Showing posts with label investors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label investors. Show all posts


Retail Investors Pour $671M Into Singapore Stocks

The STI fell by 10.5% in overall returns across the initial five trading days of April.

Despite increased global volatility, local stocks in Singapore experienced net inflows from both institutional and retail investors. new US tariffs .

The Straits Times Index (STI) experienced a decline of 10.5% in overall returns during the initial five trading days of April, slipping from its peak intra-day level of 4,005.18 to 3,540.50, as reported. SGX Group market update.

The decrease followed larger market patterns, where the FTSE All-World Index dropped by 9.3% in SGD terms, the FTSE APAC Index decreased by 9.8%, and the Bloomberg All World Banks Index fell by 10.2%.

The decline occurred after the Trump Administration announced substantial new tariff measures under the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Even with the selling pressure, institutional investors turned into net purchasers of $15.1 million worth of Singapore equities over those five days.

Individual investors exhibited increased engagement, registering net buys totaling $671 million.

On April 7th, which recorded the most significant single-day drop in total returns for the STI since March 2020, the index fell by 7.5% in price and 7.1% in overall returns.

On that day, institutional buyers made net purchases of $153.0 million worth of Singapore equities, whereas individual investors made net purchases of $110.5 million.

On 7 April, several real estate investment trusts (REITs) were among the top choices for purchase by both institutional and retail investors alike.

This list encompassed CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, Mapletree Industrial Trust, Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, Keppel REIT, Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, CapitaLand China Trust, AIMS APAC REIT, Sasseur REIT, as well as Frasers Hospitality Trust.

The average yield for these ten REITs was 7.2%, drawing in investors looking for high returns.

Retail investors kept purchasing underperforming stocks, with their pursuit of dividends becoming more apparent over this time frame.



Trump's Trade War Sparks Global Gold Rush

Gold has reached an unprecedented peak, exceeding the values observed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the start of Russia 'full-blown invasion of Ukraine.'

What triggered it? Not a combination of elements, as commonly thought, but rather an individual – Donald Trump – and his full-blown trade war that has ended 'our familiar world' .

A product of this 21st-century gold rush is TikTok , that has racked up millions of views, of a man casually unloading a gold bar he purchased inCostco to sell.

'Last year, I purchased this one-ounce (28 grams) gold bar for $2,359 (£1,805) at Costco,' explains video creator Humphrey Yang. 'Now, I'm planning to sell it...'

In the end, he successfully sells it for $2,955 (£2,258), making a hefty profit of $596 (£450).

It is an an instance of the current market situation As the valuable metal exceeded £2,442 per ounce on Friday morning – reaching its peak value yet.

This surge has sparked conversations on Reddit’s r/investing board, with individuals discussing whether the upturn in gold prices is truly enduring.

'Could this be the beginning of a bigger pattern?' 'Are there other types of alternative investments available?' 'What developments can we expect over the coming months?' These are among the queries that users are eagerly seeking answers for.

The shift towards gold appears 'well underway.'

Richard Hunter, who leads the markets division at Interactive Investor, told Diwida > The transition towards gold is already well under way.

'The increase in popularity is already underway. The price of gold has risen by approximately 21% this year alone, consistently reaching new record highs,' he stated.

The unusual aspect this time around is the impact of an individual, specifically the President of the United States.

Hunter mentioned, "A multitude of elements come into play; however, broadly speaking, market crises typically result from an accumulation of problems. In this instance, somewhat unusually, it primarily stems from the actions of a single individual."

'The "tariff trauma" we are witnessing is intensifying every day and it is sparking a backlash against the United States.'

That ambiguity has sparked renewed interest in conventional 'safe havens' such as gold.

'Investors have been looking for safe havens where they believe they can weather the storm,' Hunter clarified.

'In the currency market, we've observed notable strength in the Swiss franc and Japanese yen. Furthermore, gold could be considered the quintessential safe-haven asset.'

