Latest news with #leverage
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Watchdog to Collect More Non-Bank Data Amid Leverage Concerns
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority will look to collect more data from non-bank players like pension funds, insurers and hedge funds as it seeks to better monitor leverage in the financial system and align with international regulators to spot potential issues. The FCA has already been evaluating what data it needs from non-bank players and has begun switching off regulatory reporting that is no longer relevant, according to Sarah Pritchard, the FCA's deputy chief executive. The watchdog is now weighing what metrics would be most useful for it to collect going forward.
New York Times
07-08-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
MLB bullpens impacting fantasy baseball. Kyle Finnegan gets two saves, JoJo Romero steps up
The entire leverage landscape has changed since my column following the trade deadline, reinforcing how volatile the closer role can be. Six changes have been made in the American League leverage pathways since then, and two have been made in the National League. Although some team patterns have become clearer, committee or matchup-based approaches persist, causing frustration for those chasing saves. Advertisement After suggesting Kyle Finnegan could be involved in the Tigers' save mix, he recorded the only two saves since his arrival, coinciding with Will Vest's recent struggles. Devin Williams appears ticketed for another low-leverage reset after consecutive blown saves against Tampa Bay and Texas, plus a loss in his last outing. He has allowed at least a run in his past four appearances and six of his previous eight. Robert Garcia has lost his grip on the preferred save share for Texas, giving up a home run in each of his past three outings while getting tagged with two blown saves and two losses. In the NL, Seth Halvorsen was placed on the injured list, and he hopes to return by the end of the season, further periling a weak leverage pathway. Kevin Ginkel landed on the 60-day injured list, ending his season. St. Louis has provided more clarity on roles, with JoJo Romero and Riley O'Brien posting saves since Ryan Helsley's trade. Considering all of these changes, my leverage pathways have been updated. Here are my high-leverage pathway identifiers. Each team will receive one of the following labels: Baltimore Orioles: Keegan Akin has the only save following the trade deadline. Although he's volatile in save situations, he may be the most reliable reliever while Félix Bautista is on the injured list. It's been an up-and-down season for Yennier Cano. He's also in the mix, but could enter a game in the sixth, eighth or ninth inning, making him a deep-league play only. Detroit Tigers: With two saves for his new team, Finnegan has tweaked his pitch mix, throwing more split-fingered fastballs to generate more whiffs. His arrival has affected the fantasy value of Vest, who has not secured a save since July 20. Minnesota Twins: So much for Cole Sands emerging as the preferred save share; he has pitched the eighth inning in all three outings since his team gutted the leverage ladder. Justin Topa has posted the only save over the past seven days. The team has been linked to Ryan Pressly, but he's weighing offers as a free agent following his designation for assignment by the Cubs. Advertisement New York Yankees: As highlighted above, Williams has lost his grip on the closer role. David Bednar recorded a five-out save in Texas and could cement his role atop the team's leverage pecking order with continued strong appearances. Manager Aaron Boone can also continue mixing and matching in the late innings based on matchups, so this must be monitored closely. Texas Rangers: Newly acquired Phil Maton converted his first save chance for the Rangers against the Yankees and could earn the preferred save share based on performance. The Athletics: In a tied game with Washington, Sean Newcomb tossed two scoreless frames across the seventh and eighth innings before Michael Kelly suffered a walk-off loss. They remain the primary late-inning options, but wins have been sparse, and with no clear roles, it's best to avoid situations like this from a fantasy perspective. Arizona Diamondbacks: Manager Torey Lovullo has suggested he does not know who will close games with Kevin Ginkel out for the remainder of the season. Andrew Saalfrank, John Curtiss, and Kyle Backhus are in the mix. It would be wise to leave this headache for your opponent. Colorado Rockies: Although Halvorsen was not lost for the season, his rehab will determine when he can return to play. Victor Vodnik should be the fill-in, but he has allowed multiple runs in two of his past three games and at least a run in four of his previous five games. Tread lightly here; the risk outweighs the reward. Los Angeles Dodgers: A noted slow starter, Blake Treinen has struggled since returning from his extended layoff on the injured list, but remains the preferred option for saves until Tanner Scott can return. However, Treinen has not recorded a save since April 9. Pittsburgh Pirates: Although it felt like this would be the coronation of Dennis Santana as the closer, he has struggled in recent outings, allowing multiple runs in two of his past three appearances. He should have some migration toward the mean, but better results during save situations are needed for fantasy relevance. Monitor his next few outings