Latest news with #policyMakers
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fed Officials Appear Divided Over 2025 Policy Path, June Meeting Minutes Show
Federal Reserve officials last month offered mixed views on the monetary policy path ahead, with opi 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
The National
26-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Why temperament matters more than tactics in investing
Investors today are often caught in a constant state of motion, searching for the next winning move. They watch financial headlines closely, adjust their portfolios in response to market news, and try to time their entry and exit points just right. For many, investing becomes a series of short-term tactical decisions rather than a long-term strategy guided by clear principles. Recent months have brought a new layer of complexity. Changes to tariffs, fluctuating trade policies and uncertainty in global markets have left investors second-guessing their every move. With conflicting messages from policy makers and unexpected developments in trade negotiations, even those responsible for shaping economic policy appear unsure of the outcome. In this environment, it is natural to feel pressure to act. But what if your success as an investor depends less on reacting quickly and more on staying calm? What if your mindset – your temperament – has a greater impact on your financial future than any short-term adjustment? The unsung hero of long-term investing Many investors believe that success is about intelligence, information or perfect timing. In truth, the qualities that matter most are patience, discipline and emotional resilience. Together, these qualities form what we call temperament. How you respond to uncertainty, volatility and risk is more important than how quickly you react to the latest news. Markets are unpredictable, but your response to them does not have to be. If you have a sound investment plan, your temperament can help you stay the course, even when others are panicking. As famous investor Warren Buffett once said: 'The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect.' That insight has guided generations of successful long-term investors. Strategy and tactics: A sailing analogy Imagine your financial journey as a voyage across open waters. Your strategy is the route you have charted in advance. It might be focused on retiring comfortably, funding your children's education or leaving a meaningful legacy. Your strategy reflects your values, goals and personal circumstances. Tactics, in contrast, are the adjustments you make along the way. Changing the sails in response to shifting winds or steering around an unexpected storm – these are tactical decisions. While tactical moves are sometimes necessary, they should not override your overall course. Unless something significant changes in your life, your core financial strategy should remain largely intact. Unfortunately, many investors abandon solid plans in response to short-term market changes, media speculation or gut feelings. Reacting to short-term events, such as tariff fluctuations, rarely improves long-term results. Financial markets are influenced by a wide range of unpredictable factors. Even experts cannot reliably forecast short-term movements. Trying to 'out-manoeuvre' the market can often do more harm than good. Emotional discipline in uncertain times In periods of volatility, such as the recent tariff policy changes, there is a strong temptation to make frequent changes to your portfolio. Investors feel they must 'do something' to stay ahead. But acting on impulse, especially in a fast-changing environment, often leads to mistakes. Instead of reacting to every headline, consider stepping back. Revisit your financial plan, not just your investments. Ask yourself: has your long-term goal changed? Has your personal situation shifted? If the answer is no, your investment strategy probably does not need adjusting either. Remember, successful investors do not avoid market downturns – they endure them. They understand that progress is rarely linear. Financial growth often includes setbacks and uncertainty. The difference lies in how investors respond. Controlling what you can We are not naturally equipped for long-term investing. Our brains evolved to prioritise short-term survival over long-term planning. As a result, we tend to overreact to losses, spot patterns that do not exist and overestimate our ability to predict outcomes. This is where temperament becomes essential. Emotional awareness and self-control help investors resist the urge to act out of fear or greed. These traits are not innate; they can be developed over time through reflection, education and experience. We cannot control market returns, interest rates or geopolitical events. But we can control our own behaviour. In times of uncertainty, this is a powerful advantage. When others are making rushed decisions, investors with strong temperament stay focused and grounded. Staying the course Investing is not about avoiding risk or predicting the future. It is about preparing for uncertainty and responding with calm and clarity. Remember to think of your portfolio as a ship, built to withstand storms. Your temperament is what keeps you at the helm, steering steadily, even when the weather turns rough. Over time, the markets will fluctuate, headlines will change, and crises will come and go. But if you can remain disciplined, patient and focused on your long-term objectives, you stand a much better chance of achieving your most cherished life goals. Your future self – financially secure, confident and prepared – will not look back and thank you for reacting to every news alert. Instead, they will thank you for your patience, your perspective and your unwavering temperament.
Trade Arabia
09-06-2025
- Health
- Trade Arabia
WHO highlights the vital role of scientists in ensuring food safety
Scientists contribute to understanding the risks to human health from known, emerging and anticipated food contaminants in many ways and also conduct rigorous research to generate reliable evidence which helps policy-makers, food businesses and consumers make informed and safe decisions, according to World Health Organisation (WHO). WHO highlighted the role of scientific research and innovation in ensuring food safety at an event to mark World Food Safety Day 2025. The burden of foodborne diseases is significant yet largely preventable. Foodborne diseases affect individuals across all age groups, but particularly children under 5 and the vulnerable, it stated. The Eastern Mediterranean Region is at a critical point in efforts to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and nutritious food supplies. The situation is made even more urgent by fast-evolving climate change and environmental pollution, the surge in urbanization, population growth and shifts in lifestyle and consumption patterns. These factors are increasing human exposure to harmful chemical compounds, antimicrobial residues and drug-resistant foodborne pathogens. The health implications and associated economic costs of foodborne diseases are substantial. They include expenses related to medical treatment, child development, lost productivity, export restrictions and market loss. The World Health Assembly – WHA73.5 (2020) "Strengthening efforts on food safety" – has mandated WHO to update estimates of the global foodborne disease burden. By offering detailed insights into the incidence, mortality and disease burden expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and providing a comprehensive overview of the impact of these foodborne diseases, WHO plays a crucial role in guiding public health strategies and ensuring safer food practices worldwide. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, improving food safety requires robust commitment to scientific research. By strategically harnessing scientific advances and actively cultivating regional and international collaborations, the Region can enhance food safety and quality, help protect public health and drive economic sustainability forward.
