 NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC) (“Prospect”, “our”, or “we”) announced today an upsize to Prospect’s preferred stock offering (the “Preferred Stock” or the “Offering”) with Preferred Capital Securities (”PCS”). The Offering has seen strong demand from the private wealth, institutional, and Registered Investment Advisor channels, with $1.8 billion in aggregate liquidation preference issuances since the initial closing in the quarter ending December 31, 2020. “Prospect’s non-traded preferred stock offers investors recurring cash income with a stable stated value, ongoing liquidity, management alignment, leverage caps, and over $3.7 billion of junior common equity credit support," said Grier Eliasek, President of Prospect. “Prospect is the number one market share issuer of non-traded preferred stock in 2023 and 2024 year-to-date, with each of institutional, registered investment advisor, wirehouse, independent private wealth, and international investor channels having invested in Prospect’s preferred stock. With interest rates declining, we believe our A4/M4 preferred stock series, with a current 7.28% annualized floating rate dividend structure and 6.50% dividend rate floor, offers an attractive option for income-oriented investors.” PCS is a securities broker dealer and the dealer manager for the ongoing offering of the Series A4 and M4 Preferred Stock. PCS has raised $5.0 billion of capital since its formation in 2011. This press release is for informational purposes and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The ongoing offering of the Series A4 and M4 Preferred Stock is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by writing to PCS at 3290 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30327. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of Prospect and the Preferred Stock before investment. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus contain this and other important information about Prospect and the Preferred Stock and should be read carefully before investing.

Psec common stocks dividends Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company stakeholders, financial professionals, or analysts. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized to make stock portfolio or financial decisions as they are based only on limited and open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of any analysts or financial professionals. Top Master Trading Links and Resources Trading and finance news Market, financial, business news Money, wealth, investments news Economics and Liberty Financial Safety Rules Trading or investing Traders Insight Campus Trader’s Academy Campus InteractiveBrokers.com Trading tips and advice 1 Top stocks gainer today Stocks and Bonds to watch Technical analysis history Stocks analysis dictionary Best trading practices Technical approach to trading Trading lovers Rolex best watch investment 50 great quotes about trading Prediction and trading Paul King trading rules On Investing story Golden rules of trading 20 golden rules of trading Penny stocks trading Jesse Livermore trading lessons Jesse Livermore trading rules The true words of Jesse Livermore The wisdom of Jesse Livermore 50 Famous Quotes by Jesse Livermore Visual Capitalist Data Trading versus gambling Great trading advice Golden trading rules Salva Read the full article