closely. Advertisement St. Louis Cardinals: Romero has been the highest-leveraged reliever facing the toughest left-handed hitters while recording two saves and a win over his past three appearances. O'Brien posted his first career save against the Dodgers, and though he lacks swing-and-miss upside, he can provide ancillary saves when Romero appears before the ninth inning. Kyle Leahy logged two innings in his last outing and projects as the bridge reliever for his teammates. San Francisco Giants: Earning his first All-Star appearance, Randy Rodríguez had been struggling in the second half but turned in a clean save appearance his last time out against the Pirates, notching his third save. He has converted two of three save opportunities in August. Washington Nationals: This franchise has not had a reliever record a save since July 28, so it's not on Jose A. Ferrer. He is the preferred save option based on his elite velocity and ground ball rates. But volume may be a struggle down the stretch. *Multi-inning or bridge relievers who can vulture wins and help protect ratios. Statistical Credits: and Check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey for daily updates. (Photo of Kyle Finnegan: Duane Burleson / Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Fox News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump is 'frustrated' with Russia over ceasefire push, says Steve Yates
AFPI senior fellow Steve Yates discusses President Donald Trump's leverage with Russia as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and reports the White House is looking to break the Russia-China axis.
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Good Vs Bad Debt: When To Borrow, Pass, Or Pay Cash
Figuring out when to take out a loan, pay cash, use leverage, or pass when something isn't ... More affordable. Unpacking good vs bad debt. Myth: you should always pay cash if you can. Fact: investors should strive to have multiple tools in their financial toolbox, including taking on debt, using leverage, paying cash, or knowing when to pass when something isn't affordable or just doesn't make sense financially. Yet, it can be difficult to figure out when to use one over the other. Other common challenges include overcoming the mental hurdle of taking on debt even when it's advantageous and respecting potential gaps between what someone is willing to lend and what you can truly afford to borrow. Remember: all debt is bad debt if you can't afford it. Typical Examples Of Good Debt Vs. Bad Debt It is worth noting that the definition of good versus bad debt isn't exact. As with anything in personal finance, here too the answer is 'it depends'. For example, at face value, taking out a mortgage to build equity in a home or using student loans to advance your education and increase your earning potential are positive financial steps. But as illustrated in 2008, there are risks to consider before buying a home with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). And although investing in education has the potential to pay off, it isn't always worth it, so consider the economic value of the chosen major, salary ranges and financial trajectories given likely career paths. Borrowing: Considerations For Debt Here are some of the initial factors you'll need to consider when determining whether it's advantageous to take out a loan. Mortgages Getting a mortgage can provide tax benefits for taxpayers who itemize their deductions. Generally, when buying a primary or second home, interest on loans up to $750,000 can be deducted. This includes home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) if the proceeds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the residence. Given the increase in the standard deduction, made permanent in The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB), and changes to state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps through 2029, you'll want to run the mortgage interest math. For some, it will be essential for itemizing, for others, it still won't meet the hurdle. If you don't have the cash on hand to purchase the property outright, the primary issue is affordability. In addition to the debt consideration list above, consider the extent to which the purchase will reduce your financial flexibility and ability to manage unexpected costs or events. Remember, lenders typically calculate how much you can 'afford' to borrow using minimum payment requirements. This often isn't truly representative of your financial obligations or prudent measures you're already taking, like paying off credit cards in full each month. If you are able to buy a home with cash instead of a mortgage, consider the opportunity cost. When interest rates are low, it can be a missed investment opportunity if you think your portfolio would produce greater returns than the interest rate on the loan. When rates are higher, it may make more sense to buy with cash, and leave the door open to doing a cash-out refinance if rates drop. If an investor's cost of borrowing is less than their expected rate of return, that's an opportunity for leverage. Student Loans The truth is, college is expensive. As a purely financial decision, the investment doesn't always make sense. Parents are encouraged to help their kids with this important exercise to avoid taking on loan debt that cannot easily be repaid. From a debt perspective, pre-planning is essential. The rules around student loans are complex, and many students will have