#sector wise stocks

[knowstockinsights]

A prominent player in India's infrastructure sector, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd. (IRB Infra) specializes in road construction and toll operations. The following factors should be taken into consideration before investing in IRB Infra:

Financial Health: Analyze the company's revenue growth, profitability, and debt levels. There has been a steady income stream from IRB Infra's toll collection operations, but its high debt burden may pose a risk.

Project Pipeline: The company’s future growth largely depends on the successful execution of road projects and public-private partnerships (PPP), which provide long-term revenue streams.

Market Conditions: The performance of IRB Infra is closely tied to India's infrastructure development and government policies regarding road construction and tolling.

Valuation: Evaluate the stock’s current price relative to its earnings and potential future growth. It’s important to ensure that the stock is not overpriced for its expected return.

A thorough analysis of these aspects will help determine if IRB Infra aligns with your investment goals.

[noragaur]

Discover a wide range of sectors in the Indian market, including agriculture, automobiles, banking, consumer durables, healthcare, IT, and more. Stay updated with the latest sector trends and insights on Ticker.finology.in.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Penguin Random House, AI, and writers’ rights

NEXT WEDNESDAY (October 23) at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, GEORGIA, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

My friend Teresa Nielsen Hayden is a wellspring of wise sayings, like "you're not responsible for what you do in other people's dreams," and my all time favorite, from the Napster era: "Just because you're on their side, it doesn't mean they're on your side."

The record labels hated Napster, and so did many musicians, and when those musicians sided with their labels in the legal and public relations campaigns against file-sharing, they lent both legal and public legitimacy to the labels' cause, which ultimately prevailed.

But the labels weren't on musicians' side. The demise of Napster and with it, the idea of a blanket-license system for internet music distribution (similar to the systems for radio, live performance, and canned music at venues and shops) firmly established that new services must obtain permission from the labels in order to operate.

That era is very good for the labels. The three-label cartel – Universal, Warner and Sony – was in a position to dictate terms like Spotify, who handed over billions of dollars worth of stock, and let the Big Three co-design the royalty scheme that Spotify would operate under.

If you know anything about Spotify payments, it's probably this: they are extremely unfavorable to artists. This is true – but that doesn't mean it's unfavorable to the Big Three labels. The Big Three get guaranteed monthly payments (much of which is booked as "unattributable royalties" that the labels can disperse or keep as they see fit), along with free inclusion on key playlists and other valuable services. What's more, the ultra-low payouts to artists increase the value of the labels' stock in Spotify, since the less Spotify has to pay for music, the better it looks to investors.

The Big Three – who own 70% of all music ever recorded, thanks to an orgy of mergers – make up the shortfall from these low per-stream rates with guaranteed payments and promo.

But the indy labels and musicians that account for the remaining 30% are out in the cold. They are locked into the same fractional-penny-per-stream royalty scheme as the Big Three, but they don't get gigantic monthly cash guarantees, and they have to pay the playlist placement the Big Three get for free.

Just because you're on their side, it doesn't mean they're on your side:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/09/12/streaming-doesnt-pay/#stunt-publishing

In a very important, material sense, creative workers – writers, filmmakers, photographers, illustrators, painters and musicians – are not on the same side as the labels, agencies, studios and publishers that bring our work to market. Those companies are not charities; they are driven to maximize profits and an important way to do that is to reduce costs, including and especially the cost of paying us for our work.

It's easy to miss this fact because the workers at these giant entertainment companies are our class allies. The same impulse to constrain payments to writers is in play when entertainment companies think about how much they pay editors, assistants, publicists, and the mail-room staff. These are the people that creative workers deal with on a day to day basis, and they are on our side, by and large, and it's easy to conflate these people with their employers.

This class war need not be the central fact of creative workers' relationship with our publishers, labels, studios, etc. When there are lots of these entertainment companies, they compete with one another for our work (and for the labor of the workers who bring that work to market), which increases our share of the profit our work produces.

But we live in an era of extreme market concentration in every sector, including entertainment, where we deal with five publishers, four studios, three labels, two ad-tech companies and a single company that controls all the ebooks and audiobooks. That concentration makes it much harder for artists to bargain effectively with entertainments companies, and that means that it's possible -likely, even – for entertainment companies to gain market advantages that aren't shared with creative workers. In other words, when your field is dominated by a cartel, you may be on on their side, but they're almost certainly not on your side.

This week, Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the history of the human race, made headlines when it changed the copyright notice in its books to ban AI training:

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/penguin-random-house-underscores-copyright-protection-in-ai-rebuff

The copyright page now includes this phrase:

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems.

Many writers are celebrating this move as a victory for creative workers' rights over AI companies, who have raised hundreds of billions of dollars in part by promising our bosses that they can fire us and replace us with algorithms.

But these writers are assuming that just because they're on Penguin Random House's side, PRH is on their side. They're assuming that if PRH fights against AI companies training bots on their work for free, that this means PRH won't allow bots to be trained on their work at all.

This is a pretty naive take. What's far more likely is that PRH will use whatever legal rights it has to insist that AI companies pay it for the right to train chatbots on the books we write. It is vanishingly unlikely that PRH will share that license money with the writers whose books are then shoveled into the bot's training-hopper. It's also extremely likely that PRH will try to use the output of chatbots to erode our wages, or fire us altogether and replace our work with AI slop.

This is speculation on my part, but it's informed speculation. Note that PRH did not announce that it would allow authors to assert the contractual right to block their work from being used to train a chatbot, or that it was offering authors a share of any training license fees, or a share of the income from anything produced by bots that are trained on our work.

Indeed, as publishing boiled itself down from the thirty-some mid-sized publishers that flourished when I was a baby writer into the Big Five that dominate the field today, their contracts have gotten notably, materially worse for writers:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/19/reasonable-agreement/

This is completely unsurprising. In any auction, the more serious bidders there are, the higher the final price will be. When there were thirty potential bidders for our work, we got a better deal on average than we do now, when there are at most five bidders.

Though this is self-evident, Penguin Random House insists that it's not true. Back when PRH was trying to buy Simon & Schuster (thereby reducing the Big Five publishers to the Big Four), they insisted that they would continue to bid against themselves, with editors at Simon & Schuster (a division of PRH) bidding against editors at Penguin (a division of PRH) and Random House (a division of PRH).

This is obvious nonsense, as Stephen King said when he testified against the merger (which was subsequently blocked by the court): "You might as well say you’re going to have a husband and wife bidding against each other for the same house. It would be sort of very gentlemanly and sort of, 'After you' and 'After you'":

https://apnews.com/article/stephen-king-government-and-politics-b3ab31d8d8369e7feed7ce454153a03c

Penguin Random House didn't become the largest publisher in history by publishing better books or doing better marketing. They attained their scale by buying out their rivals. The company is actually a kind of colony organism made up of dozens of once-independent publishers. Every one of those acquisitions reduced the bargaining power of writers, even writers who don't write for PRH, because the disappearance of a credible bidder for our work into the PRH corporate portfolio reduces the potential bidders for our work no matter who we're selling it to.

I predict that PRH will not allow its writers to add a clause to their contracts forbidding PRH from using their work to train an AI. That prediction is based on my direct experience with two of the other Big Five publishers, where I know for a fact that they point-blank refused to do this, and told the writer that any insistence on including this contract would lead to the offer being rescinded.

