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Bitcoin has been dealing with a lot of uncertainty during the second and third quarters of 2024, but the general market sentiment remained positive. The most recent shows that investors weren’t wrong to remain optimistic, as BTC just rallied considerably, reaching $99K. During times like this, it is more difficult to determine the direction the marketplace will take, an already challenging task to perform in a market known for its volatility and fluctuations. As a result, investors are likely to have an even harder time coming up with comprehensive strategies that can ensure profitability. As always, your best bet is to do your research so that you can learn more about the latest developments in the marketplace, as well as have a look at historical data patterns. You mustn’t let yourself be swayed by the fear of missing out since it will most definitely do you much more harm than good and cause you to lose large amounts of capital for nothing. Bitcoin was originally designed to have the same properties and use cases as fiat currencies, only in digital format. However, that plan didn’t become a reality, and right now, Bitcoin is considered more of a store of value than anything else. This is precisely why so many investors are bringing Bitcoin to their portfolios since the king of crypto helps with both asset diversification and value retention. However, there has been a lot of discourse within the community regarding the ability to spend cryptocurrencies the same way as other coins. A service that allows this to happen could be one of the first steps Bitcoin takes into the mainstream, attracting a growing number of potential investors that will bring more engagement on the blockchain. Recently, Mastercard has joined forces with a global payments ecosystem known for building and harmonizing solutions that can host both crypto and traditional currencies. Analysts have long debated the possibility of connecting these two financial worlds, and while naysayers definitely do exist, the number of those who believe both ecosystems would have a lot to gain from the interaction is much larger. Mastercard decided to expand support for non-custodial crypto wallets and enable a new euro-denominated debit card that will allow users to spend Bitcoin at more than 100 million merchants that are part of the Mastercard network. Self-custody is a fundamental concept of the crypto environment. It refers to storing assets in a manner that doesn’t depend on the use of a centralized platform or institution, such as a bank. This is one of the key features that attracted investors to this ecosystem in the first place since many are drawn by the anonymity the blockchain is able to offer, as well as the inherent security associated with it. Unlike custodial wallets, the self-custodial variety needs the user to take full responsibility for their funds. You become the only owner of the private key that lets you access the wallet and your funds. As a result, losing or forgetting this password means that you won’t be able to access your capital. Sharing the code with anyone else can also be a security risk since many crypto investors fall prey to scams in which malicious individuals manage to earn their trust and extract this information from them. Afterward, their accounts would be left entirely drained. So, why does an established credit card company want to work with custodial wallets? The general consensus is that traditional and digital finance have nothing to do with one another and that blending them together cannot end well. However, some analysts consider the movement to be perfectly natural and the logical progression Bitcoin was bound to make toward becoming a payment option. The fact that cryptocurrencies are slowly entering the mainstream is also essential to remember. While they are still relatively new assets, they have been considered a niche class for the majority of time. The technology surrounding cryptocurrencies can indeed be quite intimidating for those who are not familiar with it. According to a social media post made by the company, the project will enable users to spend their coins while also addressing the complexities that come with buying and selling cyber coins through the means of a centralized exchange. Exchange-traded funds have been widely discussed ever since before their launch. The reason for the hype surrounding them is their potential to drive significant price action. In Bitcoin’s case, the predictions came true, and the coin managed to beat its previous all-time high. The reason for the price rally is the potential ETFs have to bring more investors to the ecosystem, something that will drive engagement levels and naturally result in a marketplace that is more active. But compared to their United States counterparts, the Hong Kong bitcoin ETFs had a much slower start. During the last week of August, the three spot exchange-traded funds based on Bitcoin in Hong Kong had net inflows of around 247 BTC, meaning that the total holdings are currently around $4,450 BTC. That brings the total AUM for the ETFs and HK $2.1 billion, or $269 million. The gains are excellent news for the ecosystem, given that the Hong Kong assets underperformed significantly compared to their counterparts in the United States. During the launch on April 30th, they attracted $262 million in inflows during the first seven days. However, a majority of that number was subscribed before the listings went live. As such, the actual asset inflows were a much smaller $14 million. This is a sizable contrast when compared to the billions that went into the US Bitcoin