Latest news with #VTI
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Tom's Guide
Top VPNs dealt major blow in France as Canal+ wins anti-piracy case
The future of VPNs in France has been thrown into question as five leading VPN providers have lost an anti-piracy legal case. On May 15, the Paris Judicial Court ruled in favor of broadcaster Canal+ and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), France's football governing body, in its fight against online piracy. VPN providers now have to block over 200 "illegal sports streaming sites," in what has been described as a "legal first." The case featured some of the best VPNs – NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost – and will potentially have devastating consequences for the future of VPNs in France and the wider privacy and security of the French people. The five VPN providers have been ordered to block access to 203 domain names used to illegally stream the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and TOP 14 matches – Canal+ holds exclusive French broadcasting rights to all three. Canal+, who first took action against VPNs back in February 2025, welcomed the decision in a statement. It "sends a strong message regarding the responsibility of VPN providers," the broadcaster said. The case saw VPNs labelled as "technical intermediaries" for the first time, with Canal+ describing their actions as a "legal precedent." The ruling has been condemned by advocacy group the Internet Infrastructure (i2) Coalition, and its working group, the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI). The VTI is made up of VPN providers and promotes consumer safety and internet privacy, as well as increasing the understanding of VPNs. In a statement, the i2 Coalition said this outcome risks "the integrity of the internet." "The French ruling not only misplaces responsibility: it fundamentally threatens the privacy and security of millions of users in France and beyond," the coalition said. "This blocking approach – which has failed in the past – relies on blunt technical instruments instead of precise enforcement tools to address the actual sources of piracy. Therefore it will not reduce infringement, and will only cause widespread collateral damage." It added that "ethically-operated VPNs do not host, store, or promote illegitimate access to copyrighted material" – they "prohibit" it. The i2 Coalition expressed concerns about the consequences for French internet users. It said that "targeting these legitimate VPN providers may drive their focus away from the French market – creating space for unethical and malicious actors to fill the void." The VTI released its own statement commenting on the ruling. "Infrastructure-level blocking has consistently failed to meaningfully curb piracy while causing overreach and other unintended but foreseeable consequences," the group's statement began. It continued by saying "this selective approach is certain to fail, as it targets symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of piracy." The VTI said it follows "global efforts to rein in online behavior" and noted the following trends: The group argued that "infrastructure-level blocking on content-neutral services is an imprecise enforcement strategy that creates outsized harm relative to its intended purpose" – adding that it does not eliminate offending content. The VTI urged "precision, restrain, and accountability" when it comes to technical enforcement of the internet and recognized the need to safeguard rightsholders. But this "should not come at the cost of sacrificing fundamental principles such as open, secure, and private internet access." Before the ruling, VPN providers had not individually commented on the proceedings, but this is no longer the case. NordVPN acknowledged the decision, saying: "We believe that in general, this decision will have a negative impact on France's digital security." "Our team is currently assessing all possible approaches that align with both legal compliance and our core commitment to our users' freedom and privacy." "We anticipate providing more detailed information after we have fully reviewed the tribunal's decision and determined our appropriate response." Canal+ and the LFP launched this specific case earlier in 2025, but France has a history of internet service provider (ISP) blocks and attacks on DNS resolvers. Last year, a DNS-blocking order was granted in favor of Canal+. Rulings such as this could result in VPN providers leaving France, or other countries – a move that would significantly impact those living there. The i2 Coalition's Executive Director, Christian Dawson, alluded to this when speaking about the case to TorrentFreak in February. In 2022, legislation in India ordered VPN companies to collect logs about their users, something that fundamentally goes against the core principles of VPNs. Many VPN providers, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and IPVanish – another VTI member – withdrew from the country as a result. How VPN providers respond to this French ruling remains to be seen, but protecting user privacy is a must – even if that means leaving the French market. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Smartest $20 to $50 You Can Invest for the Biggest Return, According to Experts