The Big Five have remarkably similar contracting terms. Or rather, unremarkably similar contracts, since concentrated industries tend to converge in their operational behavior. The Big Five are similar enough that it's generally understood that a writer who sues one of the Big Five publishers will likely find themselves blackballed at the rest.

My own agent gave me this advice when one of the Big Five stole more than $10,000 from me – canceled a project that I was part of because another person involved with it pulled out, and then took five figures out of the killfee specified in my contract, just because they could. My agent told me that even though I would certainly win that lawsuit, it would come at the cost of my career, since it would put me in bad odor with all of the Big Five.

The writers who are cheering on Penguin Random House's new copyright notice are operating under the mistaken belief that this will make it less likely that our bosses will buy an AI in hopes of replacing us with it:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/09/ai-monkeys-paw/#bullied-schoolkids

That's not true. Giving Penguin Random House the right to demand license fees for AI training will do nothing to reduce the likelihood that Penguin Random House will choose to buy an AI in hopes of eroding our wages or firing us.

But something else will! The US Copyright Office has issued a series of rulings, upheld by the courts, asserting that nothing made by an AI can be copyrighted. By statute and international treaty, copyright is a right reserved for works of human creativity (that's why the "monkey selfie" can't be copyrighted):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/20/everything-made-by-an-ai-is-in-the-public-domain/

All other things being equal, entertainment companies would prefer to pay creative workers as little as possible (or nothing at all) for our work. But as strong as their preference for reducing payments to artists is, they are far more committed to being able to control who can copy, sell and distribute the works they release.

In other words, when confronted with a choice of "We don't have to pay artists anymore" and "Anyone can sell or give away our products and we won't get a dime from it," entertainment companies will pay artists all day long.

Remember that dope everyone laughed at because he scammed his way into winning an art contest with some AI slop then got angry because people were copying "his" picture? That guy's insistence that his slop should be entitled to copyright is far more dangerous than the original scam of pretending that he painted the slop in the first place:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/10/artist-appeals-copyright-denial-for-prize-winning-ai-generated-work/

If PRH was intervening in these Copyright Office AI copyrightability cases to say AI works can't be copyrighted, that would be an instance where we were on their side and they were on our side. The day they submit an amicus brief or rulemaking comment supporting no-copyright-for-AI, I'll sing their praises to the heavens.

But this change to PRH's copyright notice won't improve writers' bank-balances. Giving writers the ability to control AI training isn't going to stop PRH and other giant entertainment companies from training AIs with our work. They'll just say, "If you don't sign away the right to train an AI with your work, we won't publish you."

The biggest predictor of how much money an artist sees from the exploitation of their work isn't how many exclusive rights we have, it's how much bargaining power we have. When you bargain against five publishers, four studios or three labels, any new rights you get from Congress or the courts is simply transferred to them the next time you negotiate a contract.

As Rebecca Giblin and I write in our 2022 book Chokepoint Capitalism:

Giving a creative worker more copyright is like giving your bullied schoolkid more lunch money. No matter how much you give them, the bullies will take it all. Give your kid enough lunch money and the bullies will be able to bribe the principle to look the other way. Keep giving that kid lunch money and the bullies will be able to launch a global appeal demanding more lunch money for hungry kids!

https://chokepointcapitalism.com/

As creative workers' fortunes have declined through the neoliberal era of mergers and consolidation, we've allowed ourselves to be distracted with campaigns to get us more copyright, rather than more bargaining power.

There are copyright policies that get us more bargaining power. Banning AI works from getting copyright gives us more bargaining power. After all, just because AI can't do our job, it doesn't follow that AI salesmen can't convince our bosses to fire us and replace us with incompetent AI:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/11/robots-stole-my-jerb/#computer-says-no

Then there's "copyright termination." Under the 1976 Copyright Act, creative workers can take back the copyright to their works after 35 years, even if they sign a contract giving up the copyright for its full term:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/09/26/take-it-back/

Creative workers from George Clinton to Stephen King to Stan Lee have converted this right to money – unlike, say, longer terms of copyright, which are simply transferred to entertainment companies through non-negotiable contractual clauses. Rather than joining our publishers in fighting for longer terms of copyright, we could be demanding shorter terms for copyright termination, say, the right to take back a popular book or song or movie or illustration after 14 years (as was the case in the original US copyright system), and resell it for more money as a risk-free, proven success.

Until then, remember, just because you're on their side, it doesn't mean they're on your side. They don't want to prevent AI slop from reducing your wages, they just want to make sure it's their AI slop puts you on the breadline.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/19/gander-sauce/#just-because-youre-on-their-side-it-doesnt-mean-theyre-on-your-side

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[shirefantasies]

Clear As Mud- Ori x F!Reader

Gotta show my boy some love on this blog 😌 Warnings: some language, a suggestive joke

(Gif by @the-hobbit! Will take down if requested)

It was an absolutely lovely day for some bullshit. Nothing like you had been going through yourself, of course. For you had been traveling for weeks with this company of dwarves and yet the object of your affection had somehow not caught wise to it at all, and while you found that endearing, even from the most adorable dwarf you had ever met it could only be endured for so long.

Thus, taking matters into your own hands was the natural conclusion of it all. Nothing left to do but put the idea in Ori's head by a new means, means you couldn't help deviously smiling to yourself over. You could just picture the way his eyes would widen in wonder, jaw dropping in innocent awe, and it made your heart smile and skip a beat.

Wandering over to where the scribe had sat down, legs folded to hold his drawing pad up and hands, of course, scribbling away at the very same, you took a seat on the rock adjacent to his.

“You know, it still surprises me that Thorin has no interest in utilizing my services,” you remarked in mock-surprise, a hand resting beneath your chin, “Have you heard much about it?”

Ori’s attention snapped fully up from his drawing at that. “Services? We were supposed to be at yours! Perhaps he’s like me and he doesn’t know what you offer! What is it that he wants none of?”

Fighting a grin, you shrugged. “Not everyone takes stock in psychics. Don’t want to find anything out from foresight, I suppose. That can change things, for certain. Even just a fortune telling might be nice, though. Put him at ease, you understand.”

Sure enough, Ori’s eyes widened just as you pictured. Line cast, time to pull it in.

“I think I do! So you can read fortunes? And Thorin doesn’t want one? Who wouldn’t want one?”

His gloved hands spread in excitement, brown eyes positively glittering upon you, sending your heart leaping and lips smiling.

“You’ve got that exactly right,” you nodded, “No one’s wanted one yet. Maybe they indeed are not all aware.”

“Oh, do me! Do me!” Ori jittered, folding his pad completely shut and casing his charcoal. “Let me be the first- oh, Nori will be quite jealous!”

Your smile only grew at his pleased look. Shifting on your rock’s rough surface to find a more comfortable sector of your arse for it to dig into, you reached into the depths of your pockets for the props you’d prepared. You could make plenty a choice joke about his initial phrasing there, but when you had him so reeled there was no sense in risking scaring him off. Snickering and flushing to yourself would have to do.

Props you’d brought readied, you twisted the point of crystal a peddler had given you between your fingers, hopefully mysteriously.

“My focus. I will call upon it to channel my power,” you told Ori, eyelids fluttering shut and the fingers of your other hand drawing a swirl in the dirt with a feather you’d found between them.

“Do I need to do anything?” He asked, eyes still wide as he leaned forward on his rock.

“Take my hand,” you answered in a solemn voice, extending yours facing palm-up.