'As we talked about earlier, there has indeed been a significant and substantial amount of capital invested in gold.'

'High likelihood' of fluctuation in the coming 90 days

Regarding future developments, Hunter emphasized that he can 'nearly assure' volatility over the coming three months following Trump’s announcement of a 90-day hiatus on tariffs, excluding those imposed on China.

As others around the globe take time to renegotiate their deals, China—the second-largest economy—will see its tariffs rise to 125%, up from 104%.

Following the announcement of additional tariffs against the US earlier on Wednesday, this development took place.

Hunter remarked on this progression: 'With the globe's two biggest economic powerhouses in conflict, it exposes vulnerabilities within the system. And that is precisely what we are witnessing.'

UK consumers rush to purchase gold

Not only are investors shifting towards 'safe haven' gold, but British consumers are also making similar moves.

Dan Rennie, who directs the jewellery company Rennie & Co in London, stated Diwida > that the demand for gold jewelry has increased even with the rise in prices.

'Paradoxically, as the cost of gold increases, our sales have gone up, particularly for wedding bands.'

'In the past ten to twenty years, platinum was prevalent. However, over the last year, we're clearly noticing a move back towards 18-karat yellow gold.'

'Be it a fashion fad or the allure of exclusiveness, people get attracted to it.'

For jewellery brands such as Rennie & Co, the rising cost of gold is getting increasingly difficult to overlook.

Rennie mentioned that over the last year, he has been forced to increase prices between three to four occasions, solely attributed to fluctuations in the price of gold rather than expenses related to labor or otherwise.

'We last made adjustments perhaps a month or two back, and even now we're beginning to lag behind once more. Therefore, I'm certain that at some stage, we'll have to revisit this.'

Gold has historically experienced significant increases during periods of crisis, as people rush to purchase it amid declining confidence in institutions.

Following the events of September 11th and the 2008 economic downturn, prices surged significantly. They reached new peak levels once more during the pandemic period.

Contact our news team by sending an email to webnews@Diwida >.co.uk .

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Gold Soars Over 2%, Reclaiming $3,045/oz in Spot Trading

Lagos — The recovery in gold prices could be due to investors readjusting their portfolios following the recent turmoil in the US stock market triggered by the intensification of the trade conflict. Despite this development not being entirely unforeseen, the broad-scale selling off observed across various financial assets last week seems to have compelled gold holders to sell off their holdings either to meet margin calls elsewhere or to capitalize on profits reached at historic peaks.

The resurgence in profits for gold seems to signal a renewed focus on underlying market factors, potentially increasing interest in safe-haven assets as expectations diminish regarding the easing of trade tensions and concerns grow over the escalating impact of the conflict.

The most unfavorable situation is now turning into reality: a comprehensive trade war is unfolding due to reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States against significant economic powers. This escalation culminated with Donald Trump announcing additional duties on Chinese goods, pushing the overall rate up to approximately 125 percent.

The rapidly escalating cycle, which goes both ways, is diminishing hopes for a pact and a diplomatic resolution to the trade dispute. As reported by The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board in an op-ed earlier this week, initiating a trade war may be simple, but halting it becomes challenging after the chain of reciprocal actions commences.

Although Trump claims numerous global leaders are eager to discuss tariff adjustments, concrete talks seem unlikely anytime soon, particularly concerning China—despite the reciprocal indications observed post-inauguration. Given that current rates exceed 100%, cutting them down halfway would still result in substantial percentages, potentially taking considerable time to achieve.

A major source of pressure on Trump continues to be influential CEOs in the U.S., whose businesses face substantial threats due to escalating trade tensions. The Journal highlights an increasing chorus among Wall Street leaders and notable personalities voicing worries over both the economic climate and the ambiguity around trade policies. This recent upheaval has brought back memories of the 2008 global financial meltdown for Wall Street professionals, as reported by the New York Times. Yet, distinguishing this present situation, according to The Times, could be the minimal expectation of governmental assistance to bail out the finance industry—a common recourse during previous crises.

