News

After the results of the US presidential election were announced, the price of gold, which set several price records this year, began to decline.

What is it? Is it a trend change or a temporary correction? Let’s find out.

Historically, gold has been considered the best financial investment — it is a reliable physical asset whose value has been growing steadily. However, with the development of the global financial market in general and financial instruments in particular, gold began to decline as investors began to diversify their portfolios and pay attention to other financial instruments.

But the last 20 years, when the world has experienced more than one financial crisis, have proven that gold not only continues to be one of the safest assets, but also consistently brings investors profit. And while in the early 2000s a troy ounce of gold cost about $400, and on the eve of the 2008 crisis it was about $1,000, in 2011 it was just under $2,000.

In 2024, gold set several price records at once, and in October 2024-its price has almost exceeded the price of $2,700. Global gold demand grew by around 5% in the third quarter of 2024, setting a record and lifting consumption to over $100 billion for the first time.

The reasons for this process are quite global: economic and political uncertainty and instability in the world, the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, and expectations for the results of the US presidential election. As I have already written, in September, the US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 50 basis points for the first time since 2020, which led to a decline in US sovereign bond yields, and in early November – by another 25 basis points.

According to financial laws, rapid growth is followed by a temporary decline in prices. This has already happened in the last decade of October. After the announcement of the US election results, gold continued to fall in price: its price dropped to $2600 per troy ounce.

Is this the final correction? We’ll see. But we shouldn’t write off gold, as it is likely to remain an attractive instrument for capital protection.

Read more:
Is the era of expensive gold over?

Looking to expand your business globally? Expanding overseas is a smart strategy that removes geographical limitations and helps you increase your market share, among many other benefits.

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Tips for Creating a Global Expansion Strategy

In the modern digital space, responsive web design is a crucial determinant of success. It automatically readjusts the web layout to different screen sizes and devices in such a way that comfortable use is enabled via any mobile phone, tablet, or desktop.

As soon as many users started surfing the internet through their phones, and with search engines’ love shifting towards mobile-friendly websites, responsive design became the necessary concern of any business oriented toward user experience and SEO.

This article describes those necessary ways in which responsive web design services in Colchester affects both SEO and user experience, pressing on the need for mobile-friendly websites.

Better Experience for Mobile Users

More than 50% of the general web traffic is mobile. It therefore means that it is of essence to be mobile-friendly. With responsive design, text, images, and navigation are optimized for the smaller screen, so mobile users have an easy time accessing content without overusing zooming and scrolling. This means that usability improves; on-site times are going to increase, while the bounce rates go down. All this is telling the search engines that this is relevant content deserving of a good ranking. Fundamentally, a responsive website lets a business answer today’s needs of the user, and as a consequence directly improves those metrics towards better engagement.

Better SEO Performance

That means search engines consider primarily the mobile version of content while ranking pages from a website.In other words, a responsive website has only one URL and one HTML code; that is dynamic across devices. Consequently, it’s quite easy for Google to crawl and index the content of such sites. On the other hand, separate mobile sites can lead to issues of duplicate content with their own negative consequences on SEO. Your responsive design means you have one codebase and identical content. Due to this, your sites have a better ranking chance high up in the search results.

Faster Page Load Times

Page speed is paramount to both SEO and user experience. It means that if a website loads slowly, it will upset the users and they may even leave the site, thus increasing the bounce rate. Responsiveness in design mostly cleans up things for mobile use, thus loading up less on the mobile devices. Search engines like Google rank those sites that load faster, which allows users to navigate better. In fact, this will keep users longer engaged with your brand, which will help stimulate conversions.

Increased Integration with Social Media

That’s because, today, the majority of the users are accessing social media through their mobiles, and a responsive design will have shared content in a social media link accessible on any screen size. Social media will be one enriched source for driving traffic onto the site, and users would more willingly stay and interact with it when they find it is mobile-friendly. Due to this, the metrics of user engagement grow; therefore, it provides value to SEO by extending time on-site and reducing bounce rates.

