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Strategy News
Forbes
6h
344
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This Week’s Personal Loan Rates: January 23, 2025—Rates Drop
- Rates on personal loans declined last week, providing an opportunity for qualified borrowers to secure lower interest rates.
- For borrowers with a credit score of at least 720 who prequalified on Credible.com, the average interest rate on a three-year personal loan was 14.93%, a 0.33% decrease from the previous week.
- The average rate on a five-year personal loan increased slightly by 0.02% to 20.73%.
- Personal loan rates vary among lenders and depend on factors such as credit profile and loan terms.
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Forbes
7h
314
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Best Airline Credit Cards Of January 2025
- Airline credit cards are a great way to earn miles and flight perks.
- Co-branded cards offer brand-specific perks but limit redemption options.
- Flexible rewards cards allow points transfer to multiple airlines but may lack perks.
- The best airline credit cards cater to both preferences.
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Rockpapershotgun
9h
291
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Dwarf Fortress Steam edition's Adventure Mode is out today
- Dwarf Fortress's Adventure mode is now available as a free update on Steam.
- Players can explore any civilization, earn reputation, and recruit followers.
- Experience the fortress and simulation in a more embodied way.
- Adventure Mode offers mythical dungeons, magical items, and hints of mythology.
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Medium
11h
341
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Can Coffee Be Served as a Software? An Analysis of Pret’s Bold Experiment
- Pret’s coffee subscription offered five drinks a day for £30 a month. The model was viable because the marginal cost of producing one cup of coffee was only around £1. Customers don’t all use subscriptions in the same way, with each contributing differently to total costs. To offset this, Pret relies on in-store purchases. By offering a 20% discount on food items for subscribers, they aimed to increase the average spend per visit. While the unlimited coffee model was unsustainable, Pret likely gained valuable insights and strategic advantages from this experiment.
- The offer was launched during the pandemic, an initiative designed to pull customers back into their stores. Three years after its launch, Pret has ended the ‘5 coffees a day’ offer, pivoting to a new subscription model. Pret used the fixed monthly fee regardless of usage, which works well in software.
- The success of a coffee subscription model largely hinges on customer behavior. Specifically, the number of coffees consumed and the average cart size. Pret kept the overall subscription model straightforward but made a few strategic choices to ensure its sustainability.
- Without concrete data, it’s hard to say definitively, but with in-store foot traffic returning to normal levels, the model may not have provided significant long-term financial benefits. Pret likely gained valuable insights and strategic advantages from this experiment.
- While the unlimited coffee model was unsustainable, it offered long-term benefits that could shape Pret’s future approach in meaningful ways. The experiment yielded lasting benefits: valuable insights into user behavior, a growing digital presence through app sign-ups, and new channels for direct communication with customers.
- The subscription model was designed to bring customers back to the store. By offering a 20% discount on food items for subscribers, they aimed to increase the average spend per visit. Since the marginal cost of these food items is relatively low, additional food purchases help offset the narrow margins on coffee.
- Pret’s coffee subscription emulationsthe business model of tech companies that offer software as a service (SaaS), using a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage. This model works well in software because of the low marginal costs associated with digital products.
- In a subscription model, all customers pay the same fee, but usage varies significantly, resulting in different costs per customer. Typically, customer usage falls into three categories. Serving costs depend on the balance among customer types, with each contributing differently to total costs.
- While the unlimited coffee model was unsustainable, Pret likely didn’t incur a loss with this model. Without concrete data, it’s hard to say definitively, but Pret gained valuable insights and strategic advantages from this experiment.
- Pret’s model relied on the draw of ‘free’ coffee to attract customers, with the goal of increasing the average basket size through food purchases. Pret made a few strategic choices to ensure its sustainability. This experiment demonstrated the power of simple, customer-friendly offerings in building loyalty and driving foot traffic.
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HRKatha
15h
270
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Kerala government faces criticism over pending employee benefits
- The Kerala government faced criticism in the Assembly over alleged delays in providing service benefits to government employees and pensioners.
- Opposition members accused the administration of withholding over Rs 1 lakh crore in dues, including dearness allowance, salary revisions, and leave-surrender benefits.
- Government employees held statewide protests demanding immediate action, supported by trade unions.
- Finance minister dismissed the allegations, stating that Kerala remains employee-friendly.
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Forbes
15h
346
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Current HELOC & Home Equity Loan Rates: January 23, 2025—Rates Are Mixed
- Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to borrow against the value of their homes.
- A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows borrowers to repay the borrowed amount in monthly installments.
- A home equity line of credit is a variable-rate second mortgage that provides a revolving line of credit based on the home's value.
- Borrowing against home equity can be used for various purposes such as renovation projects, major investments, and long-term financial planning.
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Forbes
15h
259
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Mortgage Refinance Rates Today: January 23, 2025—Rates Decline
- The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage refinance is 7.33%.
- Today, the average rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage refinance dropped to 7.33% from yesterday.
- The APR, or annual percentage rate, on a 20-year fixed mortgage is 7.27%.
- The 15-year fixed mortgage refinance is currently averaging about 6.44%.
- Borrowers with a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance with today’s interest rate of 7.31% will pay $686 per month in principal and interest per $100,000.
- No, mortgage refinance rates are typically higher than purchase loan rates due to additional risk for the lender.
- When you refinance, your new rate is based on current refinance rates and your loan term.
- Refinancing your mortgage can make sense if you plan to remain in your home for a number of years.
- Refinancing your mortgage can be worth it for reasons that include: lowering interest rates, reducing monthly payments or paying off mortgage sooner.
- It pays to have a strategy for finding the lowest rate when you want to refinance.
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Forbes
15h
113
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High-Yield Savings Account Rates Today: January 23, 2025 – Rates Are Mixed
- Rates on savings accounts are mixed compared to one week ago.
