akhbaraka deep dive

Due to their nature, stock market anomalies like the Santa Rally and January Effect shouldn't be taken as certainties. These market phenomena should be considered more as observations rather than predictions. As for the possibility of a 2021 Santa Rally, it's safe to say Santa will have no shortage of inflation fears and interest rate concerns to fight through. However, major U.S. indices did rally to hit fresh record highs last week. Europe's STOXX index also rose last week in anticipation of a Santa Rally along with gold and oil. Here's to hoping the jolly old man can pull through for us!baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

Just like many cryptocurrencies, the value of Solana coins is derived from the utility of the blockchain network it is exchanged on. As we've discussed, the Solana network has architectural differences that give it advantages in speed, cost, and energy efficiency over some of its rivals.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

While not as glamorized and talked about as some other cryptos, XRP is currently the seventh largest coin by market cap with a total value of $43.5m. Unlike some of these other coins though, XRP's value is derived from the real-world utility of the Ripple network and its ability to offer instantaneous and inexpensive cross-border payment transactions as well as foreign currency exchanges. The future success of XRP and the Ripple network hinges on its ability to navigate the regulatory obstacles it faces.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

Is Shiba Inu here to stay or is it simply the current flavor of the week? Unlike more traditional coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, Shiba Inu doesn't have a strong case for its real-world utility. It's hard to claim SHIB is anything more than a meme, though some of its “hodlers” point to the fact that its ecosystem (the Ethereum blockchain) allows for smart contracts, NFTs, and liquidity mining.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

At a time when the world is plagued by ugly strains of nationalism, populism, and division, it's rare to find a country filled with optimism, unity, and opportunity. The UAE has made a terrific effort in ensuring that all of its residents feel welcomed and at home. The reforms and future-focused initiatives put forth by this country in its first 50 years of life have succeeded in avoiding the delegitimization and dehumanization witnessed in so many other country's politics, economics, and day-to-day life. The vision of the UAE's founding fathers has fostered a nation of dreams, a land of hope, and a people united as one. And now, onto the next 50.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

Filling up your car might be a little more painful these days, and despite pleas from environmentalists, pledges from world leaders, and our recent ESG themed deep dive series, oil remains the lifeblood of the global economy. It runs through the cars that take us to work, the ships that bring us our favorite products, and the planes that take us to our favorite places. After all, how else are you going to get to Europe this summer?baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

There are general takeaways we can all conclude surrounding what's gone wrong, why it went wrong, and how to prevent it from happening again. It took worldwide border and travel restrictions for corporations to realize how inconvenient and risky it can be to have supply chain bottlenecks on the other side of the world.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

Mobility is the last piece of the Expo 2020 puzzle — a piece that is necessary for the realization of Dubai's vision to connect minds and create the future. The themes that we've taken you through over the last three weeks (shout out to sustainability and opportunity!) weren't random, but rather, selected because they are a perfect fit with each other and they work in unison to create a brighter and more prosperous future for all of mankind.    baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

After months of lockdowns and restricted travel, Expo 2020 is bringing the world together to reimagine the global economy. What's impressive about the opportunities set forward by the exhibition are the breadth of their focus. From youth to women, Expo 2020 is committed to build a better future for everyone by providing everyone with an equal opportunity to succeed.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com.

The sustainability pavilion at Expo 2020 will show the world that it is not only possible for nature to live in balance with humanity, but that it is also the pathway to a better quality of life for every person in every corner of the globe.  What perhaps hasn't been mentioned as much is the legacy that Expo 2020 wishes to leave behind - not just for the city of Dubai but for the entire world. The initiatives taken on the sustainability front showcase Dubai's commitment to have Expo 2020 become a lasting, permanent global force for the greater good.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

