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<p>AI is the siren song of 2023.<em> </em>It’s been around for a couple of years, from photo editing to voice assistants (Siri, Alexa) and video recommendations. However, the rapid advancements in the field of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) have brought AI closer to our day-to-day lives.<em> </em>It began with the launch of ChatGPT by <a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt">OpenAI</a>  late last year and the realisation that AI is likely just getting started with much more to come. </p>



<p>Every investor dreams of getting in on the ground floor of the next “big thing” and riding the wave to untold riches and good fortune. However, it&#8217;s incredibly difficult to understand a new wave and who the long term winners will be. Most investors cannot do that. What the best investors do, however, is to identify those companies who are providing the rails or resources to support that wage. It&#8217;s a bit similar to the popular saying that when there is a gold rush, you need to invest in shovels. So how is Rise investing in the AI “shovels” right now?&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Here are some ways we are doing that:&nbsp;</h2>



<h3><strong>Rise has invested in the leading companies in each chain.</strong></h3>



<p>Our Rise equity portfolio contains several companies that sit on the AI supply chain, from the designer and manufacturer of advanced chips ,ASML, to TSMC, the world&#8217;s leading semiconductor foundries. Also, we opened a starter position in the world&#8217;s number one player in the AI chip market, NVIDIA (up roughly 98.81% this year). ASML owns 90% of the market for highest performance chips, while TSMC owns more than half the market for foundaries (factories that manufacture these chips).&nbsp;</p>



<p>These companies will continue to benefit from the AI wave.&nbsp;</p>



<h3><strong>Our Rise Equity Portfolio is well diversified.</strong></h3>



<p>Aside from these three companies who sort of provide a lot of the “plumbing” for AI services (for instance ChatGP was trained on almost 30,000 NVIDIA’s graphic chips), there are some other companies that are also bringing AI to the users directly. ChatGPT’s OpenAI is still private, but companies like Facebook, Google and Microsoft are adding AI to their search, ad, provudictity and recommendation services at a rapid pace. All three of them are also in Rise’s portfolio. This means that investing in our equity portfolio gives you access to multiple companies driving AI deployment to the masses, increasing your odds of betting on the winner. </p>



<p>This is a rapidly evolving space of course, and we will continue to stay on top of the changes and developments in AI as a whole in order to educate and update you, as well as funnel your money into the right bets to win the future and build long term wealth for you. That is core to our mission and we appreciate you for taking that journey along with us. </p>


How Risevest is Riding on The AI Wave


<p>The possibility that the United States Government might default on its debt is becoming very real, as the standoff between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over raising the federal debt limit is causing some anxiety in the market.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And while the United States officially hit its debt limit on Jan 19, prompting the Treasury Department to use accounting manoeuvres known as extraordinary measures to continue paying the government’s obligations and avoid a default, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen has warned lawmakers that the United States could run out of cash by June 1 if the borrowing cap isn’t raised or suspended.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mere mention of the US Treasury defaulting on its debt is causing panic as such a scenario would have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the US economy but also the global investment climate and stock markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this article, we delve into the potential repercussions of a US Treasury default, exploring its effects on the stock market and investment climate, and how Rise will provide guidance in navigating these murky waters. So, fasten your seatbelts as we navigate the uncertain terrain of a hypothetical default.</p>



<h2><strong>But first, what is the debt limit?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The debt limit is a cap on the total amount of money the United States is authorised to borrow to fund the government and meet its financial obligations. Because the federal government runs budget deficits — meaning it spends more than it brings in through taxes and other revenue — it borrows huge sums of money to pay its bills. Those obligations include funding for social safety net programs, interest on the national debt, and salaries for members of the armed forces.</p>



<p>Approaching the debt ceiling has elicited calls by lawmakers to cut back on government spending. But lifting the debt limit does not authorise any new spending — in fact, it simply allows the United States to spend money on programs that Congress has already authorised.</p>



<h2><strong>Why does the United States have a debt limit?</strong></h2>



<p>According to the constitution, Congress must authorise government borrowing. In the early 20th century, the debt limit was instituted so that the Treasury would not need to ask Congress for permission each time it had to issue debt to pay bills.</p>



<p>During World War I, Congress passed the Second Liberty Bond Act of 1917 to give the Treasury more flexibility to issue debt and manage federal finances. The debt limit started to take its current shape in 1939 when Congress consolidated different limits set on different types of bonds into a single borrowing cap. At the time, the limit was set to $45 billion.</p>



<p>While the debt limit was created to make the government run more smoothly, many policymakers believe it has become more trouble than it’s worth. In 2021, Ms. Yellen said she supported abolishing the debt limit.</p>



<h2><strong>How much debt does the United States have, and how much is the borrowing cap?</strong></h2>



<p>The national debt crossed $31 trillion for the first time last year. The borrowing cap is set at $31.381 trillion.</p>



<h2><strong>What happens if the debt limit is not raised or suspended?</strong></h2>



<p>If the government exhausts its extraordinary measures and runs out of cash, it will be unable to issue new debt. That means it would not have enough money to pay its bills, including interest and other payments it owes to bondholders, military salaries and benefits to retirees.</p>



<p>Economists and Wall Street analysts warn that such a scenario would be economically devastating and could plunge the entire world into a financial crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li><strong>Investment Climate in Turmoil</strong></li></ul>



<p>A US Treasury default creates a hostile investment climate filled with uncertainty and risk aversion. Investors, both domestic and international, seek safe-haven assets during times of turmoil. US Treasury bonds have traditionally been considered safety pillars due to their perceived low risk. However, a default shatters this notion, leading investors to question the reliability of US government debt as a safe investment.</p>



<p>When trust is broken, investors look for alternative investment options. Precious metals like gold and silver and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin often witness increased demand during uncertain times. These alternative investments are viewed as stores of value that can weather the storm of a default. Consequently, their prices surged, reflecting the flight of capital away from traditional markets.</p>



<ul><li><strong> The Stock Market Roller Coaster Ride</strong></li></ul>



<p>A US Treasury default would undoubtedly trigger significant volatility in the stock market. Investors thrive on stability and predictability, but a default would introduce a high degree of uncertainty, causing panic and anxiety. The US government debt is seen as a risk-free entity with a solid history and track record of financial stability. When the US government fails to pay its debts, it erodes investor confidence, leading to a rapid sell-off of stocks. As a result, stock prices plummet, and market indices experience sharp declines.</p>



<ul><li><strong> Policy Implications and the Road to Recovery</strong></li></ul>



<p>Following a US Treasury default, policymakers will be forced to undertake swift and decisive action to mitigate the damage and restore investor confidence. Emergency measures, like injecting liquidity into the financial system, implementing fiscal stimulus packages, and introducing regulatory safeguards, might be deployed to stabilise the markets and instil a sense of security.</p>



<p>Rebuilding the investment climate would require concerted efforts to restore trust in US government debt. This could involve implementing fiscal discipline measures, addressing structural issues in the economy, and crafting policies that demonstrate a commitment to debt repayment. These actions would gradually help restore investor confidence and encourage them to reenter the market.</p>



<p>At Rise, our position is clear— to protect your wealth and help you achieve your financial goals. We are optimistic that a deal will be reached soon between the executive and Congress. A deal will bring freshness and relief to the market, which could rally the market. Thus, the best time to INVEST in <a href="https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/ovb6r0h0" data-type="URL" data-id="https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/ovb6r0h0">RISE</a> is now.</p>


Everything You Need To Know About The US Debt Ceiling


<p>Foreign exchange (forex) policies significantly impact dollar investment in Nigeria. They affect the exchange rates of currencies, and Nigeria has a volatile exchange rate due to its dependence on crude oil exports. The country&#8217;s forex policies, especially in the past few years, have had various implications on the economy and the investment climate in Nigeria. This article examines the impact of forex policies on dollar investment in Nigeria, covering the historical context, current policies, and their effects.</p>



<h1><strong>Historical Context</strong></h1>



<p>Nigeria&#8217;s foreign exchange policies have been constantly changing since the country&#8217;s independence in 1960. In the early years, Nigeria operated a fixed exchange rate regime, pegging the Naira to the British pound. However, after the 1973 oil crisis, Nigeria switched to a flexible exchange rate system, allowing the Naira to float freely against other currencies.</p>



<p>In 1986, Nigeria introduced a second-tier foreign exchange market, which allowed for the buying and selling of foreign currency at a market-determined rate. This move aimed to reduce the pressure on the official exchange rate, which was highly overvalued at the time.</p>



<p>However, the second-tier market was plagued by corruption and eventually collapsed in 1992. From 1992 to 1999, Nigeria operated a dual exchange rate system, with the official rate fixed at ₦22 per US dollar, and a parallel market rate that fluctuated depending on supply and demand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 1999, Nigeria adopted a unified exchange rate system, which was maintained until 2016. Under this system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was the sole supplier of foreign exchange and was responsible for setting the exchange rate.</p>



<h1><strong>Current Policies</strong></h1>



<p>In 2016, Nigeria introduced a new foreign exchange policy that allowed for multiple exchange rates, depending on the type of transaction. Under this system, there are now four different exchange rates: the official rate, the interbank rate, the Bureau de Change (BDC) rate, and the parallel market rate.</p>



<p>The official rate is set by the CBN and is used for government transactions and for the payment of official foreign obligations. The interbank rate is used for transactions between banks and is determined by market forces. The BDC rate is used for retail transactions, such as foreign currency sales to individuals and small businesses. Finally, the parallel market rate is determined by supply and demand in the informal market and is used for transactions that cannot be carried out through the official channels.</p>



<p>This new system was introduced to address the foreign exchange shortages that Nigeria was experiencing due to the decline in oil prices. However, it has been criticised for creating confusion and for providing opportunities for corruption and rent-seeking behaviour.</p>



<p>The impact of this policy on dollar investment in Nigeria has been mixed. On the one hand, the multiple exchange rates have created arbitrage opportunities, allowing investors to buy foreign currency at a lower rate and sell it at a higher rate. This has attracted some foreign investors, who are looking to make quick profits through currency trading.</p>



<p>On the other hand, the multiple exchange rates have also increased uncertainty and reduced confidence in the Nigerian economy. The different rates make it difficult for investors to predict the true value of the Naira, and the constant fluctuations in the parallel market rate have created volatility in the foreign exchange market.</p>



<p>Another factor that has impacted dollar investment in Nigeria is the CBN&#8217;s policy of capital controls. In 2015, the CBN restricted access to foreign exchange for certain types of transactions, including the importation of certain goods and services. This was aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves and promoting local production. However, it has also made it more difficult for foreign investors to repatriate their profits, as they need to obtain CBN approval for each transaction.</p>



<h1>Effects of Forex Policies on Dollar Investment in Nigeria</h1>



<p>The impact of forex policies on dollar investment in Nigeria has been significant. Forex policies affect the exchange rates of currencies, which, in turn, impact the investment climate in Nigeria. The following are the effects of forex policies on dollar investment in Nigeria:</p>