different structures. This can include multiple tranches of loans (to align with each academic year), subsidized and unsubsidized loans, family loans or parent PLUS loans, federal and private loans, or other borrowing arrangements. This can make it difficult for students to grasp what they'll owe after graduation. Ideally, students can keep borrowing costs low by working part-time, comparing the total cost of one school versus another, and spending the time investigating and applying for merit scholarships. If you do take on debt or if you're considering consolidating or refinancing, understand the differences between federal and private student loans, such as forbearance, income-based payment options, and forgiveness. As with any financial decision, the best choice is an informed one. From a tax standpoint, the student loan interest deduction isn't much of a game-changer. The maximum amount of interest that can be deducted annually is $2,500 (for single or married taxpayers filing jointly). The deduction begins to phase out for single filers when their income exceeds $85,000 or $170,000 for married filers in 2025. Auto Loans Car loans are getting a lot of attention these days thanks to the OBBB. Under the new tax law, individual taxpayers may be eligible to deduct up to $10,000 per year in interest paid on auto loans for personal-use vehicles. There are rules and requirements to be aware of though, including income limits, which disallow single taxpayers earning more than $100,000 annually ($200,000 for couples). This new interest deduction is a perfect example to illustrate the difference between 'can' and 'should'. Let's look at the math: According to NerdWallet, the average interest rate for new car buyers with Prime credit scores (661-780) is currently 6.70%. Assuming a five-year loan, a borrower would need to spend more than $160,000 on a new car to maximize their interest deduction in the first year of the loan. Given the income limits to qualify for the tax break, this would never make financial sense. Car loans are often considered a grey area as far as good versus bad debt is concerned. Consider overall affordability, whether there's a need to build credit, and what other options you have. Cars are means of transportation, not investments. Buyers should remember they can get upside down on their car loan, which can be particularly painful after an accident or serious mechanical issue. Credit Cards And Buy Now Pay Later When used responsibly, credit cards have little downside: earn rewards or cash back for purchases, 30-day interest-free loan when paid off monthly, help settling disputes with vendors, opportunity to build credit, and other services. Credit cards are also an excellent way to safeguard your finances, due to the enhanced fraud protections. This fact alone typically makes using a credit card a better option versus paying with cash using a debit card. However, spenders often get into trouble quickly when they can't pay off their balance every month. With average interest rates around 25%, it is easy to get into a deep hole. This is when credit cards go from good debt to bad debt. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) programs are a relatively new way to pay. Some programs offer no interest installment payments and flexible payment plans. This can help with timing issues (like waiting for a bonus check for example). BNPL programs might not check your credit, which can be a plus as hard inquiries impact your credit score. However, these installment payments can make it difficult to track what you owe and can lead to overspending. Starting fall 2025, FICO scores will include data from buy now, pay later loans. This will help some borrowers build their credit, and hurt those who overextend. There are no tax benefits for interest paid on either payment method. As with any form of debt financing, just because someone is willing to lend it to you, doesn't mean you can afford it. Using credit cards or BNPL programs can be a good way to optimize payments versus cash, but neither should be considered a substitute for having the cash today. So typically, if you don't have the cash in your bank, you should consider passing on the purchase altogether. Borrowing Against Your Portfolio A securities-backed line of credit is like a home equity line of credit in many ways, except the collateral is your investment account, not a home. A securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) allows investors to get cash by borrowing against their brokerage account instead of liquidating their portfolio to raise cash. It's a great example of using leverage, too. Although it likely is not a good long-term strategy for most investors, it can be a compelling short-term solution while awaiting liquidity from other sources, such as the planned sale of a business. It can also be a top choice for homeowners looking to buy a new home before selling their old one. The main benefits of using a portfolio-based loan are: avoiding capital gains tax from the sale of investments and because there isn't a sale, the account stays fully invested. This helps borrowers avoid the opportunity cost of using cash or investment assets. These types of loans typically avoid the usual fees of a mortgage or other type of secured loan. The interest you pay on the loan may also be tax-deductible depending on what the proceeds are used for. Investors may also have more flexible repayment options. But borrowing against your portfolio carries risks. The