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Brand Engagement Network Partners With Valio Technologies To Support Mental Health Efforts With AI

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga South African youth are facing various mental health challenges. Some 73% of children and young people in South Africa indicated in a UNICEF poll that they needed mental health help, with 38% actively looking for it. Educational outcomes, a need for work skills, training and employment opportunities were the main topics causing stress and anxiety among 57% of respondents. While resolving mental health issues is complex, promising technologies and the companies behind them can contribute innovative remedies. Not everyone in South Africa has access to mental healthcare, but 92% of households do have access to a cell phone. Leveraging AI For Mental Health Hence, Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI), the maker of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants and avatars and Valio Technologies Pty Ltd., the operator of a digital platform network for patients, doctors, pharmacies, radiology, pathology and hospitals, have teamed up to increase access to mental health care in South Africa. The two recently entered into an agreement to develop healthcare AI assistants focused on providing mental health support for students attending several universities in the country, including Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Pretoria and the University of Johannesburg. All told, the AI assistants will be available to more than 315,000 college students. The goal is to promote better student mental health through avatars and assistants that can handle the appropriate conversation flow regarding mental health. Brand Engagement Network ( BEN ) is ideally suited for the role. The company is making a name for itself in the AI assistant market thanks to its human-like avatars that the company says drive better customer experience, increased automation and operational efficiencies. BEN uses much smaller data parameters than larger models like ChatGPT, enabling it to offer companies AI that is scalable and can be tailored to specific use cases. At the heart of its business model is a security-first approach. Unlike many of the unsecured AI systems that train with unknown data and have math limitations, BEN trains on client-provided data, uses mixed technology for precise math and follows clients’ internal client data management and privacy protocols. It’s also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant. Under the partnership, BEN will ingest mental health content provided by Valio and Tshwane University of Technology. That content will be supplemented with other sources for a more rounded conversational experience. The idea is to create human-like avatars that can act like digital therapists, providing advice to help students manage stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, substance abuse and many other mental health issues. If the proof of concepts with the universities are successful, BEN and Valio will work with the universities to negotiate a platform services and license agreement. Accessing New Markets This partnership is a big deal for BEN and marks its first foray into the education and mental health markets, not to mention Africa. It also showcases what BEN is good at, creating responsible AI systems that have a positive impact on society. AI is often perceived negatively due to concerns about privacy, security, and transparency, yet it also holds significant potential for benefiting humanity. BEN is already demonstrating that in the healthcare market, by rolling out conversational AI that it says can improve patient experiences and medication understanding, leading to better outcomes. Its Remember Me technology syncs digital and physical interactions for an integrated, personalized customer experience, while Skye, BEN’s AI chatbot, assists patients when taking Metformin, the diabetes drug. The chatbot doesn’t claim to know everything nor does it hallucinate, which occurs when chatbots give incorrect answers. This is because Skye is loaded with very specific pharmaceutical data provided by the drug maker, as well as results from clinical trials and data from accredited medical groups like the American Diabetes Association. When a patient asks a question, Skye is drawing from a carefully selected data set which prevents it from hallucinating or interjecting bias into answers. The same approach is being applied to the mental health avatars. According to a recent study, South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other wealthier countries. BEN and Valio want to change that and are betting AI can provide a big assist. If its proof-of-concept AI assistants prove successful in helping students, it showcases what AI can do when unleashed for good rather than bad. Featured photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 28, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How Options Can Be A Valuable Tool In Any Trader's Portfolio