Less Expenses and Time for Maintenance

Where one could have contained with the headache of updating one responsive site, having different desktop and mobile versions would keep them updated. It saves companies time because they only have to update a single version, meaning fewer maintenance tasks overall and smoother workflows for their content updates. This way, it ensures consistency across all devices, as all users will obtain the same information from whichever device is used to access that information, hence offering consistency for better user experiences.

Final Thoughts

The responsive web design has just become pivotal in any digital strategy, whereby at a very deep level, both SEO and the overall user experience are affected. Companies placing mobile-friendly design first in their priorities will see more visitors, increase engagement, and gain better search engine ranking positions. As digital interactions have increasingly been of a mobile nature, investment in responsive design is about staying competitive and meeting user expectations of the user in today’s digital landscape.

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How Responsive Web Design Affects SEO and User Experience

As smartphone technology advances, the need for more storage space has become increasingly pressing, particularly for professionals like video creators and photographers who often deal with large files. iPhones, despite their ample built-in storage, still have a major limitation: non-expandable memory.

This has led many users to explore external storage solutions. One popular choice is the portable SSD. But, can you use a portable SSD with your iPhone? The answer is a definite yes, particularly with the latest iPhone models like the iPhone 15 and 16 series. The Aiffro P10 portable SSD is a prime example of an effective and reliable solution for expanding your iPhone’s storage capacity.

Why Opt for a Portable SSD for iPhone?

Portable SSDs bring several key advantages, especially for users seeking additional storage without altering their device’s internal components.

High-Speed and Reliability: SSDs provide faster read/write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, allowing you to transfer and back up files rapidly. Since they have no moving parts, they’re more durable and compact, making them a top choice for those constantly on the move.
Flexibility: Portable SSDs allow you to store high-definition videos, RAW images, and other large files externally, freeing up internal storage for smoother performance.
Portable and Lightweight: Many modern portable SSDs are designed with mobility in mind. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for travel or fieldwork where cloud storage might not be feasible.

Why the Aiffro P Series Stands Out

Among the many SSD options, the Aiffro P Series has gained a reputation for its lightweight build, quick data transfer rates, and versatile compatibility.

Slim and Compact Design: The Aiffro P Series is among the slimmest SSDs on the market, weighing only 41 grams. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag without adding extra bulk.
Exceptional Speed: Equipped with the SM2302 controller, the Aiffro P Series offers outstanding data transfer performance. It efficiently handles the transfer of high-definition videos, massive data files, and regular backups, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Broad Compatibility: The P Series is built to work flawlessly with the latest iPhone models, thanks to its patented C-to-C data cable. This makes it ideal for iPhone 15 and 16 users who want to expand storage without relying on cloud subscriptions. Additionally, the magnetic sticker simplifies connectivity for Android users, broadening its utility.

Connecting and Using the Aiffro SSD with an iPhone

Using a portable SSD with an iPhone is straightforward, especially with devices like the Aiffro P Series. Simply connect the SSD using the included C-to-C cable for fast file transfer, whether you’re backing up media or syncing data between devices.

Common Use Cases:

Video Creators: Safely store high-quality footage on the go, especially useful for projects that require extensive travel or shooting on location.
Photographers: Quickly move large photo files, like RAW images, from your iPhone to the SSD, ensuring optimal storage space and a smooth workflow.
Business Professionals: Keep essential documents on a portable SSD and sync across multiple devices effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for those with a mobile lifestyle.

Key Considerations for Aiffro P10 Users

While the Aiffro P10 SSD offers excellent convenience, there are a few points to keep in mind for potential users:

Device Limitations: The Aiffro P10 is not compatible with gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. It is specifically designed for smartphones and computers.
Security and Durability: Rigorous testing has ensured that the P10 is both secure and reliable. With its shock-resistant design, it is well-suited for outdoor and rugged use, providing robust protection for your data in different conditions.