If you've ever felt like investing is only for people with thousands of dollars lying around, think again. You don't need to be the next Warren Buffett or win the lottery to start building wealth. Even small moves can lead to growth. In fact, according to investing pros, even just $20 to $50 can be a powerful first step toward a solid financial future. The key? Putting that money in the right place. Read Next: Check Out: While a single $20 bill won't turn into a mansion overnight, financial experts agree that starting small and being consistent is what truly matters. And when you pick smart, low-cost investment options, your humble little contribution can actually grow into something meaningful over time. Chris Heerlein, CEO of Reap Financial, advised investing in a low-cost index fund through a brokerage account with no trading fees. With fractional shares, you don't need hundreds to get started. You can set up weekly $20 to $50 automatic purchases into a total market exchange-traded fund (ETF). Over time, that small habit can add up. Be Aware: According to Andrew Lokenauth, money expert and owner of Fluent in Finance, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is the perfect starting point. It tracks the S&P 500, and you can grab fractional shares through apps like Robinhood for as little as $1. He started with $25 in the ETF last March and said it's already up 12%. 'Not too shabby for such a tiny investment,' he said. The thing is, most people overlook how powerful small, consistent investments can be. Lokenauth personally puts $40 each month into the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) through M1 Finance. The platform lets you automate these micro-investments without fees eating into your returns. According to Vanguard, this ETF tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index and is diversified across growth and value styles. According to experts, the key with tiny investments is keeping fees nonexistent. That's why Lokenauth advised sticking to commission-free platforms. Traditional brokers could eat your $20 to $50 alive with fees. In fact, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, fees can seriously dampen investor returns. A $100,000 portfolio with a 1% fee over 20 years will be worth $30,000 less than one with a 0.25% fee. So it's best to maximize your small investments and look for commission-free platforms when possible. Sure, choosing the right fund matters — but the real magic? It's in the habit. Apps and platforms, like Acorns, Betterment and many others, make it incredibly easy to automate tiny contributions — even as little as $5 a week. With automation, you're not relying on willpower or memory. You set it once, and it just happens. This is where consistency beats timing. Most people think you have to buy low and sell high or wait for the perfect market dip. But investing experts will tell you that time in the market is more important than timing the market. The longer your money has to grow, the more it can compound, and the easier it gets. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 5 Little-Known Ways to Make Summer Travel More Affordable 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement Sources Chris Heerlein, Reap Financial Andrew Lokenauth, Fluent in Finance Vanguard, 'Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.' Securities and Exchange Commission, 'How Fees and Expenses Affect Your Investment Portfolio.' This article originally appeared on The Smartest $20 to $50 You Can Invest for the Biggest Return, According to Experts Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ETF Inflows Resilient Amid April's Quick Ups and Downs
April was a rollercoaster for markets. The S&P 500 dropped as much as 11% during the month before clawing its way back to finish down less than 0.7%. Despite the turbulence, ETF flows showed investors stayed the course, albeit a bit more cautiously. U.S.-listed ETFs pulled in $62 billion during the month—a solid showing even if down from the $96 billion seen in March. That brought year-to-date inflows to $355 billion, keeping 2024 on pace for one of the strongest years on record for ETF demand. At the top of the leaderboard was the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which raked in $20.9 billion in April alone. Its appeal as a low-cost, broad-market play continues to resonate, especially in volatile markets. On a year-to-date basis, VOO has now amassed $55.7 billion in inflows, putting it on track for yet another $100+ billion year, a feat it achieved for the first time in 2024. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) also saw strong demand, with $5.1 billion in April inflows. Amid heightened concerns about long-term interest rates during April, some investors sought shelter in the short end of the yield curve. The SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (BIL) and the iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) pulled in $6.6 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively. The move reflected caution around longer-dated Treasurys, especially amid worries about tepid foreign demand and rising term premiums. Though yields cooled by month's end, short-duration ETFs remained the go-to for risk-averse investors. In one of the most eye-catching moves of the month, the Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (SMBS) pulled in a jaw-dropping $4.9 billion. A massive sum for an ETF that had just $52 million in assets at the start of the month. The flows appear to be part of a large institutional reallocation, as the Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (VMBS) simultaneously saw $4.8 billion in outflows. Both funds track the same Bloomberg index, so the switch likely reflects portfolio or platform-level adjustments rather than a directional bet on mortgage-backed securities. On the riskier side of the spectrum, some traders pounced on the tech pullback. The Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3x Shares (SOXL) pulled in $3.2 billion in April as bulls attempted to time a rebound in the beaten-down semiconductor sector. For a full list of the top inflows for April, see the table below. April ETF Inflow Leaders—Source: FactSetPermalink | © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
21-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
PureVPN Earns VPN Trust Seal Accreditation, Backing Its Longstanding Commitment to User Privacy