- The highest yield on a standard savings account with a $2,500 minimum deposit amount within the last week has been 6.35%.
- On high-yield accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000, today’s best interest rate is 6.35%.
- Start by comparing the best yields available on the market and consider factors such as minimum deposit and fees before opening a high-yield savings account.
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Rockpapershotgun
6h
222
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Amplitude announce Endless Legend 2, an oceanic 4X with Manor Lords outfit Hooded Horse as publisher
- Amplitude announces Endless Legend 2 with Hooded Horse as publisher.
- The game takes place on Saiadha, an ocean world with changing ocean levels.
- Endless Legend 2 is a highly asymmetrical hex-based 4X game with upgradeable heroes.
- The game will launch into PC early access in early 2025.
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Inkbotdesign
12h
39
5 Proven Strategies to Build Authority in a Niche Market
- Establishing authority in a niche market is essential and building it requires planning, consistent effort, deep market understanding.
- To establish authority, you must be your field's go-to source for information, starting with a comprehensive understanding of your niche and staying updated on industry trends.
- Content is one of the most effective tools for establishing authority in a niche market; focus on solving specific problems your audience faces. Consistent, high-quality content will encourage trust.
- A robust online presence is crucial for showcasing your expertise and reaching a broader audience. Potential customers often turn to the internet to verify your credibility before making decisions.
- Partnering with well-established experts in your niche can significantly boost your credibility.
- Your services or products must consistently deliver value to your audience. The more value you provide, the stronger your reputation as an expert will become.
- Establishing yourself as a leader in a niche market takes ongoing learning, consistent communication, and a focus on delivering value.
- Differentiation is a necessity. Find the unmet need. The overlooked problem. The angle others are too scared to take.
- Your personal brand is your most valuable asset. It's not about being liked. It's about being respected.
- Give 10x more than you expect to receive—the ROI compounds in ways you can't predict.
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HRKatha
13h
315
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Kamat Hotels welcomes students with disabilities to promote inclusivity
- Kamat Hotels has partnered with the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to induct eight students with hearing and speech impairment into its workforce.
- The new employees will join IRA by Orchid Hotels Bhubaneswar, Lotus Resort Konark, and Mahodadhi Palace Puri.
- Kamat Hotels organised an orientation programme to equip the new hires with the skills required for the hospitality industry.
- This collaboration sets an example for other industries to empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity.
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Forbes
13h
137
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How Trump’s First Round Of Executive Orders May Impact Jobs And Housing Costs
- President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at cutting federal regulations in housing that hindered affordable housing production. While this could spur developers to create more affordable housing, experts noted that land use regulation is up to states, not the federal government.
- Although Trump's order can only do so much, a federal push could encourage states to take action, along with cutting construction costs by potentially easing environmental reviews or simplifying approval processes.
- Trump's latest immigration crackdown could further hit homebuyers by making it even harder to build new homes, driving prices higher and leaving fewer options. Immigrants play a crucial role in construction, and even now, without enough workers, costs are already rising quickly.
- Recent tariffs have already driven up construction costs, with Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub, indicating that higher tariffs on building materials distract development and shift the focus to higher-end homes.
- While short-term jobs may rise in manufacturing, due to the import tariffs on neighboring countries, the long-term impact is uncertain, and is also expected to cause production costs to skyrocket.
- Companies weighing the cost of operating under new trade rules makes job stability and fair wages key concerns for interested candidates in different sectors.
- Trump's new executive orders bring consequential changes to the housing market such as deregulation, tariff hikes and new emphasis on domestic manufacturing.
- Trump and the US' housing market will face significant legal and logistical hurdles despite adding broad directives to lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply.
- Despite Trump's emphasis on deregulation, areas like parking requirements, lot sizes and building codes are still under state rule which limits affordable housing production.
- The federal government does not control many housing laws making it difficult for Trump's policy to run smoothly despite his removal of roadblocks.
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HRKatha
14h
276
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EPFO added 2.40 lakh new female members in November 2024
- EPFO recorded a net addition of 14.63 lakh members in November 2024, reflecting a 9.07% increase from October 2024.
- 2.40 lakh new female members were added in November 2024, marking a 14.94% increase from October 2024.
- EPFO enrolled over 8.74 lakh new members in November 2024, representing a 16.58% increase from October 2024.
- The 18-25 age group accounted for 54.97% of the total new additions, with 4.81 lakh new members.
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HRKatha
15h
3k
Image Credit: HRKatha
Amazon phasing out operations in Quebec; 1,700 jobs may be axed
- Amazon is phasing out operations in Quebec and reverting to a third-party delivery model.
- Approximately 1,700 full-time employees and 250 seasonal workers will be affected.
- Quebec is the only site with unionized Amazon employees.
- The move is viewed as an attempt to discourage union activities.
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Forbes
15h
95
Image Credit: Forbes
CD Rates Today: January 23, 2025—Earn 5% And Up
- The best interest rates on CDs (certificates of deposit) currently top out at 5.25%, depending on the term.
- Three-month CDs are a good option for short-term savings goals.
- A six-month CD offers a nice blend of high yields and short-term time commitment.
- The highest interest rate currently available on a one-year CD is 5.02%.
- If you can hold out for two years, 2-year CDs today are being offered at interest rates as high as 4.52%.
- Today’s highest rate on a three-year CD is 4.65%, so you’ll want to shop around for that rate or something near it.
- On a five-year CD, the highest rate today is 4.50%.
- The best rate on today’s jumbo CDs is 5.25% for a 6-month term.
- Traditional, brick-and-mortar banks tend to offer lower CD rates, in general, than online banks without any branches.
- If you want the best interest rate on your savings, CDs are usually your best bet.
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