Complying immediately, Ori extended his and took yours firmly, sending thrilling sparks up your arm as the warmth of his gloves hit. His fingers were thick, strong as a dwarf’s were expected to be, but longer, nimbler than those of the rest. No wonder he was such a skilled artist. The sight of them upon yours was nice. Right. Quite right indeed.

You hummed for a moment before speaking again. “Your fortune is very…fortunate. Much luck coming your way, yes indeed. You’ll make it through this all, you know.”

Should you have felt guilty for saying something you didn’t truly know? You couldn’t, not when you knew you spoke it as a promise. As you lived and breathed you would let no harm come to Ori. And beside that, thus might he find his own courage. In fact…

To a smiling Ori you continued. “You will find your courage. I see it. And you will go on to great things. Perhaps even find your One. Your One, yes… It is faint, I grant, but I can see her. She loves to read.”

He grinned. “Just like me!”

And me, you thought with a smile of your own, you know that. “Big fan of a good cuppa, too, she’s got one in her hand. Lavender, it looks like. Good taste.”

“That’s your favorite, isn’t it?”

Humming, you nodded. “I’m beginning to make out something beyond the shadows. Colors. A complexion.”

Naturally, you described your own in as vague a terminology as you could manage. Her dress was your favorite color as well.

“Another vision. It appears she wields a staff.”

That, certainly, was the cherry on top of the bullshit pile, for you wielded the very same and surely Ori didn’t know that many young ladies who carried such. Or if he did, maybe you’d challenge them.

“You’ll have all the wealth you can want, too. Certainly comfort will be yours, Ori. You’re meant to be a great scribe, a piece of the history of your people.”

“Wow,” your beloved dwarf puffed out his chest a bit at that, suddenly looking adorably proud of himself, “You can really see all that? Tell me more about my One- when do I meet her?”

“You should know that when it happens. Or if it has already.” Biting your tongue, you subdued the frustration threatening to rise into your tone, working back into the mysterious rhythm you’d been using. “Search within your heart and you will surely find the answers it seeks.”

“I will,” Ori replied, big brown eyes wide, “I already am! Thank you.”

Your name, sweet as always upon his lips, brought your ‘reading’ to a close and Ori’s hands folding dreamily upon his pad as his eyes drifted up toward the rolling clouds. Leaving you wondering, should you leave him be? Should you-

Motion alerted the peripheries of your vision, shifting over the grey-blue backdrop of sky and the distant horizon of trees and mountains. Ori had moved his head. Ori was staring at you. Glancing back away, you pretended not to notice, focused instead on that beautiful sky, the point of peace amidst the chaotic weeks.

When the sound of your name cut through your introspection, though, you finally turned to look him head-on.

"Can-can I draw you?"

Head cocked. Still the brown-haired dwarf looked at you with an intense focus you'd never seen before, focus tempered only by the faintest of fear, as if you might hex him or else he was a rabbit looking into an enticing trap, thrilled but worried for his life.

A thrill of your own slid down your spine. "Of course you can! Do you want me to pose?" You joked, leaning forward with your head upon your folded hands.

"No, I just want to look at you like you are. If that's alright, of course!" Ori hastily amended, charcoal in hand once more.

Heart leaping, you nodded and smiled. "It is. Of course it is."

"You know," Ori leaned in closer, eyes narrowing and widening again, "I never realized it before."

"What's that?"

"The way the lines of your smile trace," he answered softly, the sound of charcoal running gently over paper overtaking the flushed silence that followed.

~

Ori had been hovering about you more of late. Talking to you that much more. You, in turn, had been wearing that many more smiles, though you'd started to suspect you needed to have another vision. Practiced it in reflections upon bathing streams, clutching your head and stumbling until it looked natural. Of course, it would also have to be just the two of you lest someone like Dwalin or Thorin or worse, Fili and Kili, call bullshit and never let you forget it again-

"Are you alright? Are you scrying or something?"

Starting, you whipped your head up and lowered the cup of tea you'd been inadvertently grimacing into, suddenly aware that Ori had called your name somewhere beneath the muting of your reverie.

"Uh, yes. Absolutely," you answered, "Scrying. It's a bit harder to do in tea, you know."

"Of course," Ori nodded with far too much understanding and focus, "Well, I won't bother you then, maybe later-"

You were at his side, cup totally abandoned on whatever rock had been your seat, before he could even finish dismissing himself. "Bother me? Hardly. Wasn't even a good vision. Just something about Thorin failing to catch a deer for dinner. Not exciting at all. What did you need?"

"Oh, really?" Ori brightened, posture perking up. "Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to take a walk with me."

"Absolutely," you said, following his lead.

Into the woods you strolled, path crunching softly beneath booted feet and breeze whistling pleasantly past ears and over hair. Ori’s sleeve fluttered against the bare skin of your hand. Fingers momentarily twitching, you just barely resisted the urge to reach out and take his hand, sighing inaudibly into the crisp rush of woodsy air surrounding you. Ori led you deeper until you emerged into a clearing, a smile appearing across your face at the way the sun filtered onto the verdant grass.

“You’ve probably seen what I’m about to say,” he told you sheepishly when your gaze returned to him, “You surely know.”

“No,” you replied, “I, er, cannot see all futures.”

“Well, I’m glad for that, then, in a way. At least you don’t have to stop me telling you how I feel.”

How he…

“I can’t stop thinking about your vision, after all. Of my One. I was pretty sure it was you, but… Well, I got scared. Scared what I was feeling was too good to be true. Not actually it. Or that yours was someone else. Well, I think it’s me, if that’s all right, and I really like you, if you don’t mind my saying so. I really do. I can make you happy. I will. Whatever it takes.”

Your eyes widened at the way he reached out and took your hands in his, peering so earnestly at you, that soft, innocent smile upon his lips. Your heart was shot from its hammering soar, however, by arrows of guilt… and humor. Near-manic humor bubbling up out of your chest as laughter, laughter painted half with joy and half with every momentary shock you felt.

"You do already. I thought the only way to convince you I might do the same was by pretending to be a clairvoyant," you admitted, grip on his hands tightening.

"You were faking it?"

"You weren't making a move!"

"You were so convincing!"

"Well," you grinned, "That's because I really do think I'm the one for you."

"You're lucky I agree," Ori shot back with a shake of his head, "Or else I- I'd..."

"You'd what? Get me back with some bullshit of your own?"

"Something like that," was all he replied before his lips were on yours.

Those thin blades of sunlight struck your cheeks and shoulders, warming you far less than the plush of a gentle kiss and the clutch of joined hands. Ori's sweet lips were everything you imagined, respectful, loving, not prodding but simply reveling in the taste of joy. You held him close as you separated, running a hand along his cheek as the fireworks of finally continued bursting through your illuminated chest.

"See?" It was Ori's turn to grin. "I wasn't afraid. Not this time."

"Clairvoyant or not," you told him, mirroring the love in his eyes tenfold, "I wouldn't have seen that coming."

"Guess we'll have to figure out the future together."

"Now that doesn't sound so bad."

