States that limit business with banks that boycott fossil fuels could pay high cost, study says

States that limit business with banks that boycott fossil fuels could pay high cost, study says

More state lawmakers are introducing bills to keep their state governments from doing business with financial institutions that take environmental, social or corporate governance into consideration when making investment decisions. Critics say these bills are designed to boost fossil fuel companies and will end up costing taxpayers. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Republican state policymakers’ efforts to boost fossil fuels by prohibiting their governments from doing business with companies that take sustainability into consideration has the potential to cost states millions, according to a study released Thursday. Researchers looked specifically at the possible effects on Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and West Virginia if they passed Texas-like legislation limiting investment options on municipal bonds and found it could cost them between $264 and $708 million in additional interest payments. The study noted that the states had not passed such broad legislation. The six states are among two dozen that last year issued proposed or passed legislation prohibiting state government entities from doing business with financial firms that take environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) into consideration when making investment decisions as anti-ESG efforts spread from state treasurers and attorneys general to governors and lawmakers. Republican policymakers refer to ESG as the […]

Business is doing nicely, thank you, while workers get steadily poorer

Business is doing nicely, thank you, while workers get steadily poorer

Ambulance workers on a picket line in London this month. Signs that corporate Britain is winning the inflation war can be found wherever you look. Gaze beyond the ailing independent retailers and small-scale manufacturers that dominate TV and radio news coverage to the sales and profits of our largest businesses, where robust performance is the norm and promises of bumper shareholder payouts are being kept. In response to this secure outlook for the majority of businesses, the UK stock market rebounded on Friday to near its all-time high, handing investors the perfect marriage of a steady income stream and enhanced wealth. Crisis, what crisis? The view from the boardroom is rosy – managers seem to have found a way to pass on the extra costs charged by suppliers to customers. That’s not to say three years characterised by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been all plain sailing. It has been very tough to navigate, and thousands of businesspeople have worked around the clock to keep their organisations afloat. However, the massive subsidies supplied by the government, mostly with no strings attached, meant they could weather the storm with their profitability largely intact. Meanwhile, households […]

American Express Business Checking review: Earn 1.30% APY on account balances up to $500,000

American Express Business Checking review: Earn 1.30% APY on account balances up to $500,000

JUMP TO Section It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Pros and cons American Express Business Checking How American Express Bank works Is American Express Bank trustworthy? American Express vs. Axos Bank American Express vs. BlueVine Frequently asked questions Pros and cons American Express Business Checking How American Express Bank works Is American Express Bank trustworthy? American Express vs. Axos Bank American Express vs. BlueVine Frequently asked questions Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money ( here’s how ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners , however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. The bottom line: American Express Business Checking is a great option if you have an American Express consumer or business credit card. (American Express Rewards Checking customers currently aren’t eligible to open an account, though.) This account doesn’t charge monthly service fees, offers 1.30% APY on the first $500,000 in your account, and lets you earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points if you meet certain criteria. Pros and cons Pros Cons Earn 1.30% APY on the first $500,000 in your […]

PTA Issues Regulatory Initiatives for Affordable Telecom Services and Digital Transformation

PTA Issues Regulatory Initiatives for Affordable Telecom Services and Digital Transformation

Critical frameworks have been developed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the digital transformation of Pakistan as envisioned in the Telecom Policy 2015. These frameworks will reduce unnecessary inefficiency and prove minimum impact on the operators while they ensure accessibility and availability of affordable digital/telecom services across the country. Telecom Infrastructure Sharing Framework (Section 7.5) PTA was to develop the necessary regulatory instrument to encourage, facilitate and standardize infrastructure sharing in consultation with Federal Government (Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication) and stakeholders. There is a great need for telecom infrastructure sharing in Pakistan due to increasing inflation, low Avg Revenue Per User (ARPU), increasing fuel prices, revenue challenges, the requirement of massive CapEx for new technologies like 5G, connecting the unconnected in remote/rural areas, cost-effective means to address capacity demand growth, social benefits, and nationwide coverage. Some salient features are: The framework has been developed by PTA based on the principles of neutrality, non-discrimination, and equal access, considering regional & international best practices. The framework will provide a mechanism for licensees to share their telecom infrastructure facilities that would include passive (towers space, ducts, etc.) as well as active (Access Network – BTS, BSC/RNC, Microwave, etc.) components. […]

HDFC Bank partners with Microsoft as part of its Digital Transformation Journey

HDFC Bank partners with Microsoft as part of its Digital Transformation Journey

National HDFC Bank partners with Microsoft as part of its Digital Transformation Journey By Odisha Diary bureau On Jan 13, 2023 HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, is partnering with Microsoft in the next phase of its digital transformation journey and unlocking business value by transforming the application portfolio, modernizing the data landscape and securing the enterprise with Microsoft Cloud. HDFC Bank as a part of its Future Ready strategy is developing in house IPs as well as partnering with several companies including FinTechs’ to co -create technology IPs. The bank will leverage Microsoft Azure to consolidate and modernize its enterprise data landscape through a Federated Data Lake to scale its information management capabilities across enterprise reporting, and advanced analytics using artificial intelligence. Built on Microsoft Azure stack, the solution will enable the bank to democratize and monetize its data landscape catering to several business units, spanning multiple systems, reports and processes. The solution powered by its unified architecture, collaborative engineering environment, industry-leading security and ecosystem of AI/ML based deep learning capabilities. In addition, the Bank will also leverage Microsoft Power Platform’s industry-leading low code, no code capabilities to set up an App Innovation and Automation Factory. The […]

Is Meta Platforms Sitting on a $1 Trillion Opportunity?