Benzinga

By CBOE In the realm of investment and trading, the prevailing sentiment about the complexity of options has led many to believe they are either only for professional investors or are used by those looking to take a risky position in an asset. However, the truth is that options can be among the best financial tools for enhancing and protecting one’s portfolio or even speculating about current events. They may not be as straightforward as single-stock investing, but options are not beyond understanding for most people trying to build their own financial future and can prove to be a valuable tool for all types of traders. What Are Options And How Can They Be Utilized? Options are financial derivatives that give investors the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as stocks, indices or commodities, at a predetermined price within a specific time period. Despite their complexity, options play a crucial role in modern investing by offering a range of strategic possibilities for portfolio management, risk mitigation and profit maximization. The two primary types of options are calls and puts. A call option gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at a specified price (strike price) before the option expires. Conversely, a put option gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price before the expiration. Understanding The Use Case For Options Within Portfolio Management Options are versatile instruments that can serve various purposes in an investor's toolkit. Whether for leveraging opportunities, managing risk, generating income, speculating on price movements or enhancing portfolio returns, options offer numerous strategies to align with an investor's market outlook and financial goals. For investors seeking to leverage their position, options allow them to control a larger amount of the underlying asset with a relatively small amount of capital. This leverage means that small movements in the underlying asset's price could lead to significant gains in the option's value. However, leverage also magnifies potential losses, making it a double-edged sword that requires careful management. Regarding risk management capabilities, strategies such as protective puts allow investors to limit their losses by establishing a floor price by purchasing a put option, thus helping to mitigate any losses incurred by the underlying asset. Another avenue for investors to manage risk and generate income is through a covered call strategy, which involves selling call options on assets they own to collect premiums. This strategy is beneficial when the investor expects the asset's price to remain relatively stable or to increase slightly. If the asset's price rises to the strike price, the investor sells the asset at a profit. Conversely, if the price falls or remains flat, the investor retains the premium received from selling the call. Finally, for investors looking to amplify their investment conviction, options allow them to leverage their market views with potentially high returns, often with limited capital and defined risk. Replacing Narrative With Knowledge Though the narrative about options is that they are complex instruments, as investors learn more about them, they will gradually become more knowledgeable about how to utilize them to fulfill their investment goals. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the leading derivatives and securities exchange network in the world and the creator of listed options as we know them, has The Options Institute, an educational platform that provides both beginners to options trading and professional traders a forum to familiarize themselves with foundational knowledge on options or learn new developments taking place within the investment derivatives landscape. Cboe's Options Institute provides comprehensive courses and tools, equipping investors with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of options trading effectively. It is important to remember that responsible options trading is based on defining an investment objective and using analysis and informed decision-making to determine the most appropriate trading strategy, not emotions. Understanding how options work and the associated risks, just like any other financial asset, is paramount. For investors looking to navigate capital markets deftly and decisively, options offer a compelling strategy to be embraced as they offer the potential for targeted investing, passive income, better risk mitigation and income generation. Featured photo by Nicholas Cappello on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 28, 2024 08:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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US-China Legal Experts Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm Celebrates Their Tenth Chinese Client Successfully Listing On The US Stock Market