The Future of Portable SSDs: Aiffro’s Vision

As the demand for mobile storage continues to grow, the market for portable SSDs is expanding. The Aiffro P Series remains a strong contender, offering speed, portability, and cross-platform compatibility. In the future, advances in magnetic technology and device compatibility will likely increase the versatility of portable SSDs. Aiffro is committed to innovation, constantly seeking to enhance their products to meet the evolving storage needs of their users.

Final Thoughts

For iPhone users seeking to overcome storage constraints, the Aiffro P Series portable SSD offers a practical and efficient solution. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or needing extra storage for large files, this portable SSD can meet your demands. By opting for high-quality portable storage like the Aiffro P10, iPhone users can break free from the limitations of fixed storage and gain greater flexibility and control over their data.

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Exploring the Use of Portable SSDs for iPhone Storage Expansion

The career world forms the bedrock of the business world. You cannot have a business if you don’t have someone who is following a career in that business. And when it comes to the business of trading, particularly the careers therein, there is a whole lot to learn and know. 

Trading might strike you as something pretty easy from the get-go. You make a trade or two and Bob’s uncle but it is actually much harder than this. If you are someone either interested in the world of trading or looking to expand into a new industry career-wise, then there are certainly some factors to consider. This article aims to shed light on this information.

Make Use of Free Trading Accounts To Find Your Niche

The best way for anyone to start in the business of trading is through a dummy account. It doesn’t make sense for you to get your heart and soul invested in a potential career in this field if you haven’t tried it out for yourself at least a few times. The best way to go about this is by creating a free demo account for trading as this will give you the chance to navigate the platform yourself, see what different trading options are out there, try to make your own easy trades, navigate the pressure that comes with having to be online, see if you can understand the account well enough and the list goes on. Basically, it gives you the chance to see what’s happening in the world of trading without having to invest any real figures from your end. It’s a great way to get your toes wet without the risk of anything more than that. If you decide that it’s not for you, then you haven’t lost anything and if you decide that it is for you, great, then you can continue.

Be Clued Up on The Latest Technology

Another thing that you need to be aware of is that technology has a big impact on trading. If you’re someone looking to make trading your career then you have to be good with technology, that’s just a must. The reason technology is important in trading is because a lot of the trades you make will be online (likely all of them) and you have to know how to navigate the online world well in order to manage this. Many platforms that you engage with will also be based on highly advanced technology, as this might be a challenge for those who don’t know how to navigate these fields well.

Trading is an industry that is dependent on statistics and data and you need to be able to analyze these within seconds if you hope to make a name for yourself in trading. New trading signals crop up all the time and you need to understand them and use them to your advantage when you start trading.

Never Underestimate the Rest of the Global News

An important aspect of trading is what is happening in the rest of the world. Many people, especially those who are still beginners, will try to only analyze currencies and how to trade those. What loads forget though is that it’s not just the currency changes that need to be looked at but how and why those changes are made. You see, changes in the euro will be because of some political changes that are happening in Germany or Austria for example. Just think about the changes in the value of the pound when Brexit happened, that change, which was actually far more social and political than anything else, is the thing that catapulted the pound to experience new highs and lows, more than ever before.

So if you’re someone interested in pursuing a career in trading or if you’re just interested in the field in general, then you also need to know that you must keep up to date with happenings around the world, as these will all have an impact on your trading habits.

An Ever-Evolving Field

Business, careers, trading, currencies – these are all things that are constantly in motion. The value of the dollar is not the same as it was one second ago, the same goes for the pound and euro. These currencies change so quickly and this represents the changes within business, trading and careers as a whole very well.