lender may be able to demand payment at any time depending on the value of your account or other factors. If you own highly volatile assets, it will increase your risk and impact eligibility. Again, in most cases, borrowing against an investment account should be considered as an optimization strategy or near-term solution for cash-timing issues, not a substitute for affordability issues. Borrow, Pass Or Pay Cash To summarize: if a purchase is going to put undue pressure on your financial situation or is otherwise out of reach financially, consider passing. That doesn't mean not buying anything, though, but reconsidering the budgetary limits. When considering taking on debt versus paying cash, look at all the factors, like the cost of the loan, possible tax benefits, and opportunity cost for cash purchases. This article is a refreshed version of my 2019 article on Good Debt vs. Bad Debt.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
2 Profitable Side Hustles You Can Start This Week
There are two simple moves that could change the way you earn money, without quitting your job or ... More adding 30 hours to your week. What if I told you that two profitable side hustles could change the way you earn money forever? And that you wouldn't have to quit your job or add 30 hours to your week to do it? Sounds like a late-night infomercial, right? But this isn't a gimmick. It's real. And it's already working for thousands of entrepreneurs who want more income, more freedom, and more leverage. In this article, I'll show you the only two side hustles I have seen working for business owners who are already running a business and crave more financial breathing room now. This is for you if: Let's break it down. Why You Need Profitable Side Hustles Now (Even If You're Already a Business Owner) If you're already running a business, you might be thinking: "Isn't this enough?" Maybe. But here's what I see behind the scenes with a lot of small business owners: That's where the right side hustle comes in to create a new revenue stream. Done right, a side hustle isn't just extra cash, it's: If your current business is your main money engine, think of a side hustle as your second income stream, quietly humming in the background, adding lift and leverage. And here's more good news. Side hustles can eventually increase the value of your business. Why? Because a business buyer sees diversified revenue streams. They see scalable systems. They see repeatable income that doesn't rely on you as the business owner. The Two Profitable Side Hustles That Work For Freedompreneurs Forget drop shipping and scammy Multi Level Marketing. If you want a smart, low-lift, high-leverage side hustle that fits your life and your business goals, these are the only two I recommend: Why it works: You create it once. It sells forever. Digital products are the ultimate freedom hack. No inventory. No shipping. No time zone drama. Just pure profit on repeat. Best part? You already have the knowledge people will pay for. Think about it: You don't need to be a social media influencer. You don't need a huge email list of potential clients. You just need a clear solution to a real problem. Examples of Digital Products that sell: These small but powerful digital products can sell on autopilot via your website, Kajabi or a simple landing page with Stripe. You don't need fancy design. Just clarity and usefulness. Why it works: You're already recommending tools, books, and services. Now you get paid for it. Affiliate marketing isn't about spammy links or pushing things you don't believe in. It's about getting rewarded for the referrals you're already making. You probably: Those tools often have affiliate programs you can sign up for with just a few clicks. Real example: A copywriter I know sends her onboarding clients a list of tools they need for their product launch: an email system, a simple landing page, and a design tool. She includes her affiliate links. That one email brings in $400+ a month. Pro tip: Be transparent. Say "this is an affiliate link, I only recommend what I love", and people will respect you more, not less. What These 2 Profitable Side Hustles Have In Common Both of these income streams share something crucial: they turn you from someone selling their time to an asset builder. You and your team are not just doing the work. You're building a business that works for you, even when you are not. Digital products and affiliate marketing: And if you ever decide to sell your business? These extra revenue streams make it more attractive. Why? Because buyers love businesses that: Action Plan To Start Profitable Side Hustles This Week Step 1: Pick one side hustle: digital product or affiliate marketing. Step 2: Set aside 90 minutes this week to: Step 3: Launch imperfectly. Send the link to 10 people who need it. Post about it once. Mention it in your next client call. That's it. That's the launch. Final Thoughts: Building Leverage With a Side Hustle You don't need to wait for a business buyer to build a profitable, exit-ready business. And you don't need to wait until burnout to find freedom. You can build leverage now. You can create more cashflow today. And it can start with one small side hustle. That doesn't take over your life. That doesn't need a team. And that doesn't rely on hustle culture. Just one smart idea. Shared with the right people. And sold simply. That's how freedompreneurs build valuable businesses. Two profitable side hustles at a time. Now go pick yours.
