Block Leans Into Lending After Winning Direct Loans Approval
Jack Dorsey's Block Inc. plans to grow its lending business with the aim of expanding access to credit services after a sequence of disappointing earnings results have shaken investor confidence in the company.
In total, Block has extended more than $100 billion in credit globally across its lending products since 2013. Its credit offerings include small business loans through its Square point-of-sale system, consumer loans via its money transfer service Cash App and buy now, pay later loans offered through Afterpay, the service it acquired in 2022.
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Forbes
25 minutes ago
- Forbes
Summer Fragrances: Maximalist Scents Are Back
EXTRAIT EXTRÊME, Black Guava. A "Beastmode" scent from Borntostandout. It's an exciting time for the perfume industry, with several new summer fragrance trends emerging. One such new expression in today's aromatic landscape is the resurgence of bold, maximalist scents that make a strong statement, also known as 'beastmode' scents. With so many new tendencies surfacing, it's not surprising that, according to Business of Fashion, beauty's most dynamic category is outperforming an otherwise cooling market, with no shortage of hopeful new brands or viral moments. A report by TFS reveals that, overall, the global fragrance market was valued at $64.4 billion in 2023, and Euromonitor International predicts sustained growth across price points in 2025, with double-digit growth in both mass (+10.8 %) and premium sectors (+12.2 %). The fragrance market is expected to hit $68.9 billion by the end of 2025. Speaking with Jun Lim, founder of Bortostandout, he explains that these strong maximalist formulations are highly concentrated (usually a parfum or extrait strength in this category has a minimum oil concentration of 20% or more), plus they contain heavy-hitting notes like oud, amber, patchouli, or vanilla. These are materials that are characterized by their ability to adhere to the skin, persist for hours, and leave a lasting mark. He also tells me that what distinguishes these perfumes is their sillage, and how far the scent projects. 'If someone across the room can smell it? You're likely wearing a beastmode fragrance,' he says. These bold compositions—such as those with heavy doses of oud, amber, vanilla or robust florals—are making a statement, reflecting a desire for extravagance and presence. They're loved by consumers who are looking for high-impact and long-enduring fragrances with intense sillage. As described to me over email by David Seth Moltz, co-founder of D.S. & Durga, 'some people like to make sure other people notice them'. He also adds that there are instances when these fragrances aren't the best choice, as they can 'ruin a restaurant experience or airplane ride real quick'. Aitana López de Carrión, global fine fragrance development manager at CPL Aromas, tells me that one of the driving forces behind this trend is the influence of Middle Eastern perfumery, which is known for its generous use of scent and powerful ingredients—like leather, oud, saffron and amber—as well as attar, a natural perfume oil derived from herbs, spices, barks, flowers in bloom or other plant sources, best applied to pulse points. 'Over the last 30 years, we have seen a progressive increase in perfume concentrations with brands launching intense extract or elixir flankers,' says Aitana. Recent examples of this trend include Jo Loves Pomelo Oud, a vibrant fragrance that combines the zest of grapefruit with the luxurious depth of oud, symbolizing the union of old and new experiences, and D.S. & Durga's Amber Kiso, a striking scent with opening notes of indigenous Japanese cedar, incense and samara cypress that evokes a comforting warmth and soothes the senses, as it contains heart notes of maple, Asahi zuru, patchouli, and iris. Long-lasting scents are another interesting sub-category emerging in this classification. It's an interesting concept where cologne and other fragrances, usually associated with being fresh, light and ethereal, become extreme, powerful and enduring. A good example is 7V Clementine Dream, which, as the founder Barb Stegemann explains on their website, took a year and a half to perfect through extensive lab longevity tests to ensure that the clean citrus scent lasts for 24 hours. 'Our signature 'boomerang' effect delivers an initial burst of bright, juicy citrus, then circles back with warm, grounding notes of cassis, magnolia, and vanilla,' she says. Clementine Dream, The 7 Virtues, a long-lasting fragrance with citrus notes. Brands like Massimiliano Torti blend ancient artisanal techniques to achieve this excellent longevity. They describe individuality as a ritual, layering as an art, and perceive every fragrance as a masterpiece. Their Nektar de Perfume features a high concentration of essential oils (30-40%), which creates a high-impact and prolonged fragrance. Another example is YSL's latest perfume, Muse, a beautiful unisex scent that features ink as its main inspiration and is infused with sensual bourbon vanilla absolute pods. Marie Salamagne, Parfumeur Principal, describes it as a scent where the ink reveals enigmatic woody notes and intimate, elegant smoky facets. 'For me, the ink takes on the colors of creativity and mystery. It stimulates the imagination," she says. The result is what Salamagne calls 'a skin scent that explodes' and what YSL describes as a fragrant tattoo with an impressive trail. When discussing why maximalist fragrances are so in vogue, Jun Lin tells me that, from his perspective, this is the natural next step in the evolution of niche perfumery. He explains that once consumers get a taste for uniqueness, they want more. 'More drama, more intensity, more longevity. Beastmode fragrances are simply a reflection of that appetite,' he says. Jun tells me that the niche world is constantly pushing boundaries, and now we're seeing the rise of louder, wilder, bolder scents as part of that trajectory. Amber Kiso, a maximalist fragrance from D.S. & Durga. There are also several cultural forces converging to make beastmode fragrances so in vogue. Jun tells me that, aside from the Middle Eastern influence, consumers now want a bold presence. On social media platforms, especially on TikTok, the louder the fragrance, the more it gets shared. There's power in a perfume that fills a room, and people want to be part of that moment. He also explains that high-concentration, long-lasting fragrances offer great value, and that if one spray can last all day, it makes sense to invest in them. Finally, he describes fragrance as a way of self-branding. Wearing a bold scent says: 'I'm here, and I know who I am', he tells me, which resonates with some generations, especially younger consumers who want their fragrance to do more than just 'smell nice'. The stronger the fragrance, the more complex its formulation will be, and when selecting a maximalist perfume, you're encouraged to try different options to ensure the fragrance you choose suits your personality. If you're looking for a summer fragrance in this category, you might opt for something modern and evocative, or perhaps you want to make a statement by wearing a fragrance with Middle Eastern influences. Talking to Lin, he explains that a true beastmode perfume should be well-structured. 'It should last, yes, but also evolve, tell a story, and never overwhelm just for the sake of it.' YSL Muse Inspiring Ink, a long-lasting fragrance.