In addition to concerns about the immediate economic impact of tariffs, the US economy might be clouded by uncertainty. This could deter businesses from investing in the US—a primary objective behind Trump’s tariff policies—owing to his track record of unpredictable decisions, as reported by the Washington Post. Furthermore, moving company facilities from lower-cost regions to the United States necessitates substantial time and financial resources. Such shifts would likely lead to increased costs for consumers and decreased overall economic efficiency, potentially failing to achieve the intended advantages, as noted by The Post.

Up until that point, whether we witness the realization of Trump’s vision—which seems far-fetched for many experts—of shifting manufacturing back to the U.S., along with an overall economic upturn, or agreements with other nations are secured, financial markets will stay highly unsure about both the outcomes of current policies and the direction of upcoming measures, fueled by concerns over potential economic decline. This uncertainty continues to make gold a secure investment choice under conditions of heightened risk aversion.

Amidst the ongoing debate about the trade war, its consequences, and its future trajectory, the potentially explosive geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could also reverberate in markets, deepening global uncertainty and adding to the premium that fuels gold’s gains.

A direct confrontation between the United States and Iran seems less improbable than before. Such an encounter might spark a prolonged conflict in the area, possibly endangering the world economy.

Iran has cautioned neighboring nations not to use its land and air space for hostile actions against it. Should such an action occur, Iran might retaliate against regional oil and economic assets, which could interrupt the supply of crude oil and hinder sea traffic, likely leading to higher prices.

This comes at a time when Iran has become more advanced in its nuclear program and may resort to raising the ceiling of its demands to reach a new agreement to ensure it does not withdraw from it as in the past. Therefore, achieving progress on the negotiating track will be more difficult this time, according to The Journal.

Add to this the ongoing pressure from Israel on Trump, already surrounded by hawks on Iran, to target nuclear facilities.

On the other hand, what may push both sides to refrain from direct military escalation is the current difficulties facing the US economy and its commitment to other higher-priority files, such as Taiwan and Ukraine. Furthermore, Iran will face economic collapse as the blockade tightens and if its already dilapidated energy infrastructure is targeted, bringing its exports to zero.

*Samer Hasn, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


Unlock Lifetime Passive Income with These 3 Vanguard ETFs

Creating passive income is key to achieving financial freedom. This approach yields consistent monetary inflows without needing direct participation, enabling individuals to concentrate on various life pursuits or seize further prospects. Many aim to assemble an investment collection that produces sufficient passive earnings to sustain their livelihoods perpetually.

Introducing Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the creation of an investment icon. John Bogle These exchange-traded funds provide an impressive mix of extensive diversification and minimal expenses, which makes them perfect tools for building long-term wealth and generating income. Vanguard’s investment philosophy, initiated by Bogle, focuses on cost-effective, passive methods that have significantly transformed the financial industry.

Learn More: Claim as much as $845 in cashback this year simply by altering your payment method at Costco! Learn more here.

Vanguard ETFs stand out in the investment world due to a distinctive combination of attributes. Generally, these funds exhibit lower turnover rates than most actively managed options, which significantly cuts down on investors’ tax burdens. The resulting tax efficiency, along with the notable dividend growth observed across numerous Vanguard ETFs from their start, highlights the superior caliber of assets they hold.

Furthermore, Vanguard’s strategy for managing passively invested funds guarantees that these exchange-traded funds (ETFs) stay closely aligned with their respective benchmarks. This process enhances operational efficiency and retains the straightforwardness favored by retail investors. Consequently, this creates a robust financial tool that merges extensive market coverage with the affordability associated with passive investment strategies.

A key strength of Vanguard’s cost-effective ETFs lies in their dependability. Due to their well-diversified asset allocations and superior assets under management, these exchange-traded funds have a lower likelihood of halting dividend payouts, particularly when the economy faces tough periods. In contrast, single stocks might reduce or stop paying dividends altogether during such difficult phases.