Taglist: @lokilover476 @fuckyoumakeart @kilibaggins @filiswingman @ibabblealot @stormchaser819 @pirate-lord-of-narnia @datglutengoblin @letmelickyoureyeballs @mossyskinn @wordbunch @tiny-and-witchy @th3-st4r-gur1 @fleurdemiel-145 @mistresskayla-blog1 @misabelle717 @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @evattude @kpopgirlbtssvt | Reply/Message/Ask to join 🖤

[ranticore]

Okay I’m really curious because visors as a concept are just so neat, are there any visors whose “characters” are considered to be paired together, at least to the longwings? Do the stock characters of specific visors ever show up in media and such? Any weirdly specific niches visored harpies find themselves in?

yes to all three questions :)

Visor “characters” considered to be paired together: My two big swan harpies Mia and Ebb (Mia-kef and Ebb-a-vef in the East Spire naming system, they're world-class delivery and postal workers) both have swan visors - a mute swan and a black swan respectively. These visors used to belong to two ex-military pilots who were within the same fighting wing back on Ceti, the colony from which humans travelled to Siren. They were offered substantial pay to become part of the Sirenian mission's private military, but they stipulated in the contract that the two of them would always work together (i.e don't fire one without firing the other lol). They brought their visors with them on the mission, which is why they're uniquely detailed and themed after Earth birds (see my header image). And now, looong after those two people are dead and all records of them mostly lost to time, it is still considered mandatory to the longwings that the black swan and white swan visors (Signaswun and Signastoo) are paired together - at first, just because they look very alike, just palette-shifted, but after a while they grew their own little mythos about being a matched pair who should not be separated.

The stock characters of specific visors showing up in media: For young longwings in the western continent (where the visors are stored), they often grow up with puppet shows depicting several archetypal visored characters, similar to the comedy and tragedy masks in theatre. The main character is usually a basic mass-produced model (similar to Terwy's) who is given the role of The Fool, the audience stand-in guy who stumbles into all sorts of adventures, is dumb enough that it gives the spectating kids an opportunity to yell the right answers to a problem he's trying to solve, etc. The Fool meets a variety of different, more unique characters often based off of real visors, though with rather simplified personality traits based on what the show is about - Wise Elder, Parent Who is Always Right, Child Who Should Eat More Vegetables, etc.

Weirdly specific niches? Some of the visors are marked by bloodshed, betrayal, heartbreak, and all that good stuff. If you are assigned the visor that once belonged to some longwing famous for stabbing people in the back, well, there are certain expectations resting on that. But they're not forced into these roles, exactly - it's like pulling a tarot card and having that omen hanging over your head for life, good or bad.

In more practical terms, some of the visors are suited for specific jobs - for example, there are geo-scanning visors with more robust sensors that can return information about the bedrock composition. Obviously you'd end up maybe in a mining sector if you pulled that visor. The military ones, like the swans, still have their targeting systems intact in the HUD, even though the actual aircraft that carried all the weapons is long gone. They are used to keep track of a moving target from a distance of thousands of kilometres, and very handy if you have to deliver a letter to a whaling ship at sea.

[rodrigororschach]

The Main Principle of Investing 📈

"The best protection for a wise investor is not avoiding risks, but diversification." 💡

This is, of course, about diversification. Distributing assets across various classes—from stocks and bonds to real estate—and across sectors and regions helps to reduce risks. 🌍💼

And this principle doesn’t only apply to investments in the stock market, but to life as a whole. Multiple income streams and backup plans provide confidence and protection in case things don’t go as planned. 🔐

[ilikedyourablogithere]

no hate

no disrespect

not trying to be an anime power scaler or anything

...

but Gaius been looking kinda sorry ever since the heel turn

like let's look at the record

look at the record

gameplay wise yeah Gaius is a pretty big deal. If this was pokemon he'd be a stable in OU tier

storywise ~~~ I dunno

like The Esper Seven are the strongest of the strong

they're this story's Kages/ Warlords of the Sea/ Captain level Shinigami or what have you

And of the 7 he is one of the 3 that have shown off their power in the story and that's where he's looking kinda iffy

In his character trailer he's struggling to solo Cube Miracle

and I get the part where he was by himself but also he was struggling against a slightly bigger miramon

like Leora can take down a giant miramon. Mateo did it too

Gaius? Hannah had to go Android 16 for him to do it

2. Bro ain't all that knowledgeable. he kinda just... knows people

and ya sure being popular is a great skill to have...But you need some more smarts my guy. You got outplayed and outsmarted by doom prepper with amnesia in a world they don't even know anything about

like you had everything on easymode but still fumbled that

3. How are top 7 strongest people in canon and have not killed anyone you have set out to kill

Raven- Okay she's also an Esper Seven so sending her to a coma is fair but also...bro you blew an entire building floor, but she still alive? come on now

Abigail / Alexa / Xuan Pin - These are not strong people. Abigail is just a neppo baby that commited stock manipulation that one time, Alexa runs the entertainment sector of a city and Xuan Pin is a strategist. None of them are built for what you are about

Abigail had to go snitch to the Esper Union to come and help her and Alexa jump Jin Yuyuo, a Shadow Pillager. That is how much they are NOT built for what you do

yet you sent lighting through their bodies and all three of them are alive to this day

The Main Character - like bro ARE you even trying. All you ever do to this man is monologue at him. Yap yap yap yap yap yap yap Gaius may in fact been trying to talk him to death

like quit posing and get it over with already

Sachiko- Like not only did you not kill her after shooting her with lighting but she revived with a second form

and one shot YOU

the absolute fraud behavior on display disgust me everytime I see it

Get it out of my face. I don't want to see it anymore

In conclusion, Gaius

Do Better

[stockprime]

Smart Investing

Visit The Stock Prime

How to Start SmartIntroductionInvesting in the stock market can be a life-changing decision, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. With thousands of stocks to choose from and constant market fluctuations, it's easy to feel uncertain. But don’t worry—getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of stock market investing and share actionable tips on how you can start smart.By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap for navigating the stock market, and you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.Let’s dive in!---What is the Stock Market?The stock market is a marketplace where people buy and sell shares of publicly listed companies. When you purchase stock, you're essentially buying a small piece of ownership in that company. As the company grows and its stock price rises, you stand to benefit from increased share value.Investing in the stock market allows you to grow your wealth over time, and it can be a great way to build financial security. But, before you dive into the market, there are several important factors you should understand.---1. Know Your Investment GoalsBefore you start investing, it’s essential to set clear financial goals. Ask yourself questions like:What are you investing for? (e.g., retirement, building wealth, saving for a major purchase)What is your risk tolerance? (e.g., do you prefer safer, more stable investments, or are you comfortable with high-risk, high-reward options?)What is your investment time horizon? (e.g., short-term vs. long-term)Knowing your goals helps shape your investment strategy, allowing you to pick the right stocks that align with your financial objectives.---2. Understand the Basics of Stock ValuationWhen picking stocks, understanding how to evaluate them is crucial. A stock’s price is based on the company’s market capitalization (the total value of its shares), and its value can be influenced by factors such as:Earnings reports: How profitable is the company?Growth potential: What is the company’s potential for future expansion?Dividends: Does the company distribute profits back to shareholders?By learning about stock valuation, you can make smarter decisions when choosing where to put your money.---3. Diversify Your PortfolioOne of the best ways to reduce risk in the stock market is by diversifying your portfolio. This means you shouldn’t put all your money into one stock or one industry. Instead, you should spread your investments across different sectors, such as:TechnologyHealthcareConsumer goodsFinancial servicesDiversification can help reduce the impact of a poor-performing stock on your overall portfolio, ensuring more stable returns in the long run.---4. Research is KeyWhen it comes to stock market investing, research is your best friend. Take the time to understand the companies you’re interested in, and follow market trends. Stay updated with financial news, earnings reports, and industry developments. -Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey Today!The stock market offers incredible opportunities to build wealth, but it requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start investing wisely and build a strong foundation for your financial future.Remember, the most important part of investing is to start early and to stay consistent with your strategy. Whether you’re looking for financial independence, a secure retirement, or simply growing your wealth, the stock market can be your powerful ally.If you need more personalized investment advice or financial tips, visit us at TheStockPrime.in

[finvestmentpro]

Which Small-Cap Funds Are Holding the Largest Cash Positions?