Any business, regardless of the type of industry, will come with change. And you need to start getting used to change, especially in trading. Back in the day, all you could really trade in terms of finances were fiat currencies. However, today there are many digital currencies, such as cryptocurrencies that have completely changed the face of the finance world. You have Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dogecoin and a whole host of other currencies that you need to know about.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, these are some of the most important factors to consider in the world of trading. Trading is a huge business so if you want to partake in some form, it’s crucial that you know these basics. Just remember to always do your research beforehand, make sure you’re working on a safe and reputable site, trust your gut instinct and that should set you on a solid path forward.

Read more:
The Business of Trading: How to Navigate Careers in an Ever-Evolving Trading World

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s frequent changes to her top government teams have sparked conversation both within Tanzania and abroad.

Reshuffles of this nature might normally be seen as an unwelcome sign of instability and weakness. However, in this case it should be seen as a calculated strategy to maintain high standards, foster accountability, and ensure that her government remains adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape.

Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to reform and good governance, using her leadership appointments to set the tone for a forward-looking Tanzania. By regularly reshuffling key personnel, she has ensured that only the most capable and reform-minded individuals lead critical sectors.

Evolving Security Challenges Demand Flexible Leadership

One area where these frequent changes have been most notable is within Tanzania’s intelligence and security apparatus. President Samia has demonstrated a keen understanding of the fluid nature of security threats, making strategic leadership changes as needed. For instance, in response to the growing threat of cross-border terrorism, particularly from militant groups like Al-Shabaab operating in neighbouring countries like Somalia and Kenya, the President has appointed new intelligence heads experienced in counter-terrorism and regional security cooperation.

Similarly, President Samia’s government has faced the challenge of organised crime, particularly in the form of drug trafficking. The President’s decision to replace key security officials in 2021 was partly motivated by the need to address the growing influence of international drug cartels using Tanzania as a transit hub for narcotics destined for Europe and Asia.

These shifts reflect a broader understanding that no single approach to security can remain effective in a fast-changing world. For example, in 2023, Tanzania was faced with growing concerns over cybersecurity threats as the country’s digital infrastructure expanded. President Samia responded by instituting initiatives to upskill the Tanzania Police Force (TPF), with professional training being delivered to police to improve their response to cybercrime.

Cabinet Reshuffles: A Commitment to Reform

Beyond security, President Samia’s reshuffles within the Cabinet signal a broader push for reform across critical sectors, such as energy and health. These ministries are essential for Tanzania’s socio-economic development, and any inefficiency or corruption within them can have a ripple effect throughout the country.

Take her recent changes in the Ministry of Energy. A sector often fraught with allegations of corruption and inefficiency, it plays a crucial role in powering the nation’s economic engine. President Samia’s decision to appoint new leadership here sends a clear message: there is no room for complacency or mismanagement. Similarly, her reshuffles in the Ministry of Health reflect her government’s intent to improve healthcare delivery.

Upon her appointment, the new Minister of Health noted that the government’s focus would be on education, improving healthcare access, and infrastructure. These policy shifts demonstrate how the President is using her appointments not just as a tool for maintaining order, but as a means to accelerate much-needed reforms.

Another key element of her reformist agenda has been her commitment to women’s participation in Tanzania’s political process and leadership roles. In her second Cabinet reshuffle in June 2021, she retained all four female ministers from the Magufuli administration, assigned them new positions, and added five new females – bringing the total number of women to 9 in a team of 22 – the highest for the country since Independence. During her tenure, she also appointed several women to ministerial roles, such as Dr. Stergomena Tax as the Minister of Defence, the first woman to hold the position in Tanzania.

A Deliberate Strategy for Transparency and Accountability

By frequently reshuffling her government teams, President Samia has embedded an element of transparency and accountability into her administration. Regular appointments keep leaders on their toes, knowing they must perform, or risk being replaced. This creates an environment where complacency is not tolerated, and each appointee understands that their role is contingent on their ability to drive positive change.

Her approach sends a powerful message – that governance in Tanzania is dynamic, and those entrusted with leading the nation’s most critical sectors must meet the highest standards of performance and integrity.