ETFs when they were launched in January. Hong Kong has been looking forward to establishing itself as a global hub for crypto investments and trading, and these events have been a setback, showing that the market still has some catching up to do. When you’re an investor, you need to find the best ways to establish your strategy. Do your research and keep your goals in mind, as these are the main factors that should influence your decisions.DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rexas Finance (RXS) solidifies its position as a leader in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, wrapping up Stage 6 of its presale ahead of schedule due to overwhelming investor interest. With $12.2 million raised so far, the presale demonstrates the project’s broad appeal. The seventh stage is now live, priced at $0.09 per token, marking a threefold increase from Stage 1. Investors at this stage can expect a 2.22x return on launch, highlighting the token’s potential. As the crypto market shifts towards innovative applications, Rexas Finance is bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional investments. Transforming Investments Through RWA Tokenization Rexas Finance is redefining investment by tokenizing real-world assets such as real estate, commodities, and art. This platform simplifies global ownership, allowing users to buy fractional or full shares in high-value assets with a single click. Investors can now own a portion of a luxury property in Europe or a piece of gold bullion from the comfort of their homes, earning returns proportionate to their stake. By tokenizing assets on the blockchain, Rexas Finance eliminates traditional barriers like high entry costs and illiquidity. The global real estate market, valued at over $300 trillion, and the $121 trillion commodities market are now within reach for all investors. This approach not only democratizes access but also enhances market liquidity, paving the way for seamless trading and ownership transfers. The Rexas Token Builder empowers users to tokenize their assets independently, creating digital tokens that represent ownership shares. For those seeking funding for their projects, the Rexas Launchpad facilitates fundraising by connecting innovative ideas with investors. The QuickMint Bot and AI-powered tools further streamline tokenization, offering simple, accessible solutions even for blockchain newcomers. The Unstoppable Growth of RXS Rexas Finance’s presale is a testament to its growing market traction. The project has prioritized public participation over traditional venture capital, ensuring widespread access to this revolutionary platform. All six presale stages sold out swiftly, raising $12.2 million and reflecting strong community support. The seventh stage, priced at $0.09, continues to attract attention, as early investors anticipate significant returns. The RXS token is ERC-20-based, with a total supply of one billion tokens distributed strategically to ensure liquidity and growth: 42.5% for presale, 22.5% for staking, 15% for liquidity, and smaller allocations for marketing, treasury, and partnerships. Rexas Finance is also driving engagement through its $1 million giveaway, where 20 participants will win $50,000 each. Users can increase their chances by completing tasks, referring friends, and submitting their ERC20 wallet addresses. A Growing Ecosystem with Real-World Impact Beyond tokenization, Rexas Finance builds a comprehensive ecosystem for RWA management. Its Rexas Estate initiative targets the lucrative real estate market, making properties globally accessible. Meanwhile, its AI tools and QuickMint Bot offer unmatched convenience, removing barriers to blockchain adoption. The platform’s listing on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko adds visibility and credibility, attracting a broader investor base. Being CertiK-audited further assures users of the security and reliability of RXS, bolstering confidence in its smart contracts. Rexas Finance also plans to launch on three Tier 1 exchanges, ensuring accessibility for global investors and driving liquidity. As blockchain adoption grows, Rexas Finance is positioned to capitalize on the trend, putting nearly every imaginable real-world asset on blockchain networks. Final Thoughts Rexas Finance (RXS) stands out as a game-changer in the crypto market, seamlessly merging blockchain technology with traditional asset management. With $12.2 million raised and a presale price that has tripled since launch, it’s clear that investors are recognizing its potential. As RXS continues its presale journey and prepares for market launch, it promises lucrative returns for early participants and a revolutionary platform for tokenizing real-world assets. With projections pointing toward double-digit prices by year-end, now is the time to join the RXS revolution. For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below: Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Contact: Leo Gabriel pr@rexas.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Rexas Finance . The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk . Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dd098e0-4db0-4207-88e8-b84c35103bb3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f36ecb6-a412-415d-814a-d02529bbbd1f