A sample walkthrough of what making a conscious investment looks like on a retail-investor level shows us how customizable the whole process is. Ultimately, conscious investing is less a virtue-signalling device and instead slowly becoming the status quo as the intersection between high ESG rankings and top financial returns grows day by day. baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Although rating systems and ESG-weighted financial instruments show that the conscious investing space has come a long way, the process is still deeply contextual. A sound conscious investment strategy involves figuring out how far you're willing to go in terms of bringing in impact, which shade of the impact spectrum you place yourself in, and what values you want your portfolio to align with.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Having an idea of each component in the ESG framework provides us with a better understanding of how the criteria for conscious investing aren't rigid. While the examples mentioned here are synonymous with conscious investing, they're also not exhaustive — however, having a rough idea of what each ESG component has to offer allows conscious investors to dig deeper into issues that align with them.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Modern-day businesses are visible in almost every aspect of society – from our oil to our phones to our clothes, companies are at the middle of it all. It makes sense then that people who invest in companies and their customers are concerned with how that impact plays out beyond the world of profit and loss. ESG-driven conscious investing is a way to systematically build multidimensionality into your investing decisions – a way to allow profit and purpose to go hand in hand.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The rise of at-home fitness during Covid-19 lockdowns created a tremendous opportunity for companies in the at-home fitness and wearables space. During this time, those that were primarily in the brick-and-mortar realm were forced to adapt or risk shutting down for good. As gyms have re-opened around the world, these companies will have to further innovate to keep up with their leading positions.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Changing athleisure market demands have forced activewear brands (existing and new ones) to expand their product offering by keeping up-to-date with the latest all-day-every-day, tech, sustainability, and star power trends. No doubt that the sports apparel industry will have to move fast to keep up in the race of being top of consumers' minds.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

It all starts with you. Understanding your personal investment objectives and investing style is the first step you need to take on your investment journey. From there, educating yourself on markets, the benefits of portfolio diversification, and compounding interest over time are fundamental lessons to know whether you choose to be the decision-maker or have someone decide for you. baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Gen Z is a generation of rule-breakers and trendsetters. They aren't as quick as generations before them to fall into the mold of the traditional 9-5 corporate grind. Instead, they've found ways to make a living by leveraging their unique skills, lifestyles, and personalities. And as we've learned in this series, companies and entire industries are learning to take Zoomers seriously as they grow into respectable professionals and consumers.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

If the fashion industry wants the business of Gen Z, it's going to need to offer more than just what they want to wear. As we have seen, companies are already changing the way they do business to appeal to the values, preferences, and expectations of Zoomers.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

 Zoomers are all about making big money moves. Whether it's TikTokers giving out hot stock tips or personal finance podcast hosts explaining the ins and outs of purchasing your first home, Gen Z has plenty of educational resources to help them make financial decisions. There are also plenty of new-age financial services firms that offer the financial tools and resources they need on Zoomer terms. baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The threat of cybersecurity is real, and it's enough to scare the pants off big multinationals and small businesses alike. As no industry is safe from hackers, the demand for cybersecurity services is not going away any time soon, and so we're only bound to see more and more startups popping up in this space, and big corporations gobbling them up through acquisition deals almost as fast as they appear.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Many nations are working in unison to foster a fairly competitive playing field in several markets, particularly where big, publicly listed companies are involved (Big Tech, we're pointing at you). Of course, this won't come without resentment from these companies that will do their best to keep hold of their dominant positions in their respective industries and markets.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

There is no doubt that data is the liquid gold of the 21st century and China wants to avoid giving it away for free to its biggest global competitor. What is clear by now is that the Chinese government won't back down from restraining Chinese tech companies' listings in the US market – and while China's tech giants may decide to comply or disregard the government's advice, either way, they better watch out as non-compliance comes with a hefty consequence. baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Most companies' stocks in the Middle East are showing a rebound this year as more positive sentiment hits the markets after the pandemic hit hard. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar are rebuilding the region's economic prosperity on non-petrochemical foundations, focusing instead on other sectors of strength such as banking, telecommunications, and industrials.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The UAE is in a cultural and touristic ferment phase with big international events coming up and several industries moving on from Covid-19. While the Abu Dhabi and Dubai governments are pushing their larger goals of becoming a global destination both for tourism and business, significant capital injections are being made in key sectors such as entertainment, banking, and sports.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Tadawul's development and expansion is a key pillar to Vision 2030 for growing the Kingdom's financial sector. The stock market has now reached a level where it's not only competing with other regional exchanges but directly with the greater, global financial marketplaces.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The Egyptian Exchange is becoming increasingly attractive for investors and a great source of assets to diversify a MENA-focused portfolio. In recent times the EGX has embarked on a plan to improve the capital market, through a number of new measures and reforms to increase its trading volume. But then again, with heated capital market activity globally, we can see why.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

It's impossible to know when and how interest rates will change, but we do know they only have one direction to go. Rising interest rates could put your favorite tech stocks on sale and maybe cause you to explore other sectors of the stock market such as financials.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

It's impossible to know when and how interest rates will change, but we do know they only have one direction to go. Rising interest rates could put your favorite tech stocks on sale and maybe cause you to explore other sectors of the stock market such as financials.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