Benzinga

By Kimberly Adams As the global economic landscape shifts, Chinese companies are increasingly seeking to go public on prestigious US exchanges such as Nasdaq and NYSE. In this burgeoning market, one law firm stands out as one of the most active firms in the space: Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm. Over the past 12 months, Jiangsu Junjin has been the law firm of record, completing the necessary filings with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and other complex international legal work, for ten Chinese IPOs. The Surge in Chinese IPOs The Chinese IPO market is experiencing significant growth, driven by companies across various sectors aiming to tap into the deep pools of capital available in the US. In 2023 alone, Chinese companies raised billions of dollars through IPOs on US exchanges. This trend is expected to continue as more firms recognize the benefits of listing in the US, including greater access to investment capital, enhanced corporate visibility, and the prestige associated with being listed on globally recognized exchanges. Statistics reveal the momentum: in 2023, the number of Chinese companies listing in the US increased by 20% compared to the previous year. This surge is fueled by the dynamic growth in sectors such as technology, electric vehicles (EVs), and retail. These industries are at the forefront of innovation, attracting significant investor interest and driving up the demand for expert legal guidance to navigate the complexities of US-China integrated securities regulations. Growing Complexity of US Listings for Asian Companies Listing on US exchanges has become increasingly complex for Asian companies, particularly Chinese firms, due to evolving regulatory requirements and geopolitical considerations. According to NYSE's Kobe Ge, Head of China, the process is "getting complicated despite growing interest." This underscores the importance of working with market-vetted professionals who understand the nuances of both Chinese and US regulatory environments. The complexities involve stringent compliance requirements, frequent updates to disclosure regulations, and heightened scrutiny of financial practices. Additionally, there are challenges related to geopolitical tensions and the need for greater transparency to satisfy US investors and regulators. Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm: The Industry Leader Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm has firmly established itself as the go-to firm for Chinese companies looking to list in the US. Their impressive track record includes assisting ten Chinese companies in completing the necessary filings with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and subsequently listing on US exchanges. This accomplishment represents approximately 15% of the Chinese market share since the effectiveness of Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies on March 31, 2023, underscoring their pivotal role in this domain. Recent Success Stories Among the firms that Jiangsu Junjin has assisted are: Global Mofy Metaverse Limited (GMM): Listed on Nasdaq in October 2023. Mingteng International Corporation Inc. (MTEN): Listed on Nasdaq in April 2024. U-BX Technology Ltd. (UBXG): Listed on Nasdaq in March 2024. Longquan Haoma AI Driver Training Technology Holding Co. Ltd.: Completed the CSRC filing on January 9, 2024. Wing Yip Food Holdings Group Limited (WYHG): Completed the CSRC filing on February 6, 2024. Huachen AI Parking Management Technology Holding Co. Ltd. (HCAI ): Completed the CSRC filing on February 6, 2024. Skycorp Solar Group Limited (PN): Completed the CSRC filing on April 2, 2024. HUHUTECH International Group Inc. (HUHU ): Completed the CSRC filing on April 22, 2024. Li Bang International Corporation Inc. (LBGJ): Completed the CSRC filing on April 22, 2024. Park Ha Biological Technology Co. Ltd. (PHH ): Completed the CSRC filing on June 1, 2024. These successful listings highlight Jiangsu Junjin’s expertise in guiding companies through the complex IPO process, ensuring compliance with both Chinese and US regulations, and achieving successful market entry. Comprehensive Legal Services Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm offers a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Their offerings include: Corporate Structure Design: Advising on the optimal legal and corporate structures to facilitate a successful IPO. Compliance Review: Ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements in both China and the US. Document Drafting and Review: Assisting in the preparation and meticulous review of all necessary IPO documentation. Listing Financing: Providing strategic advice on securing financing for the listing process. The firm’s lawyers are well-versed in both Chinese and US securities laws, allowing them to provide a full range of support throughout the IPO process. This dual expertise is a significant advantage for clients, enabling seamless navigation of regulatory landscapes and maximizing the likelihood of a successful listing. Innovation Across Sectors Jiangsu Junjin’s impact spans various high-growth sectors, including technology, EVs, and retail. These industries are characterized by rapid innovation and a strong demand for capital to fuel expansion. Jiangsu Junjin’s ability to tailor its legal services to the specific needs of these sectors makes it an invaluable partner for companies aiming to go public. Technology Sector: The technology sector, in particular, has seen a flurry of IPO activity. Companies in this space are leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies to drive growth. Jiangsu Junjin’s deep understanding of the tech industry and its regulatory environment enables it to provide targeted legal solutions that address the unique challenges faced by tech firms. Electric Vehicles (EVs): The EV sector is another area where Jiangsu Junjin has made significant inroads. As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Chinese EV manufacturers are looking to raise capital in the US to fund research and development, expand production capacities, and capture a larger share of the global market. Jiangsu Junjin’s expertise in this field ensures that EV companies can navigate the IPO process smoothly and effectively. Retail & Consumer: In the retail sector, Chinese companies are seeking to capitalize on their growing domestic success by listing in the US. Jiangsu Junjin assists these companies in meeting the stringent regulatory requirements and positioning themselves for successful market entries. Why Choose Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm? Jiangsu Junjin’s success is built on a foundation of client-centric service, industry expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Their team of highly qualified lawyers, many of whom who have overseas education backgrounds, provide unparalleled support to their clients. By choosing Jiangsu Junjin, companies can be confident in receiving the highest quality legal services tailored to their specific needs. Conclusion As the Chinese IPO market continues to heat up, Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm remains the industry leader in providing sophisticated securities legal work. Their proven track record, comprehensive services, and sector-specific expertise make them the ideal partner for any Chinese company looking to go public in the US. For firms aiming to achieve successful listings on Nasdaq and NYSE, Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm is the clear choice. For further legal-related questions or how to access US capital markets please contact Jiangsu Junjin Law at dandan.tao@junjin-lawyer.com or xiaolin.yi@junjin-lawyer. com or call 0118641083553777 Featured image sourced from Shutterstock Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzingaâs opinions and has not been edited for content. This contains sponsored content and is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 28, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tiziana Life Sciences adds to treasury with $3.4 million in non-dilutive funding

Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd

Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd (NASDAQ:TLSA) chairman and CEO Gabriele Cerrone joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with more details of the company's recent advancements and news. Tiziana Life Sciences is developing a fully human CD3 monoclonal antibody, delivered intranasally, specifically targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease. Cerrone discussed the company's progress in MS treatments, highlighting its expanded access trial at Harvard University's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Notably, 70% of patients in the trial showed improvement in fatigue scores, while 80% experienced reduced brain inflammation. The company is also preparing to dose the first Alzheimer's patients in a new trial approved by the FDA. Furthermore, Tiziana Life Sciences is exploring the combination of its drug with GLP-1 antagonists to target obesity-related diseases. Cerrone shared the exciting news of securing $3.4 million in non-dilutive funding, emphasising its commitment to protecting shareholder investments. "We have seen extraordinary improvements in patients, and we are thrilled about the potential impact of our treatments on neurodegenerative diseases," he remarked. Visit Proactive's YouTube channel for more videos, and don't forget to give the video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 28, 2024 07:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Greenboog Garden Redefines Gardening with Innovation and Sustainability for Everyone

Rev Up Marketers

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize the gardening industry, Greenboog Garden unveils an extensive range of gardening products and solutions that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and affordability. Greenboog Garden is committed to making gardening a joyous and successful experience for all its customers, both in Thailand and around the world. 1. Expansive Product Range for Every Gardener Greenboog Garden boasts an extensive array of gardening products, featuring seeds, young plants, bulbs, tissue culture plants, and succulent plants. Every item in our catalog undergoes thorough testing and stringent trials to guarantee superior quality and performance, equipping gardeners with the essential resources to thrive and relish their gardening endeavors. 2. Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future Greenboog Garden is dedicated to protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable practices. Leveraging the advantages of Thailand’s tropical climate, Greenboog Garden grows all its plants in laboratories using modern breeding technology. This approach not only preserves natural habitats but also ensures that every plant is produced sustainably, contributing to a greener planet. 3. Innovation in Plant Breeding and Export In its Vietnam branch, BOTGarden leads the way in seedling export and plant development research. By aligning its products with market trends, BOTGarden ensures that its offerings meet the needs of modern gardeners. The product range includes tropical plants, Rare Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Scindapsus, and Rare Variegated Plants, catering to a wide array of gardening preferences. 4. Affordable Gardening Solutions for Everyone Greenboog Garden believes that everyone should have access to the benefits of gardening. By offering high-quality products at reasonable prices, Greenboog Garden makes it possible for customers worldwide to create and enjoy their own green spaces without financial strain. The commitment to affordability and quality sets Greenboog Garden apart in the gardening industry. 5. Experience the Power of Plants with Greenboog Garden Greenboog Garden is more than just a gardening company; it is a mission to foster a sustainable and green generation. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Greenboog Garden ensures that every gardening journey is a rewarding and environmentally friendly experience. From carefully selected seeds to advanced tissue culture plants, Greenboog Garden provides the complete package for gardeners everywhere. About Greenboog Garden “Greenboog Garden - Bringing Green Spaces to You” Greenboog Garden based in Thailand, is dedicated to providing sustainable, efficient, and reliable gardening solutions. By leveraging modern breeding technologies and sustainable practices, Greenboog Garden helps create a greener future for everyone. For additional details and inquiries, please visit the official website at BOTGarden Company. Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greenboog.Co.Ltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenboog.ltd/ Contact Details BOTGarden Company Tau Pachrapa +84 375 096 626 admin@greenboog.com Company Website https://greenboog.com/

June 28, 2024 06:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Machupicchu is the only wonder of the world to have Carbon Neutral certification

Promperu

Today, June 27, in the context of the 17th anniversary of its election as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu, in the Cusco region, has again received the certificate as a "Carbon Neutral Destination". This achievement places Peru at the forefront of environmental sustainability and the efforts to combat the effects of climate change. Our world wonder has received this distinction as a result of the commitment of the public and private sectors, who joined forces to achieve this valuable result. On the one hand, the driving group formed by the Municipality of Machupicchu, AJE Group, Inkaterra and Tetra Pak, and the allied group formed by PROMPERÚ, World Xchange, Luz del Sur, Bosques Amazónicos (BAM), Latam and CANATUR. The certification was awarded by Green Initiative, the leading company in climate certification in the tourism sector, which recognizes the fulfillment of its decarbonization goals. To achieve this recognition, the Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary has adopted effective measures to reduce its carbon footprint and offset remaining emissions, implementing sustainable practices such as solid waste management and promoting a circular economy. "At PROMPERÚ, we have the firm purpose of contributing to the sustainable and decentralized development of our country," stated PROMPERÚ's Executive President, Claricia Tirado, at the ceremony held at Manco Cápac Square in Aguas Calientes. "All of us who play a role in the public or private sector have the responsibility to ensure that the economic benefits generated are accompanied by sustainable management," she added. It is important to highlight that the certification took the 2019 carbon emissions results as a baseline and focused on stimulating actions for the reduction, treatment and correct management of the waste generated. It also included raising awareness among residents, businesses and hotels. Along these lines, four processes were implemented to reuse usable waste: the installation of a PET plastic and cardboard compacting plant; a biodiesel plant to process waste oil from restaurants and casinos; an organic waste pyrolyzing plant to generate natural charcoal; and two glass crushing machines to convert bottles into grit for construction and ornamental purposes. This circular economy model allows us to give a new life to usable waste such as plastic, cardboard, Tetra Pak containers and glass, in addition to oil treatment. PROMPERÚ continues to promote and work on responsible and sustainable tourism. We know that it is more than trying to stand out, it is a necessity. Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PROMPERÚ). We are the government agency in charge of the development and implementation of global strategies to position Peru via the promotion of its image, touristic destinations, added value exports and inversions. Contact Details José Carlos Collazos jcollazos@promperu.gob.pe Company Website http://www.promperu.gob.pe

