Tag Archives: USA

Trump is US President Again!

This was the moment Trump won; it was a powerful image that people across America saw.  Donald Trump becomes only the second President to win two non-consecutive terms. The last time it happened, it was way back in 1892.

In Trump 2.0 govt, we can expect non-stop action in US Economic activity and some serious efforts to reduce prices of food and consumer products, and gasoline prices (WTI Crude Oil derivative), to reduce the cost of living for the average American citizens, who constitute the largest voter base for Trump.

In Trump 2.0 govt, we can expect new schemes and benefits for small businesses across America. No wonder, Russell 2000 index is a big gainer today.

In Trump 2.0 govt, we can also expect significant reduction in US Federal Govt spending, based on the findings and recommendations of the Financial and Performance Audit done by the new “Govt Efficiency” department to be led by Elon Musk. No wonder, Tesla stock is up 15% today!

Overall, a new innings will start for America from Jan 2025, and the world is much different than it was in Jan 2017. Wishing all the best to people across America!

Hoping for the wars in Palestine/Middle East and Ukraine to stop and peaceful times to come.

The US equity markets should do well in the next 2-3 years, and all major corrections will be buying opportunities. Investors can use S&P500 ETF (SPY) and Nasdaq100 ETF (QQQ) to gain from the growth in US economy.

10 Famous Lighthouses around the World

Here are ten famous lighthouses from around the world:

  1. The Pharos of Alexandria – Egypt: Built in the 3rd century BCE, this ancient lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood over 130 meters tall and used a mirror to reflect sunlight during the day and a fire at night to guide ships into the harbor.
  2. Eddystone Lighthouse – United Kingdom: Located off the coast of Cornwall, England, the Eddystone Lighthouse has been rebuilt several times since its original construction in 1698. The current tower, which was built in 1882, stands over 50 meters tall and is made of granite.
  3. Heceta Head Lighthouse – United States: This lighthouse, located in Oregon, is famous for its beautiful setting on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was built in 1894 and is still in use today.
  4. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse – Canada: Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque setting on a rocky shore. It was built in 1915 and is still in use today.
  5. Lindau Lighthouse – Germany: This lighthouse, located on Lake Constance in southern Germany, is famous for its unusual design. It was built in 1856 and features a circular tower with a small house attached.
  6. Portland Head Light – United States: Located in Maine, this lighthouse was first built in 1791 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. It is known for its beautiful setting on a rocky point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  7. Cape Byron Lighthouse – Australia: Located in New South Wales, Australia, this lighthouse is known for its beautiful setting on a headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was built in 1901 and is still in use today.
  8. Hook Head Lighthouse – Ireland: Located in County Wexford, Ireland, Hook Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. The current tower was built in the 19th century and is still in use today.
  9. Montauk Point Lighthouse – United States: Located on the eastern tip of Long Island, New York, this lighthouse was built in 1796 and is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. It is known for its beautiful setting on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  10. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – Australia: Located in Western Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, standing over 39 meters tall. It was built in 1895 and is still in use today.

Swami Vivekananda – A Monk Who Inspired Us

“Dare to be free, Dare to go as far as your thoughts lead, and dare to carry that out in your life”

Narendranath Datta better known as Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1983- 4 July 1902) was an Indian Hindu monk, creative thinker, social reformer, great speaker, and fervent patriotic who founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He firmly practiced, preached, and advised others for the pure and true spiritual path. His birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day in India.

Here are few anecdotes from his life-

Once when Swami Vivekananda was in Varanasi, he was surrounded by a large number of mischievous monkeys while he was coming out of the temple of Maa Durga. They seem to be exasperating him. Swamiji did not want to catch them so he started running but the wicked monkeys followed him an old monk was watching them he asked Swamiji to ‘stop and face them!’ Swamiji obeyed the monk and stopped. When he turned around and faced the monkey they ran away. Years late he said, “If you ever feel afraid of anything, always turn round and face it. Never think of running away.”

During a long trek in the Himalayas Swamiji found an old man extremely tired and exhausted. He was standing without any further hopes at the foot of an upward slope. The man complained to Swamiji in frustration, “Oh, Sir, how to cross it; I cannot walk anymore; my chest will break.” After patiently listening to them and he replied, “Look down at your feet. The road that is under your feet is the road that you have passed over and is the same road that you have before you; it will soon be under your feet.” His words motivated the old man to resume his onward trek.

On September 11, 1893 in his debut speech at the Parliament Of religions in Chicago instead of the customary ‘Ladies and Gentleman’ he addressed the gathering of 7,000 people with ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ for which he was applauded for full 2 minutes.

While returning to India from London, one of his British friends asked him: `Swami, how do you like now your motherland after four years’ experience of the luxurious, glorious, powerful West?’ Swamiji patiently said: `India I loved before I came away. Now the very dust of India has become holy to me, the very air is now to me holy; it is now the holy land, the place of pilgrimage, the Tirtha!’

A true inspiration for millions!

Article Source:
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rupal_Jain/207338

Global Market Updates – Monday, 11 Nov 2019

The US-China trade war returned to centre stage last week as investors swayed between optimism and caution as mixed, but broadly positive reports turned the markets bullish. Reports earlier in the week suggested that China was demanding more concessions in rolling back existing tariffs as a condition for the first phase deal. There was more uncertainty as the US suggested midweek that a deal might be delayed until December but on Thursday markets turned positive again as China stated that the US had agreed to roll back existing tariffs as part of the first phase deal. As a result Crude Oil and stocks were boosted, while Gold decreased in value.