 When it comes to investing in small-cap mutual funds, one of the savvy investors often examine is the amount of cash reserves held by the fund. High cash reserves can provide a cushion during fluctuating markets, allowing fund managers to grab opportunities

as they protect or arise against downturns. small-cap funds, which typically invest in smaller companies with higher growth potential, are often more changing than large-cap funds, making the management of cash even more critical.

In this article, We will know the small-cap mutual funds that are currently holding substantial cash reserves.

Why Cash Reserves Matter in Small-Cap Funds.

Cash reserves are a vital component in a fund's strategy, especially in the small-cap sector. Small-cap stocks are known for their potential to generate higher returns, but they can also experience significant price swings due to market volatility or changes in investor sentiment. When a small-cap fund has a healthy amount of cash on hand, the fund manager can make tactical decisions during market downturns. For instance, they may choose to invest in undervalued stocks or wait for better market conditions before deploying more capital. Conversely, too little cash can expose the fund to liquidity risks, forcing managers to sell off assets at less-than-ideal prices.

Top Small-Cap Funds with Significant Cash Holdings

 While many small-cap mutual funds are fully invested inequities, some maintain higher cash positions to balance risk and take advantage of future buying opportunities. Below are a few small-cap mutual funds known for their prudent cash management strategies:

1. XYZ Small-Cap Growth Fund

   This fund is known for its cautious approach, with nearly 15% of its assets in cash and cash equivalents. The fund's managers believe in holding cash during periods of market uncertainty, allowing them to take advantage of attractive stock valuations when the opportunity arises.

2.  ABC Small-Cap Value Fund

   A veteran in the small-cap space, ABC Small-Cap Value Fund has maintained approximately 12% of its portfolio in cash. This strategy helps it mitigate the risks associated with investing in small, volatile companies, especially during economic downturns.

3. 123 Small-Cap Dividend Fund

   While typically focused on smaller companies that pay dividends, this fund also keeps a significant portion of its assets in cash—around 10%. The fund manager uses this cash to navigate market turbulence and seek out dividend-paying companies with strong growth prospects.

4. PQR Small-Cap Aggressive Fund  

   Known for its more aggressive investment style, PQR still holds about 8% of its assets in cash, particularly as a buffer against unexpected market swings. This allows the fund manager to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions while maintaining a focus on high-growth small-cap stocks.

While cash reserves may not always lead to short-term gains, they offer fund managers flexibility and security during uncertain times. For investors who prioritize risk management, choosing small-cap mutual funds with significant cash holdings can be a wise move. These funds are better equipped to navigate volatile markets and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Always consider a fund’s overall strategy and investment philosophy before making your investment decision.

[rxshl]

I say again. The Philippines is not the enemy of China in the South China Sea. It is the mighty USA. Why do you think China harasses Filipino citizens doing resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal but allows Vietnam unhampered reclamation and weaponization of the rocks and shoals it occupies in areas inside China's 9-dash line? Because Vietnam does not act as a puppet of the USA like the Philippines.

On the resupply mission a few days ago, a Philippine Navy sailor lost a finger during a scuffle with Chinese sailors who intercepted the resupply mission. The Chinese towed the PN RHIB boats away from the Siera Madre, gassed our sailors, boarded their boats, confiscated their 8 firearms and punctured the boats.

China strictly enforces its claims because not doing so will be a sign of weakness which may be exploited by its enemy, the US.

Our dispute with China is a small matter over rocks, shoals, and water, not even our territory and our sovereignty, but only sovereign rights, where the dispute may be settled diplomatically. What is big and a no no to China is the US meddling in purely Asian domestic affairs, where China is encircled by many US bases, including 9 from the Philippines, and missiles pointed at China.

After an unarmed scuffle during the recent resupply mission, an armed scuffle will be a big possibility during the next mission. Philippine Navy sailors, if they are real soldiers, will not allow their firearms to be taken away by anybody, even by a superpower like China. Shots will then be fired and deaths are a possibility. Will this lead to war? Big possibility. Will the US help the Philippines in the war? Of course not, despite the MDT and its ironclad policy. Are they crazy? Will they go to war against a fellow superpower and die just because of the death of a Filipino soldier?

At best, the US will provide token support to the Philippines like what they did in Ukraine. It is perfectly alright for the US if there are wars and armed conflicts in the world so long as these do not reach the US mainland which is very far away. In fact, the US is the one fomenting wars and conflicts. Wars and conflicts are the lifeblood of the US economy through its military industrial complex.

The issue: Is the Philippines ready for war? Definitely not.

If a shooting war starts, where will the AFP get its fuel for its trucks, ships, and airplanes? From Petron. Where does Petron get its fuel? From the Middle East, with the oil tankers passing by the South China Sea. Does Petron maintain strategic fuel reserve? No. With the privatization of the oil industry and oil deregulation, the government relies on the private sector to do all these. Do the private oil companies have enough stocks and strategic reserve? None. It is not wise for them, business-wise, to do so due to the high cost of safekeeping or storage. At best, we are good to fight with fuel for 7 days.

During war, how do we feed our people when we import rice, despite us as an agricultural country? We even import fish, especially the poor man's galunggong, despite the fact that we are an archipelago surrounded by seas and oceans.

Wars at this time is not the same as the last world war. Now is cyber, aerospace, satellites, AI, hypersonic missiles, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear wars. Are we ready? We do not even have alarm sirens and much more bomb shelters for our people.

And we are raring to fight, instead of sitting down and negotiate as friends, partners, and neighbors, because we are warriors and our egos are touched?

You want war?

Go fight yourselves. Just make sure my country is not erased in the world map because you acted by the say so of a director of an ally and master who pretends to be a friend.

[unpluggedfinancial]

Mastering Your Finances: A Roadmap to Long-Term Financial Health

Introduction

Achieving financial stability is a crucial step toward a secure and stress-free life. Effective financial management enables you to avoid debt, save for the future, and make informed investment decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you master your finances and achieve long-term financial health.

Section 1: Building a Strong Financial Foundation

A solid financial foundation is akin to the bedrock of a grand architectural marvel. Without it, the structure above cannot stand tall and resilient against the test of time.

Spend Less Than You Earn The cornerstone of financial stability lies in the principle of spending less than you earn. Much like the conservation of energy, where output should not exceed input, your financial health thrives when your expenditures are less than your income. Begin by meticulously tracking your expenses. Utilize tools like budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to categorize and monitor every dollar spent. Create a budget that aligns with your financial goals, allowing you to live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt.

Emergency Fund An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, a buffer against life's unpredictable events. Aim to save 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This fund acts as a safeguard, ensuring you can navigate unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, without derailing your financial progress. The importance of this fund cannot be overstated, as it provides peace of mind and stability in turbulent times.

Section 2: Investing Wisely

Investing is the art and science of making your money work for you. However, like any scientific endeavor, it requires careful research, understanding, and strategic planning.

Understand Before You Invest Before diving into the world of investments, take the time to understand the various options available. Whether it's stocks, bonds, real estate, or other assets, each investment vehicle comes with its own set of risks and rewards. Conduct thorough research and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions.