June 27, 2024 05:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Who wins and who loses when the Bank of Canada lowers its interest rates?

Money Canada

by David Saric The Bank of Canada, lowered its interest rate on June 5, bringing down the overall rate to 4.75%. Bank governenor Tiff Macklem revealed that: "We've come a long way in the fight against inflation," and there is no need to keep a restrictive monetary policy. What does this rate increase mean for the average Canadians? How will those with mortgages, debt, savings and investments be impacted? According to Tyler Thielmann, President and CEO of Spring Financial the winners in this situation "are the people who have variable rate debt who should see an immediate change in their interest costs and more money in their pocket each month." However, for Thielman, deciphering who the losers are is not as easy as it seems. "Losers is a bit harder to answer; we’ll need to see how things shake out. Typically, lowering interest rates is meant to spur on the economy and encourage growth. If the economy is in fact struggling, that could have a negative impact on many Canadians. Time will tell." When asked about why the Bank of Canada put forth this decreased, Thielman speculated that it was to prevent an economic collapse due to forthcoming mortgage renewals. How Canadians may or may not benefit from this rate decrease For those who currently own a home, the news from the Bank of Canada should engender a sigh of relief across the nation. Moreover, "If you have a variable rate mortgage, the rate cut should be reflected in your interest rate right away, as banks will typically adopt these cuts," Thielman said. Additionally, if you’ve borrowed against your home to do renovations, those types of lines of credit are variable most of the time, which means you should be getting a break right away. While many may feel the positive implications of the rate change, some Canadians may not be impacted that positively. "For many people who got a mortgage 5 years ago in 2019 when interest rates were under 2%, this announcement is a tiny cut in the big picture," Thielman said. "The key interest rate is still over two times what they were and your payment on renewal is likely to be much higher." For those who took out a loan in 2020 after the pandemic hit, they are still looking at a massive increase in interest costs if rates are still around this level next year when they need to renew. Winners and losers aren't clearly defined in a rate drop When trying to further clarify who is the winner and the loser, there can be numerous factors that can complicate things. However, there are general rules that some experts use to judge. David Gray, professor of economics at the University of Ottawa, says “More generally, unanticipated inflation hurts savers and helps borrowers.” “Once the actual inflation has been factored into nominal interest rates, then borrowers start to lose,” Gray adds. For those suffering from the scorching heat of debt, Gradojevic advises to refinance any current variable-rate debt if it is “sensible.” Plus, focus on lower consumption, when possible, and invest in a high interest savings account (HISA) or term deposit, such as a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC). For instance, online bank Tangerine offers GICs from a 90-day term to a 5-year term, with interest ranging from 3.50% to 5.20%. As of mid-2024, the best rates offered were on the Tangerine 9-month GIC with 5.15% and the Tangerine 1-year GIC with 5.20%. If you'd prefer easy access to your cash — with no lock-in period — consider opening a HISA. Good options include: Laurentian Bank's HISA (with no minimum balance) EQ Bank HISA Simplii Financial HISA Another good option is to consider a hybrid banking option, such as KOHO. As a fintech, KOHO has become incredibly popular since its launch, thanks to higher interest rates and low fees/limited conditions. They aren’t just another online bank, but a Canadian technology company that offers a lot of added perks. KOHO is a free downloadable app that allows Canadians to manage their money easily, and earn interest. It's like a chequing account with the perks of a credit card. The app connects with a pre-paid Visa card, so you can budget, spend, and save at the same time. Open a KOHO savings account and earn 3% interest on deposits, with options to earn more for completing everyday tasks, such as buying groceries or paying. Tips for first-time home buyers navigating the current housing market Thielman strongly advises against buying a house now that the interest rate has slightly dropped, revealing that he hasn't "heard many success stories of people trying to time the market for their principal residence especially because rates have only come down a fraction." "This likely doesn't make too much of an impact on affordability, and in previous cycles we've seen an uptick in activity once rates come down." Instead, Thielman advises to only purchase a home if you are able to afford it in the present and can afford the current interest while leaving some buffer room in case the rate were to increase again. First-time homebuyers may find the task of saving for what is likely their biggest purchase in life quite daunting. While being financially prudent is important, there are certain products and services out there that can help bolster your savings. A tax-free savings account (TFSA) is a good place to start, since it shelters savings interest and investment earnings from being taxed, which makes it a great place to park your cash, GICs, mutual funds, securities and more. The TFSA has been available in Canada since 2009, and each year the Canadian government sets a maximum annual contribution amount for every Canadian 18 years of age and older. EQ Bank recently expanded its offerings to include TFSA Savings Accounts to those with an existing EQ Bank Savings Plus Account. The interest rate on this account is 3.00%, which is the regular interest rate, not a promotional rate. EQ Bank's TFSA appeals to those looking to earn the maximum possible tax-free interest but want their assets liquid enough to access at a moment’s notice. Managing your finances to achieve financial goals With the rising cost of living, it takes some potentially tough decision making to set you on a positive financial trajectory. "I'm a big believer in having honest conversations with yourself. Is your income truly enough to give you the lifestyle you want in the city you live in?" Thielman said. It may be more than just trying to cut out your daily Starbucks beverage to save a few extra dollars. "If you don't see a clear path for yourself, you need to consider making some significant changes either finding a way to level up your income or change your living scenario," Thielman added. Being honest with yourself is the best place to start. You likely can't change the current financial climate, just how you are responding to it. Contact Details Aaron Young +1 310-500-8744 aaron.young@wisepublishing.com Company Website https://money.ca/