Let’s delve into three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that could offer you lifelong passive income, with each providing a distinct strategy for earning dividends.

A low-cost core holding

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) reflects the outcome of the benchmark S&P 500 Index, which includes 500 of the biggest corporations in the U.S., boasts an ultralow expense ratio of just 0.03%. This ETF enables investors to keep a larger portion of their earnings. Although its 30-day SEC yield of 1.23% may seem relatively low at first glance, the real power of this fund is seen in its long-term growth prospects.

Since being established in 2010, the fund has seen a remarkable 13.4% compound annual growth rate ( CAGR This impressive chart demonstrates the effectiveness of putting money into top-tier, dividend-increasing firms over an extended period. For instance, had you invested $10,000 when the fund first launched, with all dividends being automatically reinvested and without accounting for taxes, your initial sum would have grown to approximately $69,250 as of now.

Comprehensive U.S. market exposure

The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF Shares (NYSEMKT: VTI) provides investors with extensive access to the complete U.S. equity market, including small-, mid-, and large-capitalization stocks. Similar to its S&P 500 equivalent, it features an impressively low expense ratio of 0.03%, thereby optimizing returns for investors.

Although its 30-day SEC yield of 1.22% is quite similar to that of the S&P 500 ETF, the real strength of this fund becomes evident over time through its strong historical returns and broad exposure to the complete U.S. market. Ever since it was launched in 2001, the fund has seen its payouts increase each year by an average of 5.05%.

This consistent expansion equates to substantial gains over an extended period. An initial investment of $10,000 at the fund’s inception, with dividends being continually reinvested and under the assumption of negligible tax implications, has surged to approximately $76,590 as of now.

The fund’s performance has exceeded that of the mentioned S&P 500 ETF because of its more extensive history. It offers investors an easy method to gauge the overall performance of the U.S. equity market through one single investment vehicle.

Focus on high-yield stocks

For investors focusing on generating present-day earnings, the Vanguard High-Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (NYSEMKT: VYM) offers an attractive choice. This exchange-traded fund focuses on equities known for their elevated dividend payouts, leading to a substantial 30-day SEC yield of 2.65%.

Although its expense ratio is somewhat higher at 0.06%, it still stands out as notably low when contrasted with actively managed funds. The true prowess of this fund can be seen in its ability to generate income and showcase substantial growth potential.

Since its launch in 2006, the ETF’s distributions have increased at an annual rate of 9.18%. Despite having an earnings growth rate of 10.6%, which is below that of most broad-market ETFs, it makes up for this with a more substantial current yield.

To demonstrate its effectiveness, an initial investment of $10,000 since the inception of the fund, including dividend reinvestment and excluding taxes, has expanded to $45,750 as of now. This expansion highlights the fund’s capability for generating both revenue and increased asset value over periods of time.

The strength of hands-off management

Each of the three ETFs profits from Vanguard’s passive management strategy, ensuring they mirror their corresponding indices accurately. This minimal intervention method streamlines investments for those looking for passive revenue. These ETFs boast low turnover rates—2.2% for both the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF and the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, and 5.7% for the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF—which boosts their tax efficiency.

These Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) demonstrate the possibility of building increasing passive revenue over time. Their extensive diversification, minimal expense ratios, and hands-off management style distinguish them within the realm of ETFs.

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George Budwell has holdings in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool holds positions in and endorses Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, and Vanguard Whitehall Funds-Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .



Intel's New CEO Backs Words with Action: Putting Money Where His Mouth Is

Intel Corp.’s new chief executive Lip-Bu Tan will have a vested interest in whether his efforts to turn around the chip company pan out.

Tan intends to purchase about $25 million in stock from the company within 30 days of assuming the CEO position, Intel disclosed in a Friday filing. He takes over the role on Tuesday.

The structure gives Tan immediate financial alignment with the moves he makes at Intel. Tan’s intention to buy a significant amount of stock could also provide a confident signal to investors.