<h2><strong>Exchange Rate Volatility</strong></h2>



<p>Nigeria&#8217;s exchange rate is volatile due to its dependence on crude oil exports, which account for over 90% of the country&#8217;s forex earnings. Forex policies have significant impacts on the exchange rate, and the volatility of the exchange rate affects the investment climate in Nigeria. Foreign investors are hesitant to invest in Nigeria due to the uncertainty surrounding the exchange rate, which makes it difficult to predict the returns on their investments. The forex policies of the government have significant impacts on the exchange rate and, therefore, on the investment climate.</p>



<h2><strong>Limited Access to Forex</strong></h2>



<p>Forex policies have limited access to forex in Nigeria, which has impacted dollar investment in the country. The CBN&#8217;s restrictions on forex access have made it difficult for investors to access forex to repatriate their profits or even to import necessary materials for their businesses. The ban on the sale of forex to importers of non-essential items has also made it difficult for businesses to import necessary materials for their operations. These restrictions on forex access have had adverse effects on the investment climate, as foreign investors are hesitant to invest in a country where they may have difficulties accessing forex.</p>



<h2><strong>Reduced Confidence in the Economy</strong></h2>



<p>Forex policies have also reduced confidence in the Nigerian economy, which has had significant impacts on dollar investment in the country. The CBN&#8217;s forex policies, such as the restrictions on forex access, have led to a lack of confidence in the economy. This lack of confidence has made it difficult for foreign investors to invest in the country, as they are unsure of the future of the economy. Foreign investors are more likely to invest in countries where they have confidence in the economy and the investment climate.</p>



<h2><strong>Increased Inflation</strong></h2>



<p>Forex policies have also had implications on inflation in Nigeria, which has had significant impacts on dollar investment in the country. Nigeria is an import-dependent country, and the restrictions on forex access have made it difficult for businesses to import necessary materials. This has led to a shortage of goods and an increase in the prices of imported goods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The increased prices of imported goods have led to inflation in the country, which has had adverse effects on the investment climate. Investors are less likely to invest in a country where inflation is high, as it reduces the returns on their investments.</p>



<h2><strong>Currency Devaluation</strong></h2>



<p>Forex policies have also led to currency devaluation in Nigeria, which has had significant impacts on dollar investment in the country. The CBN&#8217;s restrictions on forex access have led to a shortage of forex, which has led to the devaluation of the naira. The devaluation of the naira has made it difficult for foreign investors to invest in the country, as the returns on their investments are worth less due to the devalued currency. Currency devaluation has also led to an increase in the prices of imported goods, contributing to inflation in the country.</p>



<h2><strong>Reduced Foreign Investment</strong></h2>



<p>Foreign exchange policies have also led to reduced foreign investment in Nigeria, which has had significant impacts on dollar investment in the country. The restrictions on forex access and the volatility of the exchange rate have made it difficult for foreign investors to invest in Nigeria. The lack of confidence in the economy has also made it difficult for foreign investors to invest in the country. Foreign investment is essential for economic growth, and the lack of foreign investment has had adverse effects on the Nigerian economy.</p>



<h1><strong>Possible Future Outcomes</strong></h1>



<p>The future of foreign exchange policies in Nigeria is uncertain. The government has announced plans to move towards a more flexible exchange rate system, but it remains to be seen how this will be implemented and what impact it will have on dollar investment in Nigeria.</p>



<p>If Nigeria were to adopt a fully flexible exchange rate system, it could potentially improve the attractiveness of the Nigerian economy to foreign investors. A flexible exchange rate would allow the Naira to adjust to changes in the global market and would provide a more transparent and predictable foreign exchange environment. This would make it easier for investors to determine the true value of the Naira and would reduce the uncertainty that currently exists in the foreign exchange market.</p>



<p>However, a fully flexible exchange rate system could also lead to further volatility in the foreign exchange market and could make it more difficult for the government to control inflation. The government would also need to address issues of corruption and rent-seeking behaviour, which have been exacerbated by the multiple exchange rate system.</p>



<p>Another possible future outcome is that Nigeria could continue to operate a multiple exchange rate system, but with improvements to address the current shortcomings. For example, the government could increase transparency in the foreign exchange market and crack down on corruption and rent-seeking behaviour. The government could also ease capital controls and make it easier for foreign investors to repatriate their profits.</p>



<p>In conclusion, forex policies have significant impacts on dollar investment in Nigeria. The historical context of forex policies in Nigeria shows that the country has a long history of forex policies that have impacted the economy and the investment climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Current forex policies in Nigeria, such as the I&amp;E window and the restrictions on forex access, have had various implications on dollar investment in the country. The effects of forex policies on dollar investment in Nigeria include exchange rate volatility, limited access to forex, reduced confidence in the economy, increased inflation, currency devaluation, and reduced foreign investment.</p>



<p>To improve the investment climate in Nigeria, the government needs to adopt forex policies that promote economic growth and attract foreign investment. It needs to create an environment that encourages foreign investors to invest in Nigeria by reducing the restrictions on forex access and providing incentives for foreign investment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The government also needs to work on diversifying the economy away from its dependence on crude oil exports, which will reduce the volatility of the exchange rate and improve the investment climate.</p>



<p>Overall, the impact of forex policies on dollar investment in Nigeria is significant, and the government needs to adopt policies that promote economic growth and attract foreign investment.</p>


The Impact of Foreign Exchange Policies on Dollar Investment in Nigeria


<p>Over the years, the economic situation in Nigeria has become quite challenging, hence, affecting the relative ease of building long-term wealth for Nigerians. The country is faced with various challenges such as insecurity, high unemployment rates, and inflation, which have affected the financial stability of Nigerians.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, with proactive measures and approaches to building wealth like investing, many can still go on to achieve this goal of financial stability and freedom.</p>



<p>Investing is the act of allocating funds with the expectation of generating income or profit in the future. It is a long-term financial strategy that requires discipline and patience, but can be very rewarding for those who are willing to put in the effort.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this article, we will explore how investment can help Nigerians build long-term wealth, and some of the investment options available in the country.</p>



<h1><strong>Why Investment Is Important for Building Long-Term Wealth</strong></h1>



<p></p>



<h2><strong>Generates Passive Income</strong></h2>



<p>One of the main benefits of investing is that it can generate passive income. Passive income is money earned without having to actively work for it. This means that as you invest your money, it starts to work for you, and you earn income without having to put in much effort.</p>



<p>For example, if you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you can earn a portion of the company&#8217;s profits as a dividend, which means that you will receive a regular income without having to actively work for it. The same goes for rental properties. If you invest in a rental property, you can earn rental income without having to actively manage the property.</p>



<h2><strong>Builds Wealth Over Time</strong></h2>



<p>Investing is a long-term financial strategy that can help you build wealth over time. By investing regularly, your money has the potential to grow exponentially over the years. For example, if you invested ₦1,000,000 in the Rise Real Estate plan in 2019, it would have gained about ₦800,000 by 2023 in interest, as it returned 17.74%, 15.18%, 15.09% and 13.87% in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. This is a significant return on your investment, and it shows the power of long-term investing.</p>



<h2><strong>Helps Beat Inflation</strong></h2>



<p>Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, which, unfortunately, can erode the value of your money over time. This means that the money you have today may not be worth as much in the future. For example, a crate of eggs cost ₦1,000 in 2021, and as at the time of writing this, 2023, it costs about ₦2,600. Hence, if ₦30,000 could buy 30 crates of eggs in 2021, you’ll need about ₦78,000 to purchase the same number of crates in 2023. However, by investing, you can beat inflation.</p>



<p>When you invest your money, it has the potential to earn a higher rate of return than the inflation rate. This means that your money can maintain its value over time, and you can preserve your purchasing power. For example, if inflation is 5% per year, and your investment earns a return of 10% per year, your investment is effectively earning a real return of 5% (10% &#8211; 5% = 5%), which is higher than the inflation rate.</p>



<h2><strong>Diversification</strong></h2>



<p>Investing also allows for diversification, which is the practice of spreading your money across different asset classes. This is important because it can reduce risk and increase potential returns, helping you build long-term wealth. For example, if you invest all your money in one stock and that stock performs poorly, you could lose a significant portion of your investment.</p>



<p>However, suppose you diversify your investment across different stocks, bonds, and real estate, you can reduce the risk of losing money because not all investments will perform poorly simultaneously.</p>



<h1><strong>Investment Opportunities in Nigeria</strong></h1>



<p>There are several investment opportunities available in Nigeria, ranging from stocks to real estate to fixed-income securities. Here are some of the most popular investment options in Nigeria:</p>



<h2><strong>Stocks:</strong></h2>



<p>Stocks, also known as equities, represent ownership in a company. When you buy a stock, you buy a share of ownership in the company. If the company does well and its stock price increases, you can sell your shares for a profit.</p>



<p>In Nigeria, there are companies that offer investors different stock options, ranging from Nigerian stocks to foreign stocks like Meta, Alphabet, JPMorgan, and Apple. One of these companies is <a href="https://risevest.com/">Risevest</a>, a dollar-denominated investment platform that puts your money in high quality assets, helping you build wealth and achieve your financial goals.</p>



<p>Investing in stocks can be risky, as stock prices can be volatile and subject to market fluctuations. However, over the long-term, stocks have historically provided a higher rate of return than other investment options.</p>



<h2><strong>Real Estate:</strong></h2>



<p>Real estate refers to land and any structures on it, such as houses, apartments, or commercial buildings. Real estate can be a lucrative investment option, as property values tend to appreciate over time.</p>



<p>In Nigeria, real estate is a popular investment option, particularly in Lagos and other major cities. There are several ways to invest in real estate in Nigeria, including buying land or property, investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs), or investing in real estate crowdfunding platforms like <a href="https://risevest.com/real-estate">Risevest</a>.</p>



<p>Real estate can be a profitable investment, but can also be risky. Property values can be subject to fluctuations, and managing rental properties can be time-consuming and costly.</p>



<h2><strong>Fixed Income Securities:</strong></h2>



<p>Fixed-income securities are investments that pay a fixed rate of return, such as government bonds or corporate bonds. These investments can provide a steady income stream and are generally considered less risky than stocks or real estate.</p>



<p>Corporate bonds, on the other hand, are issued by companies and can provide a higher rate of return than government bonds, but are generally considered riskier. On Risevest, investors have access to invest in the <a href="https://risevest.com/fixed-income">fixed income plan</a>, which is a low-risk asset perfect for anyone who wants to protect their money in a secure, appreciating currency. The Rise real estate plan returns 10% per annum.</p>



<h2><strong>Mutual Funds:</strong></h2>



<p>Mutual funds are a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers, who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors.</p>



<p>In Nigeria, there are several mutual funds available, including equity funds, fixed income funds, and money market funds. Mutual funds can be a good option for investors who want exposure to a diversified portfolio of securities, but do not have the time or expertise to manage their own investments.</p>



<h2><strong>Risevest Build Wealth Plan:</strong></h2>



<p>Risevest is a Nigerian investment platform that allows individuals to invest in stocks, real estate, and fixed income. Our <a href="https://risevest.com/build-wealth">Build Wealth Plan</a> is a long-term investment plan that is designed to help Nigerians build wealth over time.</p>