Is Meta Platforms Sitting on a $1 Trillion Opportunity?

Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself or a friend spending a lot of money in the metaverse in the near future. The metaverse could fuel $1 trillion in commerce by 2025, according to Accenture , a research firm. Even if that number proves to be overly optimistic, there’s a lot of interest in metaverse applications beyond gaming, according to Accenture’s research. Meanwhile, IDC sees the adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets growing substantially over the next few years with nearly 84 million new devices expected to be sold over the next four years. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is sitting in the driver’s seat, with its Oculus headsets accounting for nearly 85% of AR/VR device sales in 2022. If the metaverse does truly turn into a $1 trillion commerce opportunity, it could be a big payday for Meta. Owning the platform The goal for Meta isn’t just to sell an expensive consumer device; it’s to own the platform people use. Becoming a platform owner is extremely lucrative and comes with a lot of power. Just ask Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) . Apple’s control of the iOS ecosystem has come with a lot of benefits. The […]

In-Office Infusion Offers Opportunity

In-Office Infusion Offers Opportunity

Patient financial/co-pay assistance is usually a component of providing infusion services and practices need to make sure it’s carefully managed to prevent financial hardship to patients. In-office infusion therapy has become more prevalent over the past decade, as the service provides many benefits to both physicians and patients. Physicians increase proximity to patients, closely monitoring disease progression, adherence, and treatment efficacy. Financially, a new revenue stream may be created for the practice. Patients also reap rewards, as they receive vital care in a convenient location from the care team they know and trust. Although this sounds like a win-win situation, in-office infusion is a complex process that adds a high level of risk to the operation. There are many factors to consider before investing in this service, as well as best practices to employ if the decision is made to proceed. It is critical to understand all that goes along with opening a center, so taking a closer look at these issues is worthwhile. Careful consideration is needed The decision to invest in an infusion facility should not be rushed. Carefully vetting each aspect can take several months, and once a practice decides to go forward, a few more […]

Acclaimed visual artist Sanford Biggers offers the opportunity to join his studio of social and political interplays

Acclaimed visual artist Sanford Biggers offers the opportunity to join his studio of social and political interplays

Kubrick’s Rube, 2020. Photo: Lance Brewer. Copyright: Sanford Biggers. Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, Aspen and New York. Following last week’s look at an opening for an Architect at the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services , we are using this week’s edition of our Job Highlights series to explore an open position on Archinect Jobs for a Shop Manager at Studio Sanford Biggers . The role, based in Biggers’ New York City studio, calls for an individual prepared to be responsible for “organizing and executing in-house production” of the studio’s artistic projects. Ideal experience requested for within candidates includes proficiency with wood and light metal fabrication , and a demonstrated experience with artwork and design fabrication. Blossom, 2007. Photo: The Brooklyn Museum. Copyright: Sanford Biggers. Courtesy of the artist and The Brooklyn Museum. Why the role interests us The role in Sanford Biggers’ studio offers an opportunity to reflect on the work of the Los Angeles-born artist; whose unique approach to fabrication and materiality is sure to create an engaging environment for the candidate who fills the shop manager role. Described by the studio as “an interplay of narrative, perspective, and history that speaks to […]

NASA Awards Students Flight Opportunity in TechRise Challenge

NASA Awards Students Flight Opportunity in TechRise Challenge

Lee esta nota de prensa en español aquí . NASA selected 60 winning teams for the second TechRise Student Challenge, a nationwide contest designed to engage students in technology, science, and space exploration. These teams will work together to build science and technology experiments in preparation for a suborbital flight test. The challenge was open to students in grades six through 12 at American public, private, or charter schools, including those in U.S. territories. This year, winning teams include about 500 students representing 38 states and territories. "NASA’s missions of tomorrow are sparked by the accomplishments of the Artemis Generation today in classrooms across America,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Through opportunities like the TechRise Student Challenge, young people are deepening their passion in science and technology, preparing to be the future innovators and pioneers who help humanity soar to new heights and unlock more secrets of the universe.” A full list of winning teams is available on the TechRise website. Students from a winning team for the 2021-2022 TechRise challenge work together at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, to wire the electronics of their experiment payload for their upcoming suborbital test flight. Each team will […]

SCHM: A Mid-Cap Misstep Or Hidden Opportunity?

SCHM: A Mid-Cap Misstep Or Hidden Opportunity?

JulNichols Investment Thesis The Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHM ) is a middle-of-the-pack contender in the U.S. mid-cap blend space. Despite its category-leading 0.04% expense ratio, SCHM’s selections are below-average quality and too expensive. This article compares SCHM’s strategy, performance, and fundamentals with other mid-cap funds and demonstrates why this lesser-known ETF is more of a misstep than a hidden opportunity. SCHM Overview Strategy and Performance SCHM tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Mid-Cap Total Stock Market Index, selecting approximately 500 securities based on total market cap and weighting them based on free-float market cap. The Index reconstitutes annually in September and rebalances quarterly, with buffer rules used to prevent unnecessary turnover. With a January 2011 launch, we have over a decade’s worth of history to analyze, so let’s start with how SCHM performed against 31 mid-cap peers through December 2022. The Sunday Investor This list is sorted by ten-year returns, revealing how SCHM’s 173.00% return was the 10th best out of 16 peers with enough history. Over the last five years, SCHM’s 32.67% return was the 16th best out of 20 ETFs. Finally, SCHM performed 26th best out of 32 last year. It may be generous of me […]