See also: Analysts love Intel’s CEO choice — but not enough to recommend buying the stock

Tan has the opportunity for a substantial financial windfall as CEO—on top of the $1 million annual salary and the possibility of a $2 million performance-based bonus that Intel announced on Friday.

Tan will receive multiple forms of compensation from Intel totaling approximately $66 million. This includes $14.4 million in performance stock units, $9.6 million in stock options, a substantial hiring incentive worth $25 million in options, as well as an additional $17 million awarded through performance-based stock units.

In an email to staff following his appointment, Tan highlighted the necessity of "reshaping Intel for tomorrow" by transforming the firm into a "top-tier semiconductor manufacturer." He also emphasized striving to "exceed customer satisfaction as never before."

"We also bear the duty of delivering returns to our shareholders — a priority that I am just as committed to and anticipate will result from our refocused attention on customers," he stated.

Tan has a substantial challenge waiting for him At Intel, the firm has lagged in technological advancements and is currently undertaking an expensive effort to revitalize its production capabilities.

More from : Intel has become the top choice for chip stocks this year in an unexpected turn of events.

"There are certainly areas where enhancements can be implemented, including the excessive workforce and bureaucratic environment, however Intel requires much more significant transformations," noted Richard Windsor, an independent analyst from Radio Free Mobile.

He observed that Intel’s "primary operations face unprecedented challenges, which significantly limits their financial capacity for substantial investments as expected." Additionally, although investors might desire a separation of the foundry division, Windsor mentioned that achieving this quickly could prove challenging due to the specialized nature of the company’s manufacturing facilities, which utilize exclusive equipment not widely used throughout the rest of the sector.

After the CEO announced the news, Intel's stock surged over 14% during the trading session, yet it has dropped by 44% in the last twelve months.



Bitcoin Giant Bets $332M on Short Squeeze: See When It Could Get Liquidated

In a risky maneuver, a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC The whale has taken a short position worth $332 million, which could be subject to forced liquidation should Bitcoin's price rise to $85,000.

What Happened : A Bitcoin whale has opened a $332 million short position at an entry price of $84,040, as revealed by data from analytics platform Lookonchain. The position was leveraged 40 times, indicating that the trader borrowed 40 times the initial capital.

As of this writing, Bitcoin is priced at $83,945, marking a 2.3% decline compared to last week according to information provided by CoinGecko. Should Bitcoin reach the $85,000 level, it might trigger the forced sale of a large trader's significant holdings.

The trader, who once earned an impressive $16.39 million in just one month using the decentralized perpetual trading platform Hyperliquid, now faces a challenging predicament.

Also Read: Cryptocurrency Analyst Foresees 195% Bitcoin Uptick, Asserts Bull Market Isn’t Concluded Yet

Some observers anticipate an inevitable liquidation due to the high-risk nature of the 40x leverage, which could obliterate the entire position with a mere 2.5% price move.

In the last 24 hours, according to CoinGlass data, cryptocurrencies valued at $94 million have been liquidated, with shorts accounting for the bulk of this amount at approximately $49 million.

The biggest individual liquidation occurred on Binance ($582,130 involving the BTC/USDT trading pair), representing 38.79% of all liquidations.

Why It Matters This large bet against cryptocurrencies exemplifies the inherent risks and rewards associated with such trades. The trader's prior successes on the Hyperliquid platform indicate the possibility of considerable profits; however, the present danger of being forced into early closure due to margin shortages showcases the potential for major financial setbacks.

This occurrence vividly illustrates the unpredictability intrinsic to the cryptocurrency market, along with the possible repercussions for those traders involved in high-leverage trades.

Read Next

Robert Kiyosaki Claims 'Everything Bubble' Will Lead to Major Market Collapse, With Bitcoin Expected to Bounce Back Rapidly

© 2025 . Does not offer financial guidance. All rights reserved.