<p>The Build Wealth Plan is a portfolio of low-cost index funds that are diversified across different asset classes and geographies. The portfolio is designed to provide a mix of growth and stability, which you can rebalance regularly to maintain the desired asset allocation.</p>



<p>The Build Wealth Plan is based on the principle of <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/how-you-can-diversify-your-investment-with-risevest">diversification</a>, which means spreading your investments across different asset classes and industries to minimise risk. The plan includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate, and is designed to provide a balance of growth and income.</p>



<p>The plan is also designed to be flexible, allowing investors to adjust their investments based on their risk tolerance and investment goals. Our platform makes it easy for investors to track their investments and make adjustments as needed.</p>



<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Investing is an important tool for long-term wealth building, and there are several investment opportunities available in Nigeria. Stocks, real estate, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies are all options for investors looking to grow their money over time.</p>



<p>Investing can be risky, and it&#8217;s important for investors to do their research and understand the risks involved. However, with the right investment strategy and a long-term perspective, investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth and achieving financial independence.</p>



<p>By using <a href="https://risevest.com/">Risevest</a>, Nigerians can take advantage of investment opportunities available and build long-term wealth.</p>


How Investment Can Help Nigerians Build Long-Term Wealth


<p><strong>Introduction</strong><br>On the back of a choppy first quarter, April was filled with uncertainty due to various economic and geopolitical risks. Here’s a report of all the ups-and-downs that happened last month. This report covers the highlights of all the asset classes on Rise in the month of April so that you get a holistic view of everything that has been happening and how it affects you.</p>



<p>Stocks —- 4.45%<br>Real Estate —- 1.3%                                                                                           Fixed Income —- 0.83%<br></p>



<p><strong>Stocks</strong><br>In April, the lingering banking crisis persisted with concerns over First Republic Bank. Despite this, the US stock market ticked upward, driven mainly by big tech earnings, gaining 1.09% in April. Our Rise Equity portfolio had a strong performance in April 2023, <strong>with a gain of 4.45%,</strong> beating the benchmark index. Our outperformance was driven by several factors, including our decision to add Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) to our portfolio, which performed well during the month.</p>



<p>Additionally, we exited our position in Crocs Inc. as its future guidance figures are underwhelming. Our asset allocation strategy and investment approach continue to serve us well in the current market environment. We are also analysing the earnings results of our portfolio companies and will be making further adjustments to the stock portfolio as appropriate.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the prospects for our portfolio as we continue to monitor market trends and make strategic decisions to optimise our returns. We will continue to stay disciplined in our investment strategy and remain committed to delivering strong results for our investors.</p>



<p><strong>Real Estate&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Our real estate portfolio continues to deliver inflation-hedged returns in April, 2023. One of our properties became vacant and is currently being listed. Altogether, Our Rise Real estate portfolio did 1.3% this past month in rental income.</p>



<p>We expect home prices to continue to drop through the quarter, which is good for our earnings since rental demand and prices continue to be strong.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the threat of recession in the US economy looming, our real estate assets portfolio provides the stability investors need in these tough times. Don’t forget that with Rise, you can own real estate through our portfolio or purchase directly in your name if you prefer.</p>



<p><strong>Fixed Income</strong></p>



<p>On the fixed income side, our Rise Fixed Income portfolio returned a stable 0.83% in the month of April. The fixed income market is providing better yield, backing on the fact that the US Treasuries started paying 4% annualised interest rate on the US Treasury bonds.</p>



<p>We expect the Fed to hike interest rates in its next meeting and hold rates at elevated levels, which should make for a more stable environment for fixed income in 2023. Our outlook for fixed income still remains positive, as we expect the market to continue to strengthen despite worries of recession.</p>



<p>That’s April in a wrap. We are excited about all that May has in store for us. As your asset manager, we will continue to look for ways to serve you better and make your journey to financial success as smooth as possible.</p>


Rise April Portfolio Report


<p>Apple recently launched a savings account in partnership with Goldman Sachs, which offers a 4.15% interest rate through its Apple Card product. This rate is more than 10 times higher than the US national average interest rate, drawing nearly $1 billion in deposits in just four days of its launch.</p>



<p>While the savings account is unlikely to have a material impact on Apple&#8217;s profit-and-loss statement, it reinforces the company&#8217;s strategy to increase customer loyalty to the Apple Card and key into the Apple ecosystem. </p>



<p>This is where the savings account is easily accessible through the Wallet app, and users can view their balance, interest rate, and transaction history. Apple’s new offering is the most recent in a string of financial efforts from the company, helping the tech giant compete directly with banks. This move has the potential to significantly impact Apple&#8217;s business model in several ways.</p>



<p>As usual, in pursuit of our mission to help our users become better-informed investors, Rise will attempt to provide some perspectives on this and how Apple&#8217;s move will impact its business model and long-term growth prospects.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Generating New Revenue Streams</strong></h2>



<p>By offering savings accounts, Apple is providing a new product to consumers that could drive usage. While Apple&#8217;s business model has traditionally relied on hardware sales, such as iPhones and Macs (52% came from iPhone sales in 2022), the launch of savings accounts with a high interest rate could help the company generate new revenue streams.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Increasing Customer Loyalty</strong></h2>



<p>Apple has a loyal customer base, and by offering a high-interest savings account, the company is providing another incentive for customers to remain within the Apple ecosystem. This move could help boost customer retention and increase overall customer loyalty. Also, Apple&#8217;s reputation for innovation and excellence may also translate to financial services, enhancing customer trust in the company&#8217;s new offerings.</p>



<h2><strong>Enhancing Brand Value</strong></h2>



<p>The launch of savings accounts with a high interest rate could also enhance Apple&#8217;s brand value. By entering the financial services sector, Apple is positioning itself as a financial services provider, which could further enhance the company&#8217;s reputation and help attract new customers. This move could also help Apple differentiate itself from other technology companies and create a competitive advantage.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the launch of savings accounts is all about the power of hooks for Apple. Aside from the fact that it could drive new revenue streams, diversify revenue sources, this move will further increase customer loyalty, enhance brand value, and keep customers within its ecosystem. Only time will tell how successful Apple will be in this new venture, but it&#8217;s clear that this move represents a significant shift in the company&#8217;s business model and could have far-reaching implications for the technology and financial services industries.</p>


How Apple’s New Savings Account Will Impact Its Business Model


<p>Two years ago, the crypto market boomed— crypto bros would post phrases like “WAGMI” and “To the moon 🚀🚀🚀” They would buy coins, whose rates sometimes went up by 100, making huge profits in a few hours or days. The internet was on fire, and everyone wanted to get on the crypto train.</p>



<p>Nnanna, new to investing and still learning the ropes, decided to invest a huge sum. He thought, “If I invest all my money in this, I’ll make great profits” However, two years later, Nnanna is at a loss. Rather than going to the moon, he finds himself crashing down the rugged roads of investing. The rocket emoji is headed back to earth, and he wishes he hadn’t put all his eggs in one basket.</p>



<p>Investing is buying assets whose values are expected to increase after an extended period, providing capital gains or income returns. It can be a great way to grow wealth and achieve financial goals. However, it can also be risky, and putting all your money into a single investment can leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations, just like Nnanna. That&#8217;s why diversification is so important.</p>



<h2><strong>Why diversify your investment portfolio?</strong></h2>



<p>Diversification is the practice of investing in various assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to spread out risk and maximise returns. It is a good way to protect your wealth and hedge against market vulnerabilities. The goal of diversification is to spread your risk and improve your chances of making a profit. By investing in a range of assets, you reduce the impact that any one asset can have on your overall investment portfolio.</p>



<p>For example, if you invest all your money in one stock that performs poorly, like Nnanna did with crypto, you could lose a significant portion or all of your investment. But if you invest in a range of stocks, bonds, and real estate, or other investment options, a drop in the value of one asset is unlikely to have a significant impact on your overall portfolio.</p>



<p><strong>Ways you can diversify your investment portfolio</strong></p>



<p>These are ways you can diversify your portfolio:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Across different industries:</strong> As an investor, you can diversify across different industries, from stocks to real estate to bonds to health and agriculture. This helps to reduce the impact of vulnerabilities peculiar to each sector.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Across different asset classes:</strong> Asset classes are a group of investments with similar characteristics and having unique risks and opportunities associated with them. Some of the common asset classes include: Stocks, bonds, ETFs and commodities.</li></ul>



<p>There are a few tools and platforms that offer you the opportunity to diversify your investments. One of them is <a href="https://risevest.com/">Risevest</a>.</p>



<h2><strong>Diversifying your investments with Rise.</strong></h2>



<p>Risevest is a dollar-denominated investment platform that provides access to various global investment opportunities and allows investors to invest in global markets easily. We offer a range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and real estate. Our platform is designed to make investing more accessible to people in emerging markets. On Rise, you can choose from a range of investment portfolios designed to suit your risk appetite and investment goals. Our portfolios are managed by experienced investment professionals and experts who use various investment strategies to achieve the best possible returns for you.</p>



<p>Here are some of the ways that you can use Risevest to diversify your investment:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Invest in stocks</strong></li></ul>



<p>Risevest offers a stock investment option that allows you to invest in various stocks, particularly US stocks. By doing this, you can benefit from the potential growth of companies and the stock market. However, it&#8217;s important to remember that stocks can be volatile, so you need to diversify your investment by investing in a range of stocks.</p>



<p>Investing in stocks can be risky, but it can also offer high returns. Our team of investment professionals carefully select the stocks in each portfolio to ensure that they are of high quality and have good growth prospects.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Invest in real estate</strong></li></ul>



<p>Real estate is a tangible asset that can provide long-term growth and income. On Rise,you can invest in US real estate through our Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) product. REITs are investment vehicles that own and manage a portfolio of real estate properties. By investing in REITs, you can benefit from the potential growth of real estate without having to buy and manage properties yourself.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Invest in fixed income</strong></li></ul>



<p>We offer our investors access to fixed income options, which include bonds. Bonds are debt securities issued by companies or governments. When you invest in bonds, you are lending money to the issuer, and they promise to pay you back with interest over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bonds tend to offer a fixed rate of return, which means that they can protect you against inflation. Investing in the fixed income plan on Rise can provide a steady income stream and a means to diversify your investment across a range of assets.</p>



<p><strong>Other benefits of Investing with Risevest</strong></p>



<p>Investing with Risevest has other several benefits, including:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Access to Global Markets:</strong> Risevest allows investors to invest in global markets easily. This can help to increase growth opportunities and reduce the impact of local market fluctuations.</li><li><strong>Professional Management:</strong> Risevest&#8217;s investment portfolios are managed by experienced investment professionals who use various investment strategies to achieve the best possible returns for investors.</li><li><strong>Low Fees:</strong> Risevest charges low fees compared to traditional investment options. This can help to increase the returns for investors.</li><li><strong>Easy to Use:</strong> Risevest&#8217;s platform is easy to use and accessible to investors worldwide. Investors can make deposits and withdrawals easily using a range of payment options.</li></ol>