Don't Invest More Than You Can Afford to Lose A cardinal rule in investing is to never put at risk more money than you can afford to lose. Diversification is your ally in mitigating risk. Spread your investments across different asset classes and sectors to minimize the impact of any single investment's poor performance. This approach, known as diversification, enhances the stability and potential growth of your portfolio.

Section 3: Managing Debt Effectively

Debt, if managed wisely, can be a tool for growth. However, if left unchecked, it can become a burden that stifles financial progress.

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt Not all debt is created equal. Good debt, such as student loans or mortgages, can be considered investments in your future. They often come with lower interest rates and have the potential to increase your earning power or net worth. Conversely, bad debt, like high-interest credit card debt, can quickly spiral out of control. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first to free yourself from its financial stranglehold.

Debt Reduction Strategies There are several effective strategies for reducing debt. The snowball method involves paying off your smallest debts first, providing a psychological boost as you eliminate balances one by one. The avalanche method focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, saving you money on interest over time. Consider consolidating your debt into lower-interest loans or credit cards to make your payments more manageable.

Section 4: Boosting Your Income

Increasing your income is a proactive approach to achieving financial goals faster. It provides additional resources to save, invest, and pay off debt.

Side Hustles and Freelancing In today's gig economy, opportunities for side hustles and freelance work abound. Whether it's driving for a rideshare service, offering consulting services, or starting an online business, additional income streams can significantly enhance your financial situation. This extra income can be directed towards debt reduction, savings, or investments, accelerating your journey towards financial stability.

Investing in Yourself Your most valuable asset is yourself. Investing in your education and skills can have long-term benefits for your career and earning potential. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or gaining certifications in your field. Continuous personal and professional development not only enhances your employability but also opens doors to higher income opportunities.

Section 5: Reducing Expenses and Saving Money

Reducing expenses is akin to tightening the bolts on a well-oiled machine. Every bit of savings contributes to smoother financial operations and long-term stability.

Cutting Unnecessary Costs Take a critical look at your spending habits and identify unnecessary expenses. Cancel subscriptions you no longer use, cook at home instead of dining out, and find ways to save on utilities and other monthly bills. Small changes in your spending habits can accumulate into significant savings over time.

Smart Shopping Adopt smart shopping strategies to maximize your savings. Compare prices, use coupons, and take advantage of sales to save money on everyday items. By being a savvy shopper, you can stretch your dollars further and make your budget work more efficiently.

Conclusion

Achieving financial stability requires a combination of smart spending, wise investing, and proactive debt management. By following these tips and staying committed to your financial goals, you can build a secure future and achieve long-term financial health. Remember to stay informed, adapt to changing circumstances, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Additional Resources

Consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized advice and guidance.

Utilize budgeting and investment apps to track your progress and stay on top of your finances.

Continuously educate yourself on personal finance and investing to make informed decisions.

In the grand tapestry of life, your financial health is a thread of paramount importance. With knowledge, discipline, and strategic planning, you can weave a future of stability, security, and prosperity.

Call to Action

Are you ready to take control of your financial future? Join our community at [Your Blog Name] for more in-depth articles and resources on financial management, investing, and achieving financial freedom. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, [Unplugged Financial], where we dive into the history of money, explore the current financial landscape, and discuss how Bitcoin can revolutionize the financial world. Together, we can navigate the path to financial independence and create a brighter future.

Stay Connected:

Visit our blog: Bitcoin Revolution

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Unplugged Financial

Let's learn, grow, and achieve financial freedom together!

[oraclekleo]

Finances related tarot readings

Hello my dear followers and random visitors of my posts!

Some of you probably know that I'm a very productive adult person with a responsible job in a bank. That's one of the main reasons why I can't really work on completing readings all day long.

But! In this time of high inflation and just things being financially tough in general (and financial difficulties can severely affect our mental state and emotions, of course, and eventually our physical health, too), I have thought I could perhaps use the fact I have a good and friendly relationship with the financial sector and maybe offer some money related tarot readings.

PLEASE! DON'T TAKE ME WRONG HERE. NEVER EVER BASE YOUR FINANCE RELATED DECISIONS ON TAROT OR ORACLE OR LENORMAND OR KIPPER OR RUNE READINGS! NEVER! THOSE CAN ONLY DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO ASPECTS AND SUBJECTS YOU SHOULD LOOK MORE INTO. BEFORE MAKING ANY MONEY RELATED DECISION, MAKE YOUR RESEARCH AND CONSULT SOMEONE TRULY COMPETENT LIKE THE PERSON FROM YOUR BANK WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACCOUNT, OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR, OR STOCK BROKER, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE WITH THE ACTUAL DETAILED KNOWLEDGE.

When this warning is off my shoulders and I truly mean it! I consider myself decent with money but I'm still learning myself and you should also know I have never studied any economy related school or even subject. I sort of learned everything from real life experience and I'm in no way an expert.

However, if you were interested in some general suggestions regarding your personal money management, little nudges towards the direction you might need to explore in more details, I can surely provide that.

I have already assembled one general tarot spread for this topic and I have tested it on myself and it looks like it works just fine so I can share it here with you.

Fiscal Year Ahead tarot spread

Expenses to cut (advice on what might not be wise to waste your money on in the upcoming year)

Sources of Income to explore (it can refer to side hustles or to a new direction of your career…)

Money Management Advice (general advice regarding your skills of handling personal finances)

Financial Forecast (what to expect / avoid / be prepared for in the upcoming year)

Investment Tip (general suggestion on what areas you might explore in order to invest in them, it can refer to simple things like your health and advising you to stop eating fast food and invest in groceries and start cooking better food for yourself or it can draw your attention to stock market, if you have some extra money to be invested)

For those who are not familiar with the term Fiscal Year, it's 12 consecutive months but they don't have to copy the actual calendar year. I have used this term in the title of the reading to address the fact that this tarot reading is giving you information for the 12 months ahead of you from the moment of when the reading is done for you. So you're not waiting for the 1st of January to start implementing the advice, you can start immediately. 😊

This tarot spread is clearly not the only option on how the finance related tarot reading can be done but I simply wanted to show you an example.

So! Would you be actually interested in such types of tarot readings? You can say no, it’s no problem for me. I’m simply offering it but if you don’t really trust this or you are not interested, feel free to tell me. I’m not gonna be sad about it. 😂

Let me know what you think!

Thank you and have a great day!

Kleo 🦄

[bhartisharemarketinstitute]

Worried About Your Investment in share market – Here A Few Tips To Safeguard Them!

No matter how remote, every investor is concerned about the possibility of a massive economic disaster. It has occurred previously. It may happen again. Years of hard-earned savings and retirement funds might be wiped away in hours if this happens. Fortunately, you can protect most of your assets from a market catastrophe or worldwide economic crisis especially with tips from the Bharti Share Market stock market institute.

An excellent defensive plan includes preparation and diversification. They can work together to help you withstand a financial storm.

Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure you are not caught up in the storm of the market crash:

●     Diversification Diversification is essential for preserving your money in a market crisis. One strategy to diversify is to invest in a portfolio of equities with various risks and rewards. Another option is investing in various asset types, such as bonds, commodities, real estate, etc. This will safeguard you against volatility in any particular sector or asset class. Don’t day trade equities with limited liquidity, and keep an eye on what you’re holding because it’s easy to get carried away while the markets are rising. If they start tanking, pulling back will be far more difficult. You should thoroughly consider each investing option so that you can rapidly move out of danger if things go wrong.