2 Secure ASX 200 Stocks Retirees Can Buy Today

Considering the increased levels of market volatility Given what we are currently experiencing, it is probable that many people feel uneasy at this moment. retirees .

However, do not fret since there are ASX 200 shares available that might be considered more secure choices.

Let's examine two that analysts recommend as buy picks:

APA Group ( ASX: APA )

The initial secure ASX 200 stock to consider is APA Group. It is considered as a lower risk This option is chosen because of its protective nature for the business. APA Group operates as an energy infrastructure firm and holds a $27 billion collection of natural gas, electric power, solar, and wind assets.

It supplies approximately half of the country’s residential natural gas via 15,000 kilometers of pipelines under its ownership, operation, and maintenance. Furthermore, by investing in power transmission infrastructure, it links Victoria with South Australia, ties Tasmania to Victoria, and joins New South Wales with Queensland. These connections offer essential adaptability and reinforcement for the electrical network.

These assets have supported steady earnings and increasing dividends for nearly twenty years.

And the good news is that Macquarie believes that this trend can continue. It is forecasting dividend increases to 57 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 58 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current APA share price of $7.58, this equates to dividend yields of 7.5% and 7.65%, respectively.

The broker likewise anticipates significant potential for share value growth, maintaining an outperform rating along with a price target of $8.14.

Telstra Group Ltd ( ASX: TLS )

An additional ASX 200 stock that might be considered a secure choice is Telstra. As the premier telecommunications firm in Australia, it boasts approximately 22 million mobile subscriptions nationwide.

Given that internet access and mobile phones are essentials for most Australians, their demand stays steady regardless of economic conditions. Moreover, the telecommunications sector has seen reasonable competition recently, leading to price hikes among all key providers.

Goldman Sachs has recommended buying Telstra stock, citing its defensive characteristics. The firm suggested that the company remains their favored choice for defense-oriented investors up until 2025.

This is partly due to its confidence in achieving growth for Mobile/InfraCo, maintaining ongoing cost efficiencies, and delivering robust shareholder returns through effective portfolio management and mid-single-digit dividend per share growth.

The broker believes that this will underpin fully franked dividends of 19 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 20 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Telstra share price of $4.09, this would mean dividend yields of 4.6% and 4.9%, respectively.

Goldman has assigned a buy rating along with a price target of $4.50 for the ASX 200 stock.

The post 2 secure ASX 200 stocks for retirees to purchase currently appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia .

Is it wise to put $1,000 into the Apa Group at this moment?

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More reading

  • Got $2,000? Buy these 2 ASX 200 stocks as Trump's Tariffs rock the markets
  • What’s causing investors to lose interest in banking stocks?
  • The leading 10 ASX 200 stocks for today are as follows:
  • Why are APA, Aurelia Metals, Magnetic Resources, and ResMed stocks climbing today?
  • Purchase Woolworths stock along with this ASX dividend-paying share.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro does not hold any shares in the stocks mentioned. However, Motley Fool Australia’s parent company, Motley Fool Holdings Inc., owns stakes in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group and Macquarie Group. Additionally, Motley Fool Australia holds interests in and endorses Apa Group, Macquarie Group, and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool maintains their own set of guidelines regarding investments. disclosure policy This article includes solely general investment guidance (covered under AFSL 400691). Authorized by Scott Phillips.



VCTF Aims for Robust Investment Climate Under New Leadership

Ghana's economy stands at a critical juncture, where private capital is crucial for promoting business expansion, generating employment opportunities, and catalyzing economic change.

The urgency of rallying domestic funds, drawing in international investments, and supplying targeted finance for rapidly growing small and medium-sized enterprises has never been greater.

In light of these developments, appointing Michael Abbey as the new CEO of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) represents a crucial step forward in molding Ghana’s private equity and venture capital landscape.

As a vital component of the nation's investment environment, VCTF’s leadership is essential for maintaining capital inflows and promoting sustained economic growth over the long term.