<p><strong>Tips for Investing with Risevest</strong></p>



<p>Here are some tips for investing with Risevest:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Understand your Investment Goals and Risk Appetite:</strong> Before investing with Risevest, it&#8217;s important to understand your investment goals and risk appetite. This will help you to choose an investment portfolio that is right for you.</li><li><strong>Do Your Research:</strong> It&#8217;s important to research the investment portfolios on Risevest before investing. This will help you to understand the investment strategies, and the risks and rewards associated with each portfolio.</li><li><strong>Start Small:</strong> It&#8217;s a good idea to start with a small investment and gradually increase it over time. This will help you better understand the platform and the investment portfolios before committing a large sum of money.</li><li><strong>Diversify:</strong> It&#8217;s important to diversify your portfolio across different asset classes and industries. This can help to reduce the risk of losing money if one investment performs poorly.</li></ul>



<h2><strong>How to get started on Risevest</strong></h2>



<p>Getting started on Risevest is easy. Here are the steps you can follow to start investing&nbsp; with us, and how you can diversify your portfolio:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Sign up for an account</strong></li></ul>



<p>To get started, you&#8217;ll need to sign up for an account. Download our app on the Apple or Play store or go to our <a href="https://app.risevest.com/signup">website</a>. If you already have an account, sign in to your account <a href="https://app.risevest.com/login">here</a>.The sign-up process is quick and easy, and you&#8217;ll need to provide some basic information about yourself.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Fund your account</strong></li></ul>



<p>Once you&#8217;ve signed up for an account, you’ll need to fund your account. We accept payments through various payment options, including bank transfers and debit cards.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Choose your investment options</strong></li></ul>



<p>Once you have funded, you can choose the investment options that you want to invest in, according to your <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/how-to-be-a-good-investor">risk appetite</a>. There is the stock, real estate and fixed income options as mentioned earlier.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Sit back and watch how your investments perform</strong></li></ul>



<p>Once you&#8217;ve invested in your chosen investment options, you can then sit back and watch your money grow. We have a team of experts whose job is to carry out market research, invest your money in high quality assets, and monitor your investments for you.</p>


How You Can Diversify Your Investment With Risevest


<p>While many businesses shut down with the Covid lockdown in 2020, businesses like Kasai were born— And like its name, it still burns bright.</p>



<p>On this episode of MoneyRise, Nonye tells us about starting Kasai Clothing at the peak of the pandemic, some of the challenges the business faces, dealing with irate customers and her advice for young and growing entrepreneurs. This is her story.</p>



<h2><strong>Tell us a little about yourself</strong></h2>



<p>My name is Nonye, and I’m a lawyer and entrepreneur. The name of my business is Kasai Clothing. We sell men’s clothing— urban and vintage wear. When I’m not practising law, I’m running my business. I think I practise law before my business in that order. Professionally, I’m a lawyer, then there’s my business on the side. I juggle both really. And do my absolute best to stay on top of it. I have staff to take off most of the day to day activities of running the business. So less of me is required daily.</p>



<h2><strong>How has that been for you, juggling both?</strong></h2>



<p>Well, for the longest time, I&#8217;ve always juggled my business with something else because I started my business in my final year in university. My university was in Benin and my business was Lagos-based, so I was shuffling both cities at that time. It continued even after school because I went to law school in another state. So I think for the most part, my business is used to me not being in the centre of it, but also still being there. I&#8217;ve been doing that for a while, and I think I almost have that balance now. Unfortunately, we’re in Nigeria. Some days, balance is not there at all.</p>



<h2><strong>Let’s talk about your business. What inspired Kasai Clothing? Have you always loved business?</strong></h2>



<p>I didn&#8217;t even have entrepreneurship in any of my plans. I never did. But I started my business in October 2020 when we had all been at home. After the lockdown had been lifted, ASUU said they were continuing their strike, and so for the whole of 2020, I didn&#8217;t go to school at all and I was just miserable. Back then, I used to go to Pinterest to create mood boards to see on other people. And randomly, I thought, “Okay, let me even source these styles. Assuming I was styling somebody, where would I get these shirts from?” And that&#8217;s how I started Kasai. I took it seriously and sourced for suppliers outside Nigeria. I think I started with 30 shirts. The first time I got the shirts to try out, I had already started tweeting about it on Twitter. I was running ideas; I would post and ask people what they thought about particular styles of shirts just to give me an idea of what people wanted to buy. And I bought my first 30 shirts and started.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="700" height="700" src="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2001" srcset="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-2.jpg 700w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-2-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>



<h2><strong>What has the experience been like?</strong></h2>



<p>Honestly, not producing in Nigeria is a big thing because the dollar rate is a very important factor in the business we do. There&#8217;s no time that something I bought last month and this month will ever be the same. So you always have to be like 10 steps ahead of what rate you&#8217;re selling at because if you&#8217;re restocking, it won&#8217;t be at that same price and it would be ridiculous to customers to be changing price every month. That would not make sense. It would seem like you&#8217;re not sustainable. So it has been hard, especially with the dollar rate itself, but we’re finding balance.</p>



<h2><strong>How do you tackle some of these challenges you face with the business?</strong></h2>



<p>For the most part, we have logistic challenges. Logistic challenge in the sense that our goods are made outside Nigeria. There are days that cargo is missing. There are days that customs will not clear on time and there are days that suppliers will send you a whole batch of nonsense. For the most part, I just take a deep breath and tackle the ones I can. The one I cannot do is above me; it will figure itself out. But I try my best to limit our exposure to things like this before it even happens.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>What is the business space like in Nigeria? Are there challenges you face, particularly in the business space in Nigeria?</strong></h2>



<p>As a business based in Nigeria that pays for our products in foreign currency, it’s so hard. The payment structure is really horrible. It&#8217;s absolutely hard to pay our suppliers because there&#8217;s a card limit. A supplier may quote $2000, but what card would you use to pay $2000 at once? If you go to the bank, you’ll have to deal with that mess at the bank. So the payment part is really hard. I&#8217;ve also tried production here in Nigeria to limit expenses, but I just incurred losses and I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s something I want to try again. At least, not any time soon. I mean, maybe I&#8217;ll look into it another time but I incurred so much loss that I just know that I&#8217;m going to continue doing the one I&#8217;m doing that I have more control over because I feel like expertise-wise, suppliers outside Nigeria work in big factories. Sometimes, you may not be exactly sure about what you want, but they cover so many details that you would not have thought about. Whereas, in a way, in Nigeria, you as the client, would have to direct every single thing, regardless of how much you’re paying. There&#8217;s almost zero input from the person. Everything has to be regulated by you, otherwise it would be a big mess. I haven&#8217;t found the type of expertise I get from outside Nigeria here in Nigeria just yet to make me move production here. But I&#8217;m still looking for one. Hopefully we&#8217;ll be able to build that.</p>



<h2><strong>Speaking of production, let’s talk about your branding and packaging. What makes it stand out from the others? What inspired the name?</strong></h2>



<p>Kasai is Japanese for Fire. Originally, Kasai was named after a river that borders Congo and Angola. Its nickname is Trade river— a river that connects traders to other countries to do their business. And I wanted it to stand for something; fire and trading. Basically, I’m a trader in the local sense of this and you need to have the passion and fire for something to keep giving it your shot. As I finished selling the first batch I sold in October of 2020 and went back to school, I could have just closed that up. It would have been like a side hobby, but I still found it in me to introduce shorts, cargo pants and all of that. So the fire and the trade river are where Kasai&#8217;s name came from basically.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2000" srcset="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-300x225.jpg 300w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File-768x576.jpg 768w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/File.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2><strong>This is very interesting.</strong></h2>



<p>Yes. Originally, Kasai was supposed to be Verde clothing. Verde is green in French, and I really love the colour green. At the time I was registering it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), they did not approve of Verde, so Kasai was my second option, and it stuck and that became our name.</p>



<h2><strong>It’s good they didn’t give in. So how is Kasai different from the other clothing brands? What are you seeking to solve with your brand?</strong></h2>



<p>At Kasai, we cater to people that want something stylish to wear with minimal effort on their part. Like someone who has an event tomorrow but doesn&#8217;t know what to wear, and also wants to look good. They just want to appear put together with minimal effort. That&#8217;s what we go for. If you had an occasion today and you hit us up, “Oh I just want a plain shirt or a striped shirt to wear to the beach later” we can deliver. We also prioritise same-day delivery. We&#8217;re like that brand that if you come to, we could get it done today, except if you&#8217;re not here in Lagos, then obviously we won&#8217;t be able to. But we prioritise being able to deliver to our customers instantly at their own comfort zone. You could be at work, the shirt will meet you at your office before you leave to go to Rock.</p>



<h2><strong>How has social media impacted your business? Good ways, bad ways.</strong></h2>



<p>I started my business on Twitter to be honest so for the longest time, I think my business has been tied to my personal self in a way. I&#8217;m always fighting so hard to separate my business from myself, so that the day there&#8217;s a problem, I can address the problem independently without having to also worry about how it affects my business. On that note, I advise people to outsource; let somebody else handle social media, posting, and communications. You need somebody else to do that kind of work for you because you might find yourself trying to defend something that&#8217;s not that serious. And next thing you are exchanging words with someone that has paid money for your service. It’s a really touchy thing. So if you can afford it, outsource that part. And if you&#8217;re known or have a social media presence, you need to separate your business from it. Yes, there&#8217;s nothing bad with people knowing that it’s your business. But you need to always separate whatever you are doing.</p>



<h2><strong>Speaking of social media, how do you handle really terrible customers?</strong></h2>



<p>I have a customer service staff so I don&#8217;t personally deal with customer issues until it gets escalated to me. Our most common problems are sizing issues especially with interstate orders. These are usually tricky to deal with because it involves incurring some level of loss on our end to resolve the issue.</p>



<p>To limit that, we ensure that customers are sure of their sizes before we send our orders and to protect ourselves, we have a timeline to complain to us after receiving your orders. Once this timeline is exceeded, there’s nothing we can do about it. We try to offer store credit in dire situations.</p>



<p>As a business owner, satisfying your customer is your number one priority and responsibility. But it’s also your duty to protect your business and yourself from unnecessary expenses and losses..</p>



<h2><strong>Absolutely! Let’s talk about Rise. One of the issues you mentioned that the business faces is the dollar. How has Rise, as a dollar-denominated company, helped with that?</strong></h2>



<p>At the time I first started using Rise for my business, I was using it as a saving mechanism for us in the sense that our profits are invested somewhere else pending when we needed it to go back into the business. Because at the time, I was worried about just having naira sitting in the bank account, not growing. I even lose money because they keep charging for different things. So Rise was serving that purpose because the money could be somewhere else, pending when we needed it. Then the wallet feature came. Not only does it allow us to keep our money in dollars, it also allows it to accumulate. I call it a little more flesh. And honestly, the wallet feature is like the best for us because sometimes even though we&#8217;ve invested the money, we might need to restock something sooner than we scheduled for. But with the wallet feature, we can withdraw at any time. I can put a specific amount and feel like, oh, in another three or six weeks, I would need to get this money out. And it will still do the same work— it&#8217;s saving in dollars and at the same time I&#8217;m getting interest from the money that is in there. So I really love the wallet feature. I feel like that&#8217;s the best innovation I&#8217;ve seen. I absolutely love it.</p>