The General Election campaign officially began in the UK with investors keeping a close eye on opinion polls. The governing Conservatives have a firm 12% lead over the Labour party, although some opinion polls show that this lead is narrowing The election will take place on December 12th and investors will be hoping for a clear result which doesn’t prolong the uncertainty on Brexit.

The Middle East was another source of focus last week with both Iran and Iraq in the headlines and affecting Crude and Gold prices. While Iran continues its nuclear program in Iraq large numbers of protests continued with some blocking the key Nassiriya oil refinery and disrupting oil supplies.

Crude Prices were again pressured by poor inventories data this week, but finished higher over trade optimism.

Stock prices recorded all time highs again this week as trade sentiment supported the markets and better than expected US economic data, continued to calm fears of a US economic slowdown.

The prices of Natural Gas, Crude Oi, Palladium, Silver Platinum, and Gold saw the greatest volatility last week.

Natural Gas was the most volatile last week at 14.25%, and edged lower over the week by 0.64%, as the weather forecasts showed slightly milder weather was expected dampening prices somewhat.

Crude oil also experienced very high oscillations, showing volatility of 13.34%. The commodity’s price slipped slightly by 0.21% and prices were most volatile on Wednesday as fears over global demand continued amid nervousness over US – China first phase trade talks progress.

Palladium saw great volatility, recording 10.06% volatility but falling by 3.04% over the week with a strengthening dollar putting pressure on precious metals last week.

Silver was also highly volatile last week recording volatility of 12.68% and fell lower by 6.31%. Silver saw greatest volatility on Tuesday.

Platinum prices oscillated this week recording 11.46% volatility and declined by 3.04% over the week. The precious metal experienced most volatility on Thursday.

Gold prices continued oscillating by 6.68% last week and traded downwards by 3.51% over the week with the precious metal seeing most volatility on Thursday, in a volatile week that saw trade optimism turn slightly sour at the very end of the week.

Digital Demand Drives Growth for TCS in Q2FY2019

  • Digital revenue at 28%, up 60% YoY (CC)
  • $ Revenue grows +10% YoY; Constant Currency: +11.5% YoY
  • Operating Margin at 26.5%; +144 bps expansion YoY
  • Net Profit up 11.9% YoY

Mumbai, October 11, 2018: Tata Consultancy Services (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), the leading IT services, consulting and business solutions firm reported its consolidated financial results according to Ind AS and IFRS for the period ending September 30, 2018.

Financial Highlights for Quarter Ended September 30, 2018

  • Revenue at $5.215 Bn, +10 % YoY
  • Net Income at $1.119 Bn, +11.9% YoY
  • Operating Margin at 26.5%, an expansion of 1.4% YoY
  • Earnings Per Share at $0.29, +11.9% YoY
  • Net Cash from Operations at $1.042 Bn i.e. 93.2% of Net Income
  • Dividend per share of Rs. 4.00
    Record date 24/10/18; Payment date 30/10/18

Business Highlights for Quarter Ended September 30, 2018

  • BFSI, Retail verticals continue to accelerate: +6.1% and +15.6% YoY respectively
  • UK and Europe lead growth: +22.8% YoY and +17.4% YoY respectively
  • Superior client additions across bands: 4 new clients in the $100M+ band, 7 in the $20M+ band, 10 in the $10M+ band, 11 in the $1M+ band
  • World’s largest Agile-ready workforce: 279,000+ employees Agile trained
  • Net addition of 10,227 in Q2: highest in 12 quarters
  • Best-in-class retention: IT Services attrition rate steady at 10.9% LTM

Commenting on the Q2 performance, Rajesh Gopinathan, CEO and MD, said, “We are very pleased with our all-round strong performance in Q2. Revenue growth was driven by expanding demand for digital transformation across verticals, and continued acceleration in BFSI and Retail. Our industry-leading digital growth, and best-in-class client metrics bear testimony to our standing as the preferred partner in our customers’ growth and transformation initiatives.

He added: Our Business 4.0 thought leadership framework, contextual knowledge, and full stakeholder capabilities differentiate us, and drive demand for our solutions and services. Our Machine First Delivery Model (MFDM™) and Location-independent Agile methods are helping customers integrate automation deep within their enterprise, and orchestrate a more effective human-machine interplay to deliver superior customer experience at scale.

N Ganapathy Subramaniam, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, said, “This has been a very good quarter, with strong demand in areas like analytics, cloud and automation. Our Quartz Blockchain Solution is gaining traction, and we are seeing the creation of nascent ecosystems which could transform markets. Our Enterprise Agile 2020 vision is shaping open, collaborative workplaces and Agile ways of working. This, along with MFDM, is driving intelligent automation and the discovery of a new meaning to work i.e. training the machines with the contextual knowledge, scaling businesses and creating ecosystems. This people-first approach to the machine-first world is seen as a key differentiator by our clients in driving growth, competitive edge and innovation in their businesses”

V Ramakrishnan, Chief Financial Officer, said, “It is encouraging to be back in our preferred range of profitability at the operating level. Even as we expand our investments to build on our lead in the Digital space, our disciplined operations, the improving growth trajectory and a supportive currency make our margins resilient.” Continue reading