With its ongoing price rally (which reached all-high records this year) and recent institutional adoption, Ethereum is becoming more mainstream. This means that Ethereum may even, one day, overtake bitcoin (for real) as well as lead a paradigm shift in the financial industry towards a more robust, open, and transparent decentralized financial infrastructure.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

With its ongoing price rally (which reached all-high records this year) and recent institutional adoption, Ethereum is becoming more mainstream. This means that Ethereum may even, one day, overtake bitcoin (for real) as well as lead a paradigm shift in the financial industry towards a more robust, open, and transparent decentralized financial infrastructure.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Thanks to the Reddit-inspired market mania and a generalized interest in the crypto game, Dogecoin has made it into the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, and its irreverent attitude makes it one of the most welcomed digital currencies. Maybe soon it will be so on the moon as well.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Bitcoin's growth in popularity (and value!) in 2021 and its adoption by traditional financial institutions as a legit form of payment means that the digital currency is now mainstream. However, from its crazy-high price to its major selloff, we might just have to wait and see if the driving factors are long-term or just hype.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The meat industry is poised to grow even further, with poultry and the alternatives sector quickly taking over the race as people cut down on their intake of red meat and look for more eco-friendly options. This means that, whichever way you fancy your meat (organic, perhaps?), there are lots of ways to go about investing in this fruitful market.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The dairy industry is brimming with potential, whether it's the traditional fresh milk sector or the up-and-coming plant-based alternatives market. Fresh dairy products are expected to grow by 2.1% annually in the coming years, while the once-unknown dairy alternatives brands are making huge splashes on the stock markets too. That's all to say, there are tons of exciting investment possibilities in the sector.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The demand for tea is estimated to keep rising over the next few years and there are quite a lot of appealing investment opportunities for those interested in the tea industry – be it in funding production, distribution, or the consumer experience of it all.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Rice is an extremely important commodity for countries that produce and export it and a vital staple of many people's diet. As the world's population grows, the demand for rice rises too - meaning, this market only stands to grow larger and larger. And so, there is a whole load of money to be made by either investing in rice as a commodity or in companies that are taking this cheap product to the next level.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Dates are a budding fruit to invest in, whether to ensure people in the Arabian desert have something sweet to eat or to fuel the growing sugar alternatives craze worldwide. Consumers across the world are embracing dates for health benefits — so, naturally, the F&B industry wants to capitalize on the trend. Plus, with the total untapped export potential of dates, this product has the potential to be one of MENA's hottest commodities.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The demand for investing in spirits becomes quite visible at times of stock exchange instability as private investors start looking for more and more unique assets to diversify their portfolios - and expensive wines, whiskeys, and gins can truly do that! So go on, grab a bottle, and let's celebrate profitable futures!baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

Art is one of the most popular forms of alternate investments due to its resistance in times of economic downturn. With the current fluctuations in stock markets as an aftermath of the pandemic, looking into the art market's sub-asset classes like street art on canvas, rare comic books, or even music royalties could be a wise choice. And hey, they could also make good conversation starters!baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

You've heard it before — the gaming industry has soared in popularity in the last 12 months as users worldwide spent more time at home during the pandemic. Nowadays, businesses in the industry, like Twitch, Roblox (RBLX), and Discord, are reaping the benefits. Though investors can invest in the biggest gaming companies' stocks, they can also consider other areas of the industry as alternative assets to mix things up — for both fun and diversification of their portfolios, of course.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

The NFT trend comes on the back of a few larger blockchain-backed movements, like cryptocurrencies (thanks for the push, Elon!). However, as Covid-19 has all-in-all digitized our "new normal" and we find ourselves profoundly plugged into virtual spaces, it seems like the investment world has shifted gears in that direction as well. And so, NFTs make for a new way to diversity your investment portfolio, and you may even have a bit of fun with it as you scavenge for digital art, sports clips, or collectibles.baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com

If you're looking to diversify your investment portfolio and would not mind the "pro" of doubling things up as clothing gear but the "con" of illiquidity, then looking into streetwear, sneakers, and watches is an option we're putting on your table. As these alternate asset classes gain greater relevance in pop culture too, you might just find the prioritization to invest in them carve its way into your monthly budgeting process unconsciously in any case! baraka is a community dedicated to empowering people for a better financial future. Learn, connect and subscribe at https://getbaraka.com