<h2><strong>Things we love to hear. So, aside from the wallet feature, what&#8217;s your other favourite feature on Rise?</strong></h2>



<p>I can&#8217;t lie, I don&#8217;t do a lot of the investing available there just because I&#8217;m an Igbo babe and I <em>like my money for hand</em>. But I do like that there are options for different investments. I like the fact that it&#8217;s categorised into low-risk for those who don’t like taking risks. There’s intermediate, and then there is the option for people who don&#8217;t mind putting all their money into stocks. It could never be me. At least, not with my own money. Maybe with a man&#8217;s money, yes.</p>



<p>But I really like the categories because not everybody is interested in investing. Some of us only invest because it’s been talked into our heads, and not because we really want to. So categorising it is great. I mean, you could start with the low level and then you want to try out intermediate next and you just build your confidence through it.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>That’s right. It has different asset classes for different types of investors</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="828" height="456" src="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0E1B9E96-B619-4A1F-97AC-F18BB767DEF2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2002" srcset="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0E1B9E96-B619-4A1F-97AC-F18BB767DEF2.jpg 828w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0E1B9E96-B619-4A1F-97AC-F18BB767DEF2-300x165.jpg 300w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0E1B9E96-B619-4A1F-97AC-F18BB767DEF2-768x423.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px" /></figure>



<p>Yes. I also like the ease and accessibility it offers. I like the way each thing is explained. The stocks are properly explained, which makes you aware of the contingencies involved. There&#8217;s a lot of transparency in that sense. It isn’t to scare you off, but to make you a lot more aware. And even as a layman, just being able to read and understand what you&#8217;re looking at, helps with your decision making. “Oh, what am I going to invest in?” “Ok, let me try this amount.” The explanations are very good and user-friendly. I also like the fact that your CS is very responsive. When I started, I didn&#8217;t really understand what I was supposed to do, and I remember reaching out to support a long time ago and the person gave me a breakdown of everything. I like the fact that if you ask, there&#8217;s some sort of guide on how to go about any issue.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Will relay this to our CS team. So as a businessperson, what feature do you think Rise could introduce that would help your business?</strong></h2>



<p>For me, I wish there was a card payment option that instead of me having to withdraw, I could automate the payment with a card to my supplier directly. I wish there was a way the money didn&#8217;t have to leave my own personal bank account, and I could just automate payments from my Rise account to my suppliers. That would be awesome.</p>



<h2><strong>Where do you see Kasai clothing in 5-10 years?</strong></h2>



<p>In 5-10 years, I see us being a global vintage and urban wear brand, whose main focus is supplying fashion essentials to Africa and other parts of the world at large but Africa fundamentally.</p>



<h2><strong>Oh, our dollar card is in the works. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! What advice do you have for people looking to start a business in Nigeria?</strong></h2>



<p>I would say, first of all, you can&#8217;t wait for everything to come together before you start. You have to start somewhere. Then the more you grow, the more you add all the things you want. I think the first thing is to make a list of what you want from your business. Then you can start with the tools you have. Everything cannot come together at once honestly. So just start. If you wanted to do branded packaging, which is quite expensive, you could start with plain coloured bags and stickers. The next time you make profits, you then add your branded bags and branded stickers. You go up from there; switch up the colour of the packaging. You have to just do things one by one. If you try to do everything at once when you don&#8217;t have the resources for it, you can frustrate yourself. Everything cannot come together at once, especially if you&#8217;re a small scale business owner funding your business yourself. You need to take it easy.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>I absolutely agree</strong></h2>



<p>That&#8217;s one. I would also say more people need to explore having virtual stores. You don&#8217;t always need to have a physical outlet. You need to partner with the companies that already provide virtual store features. There&#8217;s Flutterwave, amongst others. You also need to be wise with money— business money. If you are dying, it’s better you die, but leave that money alone. You need to have a structure, especially as a small scale business. You may not have a corporate account for it, but you need to separate your money. Your business money should not come into your personal account. At least, for more than the first three months, you should have different places where it’s going to. And that&#8217;s where Rise comes in. If you&#8217;re sending your money to Rise, that should be your business money. If you&#8217;re looking for it, it’s inside your Rise; don&#8217;t take out of it, don&#8217;t touch it. Business money is business money. The moment you start dipping your hand into that business money, your self control is going out of the window. That&#8217;s just the truth. So always separate business and your personal money. It is very important.</p>



<h2><strong>To avoid stories that touch. Do you have any more?</strong></h2>



<p>Yes, the third and final one. Be open to criticisms. Honestly, it&#8217;s hard, especially after you have tried your best and people make bad comments, but it&#8217;s really important to be open to it. Try to implement the ones you can. The ones you cannot implement yet, make sure your customers are aware that you know these things. Ask for feedback. If you&#8217;re a small scale business, you want to show enthusiasm. “Did you like my product?” “What do you think would be better?” Make customers feel like you want to know what they like, and what can be better. And if you manage to implement that, you can text that customer another time, “Hey, would you like to try this out again? We were able to fix that thing you complained about.” Or if you can afford to offer to send them a revised version of whatever it was that they complained about, it helps to build customer retention in that sense. Only if you can afford it, it&#8217;s not compulsory. You can just let them know that you have improved and it’s back in stock.</p>


At Kasai, We Cater To People Who Want Something Stylish To Wear With Minimal Effort On Their Part. My Name Is Nonye, And This Is How I Make My #MoneyRise.


<p>Two years ago, Amarachi earned ₦300,000 monthly income. She loved going shopping and would go on a shopping spree twice every month. At the time, her entire grocery list cost about ₦65,000. She would buy a crate of eggs for ₦1,500, a pack of a bottle of water for ₦2,000, a pack of spaghetti for ₦250, a carton of 120g of noodles for ₦3,400 and other things for lesser amounts. Today, the same amount of money can only afford to cover half the same list. A crate of eggs now costs ₦2,500, a pack of spaghetti for ₦500, a pack of bottle water for ₦4,000 and a carton of the same noodles for ₦7,000. Inflation happened, and Amarachi lost her purchasing power. </p>



<h2><strong>What is Inflation?</strong></h2>



<p>Inflation is a term that has become all too familiar in Nigeria. It occurs when the general price level of goods and services in the economy increases over time. Various factors, such as an increase in the money supply or a decrease in the supply of goods and services can cause it. Inflation has been a constant thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian economy, and it has affected the purchasing power of Nigerians.</p>



<h2><strong>Understanding Inflation and Inflation Rates in Nigeria</strong></h2>



<p>Inflation in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon. It has been a persistent problem for several years, with the country experiencing high inflation rates for decades. According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s climbing inflation rate, which took a brief pause in December, continued to <a href="https://nairametrics.com/2023/02/15/nigerias-inflation-rate-rises-to-21-82-in-january-2023/">climb</a> in January, 2023 to 21.82% from 21.34% in December 2022. As at February, the inflation rate climbed to 21.91% and is expected to remain high in the foreseeable future.</p>



<p>A further breakdown of the numbers shows that food inflation increased. People are spending <a href="https://www.stearsng.com/premium/article/how-are-countries-responding-to-rising-food-prices/">more on food items</a> than a few years ago. The same applies to core inflation, covering services like haircuts, health care, and products like energy items like fuel, diesel, and kerosene— all of which have been increasing.</p>



<p>The rise in the general price level of goods and services in the economy has a ripple effect on the standard of living of Nigerians. It reduces the purchasing power of Nigerians, and it makes it difficult for businesses to operate profitably.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Inflation can also have a significant impact on personal finances, particularly for those who rely on fixed-income investments or have savings that are not keeping up with the rate of inflation. However, there are ways to protect your investments from inflation. One option is to invest in assets that have historically performed well during times of inflation, such as real estate, commodities, and stocks, which Risevest offers.</p>



<h2><strong>High Inflation Rate in Nigeria: Factors Responsible.</strong></h2>



<p>Inflation can generally be caused by a variety of factors such as high government spending, high exchange rates, high fuel prices, and insecurity. In Nigeria, several factors contribute to the high inflation rate in Nigeria that has been experienced in recent years. Some of these factors include:</p>



<p><strong>Monetary Policy:</strong> One of the primary causes of the high inflation rate in Nigeria is monetary policy. When the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increases the money supply by printing more money, it can lead to an increase in inflation. This is because more money is in circulation, which can lead to higher demand for goods and services, and ultimately drive up prices.</p>



<p><strong>Government Spending:</strong> Government spending is another factor that can contribute to inflation in Nigeria. When the government spends more money than it collects in taxes, it can lead to an increase in the money supply and put upward pressure on prices. In addition, government spending can also lead to increased demand for goods and services, which can further drive up prices.</p>



<p><strong>Exchange Rate:</strong> The exchange rate of the Nigerian currency, the naira, can also impact inflation. When the naira depreciates against other currencies, it can lead to an increase in the price of imported goods and services. This, in turn, can lead to inflation as businesses pass on the increased costs to consumers.</p>



<p><strong>Supply Chain Disruptions:</strong> Disruptions in the supply chain can also lead to inflation in Nigeria. For example, if there is a shortage of a particular commodity, such as oil or wheat, it can lead to increased prices as demand outstrips supply. This can have a ripple effect throughout the economy, as prices of other goods and services that rely on the commodity may also increase.</p>



<p><strong>Infrastructure Challenges:</strong> Nigeria&#8217;s infrastructure challenges, such as poor roads and inadequate power supply, can also contribute to inflation. These challenges can increase the cost of doing business, as companies may have to spend more money on transportation and power generation. These increased costs can be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices.</p>



<p><strong>Security Challenges:</strong> Nigeria&#8217;s security challenges, such as terrorism and banditry, can also impact inflation. These challenges can disrupt economic activity, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs for businesses. In addition, insecurity can also lead to a decrease in foreign investment, which can put downward pressure on the exchange rate and increase inflation.</p>



<h2><strong>Impacts of Inflation on the Economy and People.</strong></h2>



<p>The faster inflation rises in Nigeria, the lower our purchasing power— like Amarachi, we may not not be able to afford things at the usual cost we do now or like we did in the past. And until we address the issues affecting the inflation rate in Nigeria, as stated above, the value of our income and purchasing power will continue to decline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another impact of inflation on people like Amarachi is that it can lead to decreased savings. As the cost of living increases, people may have to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/nigeria-inflation-idUSL5N2KJ2K8">spend</a> more of their income on necessities, leaving less money for saving and investment. This can lead to decreased capital formation and hinder economic growth in the long run.</p>



<p>Inflation also affects the economy in various ways. One impact of inflation on the economy is a decrease in foreign investment. As the cost of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/nigeria-inflation-idUSL5N2KJ2K8">living</a> increases, investors may hesitate to invest in the country. This can lead to a decrease in the capital inflow into the country, leading to a slowdown in economic growth.</p>