Read more:
Accountability and adaptability are the by-words of Tanzania President Samia

Entrepreneur and Aston University alumna Dr Isabella Moore CBE is challenging stereotypes about older adults in business, advocating for the transformative power of later-life entrepreneurship to boost health, confidence, and mental well-being.

Prominent businesswoman and founder of the Olderpreneur Alliance, Dr Moore shared her insights on The Healthy Work Podcast with Dr Simon McCabe, where she highlighted the unique advantages older adults bring to the entrepreneurial world.

Drawing on her Aston University research, Dr Moore argues that older adults possess valuable “age capital”—the resilience, skills, and adaptability built over a lifetime—that make them well-suited to entrepreneurship. Her Later-Creator programme, designed to foster confidence and resilience among mature entrepreneurs, aims to support those looking to embark on new ventures after retirement.

“Many individuals I spoke with were worried about losing cognitive abilities in retirement, particularly those with family histories of dementia,” Dr Moore said. “They sought the mental challenge of running a business to stay sharp.”

For many, later-life entrepreneurship is not just about financial gain but also a means to stay mentally active, preserve identity, and contribute meaningfully. Dr Moore noted that societal expectations often discourage older adults, particularly women, from exploring business opportunities. “Many women internalise the idea that they should focus on grandchildren or caregiving rather than business, while men feel pressured to ‘slow down,’” she observed.

Dr Moore advocates for an age-friendly business environment, urging employers, policymakers, and the media to recognise older adults as valuable contributors to the entrepreneurial landscape. Tailored support, she says, is key for older entrepreneurs, addressing life stages, family responsibilities, and the unique expertise they bring.

Dr Simon McCabe, head of the Healthy Work Research Group at Aston Business School, praised Dr Moore’s work, noting that “age capital” offers older entrepreneurs credibility and confidence. “Keeping both physical and mental well-being in check is foundational to navigating the entrepreneurial journey and building resilience,” he added, urging older adults not to let ageist stereotypes hold them back.

As interest in mature entrepreneurship grows, Dr Moore’s work continues to challenge perceptions, opening up new opportunities for older adults to thrive in business and achieve greater well-being.

Read more:
Older adults can thrive as entrepreneurs, says expert

Fleek, the innovative wholesale marketplace for second-hand fashion, has raised $20.4 million to bring the fragmented, offline second-hand clothing industry online.

The Series A funding round was led by HV Capital, with participation from Andreesen Horowitz (a16z) and Y Combinator. Founders and operators from prominent technology companies like Shopify’s President (Harley Finkelstein), Depop’s ex-CEO (Maria Raga), and Postmates’ CTO (Sean Plaice) have also invested. The previous seed round was led by a16z.

Founded in 2021 by Abhi Arora and Sanket Agarwal, Fleek addresses one of the second-hand fashion industry’s biggest challenges: sourcing inventory from a highly fragmented, offline market. The second-hand fashion industry, valued at $200 billion, is expected to grow three times faster than the overall apparel market, reaching $350 billion by 2028.

Fleek’s platform connects over 1,000 suppliers with more than 10,000 resellers across 70 countries. By offering a seamless online marketplace, Fleek enables access to desirable second-hand inventory with competitive pricing, buyer protection, and global logistics support. The platform’s interactive social features, such as chat and live video shopping, foster direct connections between buyers and suppliers, creating a dynamic shopping experience.

Abhi Arora, co-founder and CEO of Fleek, said, “Our mission is clear: to make second-hand the first choice. With this funding, we aim to empower more businesses to embrace sustainable fashion.”

Fleek also leverages AI and predictive analytics to help suppliers understand market trends, enabling buyers to source trending categories like vintage streetwear and upcycled clothing in bulk. This data-driven approach positions Fleek to play a key role in promoting sustainable fashion, offering a viable alternative to fast fashion’s environmental impact.