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By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval to Google parent Alphabet’s arm Shoreline International Holdings LLC to acquire a stake in Walmart group firm Flipkart. The proposed transaction comprises investment through subscription of shares of Flipkart Private Limited by Shoreline International Holdings LLC; and an arrangement between an affiliate of Alphabet and Flipkart's subsidiary for the provision of certain services. Shoreline International Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Google's parent firm Alphabet Inc. It is a holding company and does not own or operate any Google products or services, CCI said in its order. What the CCI order on Alphabet investment in Flipkart says "Flipkart is a subsidiary of Walmart Inc and ultimately belongs to the Walmart Group. It is primarily engaged in the business of wholesale cash and carry of goods and providing marketplace-based e-commerce platforms to facilitate trade between customers and sellers in India," reads the CCI order. Google's investment in Flipkart is part of a nearly $1 billion funding round that the company closed in May this year. This includes $350 million from Alphabet's Google. The funding valued Flipkart at $35-36 billion. The deal had been awaiting approval since May this year. Flipkart at that time said that the investment is subject to regulatory and customary approvals from both parties. US retail giant Walmart, which holds an 85 per cent holding in Flipkart, has invested $600 million in the fundraise that kicked off in 2023. In its order, the CCI said that Google's investment in Flipkart involved "an extremely small and non-controlling acquisition of shareholding" and that the two parties would continue operating independently after the transaction. "Nonetheless, if the Hon’ble Commission were to assess competitive effects, its assessment should only focus on the markets that are directly implicated by the proposed transaction i.e., the market for cloud services in India," it said in the order.

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Zimbabwe is exploring the possibility of generating electricity at multiple points along the Zambezi River, using the same water at different points as it flows down, instead of relying solely on the Kariba Dam, a Cabinet Minister has said. Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo told delegates at the ongoing Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit about Harare's intentions. He said Zimbabwe envisions universal access to modern, reliable, and affordable energy services, while promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. "As we gather here today, our two countries share a very important resource, which is the Zambezi River. Of greater importance is the potential of power generation that lies along the river," said Minister Moyo. "To date, we have managed to harness the hydropower of the waters at the Kariba Dam, which is our largest. This resource has been hard hit by the effects of climate change which has resulted in less rainfall in Zambia and Zimbabwe," said the Minister. Because of the droughts, the hydropower plants in Kariba Dam have been operating below capacity, but the Zambezi River, on its course, still has immense potential. "We can use the same water to generate power on multiple points along the river's length and thus fully use the hydropower resource. I would encourage you all to explore the possibility of investing in the potential of the river," said Minister Moyo. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Water Submit By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. _ready.push(function($) {if ( ! loadjs.isDefined( 'newsletter-signup-assets' ) ) { loadjs( ["https://cdn01.allafrica.com/static/js/jquery/jquery.serialize-object.min.js?v=2024110900","https://cdn05.allafrica.com/static/js/newsletter-signup.min.js?v=2024110900","https://cdn05.allafrica.com/static/css/newsletter-signup.min.css?v=2024110900"], 'newsletter-signup-assets', { async: true, });} // the newsletter widget calls storageAllowed(), which is imported with // the cmp bundle. passing an array of bundle names to loadjs triggers // the callback only after all of the listed bundles have fired. loadjs.ready( [ 'cmp', 'js-cookie', 'events', 'newsletter-signup-assets' ], function() { $('.newsletter-signup.inread.collapse.w-background.w-background-color.blue').newsletterInRead({ maxShowCount: 10, maxCloseCount: 3, maxSuccessCount: 1, alternateCallback: function() { activateAdSenseSlots( [ 'responsive-aans-view-b-container' ] ); }, }); }); }); He said Zimbabwe is an attractive investment destination, leveraging innovative and profitable renewable energy solutions. Minister Moyo said Government is focusing on expanding solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy capacity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also called for increased energy access through enhancing electrification rates, particularly in rural areas. "We recognise the critical role of the private sector in driving energy development and invite investors to partner with us in unlocking Zimbabwe's energy potential," said Minister Moyo. "Together, let us harness the power of renewable energy to fuel our economic growth, improve livelihoods, and protect our environment. We also intend to ensure that all appliances bought, built and used in the country, adhere to minimum energy performance standards as stipulated by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe." All these policies, said the Minister, support the country's National Energy Policy of 2012 which is currently under review. Read the original article on The Herald .A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says

Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex, a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont, arguing that information about the chemicals' dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.”