<h2><strong>Hedging Against Inflation in Nigeria</strong></h2>



<p>One of the ways to hedge against inflation in Nigeria is by investing in <a href="https://risevest.com/">Risevest</a>. Risevest is an investment platform that enables Nigerians to invest in stocks, real estate, and fixed income, helping Nigerians hedge against inflation. Here are the investment options:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Stock Investing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Investing in stocks is one of the best ways to hedge against inflation in Nigeria. Stocks are shares of ownership in a company, and they tend to appreciate in value over time. When you invest in stocks, you are investing in the future earnings of the company. As the company grows and becomes more profitable, the value of your stocks will increase. This <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/how-to-invest-when-inflation-is-rising">increase</a> in value will help you beat inflation and maintain your purchasing power. Risevest <a href="https://risevest.com/stocks">offers</a> access to stocks of  global companies. This means that you can invest in companies that are likely to perform well regardless of the state of the Nigerian economy.</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>Bond Investing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Another way to hedge against inflation in Nigeria is by investing in bonds. Bonds are debt securities that are issued by companies or governments. When you invest in bonds, you are lending money to the issuer, and they promise to pay you back with interest over time. Bonds tend to offer a fixed rate of return, which means that they can protect you against inflation. Investing in them can provide a steady income stream and protect you against inflation. Risevest <a href="https://risevest.com/fixed-income">offers</a> access to some of these bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Dollar Investing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Investing in foreign currencies such as the US dollar is another way to hedge against inflation in Nigeria. The value of the Nigerian naira has been volatile in recent years, and investing in foreign currencies can help you protect your investments from currency fluctuations. Risevest offers access to <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/the-best-tips-to-navigate-a-high-inflation-world">dollar-denominated</a> investments, which means that you can invest in assets that are denominated in US dollars.</p>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>Real Estate Investing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Real estate is another asset class that can help you hedge against inflation in Nigeria. Real estate tends to appreciate over time, providing a steady rental income stream. Investing in real estate can help you protect your investments from inflation and provide a source of passive income. Risevest also <a href="https://risevest.com/real-estate">offers</a> access to real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are companies that own and manage income-generating real estate properties.</p>



<p>Inflation is a persistent problem in Nigeria and can have a significant impact on the economy and everyone. Hence, it is critical to hedge your funds and investment against inflation to benefit from long-term growth in emerging markets. You can also read more <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/tips-to-survive-rising-inflation">tips</a> on how you can survive the rising inflation in Nigeria. We also wrote how you can navigate inflation as an investor in this <a href="https://risevest.com/blog/how-to-invest-when-inflation-is-rising">article</a>.</p>


Inflation In Nigeria: How You Can Use Rise To Hedge Against Inflation


<p>The major story since the final weeks of March has been the move by a number of countries ranging from Russia, China, India, and now Saudi Arabia to switch their trade settlement currencies from the global reserve USD to their own individual currencies. </p>



<p>These agreements have largely been bilateral, but it has accelerated with the Ukraine war and China’s growing influence. This has raised eyebrows from many about the status of the US Dollar on the global stage, and the continued value of investments domiciled in US dollars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As always, Rise will try to provide some perspectives on this in response to a number of questions from our users and in pursuit of our mission to help our users become better-informed investors.&nbsp;</p>



<ol><li><strong>The US Dollar Is Not the World’s Only Reserve Currency</strong></li></ol>



<p>One of the first things we often have to point out is that the US dollar has never been the <em>only </em>reserve currency in the world. Reserve currency, in this case, is defined as the currencies countries use to settle trade balances, hold central bank reserves and flow to for a safe store of value. By this definition, the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the British pound, and the Chinese Yuan all qualify.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary difference between these other currencies and the dollar is the much larger share of world trade conducted in dollars versus the rest. In 2000, 71% of the world’s trade was settled in dollars. By 2022, this number had dropped to 58%. However, that is still far larger than the second-placed Euro (at 20%), third-place Yen (5.5%), fourth-place Pounds (4.9%) and the Chinese Yuan (2.2%) to round up the top 5. So while these shifts will continue to happen as China, India, and other countries control more of the world’s trade, it is not as dramatic as the media makes it seem. The higher the slice of global trade you control, the easier for more countries to accept and do business in your currency. So while the share of trade settled in US Dollars will ebb and flow in the long run, the dollar will always hold sway as a strong, reserve currency unless something catastrophic happens to the US economy.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>The US Dollar Is Still Going to Be In Demand Despite the Switches</strong></li></ol>



<p>Despite some of the announced switches, it is crucial to understand that being used as a trade settlement currency is not the only reason for US Dollars demand globally. One of the advantages the dollar has is that it is connected to a deep, liquid and active securities market tied to it, which makes it fast and stable to do business in and protects you from a decent amount of exchange rate risk. For this reason alone, a lot of the world’s business will always be done in dollars. It’s a bit like a network effect— the dollar is the most massively traded currency and is connected to the deepest liquid markets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The US economy, its monetary and credit system is also the most trusted globally, meaning that the majority of the world’s central banks, and the banks that rely on them, regardless of which currency they hold reserves in, want to ensure that when they need funds, they will get it. The dollar offers the best chances of that happening. The US also has a long creditworthiness history, which also means that parking money in the US Treasury is one of the few reliable choices for many central banks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All these will ensure that dollar demand does not drop radically despite the current changes we are seeing.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>The value of your dollar investments is not tied to the dollar being a reserve currency.</strong></li></ol>



<p>One of the mistakes a lot of people make is to think that the main driver of their investment returns is because it is in dollars. That is not the case. Investing in dollars is very beneficial, especially if your local currency is weakening or has high inflation— the dollar will be more valuable over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But the real gain in your investment comes from the increased value of the asset due to its performance and economic gains over time. For instance, while the dollar’s share of global trade dropped -13% from 2000 to 2022, the S&amp;P 500 gained over 311% in the same time frame. Several stocks like Domino’s Pizza, Tesla and Apple have gained more than 1000% in the period. As an investor in these assets, the acceptability of the dollar is not why your investment did well. Your investment did well because it gained value; it was domiciled in a strong securities market with a lot of liquidity and a large economy with a strong demand base. As long as these remain true, your investments will still do well no matter what happens with Yuan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In conclusion, as we continue to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape, we understand that staying ahead of the curve is essential in providing you with the best investment opportunities worldwide. Hence, we are committed to adding additional investments representing the best opportunities for your money, and we look forward to helping you achieve your investment goals.</p>


Why Countries Switching Trade Currencies Does Not Affect Your Dollar Investments

How to Talk About Money With Your Partner Without Having An Argument

How the Black Tax perpetuates poverty and how to beat it

Dollar Investment 101


<p>Ejigi was recently scammed of ₦51,000. He had seen a post on Twitter from one of the fintech companies he has an account with about a giveaway and decided to participate in it. </p>



<p>That would be his first time ever. Just after he liked the post, the handle reached out to him with a link, and told him the steps he needed to follow to win the giveaway. </p>



<p>Unsuspecting Ejigi clicked on the link, which requested for the sign-in details to his account, but nothing came up. A few moments later, he got another message from the same handle asking him to make a deposit of ₦50,000 into his account as it was one of the requirements that would qualify him for the giveaway. </p>



<p>Prior to that, he had just a thousand naira in his account. Excitedly, Ejigi transferred ₦50,000 to his account, making his total balance ₦51,000. Right after his deposit, he received a debit alert of ₦51,000. This was when it dawned on him that he had just been scammed. Two months later, Ejigi is yet to get his money back. You may have had a similar experience as Ejigi or know someone who has. </p>



<p>There has been a recent spike in the stories about cyber scams, particularly relating to financial apps and accounts. These stories range from the young woman who was unknowingly communicating with a fake help handle of a fintech company on Twitter, to the one whose account was hacked and wiped through a phishing link to the story of Ejigi above.</p>



<p>In today&#8217;s world, where most of our daily activities are conducted online, protecting our personal information and financial data has become more critical than ever. Scammers and hackers are always on the lookout for opportunities to steal passwords and exploit unsuspecting users to gain access to sensitive information to their accounts.</p>



<p>Hence, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to secure your passwords and financial apps.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Common scam methods:</strong></h2>



<p>There are quite a number of methods used by scammers to gain access to personal information of victims. Here are some of them:</p>



<p><strong>Phishing Emails/Messages:</strong> Phishing emails are fake emails that look like they come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a financial institution, but are designed to trick you into giving away your login credentials or personal information. Messages like this always contain malicious links or attachments, which the scammers use to get every information that they need.</p>



<p><strong>Fake Social Media Handles/CS Representatives:</strong> For companies with social media presence, scammers usually create a misleading social media help account, which they often use to reach out to and scam unsuspecting victims who open up to them when they have issues relating to their account.</p>



<p><strong>Scam Calls: </strong>With this type of scam, the caller pretends to be from your bank or a fintech company, claiming that your account has been compromised and that they want to help you fix it. They request for your personal information and sometimes a one-time password (OTP), which will be sent to your phone. Once they have all this information, they can then hijack your account and take out all the funds you have.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Here are some tips to help you stay safe from scammers:</strong></h2>



<ol><li><strong>Use strong passwords:</strong> A strong password is one that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It is important to avoid using easily guessable words or phrases such as your name, date of birth, or common words like &#8220;password&#8221; or &#8220;123456.&#8221; Use different passwords for different accounts, and change them regularly.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>Enable two-factor authentication:</strong> Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a fingerprint scan, a text message, or an app notification. This makes it harder for scammers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Verify company’s handle and links: </strong>Before you click on any link or share any information with anyone, verify that the links are safe and secure and that the account you’re interacting with is a trusted one.</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>Report fake CS representatives and malicious activities: </strong>If a customer representative requests for your login credentials, ensure you report the situation to the company; they or the channel may have been compromised. In no context is a customer representative allowed to request for a user’s login credentials.</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li><strong>Keep your apps and devices updated:</strong> Updates to your apps and devices often contain security patches that address vulnerabilities and bugs that can be exploited by scammers. Make sure to keep your apps and devices up to date to ensure that you have the latest security features.</li></ol>



<ol start="6"><li><strong>Be wary of phishing emails and scams:</strong> Threat actors leverage on a range of human emotions such as curiosity, urgency, fear, greed, and even trust to harvest and steal login credentials. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages and do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="7"><li><strong>Use a reputable antivirus software:</strong> Antivirus software can help protect your computer or mobile device from malware, which can be used to steal your passwords or financial data. Use a reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date.</li></ol>



<ol start="8"><li><strong>Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi:</strong> Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure and can be easily hacked by scammers. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information or financial</li></ol>



<p>Remember, Risevest will never ask you for your password, pin or other sensitive information required to gain access to your account. In such instances, reach out to our verified handles on Twitter (@Risevest), Instagram (@Rise.Vest), or email <a href="mailto:hello@risevest.com">hello@risevest.com</a>.</p>


How To Stay Safe from Scammers: Securing Your Passwords Financial Apps


<p>You may be aware of the recent meltdown at Silicon Valley Bank, which led to the bank entering receivership with &nbsp;the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).&nbsp;</p>



<p>During episodes like this, many users ask questions about potential contagion and how Risevest manages users&#8217; investments to prevent such risks from affecting their portfolios. We want to proactively share some perspectives with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>First, Risevest has no exposure or relationship with Silicon Valley Bank. As many know, we typically prefer to hold our US accounts with traditional banks like TD Bank, Bank of America etc. Our assets are also selected to minimize risk, and ensure long term stability. You can relax knowing we will always make the smart choice to ensure stable growth in your wealth.</strong></p>