Felix Klühr, General Partner at HV Capital, commented, “Fleek is redefining the second-hand fashion landscape and setting the stage for a more sustainable future in fashion. We’re excited to support their growth.”

With offices in the UK, Pakistan, and India, Fleek is poised to further transform the wholesale fashion market by providing a streamlined, accessible solution for businesses worldwide looking to enter or expand in the second-hand apparel market.

Read more:
Fleek secures $20.4M to bring global wholesale second-hand fashion market online

Fuel Ventures, a prominent UK-based venture capital fund, has led a £1.5 million Seed funding round in Groov, a pioneering embedded lending platform focused on bridging the $1.2 trillion funding gap faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Groov’s innovative Embedded Lending 2.0 platform empowers B2B SaaS providers to integrate lending solutions directly into their user experiences, offering SMEs seamless access to capital precisely when they need it.

The funding, which also included support from Aperture and industry-focused angel investors, will help Groov expand its product offerings and scale its presence across key markets. This investment aligns with Fuel Ventures’ dedication to supporting transformative fintech companies that address critical business needs and drive sectoral innovation.

Groov’s lender-agnostic model connects SMEs with a diverse range of capital providers, ensuring flexible financing options with competitive terms and higher approval rates. By integrating capital solutions directly into B2B SaaS platforms, Groov enables businesses to access the funds they need for stock purchases, marketing, invoicing, and more, without leaving their chosen platform.

Mark Pearson, Founder of Fuel Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “When speaking to Mark Hazzard and Rakesh Jena, we immediately saw they were onto something special. Their bold approach to innovating the SME capital space aligns with our commitment to backing visionary fintech solutions.”

Groov CEO Mark Hazzard shared his excitement, commenting, “This investment from Fuel Ventures and our other investors is a strong validation of our mission to empower SMEs with capital on their terms. We’re excited to grow our platform and bring our vision to life.”

With Fuel Ventures’ backing, Groov is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in SME financing, ultimately helping to bridge the funding gap and support business growth worldwide.

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Fuel Ventures leads £1.5M seed round in Groov to transform embedded lending for SMEs

BMW’s UK car finance division has earmarked more than £70 million to address potential customer compensation claims over controversial motor finance commissions, adding to the nearly £680 million set aside by lenders as the industry braces for mounting liabilities.

The German car manufacturer’s provision is part of a wider response to recent regulatory scrutiny and a Court of Appeal ruling that could significantly impact the sector.

The provision was disclosed in BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited’s 2023 accounts, filed at Companies House, which noted “considerable uncertainty” about BMW’s ultimate liability. The accounts, finalised before the recent court decision, reflect a range of possible scenarios, including a “reactive customer redress scheme” to manage potential claims.

The Court of Appeal’s decision last month has broadened the issue, affecting not only discretionary commissions but also other commission structures deemed “secret” or insufficiently disclosed. This ruling raised the bar for transparency and found lenders liable for undisclosed commissions, creating waves across the motor finance industry. In response, some lenders, including BMW, have temporarily paused their car loans businesses to ensure compliance.

The scandal traces back to 2020 when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commission arrangements. However, subsequent customer complaints led to a broader inquiry into past commission practices going back to April 2007, with speculation that redress could be mandated by the regulator.

Other major players have also made provisions. Lloyds Banking Group, a prominent motor finance provider, allocated £450 million in February, while FirstRand, owner of MotoNovo, set aside £127.4 million in September. Investec disclosed a £30 million provision in May. Yet analysts predict these figures could rise significantly, with some comparing the unfolding crisis to the £50 billion payment protection insurance (PPI) compensation scandal.

FirstRand and Close Brothers, both directly affected by last month’s ruling, are seeking an appeal to the Supreme Court. As the industry awaits further regulatory action, the financial impact of this motor finance commission controversy is expected to be significant, with potential liabilities in the billions.

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BMW sets aside £70m for potential motor finance commission payouts as industry braces for billions