Latest news with #economicclimate
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Gary Neville adds voice to business leaders' condemnation of national insurance hike
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United star, has criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves 's national insurance hike, saying it has hindered employment. Mr Neville, previously a vocal supporter of the Labour Party, believes the increase 'could have been held back' due to the tough economic climate. He joins other business leaders and economists in expressing concerns over the chancellor's tax-raising decisions since the government took office. While supporting the minimum wage increase, Mr Neville highlighted the national insurance rise as a significant 'challenge' for businesses, including his own. The chancellor faces a £5bn gap in her spending plans following Sir Keir Starmer 's benefits U-turn and potential further financial pressures from a global trade war.
CBS News
23-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
$10,000 6-month CD vs. $10,000 high-yield savings account: Here's which could earn more interest
The concept of giving up access to your money in today's economic climate can be daunting for many. After all, inflation just rose in June (for the second month in a row) and borrowing costs remain elevated thanks to higher interest rates. With stock market uncertainty still a concern, too, foregoing access to your funds may not make sense right now. And that's what will be required if depositing money into a certificate of deposit (CD) account. In exchange for a high, fixed interest rate, savers will need to keep their funds in the account untouched or risk having to pay an early withdrawal penalty. Depositing $10,000 into this account type, then, may not seem advantageous on the surface, especially when there are alternative accounts that won't mandate this loss of access. A high-yield savings account, by comparison, has rates competitive with the highest CD accounts and it functions similarly to a traditional savings account, meaning you'll maintain the ability to make deposits and withdrawals. On the other hand, these accounts have variable rates that will change over time based on market conditions. When faced with both account types, then, savers should pause before depositing their $10,000. To better determine which account is advantageous, they can calculate their potential interest earnings. Below, we'll do the math. Start earning more interest on your money with a high-rate CD account here. It's easy to calculate the interest earnings on a CD account because it has a fixed rate. Determining the interest on a high-yield savings account is more difficult because the rate there will change over time, potentially to a significant degree. Here's what both account types could earn with a $10,000 deposit tied to today's available interest rates, assuming the CD account isn't hit with an early withdrawal penalty and that the high-yield savings account rate remains the same for the full six months: Not only will the CD account earn around $8 more than the high-yield savings account, but that return is guaranteed, while the high-yield savings account's return is not. And with the chances of rate cuts being issued later in 2025 significant, savers here should expect the rate they open their high-yield savings account with this July to be lower by the end of the year. In other words, if you can afford to keep your funds in the CD untouched for the full six months, the return will likely outweigh what the high-yield savings account can offer now. Get started with a top CD account online today. Money market accounts also come with high interest rates now (around 4.30% according to Bankrate). They won't require you to lock your money away the way a CD would, and they'll offer benefits a high-yield savings account won't (like check-writing services). But the caveat here remains the same as the high-yield savings account: A money market account has a variable interest rate that's likely to decline in the months to come. Between the three account types, then, a CD becomes the clear best choice for those savers looking to earn as much guaranteed interest on their $10,000 deposit as possible right now. Both CDs and high-yield savings accounts offer savers a critical benefit right now: The chance to earn a high interest rate on their money. But only a CD guarantees that return. So, if you want to both protect and grow your money and want to take a break from worrying about today's constantly evolving interest rate climate, a CD account may be worth exploring now.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Bristol's Clean Air Zone is the 'final blow' for family-run store forced to close after 57 years
The owners of an independent store say a Clean Air Zone has proven the 'final blow' for their business as the shutters rolled down for the last time after nearly six decades of trading. Marcruss Outdoors, in Hotwell Road, Bristol, announced in March that the business faced closure during a heartfelt announcement on its Facebook page. Established in 1968, the the three-storey shop was a well-known presence on the city's high street selling outdoor gear, camping supplies, workwear and army surplus. The team wrote: 'It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of the difficult decision to close Marcruss Outdoors for the last time this summer. 'Unfortunately, the harsh economic climate has made it impossible for us to continue. 'Despite having weathered countless recessions and even the challenging lockdowns, the final blow has come in the form of the Clean Air Zone.' Owners Marcus and Adam Pinson suggested that the introduction of the eco-friendly measure three years ago had severely impacted footfall and led to its closure on 12 July. Adam told the BBC: 'To me it felt like it was people with older vans who perhaps go camping, and they just won't drive through Bristol. 'There's not a draw for people to pay the clean-air charge to come here, and I think being inside that [zone] has just destroyed us. 