<p>As an asset management platform, our fixed income and wallet features are powered by providers who hold corporate bonds, consumer credit, real estate loans and other fixed income assets that are thoroughly vetted and intentionally held to strictly one year maturities.This way we can adjust rates based on market realities without taking undue risk.</p>



<p>We also hold assets across multiple asset classes like real estate, stocks and fixed income so that issues that impact any sector do not affect your entire portfolio.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Collectively, we want our users to understand that situations like these happen during stressful times; however,our assets and investment process is designed to ensure&nbsp; we help you navigate such times as stress-free as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our first risk management framework is to estimate risk of loss and account for that before pushing for returns. Sometimes that means we pass up higher return opportunities because they are too risky. And at all times, we will communicate the risks involved in the assets you choose on Rise.</p>



<p>Thank you for choosing Rise to grow your wealth. In good and bad times, trust us to always navigate the markets to deliver long term growth to you</p>


Risevest Has No Exposure To Silicon Valley Bank


<h2><strong>Summary</strong></h2>



<p>We just opened a new position in our portfolio for Crocs, Incorporated (CROX) on the back of exploding sales and increasing profitability. We will be investing some of the funds we sold off from Block into the new holding and keep adding to the position based on their performance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>



<p>Crocs, Incorporated is a footwear company based in Broomfield, Colorado, in the United States, that manufactures and distributes casual lifestyle footwear and accessories. Its lineup includes clogs, sandals, slides, flip-flops, loafers, sneakers, and shoe charms under the Crocs brand name. The company sells its products in over 85 countries through wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce sites, and third-party marketplaces, both online and offline.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/q3wnrV_w10nXyxnDVV3gGcHdHpXLnQT-d_0f56_3dlkbzpO8noQGx_OD-MpEMc0T4V1CsbI98s_zAqrK6AkFmJjIh-CrkGseC5xD7XiBb3GdE9Y-bsaweDo84LFA7dSzR9_W73IYIjRBZhS9DcYLqz8" alt=""/></figure>



<h2><strong>Thesis</strong></h2>



<p>Over the last few years, Crocs has exploded in popularity among every demographic, especially Millenials and GenZ globally. Their highly simple and extremely comfortable footwear have garnered strong appeal among women, men and children and led to the company beating out established rivals like Skechers and Steve Madden and upstarts like Amazon-owned Allbirds. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/XJy7i9KfXxYyc/giphy.gif" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Their revenue has tripled in the last four years, hitting a record $3.2B in the last year, and is projected to hit $4B in 2023. The gross margin in the same period has grown from 51.5% to 56.3%, giving them one of the highest margins in the business. On a profitability level, they went from a -$70 million net loss in 2018&nbsp; to over $557 million net income last year, an incredible growth rate in such a short period.</p>



<p>While Crocs Inc. has returned more than 80% in the last two quarters. a combination of their attractive valuation at 11.74, forward price-to-earnings ratio, unrelenting growth, and strong and expanding margins makes us confident that the stock is still likely to outperform over the short and medium-term horizons.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Risks</strong></h2>



<p>Despite the strong thesis, there are a few risks with this investment. The first is that a potential recession on the horizon means that the company’s sales might drop, impacting its profit. Also, its stock performance might be affected by an overall drop in market levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another risk is that their popularity and sales growth are only temporary and that sales might drop as the fad wanes. We don&#8217;t think this is the case,as their sales growth has lasted over four years and they have consistently expanded their product line up. Also, their footwear are designed to be casual staples which have very resilient demand as a category. However, it is still a possibility, which is somewhat accounted for in their current stock price.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ogJm8p2NwnlGrGjyFj/giphy.gif" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Lastly, one of the most significant risks is that Crocs has a significant amount of debt at around $2.9B in long-term debt. For comparison, Skechers has roughly $1.61B in debt. However, their strong cash-flow generation enables them to pay this down aggressively, and management has prioritised paying this down and strengthening their balance sheet over time. This is one of the items we will keep an eye on as the company continues to execute over the coming quarters.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>We have opened a starter position to which we will be adding on a monthly and quarterly basis, subject to the performance of the company and the sustained growth in their business. We find the profitability, growth, and cash-flow generation compelling. We believe that Crocs’ simple business model, brand awareness, and viral popularity will translate to a significant competitive advantage in the footwear market.&nbsp;</p>


We Added Crocs, Inc. (CROX) To Our Portfolio


<p>Valentine&#8217;s Day is here, and the air is frenzy with Valentine jingles, love and excitement about what the day holds. For many of us, this means romance, flowers, happiness, love, sharing and chocolates. But if you want to avoid heartbreak and disappointment today, here are the 5 kinds of people to avoid this Valentine season.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>The Aspire to Perspire Motivational Bro</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="500" height="300" src="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/giphy-4.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-1923"/></figure>



<p>You know that guy, the motivational speaker, guru, or coach, always preaching about money and success. They know all about the morning routines and formulas of successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Elon Musk and use these examples to create an aura of authority and expertise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But despite knowing the routines of rich people, don’t be surprised if a motivational bro asks you for money because the end goal is for them to gain your trust and borrow money from you. And once they have the money, they often disappear. Alexa play me wahala dey</p>



<p>So when a motivational bro moves to you, do your research, be sceptical of their formula for success, and shine your eyes when they ask for money upfront without providing any tangible value in return.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>The Baller, not the Mechanic</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/meme-dev/a3944cc1-47b7-4cb3-97fa-61109a92aafb.gif"/></figure>



<p>The Ballers love to live life to the fullest and believe in &#8220;YOLO.&#8221; Money is not an obstacle for them when it comes to having a good time. They are known for their lavish lifestyles, designer clothes, high-end cars, and ability to turn heads wherever they go.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For Ballers, the club is their second home. And it is annoying when you hang out with them because the DJ has to stop the music every five minutes to play “Dorime”. Ballers believe in splurging on the best, whether it&#8217;s the latest designer gear, a bottle of Azul, or a table at the most exclusive nightclub.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Run from ballers o, because they are not interested in savings or investments. They believe life is too short to save for the future and that money is meant to be spent. They view investments as a waste of time and do not understand the concept of planning for the future. Their motto is to live in the moment and make the most of it.</p>



<h2><strong>The Social Media Hustler:&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/c55af5dcf33a258d42ec4cb7e1b2f50e/tenor.gif?itemid=13208177"/></figure>



<p>The Social Media Hustler is a modern-day version of a pyramid scheme. They use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote their latest product and convince people to become their sellers. Once you meet someone and they tell you to sell a product to five of your friends, who will then have to sell it to five of their friends, and so on, it is time for you to <em>japa</em>.</p>



<p>The catch is to offer quick and easy solutions to your financial problems, and they use flashy graphics, motivational quotes, and false promises of wealth to lure you in. Once they have your attention, they pressure you to sign up, invest money, or buy products. It is giving GNLD.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, once you have invested your money, you’d soon realise that your money has gone. <em>Otilorr</em>. The moral of the lesson is to avoid anyone that promises you quick money,&nbsp; always do your research, read reviews, and consult with trusted friends and family before making a decision. If it smells and talks like a scam, it probably is, and it&#8217;s best to run in the opposite direction.</p>



<h2><strong>The Nepo Baby</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/meme-dev/5f5a93f1-4197-4bed-a468-06b68a8adb3e.gif" alt=""/></figure>



<p>The Nepo Baby is a term used to describe a person born into wealth and privilege, <em>onye ji cash</em>. These individuals often live a life of leisure, never having a need to work a traditional 9-5 job or hold a steady income. Instead, they rely on their trust funds or family wealth to support their extravagant lifestyle. They may call themselves &#8220;freelancers&#8221; but if you look closer, the freelance and the lifestyle is not matching – the maths is not mathing&nbsp;</p>



<p>They love planning expensive activities well beyond the average person&#8217;s means. Whether it&#8217;s taking a luxury holiday, buying a flashy car, or going out for extravagant meals. Afterall, what’s the need of having money, if you can’t spend it?</p>



<p>While their spending habits may seem impressive and enviable to some, it can also be frustrating if you try to keep up with the Joneses. So, If you find yourself in a situation where you&#8217;re constantly surrounded by Nepo Babies, it&#8217;s important to advise yourself and no go do pass yourself.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>The Unfortunate Nancy</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="768" height="359" src="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8AC6BCA3-ACC6-44D5-92AE-5E4E905C2250-768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1925" srcset="https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8AC6BCA3-ACC6-44D5-92AE-5E4E905C2250-768.jpeg 768w, https://money.rise.capital/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8AC6BCA3-ACC6-44D5-92AE-5E4E905C2250-768-300x140.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>The Unfortunate Nancy always seems to have a problem that pops up just after they&#8217;ve met you. It seems like no matter what you do to try to help them, it&#8217;s never enough. You might offer a kind word or a helping hand, but their problems always escalate.</p>



<p>For example, when you first meet Nancy, they might tell you their rent is due and they’re struggling to make ends meet. You offer to help in any way you can, but before you realise it, they’re also telling you about how their landlord&#8217;s chicken ran away, and they’re worried they won&#8217;t find it. Then, just when you think it can&#8217;t get any worse, they tell you that their grandmother has sprained her ankle, and they’re been having trouble taking care of her.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a never-ending cycle with Nancy, and it can be incredibly draining. No matter how much you try to help, it seems like their problems just keep piling up. You might even start to feel like you&#8217;re being taken advantage of and that Nancy will always be in need of something.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, there&#8217;s not much you can do to help someone like Nancy, but to run! It&#8217;s best to avoid Nancy and other people like them. You don&#8217;t want to be caught up in a cycle of never-ending problems and demands. If you have to interact with them, be mindful of how much time and energy you&#8217;re putting into their problems, and remember to take care of yourself first.</p>



<p>In conclusion, Valentine&#8217;s season is a time to celebrate love and affection with your significant other, friends, and family. However, it&#8217;s also a time to be cautious of certain people who could potentially ruin the day or bring negativity to you like mentioned above.</p>



<p>Also consider investing in your future with <a href="https://m.rise.capital/9i5w">Risevest</a>. This platform provides you with the tools and resources to grow your wealth and reach your financial goals, so you can focus on what truly matters during seasons of love like spending quality time with those who matter most. Whether you&#8217;re looking to save for a special occasion, buy a house, or retire comfortably, <a href="https://m.rise.capital/9i5w">Risevest</a> has you covered. So make the most of this Valentine&#8217;s season and invest in your financial future with Risevest.</p>


The Five Kinds Of People To Avoid This Valentine’s Season


<p>We always make plans – to travel, to get that degree, start that professional course and advance our careers, or even for our kids and loved ones. Sometimes, we find ourselves ticking them off and striking them out. Other times, life happens, and we&#8217;re unable to.</p>



<p>Setting goals and achieving them is essential to personal and professional development. Without goals, we lack direction and purpose, and it becomes easy to get sidetracked and lose motivation. Benjamin Franklin would say, &#8220;If you fail to plan, you have planned to fail&#8221; However, setting goals is only the first step; the real challenge is working towards achieving them. This is where the Risevest Goal-based plans come in.</p>