Associated Press
25 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Smith drives in 4 runs, deGrom works 6 solid innings as Rangers beat Cardinals 8-1
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Josh Smith matched his career high of four RBIs with a two-run homer and two-run double, Jacob deGrom allowed two runs or fewer for the eighth straight start and the Texas Rangers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-1 Sunday. The Rangers (29-31) won two of three games against St. Louis and won a series for the first time since sweeping struggling Colorado at home May 12-14. The Cardinals (33-26) lost a series for just the second time in their last 11. Smith sliced an outside changeup into the left-field corner in the second inning, punctuating a two-out rally that began with Marcus Semien's single. Semien scored again in Texas' five-run eighth inning on Smith's homer to right. DeGrom (5-2) allowed one run on four hits and three walks in six innings, striking out four. Semien had two hits and two walks. The Cardinals led 1-0 in the first inning when Lars Nootbaar led off with a walk and scored on Willson Contreras' two-out single. Erick Fedde (3-5) gave up two runs on four hits in six innings, walking three and striking out five. The 32-year-old right-hander was looking for his first victory since shutting out Washington on May 9 in his first complete game in the majors. Key moment Semien's single starting the rally in the second was one of his seven hits in the series. That raised his batting average from .173 to .201 – his highest since opening day. Key stat The Cardinals' .333 all-time winning percentage against the Rangers in regular-season play (7-14) is their lowest against any opponent. They do own the 2011 Commissioner's Trophy, rallying from a 3-2 deficit in that World Series to win in seven games. Up next Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.23 ERA) will open the 'I-70 Series' against Kansas City on Tuesday. Rangers RHP Tyler Mahle (5-2, 1.64) will pitch Tuesday at Tampa Bay in the opener of a nine-game trip. ___ AP MLB:
Forbes
36 minutes ago
- Forbes
Nicolas Cage Thriller ‘The Surfer' Arrives On Streaming This Week
Nicolas Cage in "The Surfer." The Surfer — an acclaimed psychological thriller starring Nicolas Cage — is new on digital streaming this week. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, The Surfer opened in theaters in limited release on May 2. The official summary for the film reads, 'A man (Cage) returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son (Finn Little). But his desire to hit the waves is thwarted by a group of locals whose mantra is, 'Don't live here, don't surf here.' "Humiliated and angry, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising in concert with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him to his breaking point.' Rated R, The Surfer also stars Julian McMahon, Nic Cassim, Miranda Tapsell, Alexander Bertrand and Justin Rosniak. The Surfer is expected to arrive on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Friday, June 6, per When to Stream. While the streaming tracker is typically accurate with its PVOD reports, it noted that The Surfer's studio, Roadside Attractions, and distributor, Lionsgate, have not announced or confirmed the release date of the film and it is subject to change. The Surfer will be available on such digital platforms as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video and YouTube. The film will be available for digital purchase for $14.99 and since digital rentals are typically $5 less, viewers can expect to rent the film for $9.99 for 48 hours. In an interview with Nerdist prior to the release of The Surfer, Nicolas Cage said one of the elements of the film that piqued his interest was its unique story. 'When I read this script, I thought, 'Well, this is different. This is weird. This is the kind of story I aspire to write.' It was a non-linear narrative. I couldn't believe the whole thing took place on a beach in a parking lot. That was new,' Cage told Nerdist. 'And the more I do this, the more I want to find expressions in cinema that are unlike other things that we kind of become bored with. I wanted to find a new way of storytelling.' The Surfer has earned $1.3 million from North American theaters and more than $800,000 internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $2.1 million to date. Production budget information for The Surfer was not disclosed. The Surfer earned a collective 86% 'fresh' rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics based on 154 reviews. The RT Critics Consensus reads, 'Nicolas Cage expertly rides the waves of toxic masculinity in this sand-filled arena of torment.' Audiences on RT thought differently of The Surfer, though, giving the film a 'rotten' 46% Popcornmeter score based on 250-plus verified user ratings. The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is expected to arrive on PVOD on Friday.