'We're just not getting the people coming in.' The team's Facebook message also paid tribute to their loyal staff and customers over the years. They said: 'It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve each and every one of you. 'We will deeply miss running this shop, as it has been more than just a business to us - it's been a place where we've been able to offer expert advice, exceptional customer service, and a sense of community. 'We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked here over the years. 'Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work have been the foundation of our success. 'We couldn't have reached the milestones we did without their dedication, and we consider both our customers and staff to be part of the Marcruss family.' The team ended their message by saying: 'The closing of our doors will certainly be a loss and we believe that the vibrant city of Bristol will feel a little less bright without us.' On the last day of trading, Marcruss Outdoors changed its Facebook cover photo to one that stated it was now closed. Taking to the comments section, fans were quick to share their sadness at the closure. One said: 'We will be so sad to see you go. Marcruss has always been our go to place for anything outdoors. It has been a big part of our family for a very long time. It will be a big loss.' A second wrote: 'I'm so sorry. Bristol loses an institution.' While a third commented: 'Been my go to place over the decades for work, fishing and outdoor clothing and supplies. 'Such a shame to see it go. Wishing the staff and owners all the best for the future. Must be a very hard decision to make after almost 60 years trading. The business was started by Frank Pinson and his son Trevor in the mid-1960s. They took over what had been an army surplus store for many years before that. In more recent years the shop has been run by Trevor's sons Marcus, who looked after the army surplus and Airsoft side, and Adam who oversaw camping equipment and workwear. The name 'Marcruss' refers to Marcus and one of Trevor's other sons, Russ, who is no longer involved in the shop.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks Featuring Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC
As Gulf stocks remain steady amid anticipation of clarity on U.S. trade policies, the Middle Eastern markets continue to navigate a landscape marked by mixed sector performances and cautious investor sentiment. In this environment, dividend stocks can offer stability and income potential, making them an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on solid fundamentals in the region's evolving economic climate. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Saudi Telecom (SASE:7010) 9.92% ★★★★★☆ Saudi National Bank (SASE:1180) 5.34% ★★★★★☆ Saudi Awwal Bank (SASE:1060) 5.91% ★★★★★☆ Riyad Bank (SASE:1010) 6.32% ★★★★★☆ National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (P.S.C.) (ADX:RAKBANK) 6.88% ★★★★★☆ Emirates NBD Bank PJSC (DFM:EMIRATESNBD) 4.13% ★★★★★☆ Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM:EMAAR) 7.14% ★★★★★☆ Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC (DFM:CBD) 5.58% ★★★★★☆ Arab National Bank (SASE:1080) 5.95% ★★★★★☆ Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik Anonim Sirketi (IBSE:ANHYT) 7.32% ★★★★★☆ Click here to see the full list of 76 stocks from our Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC, operating with its subsidiaries, offers telecommunications services, media, and related equipment both in the United Arab Emirates and internationally, with a market cap of AED155.67 billion. Operations: Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC generates revenue from several segments, including E& UAE (AED33.32 billion), E& International (AED23.88 billion), E& Enterprise (AED3.03 billion), and E& Life (AED2.16 billion). Dividend Yield: 4.6% Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC recently reported strong earnings growth, with first-quarter net income rising to AED 5.35 billion from AED 2.33 billion a year ago. Despite this, the company's dividend history has been volatile over the past decade, though recent increases suggest improvement. The dividend yield of 4.64% is below top-tier levels in the AE market but remains sustainable with a payout ratio of 52.4%, supported by both earnings and cash flows. Dive into the specifics of Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC here with our thorough dividend report. Our valuation report unveils the possibility Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC's shares may be trading at a discount. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Indeks Bilgisayar Sistemleri Mühendislik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi operates as a distributor of IT products in Turkey, with a market cap of TRY5.22 billion. Operations: Indeks Bilgisayar Sistemleri Mühendislik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi generates revenue primarily from Information Technologies and Telecom, amounting to TRY64.68 billion, and Logistics and Rental services, contributing TRY351.95 million. Dividend Yield: 5% Indeks Bilgisayar Sistemleri offers a compelling dividend profile, with payments well-covered by earnings (30.1% payout ratio) and cash flows (12.2% cash payout ratio). Despite recent declines in sales and net income, the stock trades significantly below fair value estimates. The dividend yield of 4.98% ranks among the top 25% in Turkey, though its history is under a decade long. While profit margins have decreased, dividends remain stable and are growing steadily over four years. Get an in-depth perspective on Indeks Bilgisayar Sistemleri Mühendislik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi's performance by reading our dividend report here. In light of our recent valuation report, it seems possible that Indeks Bilgisayar Sistemleri Mühendislik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi is trading behind its estimated value. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: OYAK Çimento Fabrikalari A.S., along with its subsidiaries, is involved in the production and sale of clinker and cement in Turkey, with a market cap of TRY120.28 billion. Operations: OYAK Çimento Fabrikalari A.S. generates revenue from its Cement segment amounting to TRY15.24 billion and from its Ready-Mixed Concrete segment totaling TRY15.28 billion. Dividend Yield: 4% OYAK Çimento Fabrikalari's dividend yield of 4.04% places it in the top 25% of Turkish dividend payers, though its dividends have been volatile over the past decade. Despite a reasonable payout ratio of 69%, dividends are not covered by free cash flows, raising sustainability concerns. Recent earnings show decreased sales and net income compared to last year, with profit margins dropping from 25.9% to 16.2%, highlighting potential challenges for future dividend stability and growth. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of OYAK Çimento Fabrikalari stock in this dividend report. The analysis detailed in our OYAK Çimento Fabrikalari valuation report hints at an inflated share price compared to its estimated value. Unlock more gems! Our Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks screener has unearthed 73 more companies for you to here to unveil our expertly curated list of 76 Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks. Have a stake in these businesses? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports. Unlock the power of informed investing with Simply Wall St, your free guide to navigating stock markets worldwide. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include ADX:EAND IBSE:INDES and IBSE:OYAKC. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ 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
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Hidden Cost Of Chasing The Wrong Deals
Nikolaus Kimla is CEO of Pipeliner CRM, an innovative sales CRM solution designed by sales professionals for sales professionals. Sales is all about the art of closing the deal. Behind the curtain, that means a lot of patience, persuasion and persistence. But what if that determination hurts more than it helps? Today's economic climate means sales teams must be lean and efficient, bringing in more sales revenue and fewer expenditures. What many aren't considering, because it's not ingrained behavior, is the risk of the sunk cost. Identifying Sunk Cost What is sunk cost? It's going past the point of no return; pursuing a new customer or an upsell to the point that, even if the sale is won, the revenue is lost to the time invested in the pursuit. But again, what is sales without a little bit of persistence? All good businesses know that pursuing sales is an investment. Where sunk cost comes into consideration is in defining that line between investment and loss. At what point do you stop following up on an unqualified lead? When do you need to revisit your sales strategy, because it's just not cutting it? Some common signs that indicate you might be close to passing the boundary between revenue-generating and sunk costs are: • Persistent follow-up without any indications of purchasing intent • Defending a deal because 'we've already spent so much time on it' • Over-reliance on legacy clients with diminishing returns or a lack of interest in new products and features How Sunk Costs Stall Sales Growth Sunk costs are, for the most part, avoidable when you know how to watch for them. As a result, it's possible to largely mitigate their impact on KPIs and your bottom line. However, when you're not monitoring their risk, the real consequences come into play. If left unconsidered, sunk costs can lower your win rates, decrease team morale, lead to inefficient pipelines, inaccurate sales forecasting and reduce agility. Knowing When To Bail Out One of the challenges of avoiding sunk costs is that there's no one set definition of that invisible boundary—it looks different from business to business and even sale to sale at times. That said, there are a few common indicators that mean a potential sale may be nearing the point of sunk cost, such as repeated delays in the decision-making process, multiple demos and proposals with no real movement or a lack of urgency in communication. Some questions to ask to help identify the risk of sunk costs include: • Does this customer align with our ideal buyer profile? • Are you ignoring red flags because you've 'already come this far?' • Are you investing more senior leadership, travel or support with no payoff? • Is the buyer matching your energy when it comes to moving the conversation forward, or are you doing all the pushing? Leveraging a sales CRM designed with sunk costs in mind can simplify the establishment of comprehensive strategies for monitoring what that boundary looks like. Each company can set its own rules for monitoring. For example, for one company, it may be a set percentage of the overall sale, while for another, it may be a specific number of hours dedicated to nurturing each lead. Consequently, sales professionals can more easily assess the health of each lead to determine when they may be nearing that boundary. Even with the right sales tools, it can be easy to overlook the warning signs if you're not watching out for them. Other best practices to help prevent sunk cost risk can include regularly qualifying and re-qualifying your leads, setting a firm internal deadline for when you will stop pursuing a lead or pivoting to a new stakeholder. Why Sunk Costs Are Especially Dangerous Right Now Sales teams are under increased pressure as many B2B and B2C shoppers tighten budgets and slash discretionary spending. This means heightened scrutiny on KPIs, which sunk costs can quickly destroy. Sales teams that set markers for when a lead becomes a sunk cost will see the most success moving ahead. Those who monitor their sunk cost parameters will have an easier time managing their sunk cost risk and avoiding lost revenue before it happens. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