ROAD TOWN, VG / ACCESS Newswire / April 21, 2025 / PureVPN - a global leader in user privacy and business security, safeguarding digital freedom for over 17 years - has once again received the VPN Trust Seal from i2Coalition's VPN Trust Initiative (VTI). This accreditation reaffirms PureVPN's compliance with independently verified standards for secure operations, privacy protection, and transparent service delivery. As a member of the VPN Trust Initiative, PureVPN is committed to strengthening core areas of its infrastructure: user privacy, device security, and identity and access management (IAM). The accreditation highlights PureVPN's continued investment in engineering-led safeguards that go beyond industry averages and align with evolving cybersecurity expectations. Why This Accreditation Matters Data protection expectations have shifted dramatically over the past years. A KPMG study found that nearly 86% of the U.S. population considers data privacy an increasing concern. Globally, 68% of consumers report being concerned about how their personal data is used, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals. These concerns are not unfounded. Cyber threats have become more persistent, targeted, and technically sophisticated. In this environment, privacy tools must not only promise protection but also demonstrate compliance with clearly defined operational standards. The VPN Trust Seal does just that - offering users independent assurance that a VPN provider's internal policies and external claims are aligned with best practices. What the Accreditation Certifies The VPN Trust Seal confirms that PureVPN adheres to specific criteria across five critical categories: For more information about PureVPN's security practices and its ongoing efforts to build user trust, visit the PureVPN Trust Center. About i2Coalition The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) advocates for an open and secure internet by supporting policies that encourage innovation among the companies that build and maintain the internet's core infrastructure. About the VPN Trust Initiative The VPN Trust Initiative, led by i2Coalition, focuses on establishing clear, enforceable guidelines for responsible VPN service providers. It promotes trust through independently verified operational standards that prioritize security, transparency, and user protection. About PureVPN PureVPN is a global leader in digital security and online privacy, with over 17 years of expertise. Built with a focus on practical, engineering-driven solutions, PureVPN empowers its users to navigate the digital landscape safely by encrypting connections, monitoring the dark web, securely storing passwords, preventing third-party tracking, and reclaiming personal data from brokers. Contact InformationPureSquare Press PR Manager SOURCE: PureSquare press release
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FXU Assets Surge 29% With $426 Million Inflow
The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) pulled in $425.7 million Monday, increasing its assets by 29.4% to $1.4 billion, according to daily fund flows data. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) attracted $601.7 million, while the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) gained $522.7 million as traders positioned for Wednesday's tariff announcements. The iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) collected $468.7 million amid Monday's market rebound. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) experienced outflows of $3 billion despite the S&P 500 adding 0.6% on Monday. The ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) saw outflows of $578 million, a 9.8% reduction in assets, while the iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) lost $503.6 million. U.S. fixed-income ETFs led overall with $1.6 billion of inflows, while international fixed-income products added $569.8 million as investors sought safety. The ETF industry collected a total of $2.5 billion in net inflows as markets attempted to recover from recent volatility. Ticker Name Net Flows ($, mm) AUM ($, mm) AUM % Change VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF 601.72 439,644.66 0.14% TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF 522.69 52,323.42 1.00% IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF 468.74 96,164.55 0.49% FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund 425.73 1,447.49 29.41% SPLG SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF 349.75 58,431.26 0.60% IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF 335.08 576,614.54 0.06% VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF 332.55 59,149.01 0.56% VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF 330.33 20,186.06 1.64% VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF 320.74 83,490.30 0.38% VUG Vanguard Growth ETF 277.84 144,507.07 0.19% Ticker Name Net Flows ($, mm) AUM ($, mm) AUM % Change SPY SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust -3,001.80 572,777.86 -0.52% QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ -577.99 5,877.76 -9.83% HYG iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF -503.59 15,107.79 -3.33% SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3x Shares -289.79 3,967.36 -7.30% QQQ Invesco QQQ Trust Series I -257.95 297,254.74 -0.09% FXD First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX Fund -253.91 499.17 -50.87% IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF -230.66 64,213.74 -0.36% DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF -173.91 31,182.09 -0.56% SSO ProShares Ultra S&P 500 -167.73 4,540.87 -3.69% DIA SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust -166.28 36,537.60 -0.46% Net Flows ($, mm) AUM ($, mm) % of AUM Alternatives 22.71 9,791.55 0.23% Asset Allocation 54.69 23,321.10 0.23% Commodities ETFs 370.47 198,244.99 0.19% Currency -118.23 105,443.51 -0.11% International Equity 503.21 1,644,080.83 0.03% International Fixed Income 569.83 281,303.45 0.20% Inverse 218.09 14,090.00 1.55% Leveraged -954.97 100,241.79 -0.95% US Equity 211.56 6,394,127.60 0.00% US Fixed Income 1,573.10 1,635,413.75 0.10% Total: 2,450.46 10,406,058.56 0.02% Disclaimer: All data as of 6 a.m. ET the date the article is published. Data are believed to be accurate; however, transient market data are often subject to subsequent revision and correction by the | © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved Sign in to access your portfolio