●     Set the Stop Loss Most new stock traders have taken the stop-loss tool seriously, which is a good thing. The stock market is quite volatile, and it is critical to play it wisely if one wants to maximise gains. A stop-loss order assists you in stock management. If the price falls below the bar after it has been established, the deal is closed for you, and you will be left with some profit. You can also reinvest and purchase equities when the market is poised to climb above the stop-loss bar. As a result, if you cannot manage large amounts of shares during a stock market fall, it will execute the deal for you.

●     Purchase Put Options When the market rises, it must also fall. However, most investors overlook this truth and continue to buy stocks to benefit quickly. On the other hand, smart investors and traders believe that now is the moment to buy put options as insurance against any potential market collapses. Put options function as a portfolio insurance policy for investors. Purchase it to safeguard your assets against an unexpected or anticipated market meltdown. Put options will allow individuals who invest now to offset losses incurred if the market falls suddenly. Use put options to safeguard your assets in the event of a market meltdown if you wish to invest wisely.

●     Invest in High-Quality Companies Consider if your investments are in firms that will withstand a market downturn. This is more complex than it seems, but there are techniques to help. Investing in high-quality firms is the greatest strategy to reduce the danger of a stock market meltdown. The greater their financial security and sustainability, the less likely they will be impacted by a stock market crisis, and the more probable they will keep your investment.

●     Investing in Non-cyclical / Defensive Stocks Investing in defensive or non-cyclical equities is one of the finest possibilities because they are high-demand items. Soap, shampoo, food, toothpaste, common necessities such as electricity, and other items are examples of things that customers will not throw away. Such items are in high demand and are unaffected by the stock market’s decline. During the crash, such stocks will have little influence, and even if there is a significant impact, these equities will recover again owing to consumer demand. Furthermore, the companies that make such products are transforming them to be more luxurious, enhancing their demand in the market.

●     Long-Term Investments Should Be Prioritized You must focus on long-term investing if you want to preserve your asset against a future catastrophe. While short-term investments might provide an opportunity to generate money, they also expose you to increased risk if the situation becomes unstable or unpredictable over time. Investing in stocks takes discipline and an understanding of how the markets operate. If you want to invest in the stock market, you should hire experienced financial advisers to help you identify the greatest solutions available to meet your needs.

The stock market is volatile, and no one can make it less volatile or more stable; it is in its nature to be thus. This also indicates that trading cannot be done in only one way; if the market may rise, it can also collapse, and in such a situation, it is essential to be prepared with remedies before the impact.

There are several rational techniques to prevent the effect of a stock market meltdown, such as stop loss orders and defensive equities. Additionally, you seek training and knowledge of the stock market from experts like Bharti Share Market. The institute offers courses in Hindi, Marathi and English.

You can learn from the no 1 stock market training institute in Pune and receive advice that will help you improve your portfolio and make your stock market investing journey profitable.

[artisanstales]

Is There a Best Time to Buy a Dining Room Table? Insider Tips

Purchasing a dining room table is a significant investment that can transform your dining area and serve as the heart of family gatherings. But just like with any big purchase, timing can play a crucial role in finding the best deal. If you're in the market for a new dining table, you may be wondering: Is there a best time to buy a dining room table?

The dining room table price in United States can fluctuate depending on several factors, such as seasonality, retailer promotions, and even economic conditions. Timing your purchase wisely can save you a lot of money, and in this article, we’ll guide you through the best times of the year to buy a dining table, plus insider tips that will help you score the best deal.

1. Understand Seasonal Price Trends

When it comes to buying a dining table, understanding the seasons and how they affect pricing can be a game-changer. Just like with other furniture purchases, the price of dining tables can vary depending on the time of year, retailer discounts, and consumer demand.

End of Year (November to January): The holiday season, from November through January, is one of the best times to buy a dining room table. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas sales, retailers offer significant discounts to clear out their inventory for new models. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you can expect to find some great deals on dining tables during this time.Additionally, many furniture retailers offer financing options during the holiday season, which can be beneficial if you want to spread out the cost of your dining table over several months. However, it’s important to be aware that while discounts are common during this time, the availability of popular dining table models may be limited due to high demand.

January to March (Post-Holiday Sales): After the holiday rush, many furniture stores continue to offer discounts on dining tables in January and February. This period is an excellent time for shoppers to find reduced prices on tables that didn’t sell during the holiday season. Many furniture retailers need to clear out their inventory to make room for new models, so this can be an excellent opportunity to snag a dining table at a discounted rate.Expect to see markdowns on last year’s models and items that have slight imperfections or display wear. If you’re flexible with your style preferences, this can be an ideal time to score a dining table for a lower price.

Spring and Summer (April to August): While spring and summer aren’t known for significant sales events, there are still opportunities to find dining room tables at a reasonable price. Retailers often release new collections during the spring, which means they may offer discounts on older models to make room for new stock. Additionally, certain sales events, like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day sales, can provide opportunities for discounts on dining tables.This period is also great for people shopping for dining tables that will be used outdoors for summer entertaining. Patio furniture sales often coincide with these seasons, so if you're looking for an outdoor dining set, this is the time to buy.

2. Take Advantage of Major Holiday Sales Events

Retailers across the United States often host sales events around major holidays, and these can be some of the best times to shop for a dining table. Here's a closer look at specific sales periods that offer great opportunities for discounts:

Black Friday (November): Black Friday, typically held the day after Thanksgiving, is famous for massive discounts across various retail sectors, including furniture. Retailers offer both in-store and online deals, and many provide doorbuster promotions on popular items like dining tables. The sales period extends beyond Black Friday itself to include Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) and other special promotions throughout the month of November.Shopping for dining tables during Black Friday can be a great way to get a high-quality piece at a fraction of the regular price. However, keep in mind that inventory may be limited, and the most popular models may sell out quickly. It’s essential to plan ahead and do some research before the sale to ensure you’re prepared.

Labor Day (September): Labor Day weekend sales, held in early September, are another opportunity for significant discounts on dining room tables. Many retailers hold “end of summer” sales to clear out stock in preparation for fall. This can be an excellent time to shop, especially if you're not worried about getting a brand-new dining table model.

Memorial Day (May): Memorial Day sales also feature discounts on dining tables, along with many other furniture items. Retailers often mark down dining tables in preparation for the summer season, making this an excellent time to find quality deals on both traditional and modern dining tables. Memorial Day is also a great time to check out seasonal sales on outdoor dining sets for patio dining.

Fourth of July Sales: Many furniture retailers take advantage of the Fourth of July holiday by offering sales on dining tables. This can be an excellent time to pick up a dining room table as part of a broader promotion that includes other furniture pieces for the home.

3. Shop for Dining Tables During Inventory Closeouts

Another great time to buy a dining room table is when furniture retailers hold closeout sales or clearances to make room for new inventory. These sales typically happen when retailers update their collections for the next season or year, and they want to get rid of older stock.

Closeout Sales: When a furniture store decides to phase out a specific dining table collection, they often discount those models to clear space for the new designs. Closeout sales can be particularly beneficial for buyers who are flexible with their style preferences, as they can find high-quality dining tables at discounted prices. Keep an eye on furniture stores that are transitioning between seasons or introducing new models.