Bloomberg
07-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Best of the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg
The Best of the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg - bringing together some of the world's most influential thinkers, policy makers and business leaders to discuss how the global economy is transforming amid the changing geopolitical landscape, as Gulf nations emerge as key centers of financial power and opportunity. This special Bloomberg program highlights biggest interviews and news makers from the fifth edition of the annual forum that took place on May 20, 2025 in Doha. (Source: Bloomberg)
Forbes
30-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Marriage Stats Every Modern Couple Should Know — By A Psychologist
As society shifts, so do people's approaches to commitment. Understanding how marriage changes is ... More essential to knowing what works best for you. Over the past few decades, the face of marriage has slowly begun to change. Not too long ago, many families looked quite similar. Most young people saw at least one marriage in their future, and the average age to wed was relatively young. This has begun to change over the past decade. While some people realize that marriage might not be for them, others wish to learn what it takes to keep the spark alive. As a result, people are turning toward unconventional unions as an alternative to tradition. For instance, in response to the increased divorce rate, Mexico City considered introducing the option of a renewable marriage contract. The point here was to allow couples to stay married for up to two years with the option to adjust or dissolve the agreement when the contract expires. While these measures seemed counterintuitive, the intention behind the proposed bill was to offer an option for people to test the waters before making a life-long commitment. Mexico's renewable contracts never came to pass, but the fact that the country's policy makers considered it shows how the concept of marriage is itching to evolve. More and more people are adjusting tradition to find something that suits them better. Knowing how people reshape their unions could be the key to improving your romantic life. Here are three marriage statistics to be aware of. With the gradual fading of societal stigma, living with a partner outside of marriage has become increasingly common. While cohabitation was once seen as a steppingstone to marriage, a 2019 report from the Pew Research Center notes that for many young people today, moving in together is not necessarily part of a path toward tying the knot — it's simply how they choose to build their lives. The number of unmarried adults living together has increased since the 1960s, and according to the report, 59% of US adults aged 18 to 44 have lived with an unmarried partner at some point in their lives. People often choose to do so as it offers the solace of a partner without the potential consequences of divorce, or simply because they believe living together is just as deep a sign of commitment as getting married. This might seem like the perfect compromise, but it does not suit everybody. Simply living together looks like the ideal alternative — offering companionship without legal commitments — but it can be short-lived. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that living together is more of a transitional phase than a lasting situation for many. Despite these statistics, some couples still feel that cohabitation is the best way to make their relationship work. According to a 2014 Couple and Family Psychology study, one of the biggest reasons for the increasing divorce rate is a lack of commitment. Love does not come easy — it takes time, effort and compromise for most people. This is where counseling plays a crucial role. Rather than viewing relationship difficulty as a sign of weakness, many couples take on the challenge with the help of counseling. This provides a safe outlet for people in a relationship to settle things amicably. A counselor can help couples mediate their deepest frustrations. Through reviewing the relationship, couples learn essential tools, practice active listening and gain empathy for their partners. A 2012 study in BMC Public Health analyzed evaluations of almost 150 couples in therapy. It found that relationship satisfaction was the most common outcome. Across the board, couples who participated in treatment reported notable improvements in their relationships from pre- to post-treatment. These improvements ranged from healthier communication to increased emotional intimacy and a stronger sense of connection. The fact that more couples are going to counseling confirms something that people already know — marriage is hard. Couples have begun taking their time before heading to the altar, aided by the understanding that marriage is a huge undertaking that requires maturity and careful consideration. A 2024 report from the National Centre for Family and Marriage Research shows that the average 'marriage age' has grown steadily since 2012, reaching roughly 30 in 2020 for males, and a historic high of about 28 for women in 2021. While this might not seem old, it is significantly higher than what people thought the appropriate age for marriage was in the past. While taking your vows remains a meaningful milestone for many, it is clear that people are approaching it with greater caution. As societal expectations shift and individuals prioritize personal growth and stability, waiting longer to marry reflects a deeper understanding of the promise it truly requires. Relationships come in many shapes and sizes, and society is starting to recognize that. People are changing traditions to try to find what works best. Whether you get married older or cohabitate, it's about how you feel as a couple. The choices you make in your relationship are about doing what suits you and what can serve the relationship in the long term. Are you satisfied with your marriage? Take this science-backed test to find out: Marital Satisfaction Scale