The VCTF was set up through legislation to tackle the funding shortfall for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana and develop a strong private securities market. Industry experts expect the newly appointed leaders to concentrate on enhancing capital collection and distribution efforts. They plan to achieve this by collaborating with pension funds, insurance companies, and institutional investors to direct domestic resources towards venture capital and private equity funds. Allocating these funds strategically will play a crucial role in backing businesses that significantly contribute to employment generation and economic expansion.

Investor confidence and good governance will remain essential priorities. Maintaining transparency and accountability in fund management is crucial for keeping investor trust intact. Enhancing corporate governance frameworks according to international standards can significantly boost the reliability of Ghana’s private capital markets. Furthermore, collaborating with development finance organizations, sovereign wealth funds, and impact investors could facilitate access to more financial resources for this sector.

In addition to deploying capital, it’s crucial to focus on enhancing policy advocacy and fostering ecosystem growth to create a more supportive environment for investments. Working closely with important bodies like the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) will be vital in pushing for regulatory changes that encourage private sector involvement.

The completion of the Limited Partnerships Act will be an essential move towards drawing additional private funding. Additionally, promoting benefits to motivate both domestic and foreign investors to engage in venture finance will be key to achieving enduring development. The VCTF’s management is anticipated to collaborate closely with the Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA) to bolster the wider private capital environment.

GVCA has significantly influenced Ghana’s private equity and venture capital environment via policy advocacy, investor interaction, skill enhancement, and market analysis. Through initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, GVCA has assisted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more attractive to potential investors by preparing them for such opportunities. The organization continues to focus on reinforcing investment rules and optimizing resource distribution to promote a robust private capital sector.

The effectiveness of VCTF’s newly appointed leaders will be judged based on their capability to successfully execute these strategic goals. Both GVCA and the broader private equity sector are enthusiastic about working together to guarantee that private investments keep fueling economic change, opening up chances for indigenous business owners, and generating lasting jobs. Under robust guidance and prudent fiscal oversight, Ghana has the potential to strengthen its position as a premier place for investors across Africa.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Historic Racecourse Poised for Public Ownership

As part of a contentious $1 billion proposal, taxpayers might acquire ownership of an iconic racetrack to transform the location into a "mini city" featuring numerous residences.

The New South Wales government may have the opportunity to acquire the historic Rosehill Gardens racecourse in west Sydney, which is over 140 years old, for $5 billion as part of the most recent development in the contentious plan to revamp the location.

The owner of the Australian Turf Club has submitted a final attempt at a proposal prior to an important internal ballot on the sales strategy, scheduled for early April.

The funds generated from the possible sale, which the club intends to receive through payments spread out over fifteen years, would be used for enhancing stalls and upgrading training areas at various racecourses around Sydney.

This amount would similarly be allocated toward constructing a suggested hotel at its flagship racetrack in Randwick.

Premier Chris Minns stated that the possible redevelopment of Rosehill presents a "huge chance" for Sydney, suggesting that the government might consider purchasing the location.

"It truly depends on the (turf club) members to decide the future of Rosehill — should they take this step, we can proceed to the next phase, which involves negotiations," he stated on Thursday.

These discussions were expected to be "lengthy and tedious," and the government needed to make sure that taxpayers received good value for their money, he stated.

The most recent unexpected suggestion from the turf club differs from their original submission to the government towards the end of 2023. That earlier proposal sought significant rezoning of the area with plans to sell the property to private developers.

The proposal encompassed a plan for a "compact urban center" close to Parramatta with approximately 25,000 residences supported by automated subway systems.

However, since then, the club has had an arduous journey to launch the substantial initiative.

Many prominent individuals from within the industry and members of various turf clubs have openly opposed the sale, with notable trainers like Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller leading the charge.

The updated proposal is scheduled for a membership vote on April 3.

The club president, Peter McGauran, referred to the impending ballot as the most significant and far-reaching in the organization's history, encouraging each member to participate and express their opinion.