Floor Model Discounts: Many retailers sell their floor models or display tables at a discount once they’re no longer needed for display purposes. These tables might have slight scratches or scuff marks but are otherwise in good condition. If you don’t mind a minor imperfection, shopping for a floor model dining table can be an affordable way to get a high-quality piece.

4. Know When Retailers Have Their Slow Seasons

Furniture stores often experience slower sales during certain times of the year. These periods can be an excellent opportunity to negotiate a better price or find dining room tables that are discounted due to lower demand.

Midweek Shopping: Many furniture stores see less foot traffic and fewer online shoppers during the middle of the week (Tuesday through Thursday). This slower shopping period can result in better customer service and potentially greater flexibility when negotiating prices or asking for discounts. If you prefer to shop in person, visiting the store during the week can give you a more personalized experience and might help you secure a deal that is not available on busier weekends.

Off-Peak Times: The months of January and February often see slower sales in the furniture market, as many shoppers are recovering from the holiday season. This downtime can result in furniture retailers offering lower prices or running promotions to entice customers back into stores.

5. Be Strategic About Online Shopping

In today’s digital age, many consumers are turning to online furniture stores for their dining table purchases. Online shopping provides the convenience of browsing a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices from the comfort of your own home. Here are some tips for buying dining tables online:

Monitor Price Drops: Many online retailers offer price drop alerts or “deal of the day” promotions that allow you to snag dining tables at lower prices. Sign up for email alerts or use price tracking websites to keep tabs on your desired dining table and get notified when it’s on sale.

Free Shipping and Delivery: Online retailers often offer free shipping and delivery promotions during certain times of the year. These promotions can make a big difference, especially for larger dining tables that may incur hefty shipping fees when purchased from brick-and-mortar stores.

Conclusion:

The best time to buy a dining room table in 2025 largely depends on the season, retailer promotions, and your ability to wait for the right deals. Understanding the cycles of the furniture market, keeping an eye out for major sales events, and being flexible with your choice of style and model can help you save money while getting a high-quality piece for your home.

For those looking for the lowest dining room table prices in United States without compromising on quality, Crafters and Weavers is one of the best places to shop. Known for their excellent craftsmanship and affordable pricing, they offer a range of dining tables that cater to different tastes and budgets, making it easier to find the perfect piece for your home. With careful timing and research, you’ll be able to score a great deal and add a beautiful dining table to your home.

[aisharoy16]

2025 Astrology Predictions: What You Can Expect This Year

Astrology has long been a guiding force for individuals seeking insight into their lives. As we step into 2025, the planetary movements are set to bring both opportunities and challenges . Whether it’s finance, relationships, career, or health, understanding the cosmic influences can help you prepare for the year ahead. Let’s explore the major astrological predictions for Australia in 2025.

1. What Major Planetary Transits Will Shape 2025?

The movements of celestial bodies influence global and personal events. In 2025, several key transits will impact Australia’s collective energy:

Saturn in Pisces: A shift towards introspection, spiritual growth, and societal changes. Expect significant transformations in the healthcare and education sectors.

Jupiter in Gemini: A boost in communication, media, and technology-related industries. Innovation and knowledge-sharing will thrive.

Rahu and Ketu Axis: The nodal shift may bring unpredictability in global markets and political structures, making adaptability crucial.

These transits will shape Australia’s progress, calling for resilience and awareness in various aspects of life.

2. Will 2025 Be a Year of Financial Growth or Economic Uncertainty?

Australia’s economy is set to witness fluctuations, driven by planetary movements.

Jupiter’s influence: Growth in the stock market, digital businesses, and tech startups. Favorable times for investments in AI, blockchain, and real estate.

Saturn’s impact: Caution in financial decisions is advised, as economic shifts could bring both rewards and setbacks. Stability in traditional businesses may be tested.

Mercury’s retrograde periods: These could lead to temporary disruptions in financial transactions and business dealings. Plan finances wisely and avoid impulsive investments.

For entrepreneurs and investors, 2025 is a year of calculated risks rather than impulsive decisions.

3. How Will Astrology Impact Relationships and Family Life in 2025?

Love and relationships will see both harmony and challenges, depending on planetary alignments:

Venus in Leo (Mid-Year): Sparks romance and passion, making it an ideal period for weddings and commitments.

Mars Retrograde (Late 2025): A time of misunderstandings and conflicts. Patience is key to maintaining harmony in relationships.

Family dynamics: With Saturn’s influence, family bonds may strengthen through mutual understanding, though generational gaps might create occasional disagreements.

Those seeking long-term commitment or marriage should consult astrological charts to find auspicious dates.

4. Is 2025 a Good Year for Career Growth and Business Expansion?

Career opportunities in 2025 will be shaped by astrological influences:

Best industries for growth: Technology, communication, media, and digital marketing will flourish under Jupiter’s guidance.

Challenging periods: Saturn may slow career advancements, making persistence essential. Avoid major job changes during retrogrades.

Entrepreneurship: A great year for launching startups, especially in e-commerce, sustainability, and wellness industries.

For career success, aligning personal goals with planetary energies can be highly beneficial.

5. What Can Australians Expect in Terms of Health & Well-Being?

With major planetary influences, health will be a focal point in 2025.

Jupiter’s role: Encourages mental well-being, mindfulness, and alternative healing methods.

Saturn’s warning: Possible stress-related issues; maintaining a balanced routine will be crucial.

Mercury retrograde effects: Increased anxiety and communication struggles. Yoga and meditation can help alleviate stress.

Prioritizing self-care and wellness routines will be key to maintaining good health throughout the year.

6. Will Australia See Major Political and Environmental Shifts?

The planetary movements indicate significant political and environmental changes:

Political landscape: Expect reforms and policy shifts as leaders navigate economic and global challenges.

Climate impact: Extreme weather conditions and environmental awareness will take center stage. Sustainable initiatives may gain momentum.

These shifts emphasize the importance of adaptability and proactive planning for both individuals and businesses.

7. How Can You Make the Most of 2025 Based on Your Zodiac Sign?

Each zodiac sign will experience unique influences in 2025. Here are brief insights:

Aries: A year of career growth, but financial caution is needed.

Taurus: Stability in love and relationships; business opportunities will expand.

Gemini: Communication and media careers flourish; avoid hasty decisions.

Cancer: Focus on home and emotional well-being; spiritual growth is highlighted.

Leo: Romantic and financial luck; travel opportunities arise.

Virgo: Health and self-care take precedence; career shifts may be beneficial.

Libra: Creativity and partnerships will thrive; legal matters require attention.

Scorpio: Financial gains through investments; emotional healing is essential.

Sagittarius: Career acceleration, but family commitments demand attention.

Capricorn: Success in real estate and business; personal relationships need effort.

Aquarius: Social expansion and leadership opportunities; financial prudence advised.

Pisces: Spiritual and personal growth; career changes may lead to long-term gains.

Aligning your actions with planetary guidance can enhance your success in 2025.

Conclusion: How to Navigate 2025 with Astrology

The year 2025 promises growth, transformation, and challenges. Understanding astrological influences can help you make informed decisions in career, relationships, health, and finances. By staying attuned to planetary movements, you can embrace opportunities and overcome obstacles with confidence.

For personalized astrology insights and guidance, consult Aunkar Vastu, the best astrologer in Australia. Whether you seek clarity in career, relationships, or spiritual growth, expert astrological consultations can help you align with cosmic energies and unlock your full potential.

Book your consultation today and step into 2025 with clarity and confidence!