<p><strong>What is Risevest?</strong></p>



<p>Risevest is an investment company that connects you to global wealth-creating opportunities, including US stocks, real estate, and fixed income. It also offers a wide range of products, like its goal-based plans to help individuals set and achieve their financial goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>What are Risevest&#8217;s Goal-based plans?</strong></p>



<p>They are a structured approach to saving and investing that helps you to stay focused and motivated to achieve your goals. These plans are designed to help you reach specific financial goals, such as saving for retirement, buying a house, or paying for your child&#8217;s education. They typically involve investing in a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or real estate tailored to your individual needs and risk tolerance.</p>



<p><strong>Benefits of using the Risevest goal-based plans</strong></p>



<ul><li>One of the key benefits of the Risevest Goal-based plans is that they allow you to set specific and measurable goals. By setting clear goals, you can create a roadmap for your financial journey, making it easier to stay motivated and on track.</li><li>They also offer a range of investment options to suit different risk tolerances and investment goals. Whether you&#8217;re a conservative investor looking for low-risk options, or a more aggressive investor looking for higher returns, there&#8217;s an investment option to suit your needs.</li><li>The ability to track your progress and adjust your goals: Each plan has a personal dashboard that allows you to monitor your progress and see how close you are to achieving your goals. If you are not, or there are changes in your goals, the Risevest Goal-based plans allow you to adjust your plan to reflect these changes easily. Such changes include your income, family size, or financial goals.</li><li>Auto-invest: Rise remembers, so you don&#8217;t have to remember. The auto-invest feature available on the goal-based plans makes it easy to stay consistent, even when you forget. You just need to set a funding amount, frequency and payment method and Rise will automatically fund your plans, on schedule.</li></ul>



<p><strong>How do I create a goal-based plan on Risevest?</strong></p>



<p>Once you have identified your goals for the year, you can then get started on Rise by following these steps:</p>



<ol><li>For Android users, you can get the Rise app on Play Store. For IOS users, go to the App Store to download the app.</li><li>When you have downloaded the app, sign up using all the necessary details.</li><li>Go to the homepage, click &#8220;Add Money, &#8221; and choose your preferred funding option.</li><li>After you have funded your wallet, click on &#8220;Create an Investment Plan,&#8221; choose any goal-based plan of your choice, and give it a name.</li><li>On your new plan, click on &#8220;Add Money&#8221; and fund an amount of your choice.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<p>There you have it; your new Rise goal-based plan is ready.</p>



<p><strong>Random tips to help you achieve your goals with Risevest</strong></p>



<p>Now that you have created your goal-based plan on Rise, here are a few tips to help you tick them off your list by the end of the year:</p>



<ol><li>Start early: The earlier you invest, the more time your money has to grow. By starting early, you can take advantage of the power of compound interest and potentially reach your goals more quickly.</li><li>Set realistic goals: It&#8217;s important to set challenging but achievable goals. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and may discourage you from continuing to invest.</li><li>Stay focused: It&#8217;s easy to get sidetracked or lose motivation when working towards a long-term goal. To stay on track, it&#8217;s essential to regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed.</li><li>Be flexible: Life can be unpredictable, and it&#8217;s important to be flexible and willing to adapt your plan as your needs and circumstances change. For example, if you experience a major life event, such as a job loss or a significant change in income, you may need to adjust your investment strategy.</li><li>Seek professional advice: If you&#8217;re unsure about your goals or how to achieve them, consider seeking the advice of a financial advisor. Risevest holds monthly investment club meetings, in-house financial sessions, and virtual meetings to help you better understand your finances and where you&#8217;re headed.</li></ol>


How You Can Achieve Your Goals This Year with Risevest


<p>This year, we continue to modify our portfolio to reflect the current market realities. One of those moves include parting ways with one of our favorite companies, Block Inc.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our thesis on Block (NYSE: SQ) was built around their consumer finance efforts and their emphasis on expanding consumer opportunities in crypto/blockchain technology. However, this was hurt by the meltdown in the crypto market, but we decided to stick with Block for other reasons. The first is that they are still growing strongly, with revenues of $4.5B in November last year, and growing 17% yearly. When you exclude their crypto trade business, their regular operating businesses (Cashapp, Seller ecosystems) grew an even more impressive 36%. The years before 2022, revenue was growing at even faster rates.</p>



<h2>So why sell now?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Much of Block’s revenue growth has not translated into profits and free cash-flow for the company. While we understand some growth in marketing and customer acquisition costs, the consistent growth in general, administrative, and personnel expenses bothered us. Block’s operating costs have grown at an average of 60.4% in recent quarters, much faster than revenues and multiples higher than profitability. Runaway costs have generally been a feature of Jack Dorsey-led companies, and after watching this number for a while, we lost confidence in the ability or willingness of the company to rein in these costs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is a big negative signal to us, given the era of higher interest rates, lower liquidity, tough economic conditions, and a potential recession. With the drop in stock prices, we believe there are more compelling and better-positioned companies to invest in for a better risk-adjusted return.</p>



<p>We believe Block is an incredible company with a compelling product and opportunity ahead of it, and will remain on our watch list till its thesis makes sense for our portfolio.&nbsp;</p>


We sold off our Block Inc Position.


<p>For many, the beginning of a new year is a time of reflection and  renewal and New Year&#8217;s resolutions are a time-honoured tradition, a chance for people to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. As the New Year approaches, many people start to think about what they want to achieve in the coming year. Some people make New Year&#8217;s resolutions, while others prefer not to set specific goals. However, research has shown that setting and working towards specific goals can be beneficial in many ways. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider making a New Year&#8217;s resolution for 2023:</p>



<ol><li><strong>A New Year&#8217;s resolution can help you focus on what&#8217;s important.</strong></li></ol>



<p>When you set a specific goal, you are more likely to focus on what is truly important. This can help you prioritise your time and energy, ensuring that you are working towards something that matters to you,&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>A New Year&#8217;s resolution can help you develop new habits.</strong></li></ol>



<p>The new year represents a clean slate and a chance to start anew. It&#8217;s a good time to reflect on the past year and identify areas of your life that you want to improve or change. Many New Year&#8217;s resolutions revolve around developing new habits, whether it&#8217;s exercising more, eating healthier, or spending more time with family and friends. By focusing on building new habits, you can make lasting changes to your daily routine and improve your overall health and well-being.</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>A New Year&#8217;s resolution can increase your motivation and self-esteem.</strong></li></ol>



<p>Working towards a specific goal can be very motivating. You may feel a sense of accomplishment and pride as you progress toward your resolution. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, positively impacting other areas of your life.</p>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>It can help you grow and learn.</strong></li></ol>



<p>Setting a New Year&#8217;s resolution can also be an opportunity for personal growth and learning. Whether learning a new skill or working towards a major life change, setting a specific goal can help you push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things.</p>



<ol start="5"><li><strong>It can also bring a sense of purpose and meaning.</strong></li></ol>



<p>Setting a New Year&#8217;s resolution can provide many people a sense of purpose and meaning. Focusing on something important to you can find greater fulfilment and satisfaction in your life.</p>



<h2>How do you go about setting a New Year&#8217;s resolution? Here are a few tips to help you get started:</h2>



<ol><li><strong>Be specific.</strong></li></ol>



<p>When setting a New Year&#8217;s resolution, it&#8217;s important to be as specific as possible. Instead of resolving to &#8220;lose weight,&#8221; try setting a specific goal like &#8220;lose 10 pounds by March 1st.&#8221; This will give you a clear target to work towards and make it easier to track your progress.</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>Make your resolution realistic.</strong></li></ol>



<p>It&#8217;s important to set a goal that is realistic and achievable. While it&#8217;s okay to aim high, setting an unrealistic goal can set you up for disappointment and make it harder to stay motivated.</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Plan ahead.</strong></li></ol>



<p>To increase your chances of success, it&#8217;s important to plan. This might involve setting intermediate goals, finding a support system, or finding resources to help you achieve your resolution.</p>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>Be flexible.</strong></li></ol>



<p>It&#8217;s important to remember that your New Year&#8217;s resolution is a work in progress. If you encounter roadblocks or setbacks, feel free to adjust your plan or your goal. The most important thing is staying committed and working towards your resolution.</p>



<p>Now that we&#8217;ve explored the benefits of setting a resolution, <strong>how can Rise help you achieve it?</strong> Rise is a dollar investment platform that aims to help individuals achieve their financial goals through various investment options. Whether you are looking to save for retirement, build wealth, or simply grow your finances, Rise can provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the main advantages of using <a href="https://risevest.com/">Rise</a> is the ability to diversify your investment portfolio. Investing in a range of assets can minimise risk and potentially maximise your returns. This is especially important in today&#8217;s market, where uncertainty and volatility are common. By diversifying your portfolio, you can reduce the risk impact on your overall returns, which can help to smooth out the ups and downs of the market and provide a more stable path to achieving your financial goals.</p>



<p>In addition to diversification, Rise also offers the opportunity to invest in a range of asset classes, including <a href="https://risevest.com/stocks">stocks</a>, <a href="https://risevest.com/fixed-income">fixed income</a>, and <a href="https://risevest.com/real-estate">real estate</a>. This allows you to customise your portfolio to align with your specific financial goals and risk tolerance. For example, if you are saving for retirement, you may want to allocate a larger portion of your portfolio to more stable, income-generating assets such as fixed income. On the other hand, if you are looking to build wealth over the long term, you may want to allocate a larger portion of your portfolio to growth-oriented assets such as stocks.</p>



<p>In addition to offering a range of investment options, Rise also provides tools and resources to help you make informed investment decisions. This includes access to financial advisors, educational materials, and market research, which can help you better understand the investment landscape and make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds.</p>



<p>Another benefit of using Rise is the flexibility it offers. You can choose to invest a one-time lump sum, or set up automatic investments regularly. This allows you to invest at a pace that is comfortable for you and fits your financial situation. Additionally, you can easily monitor and manage your investments through the Rise platform, which provides real-time updates and insights into your portfolio performance.</p>



<p>Finally, Rise provides a secure and user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and use. The platform is designed with the user experience in mind, with a clean, intuitive interface that makes it simple to manage your investments and track your progress. This can be especially important for those new to investing or who may need to be more comfortable with more complex financial tools.</p>



<p>So make Rise part of your new year&#8217;s resolution, as it can help you achieve your financial goals this year. With a wide range of investment options, educational resources, and a user-friendly platform, Rise provides the tools and support you need to grow your wealth and reach your financial objectives, whether as a beginner or an experienced investor.</p>



<p>Overall, setting a new year resolution can bring numerous benefits and help you achieve your goals. Whether it&#8217;s improving your health, strengthening relationships, or achieving financial success, a resolution can provide the motivation and discipline needed to make positive changes in your life. With the help of a platform like Rise, you can invest your money and work towards your resolution, all while learning about financial planning and making informed decisions about your money. So make a resolution this year and start taking steps towards a better, more fulfilling life.</p>