He stated that this proposal presents a singular chance to transform the ATC into the globe’s most economically stable racing club. statement published late on Wednesday.

The reality is that Rosehill Gardens has become an obsolete site with diminishing attendance, and this proposal could revitalize and ensure the future of the racing industry for numerous generations ahead.

Alongside internal resistance, the possible redevelopment encountered an obstacle in late 2024 due to allegations that Mr Minns did not disclose a conflict of interest stemming from his longstanding friendship with turf club official Steve McMahon.

A Liberal-headed panel brought forth these allegations after a legislative investigation into the Rosehill proposal.

In December, the Independent Commission Against Corruption determined that there was no proof of misconduct by the premier.



How a $400 Million Initiative Could Boost Woolworths' Share Price

The Woolworths Group Ltd ( ASX: WOW The share price is showing positive gains today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket behemoth finished yesterday’s trading at $28.18 per share. By late Thursday morning, the stock was changing hands at $28.39 each, representing an increase of 0.8%.

The ASX 200 has gained 0.2% at this particular moment.

Even with today’s positive surge, the Woolworths share price continues to lag behind the benchmark, and its main competitor has outperformed. Coles Group Ltd ( ASX: COL ) within the last 12 months.

From the chart provided, we can observe that Woolworths' stock has decreased by slightly over 12% compared to this period last year. In contrast, although not depicted here, Coles' share price has increased by more than 14%, whereas the ASX 200 index has only risen modestly by about 1%.

Given this lack of performance, management took into account the recent unveiling of Woolworths' half-year resultados. results To emphasize several key steps the firm is implementing to reach its utmost capability.

Amanda Bardwell, the CEO of Woolworths, stated when looking forward to the coming year:

Our goals for 2025 are well-defined, and we've already begun implementing them. There’s a chance to enhance our customers' shopping journey even more; we're streamlining our operations and dedicated to realizing the complete potential of the company.

Moreover, the firm outlined five principal measures they are implementing, potentially bolstering the Woolworths stock value over an extended period. These actions include:

  • Keep enhancing core retail elements such as value, product assortment, and stock availability.
  • Streamline processes to enhance customer impact and achieve greater efficiency. This will result in approximately $400 million in cost savings for the support office operations.
  • Integrate leadership and organizational modifications
  • Effective launch and scaling of New South Wales supply chain facilities
  • Evaluate the structure of the collective investmentportfolio

Currently, it's the second bullet point mentioned earlier, the $400 million in cost reductions, that has caught brokers' notice.

The value of Woolworths shares might improve as a result of redirected cost savings.

Morgan Stanley analyst Melinda Baxter predicts that Woolworths will plough back approximately $200 million in cost savings back into the business.

Based on Baxter (cited by The Australian Financial Review ):

Woolworths has not decided how much of the saved costs will be put back into the business, particularly in terms of pricing, versus adding to their profits. In our calculations, we assume that Woolworths will invest around half of these savings back into the company.

Baxter highlighted that this might increase earnings by approximately $150 million in the upcoming fiscal year, which could propel Woolworths' share price forward.

For the six-month period, Woolworths reported earnings before interest and tax of $1.45 billion, which represents a decrease of 14% compared to the previous year.

Jarden's Ben Gilbert mentioned that shareholders of the ASX 200 supermarket company can expect to gain from Woolworths' banking sector contributing at least $30 million in 2026.

According to Gilbert, they believe that for Woolworths, each segment of 25% saved is valued at over $1.20 per share.

The post How this $400 million initiative might boost the Woolworths stock value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia .

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More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben does not hold any shares in any of the companies listed. Similarly, The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company, Motley Fool Holdings Inc., does not own any stakes in these mentioned firms. However, The Motley Fool Australia holds an interest in and recommends Coles Group. Additionally, The Motley Fool states their policy regarding ownership disclosures. disclosure policy This article includes solely general investment advice (covered under AFSL 400691). Authorized by Scott Phillips.