June 27, 2024 01:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kampgrounds of America’s Summer Camping Guide and Trends

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/gNNon_3zhbI According to Kampgrounds of America’s 10th annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, travelers are looking for ways to slow down, recharge, and reconnect. There is no better way to do this than to make lifelong memories spending time outdoors with loved ones, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and exploring beautiful landscapes in iconic destinations at a KOA campground. Here are some interesting findings: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.4 million new campers have embraced the camping lifestyle each year. Among the 51% of campers who have taken a road trip in the past year, most (76%) include camping during their trips. Campers are prioritizing wellness and embracing a slower pace of life with 79% of travelers planning to use forest immersion, meditation, yoga and/or mindful strolls during their trips. In the past year alone, 58% of campers have tried glamping, with 36% of guests planning to try glamping for the first time this year. “Over the last decade, we’ve observed a significant increase in active camping households,” said Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Our research shows that in the past ten years, over 40 million North Americans tried camping for the first time. Camping has evolved from a cherished outdoor pastime to an established leisure travel segment, reflecting a growing desire among travelers to connect with nature and loved ones.” With more than 500 locations in iconic destinations throughout North America, KOA provides unparalleled access to nature's beauty and outdoor adventures for campers of all ages. With a diverse array of accommodations, KOA caters to all experience levels. Options range from traditional tent camping and RV pull-through sites to deluxe cabins and unique glamping accommodations such as safari tents. KOA campgrounds are also equipped with a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, playgrounds, organized recreational activities, and even puppy playgrounds, ensuring a memorable experience for both relaxation and adventure-seeking campers. On June 5th, live from Kampgrounds of America’s first and oldest campground in Billings, Montana, Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Kampgrounds of America, conducted a nationwide media tour. Topics that were discussed included: Unique findings from KOA’s Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report. Top trends and preferences of campers. Ways campers prioritize health and wellness and seek outdoor therapy to relax and recharge in nature. Insider tips, insights and recommended destinations and campgrounds to check out this camping season. SURVEY METHODOLOGY The results of the 10th North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report are based on a total of 4,100 surveys completed among a random sample of U.S. (n=2,900) and Canadian (n=1,200) households. Within the U.S. sample of households, results are stratified by Census Region: Northeast (n=725), Midwest (n=725), South (n=725), and West (n=725). Overall, a sample of n=2,900 U.S. households is associated with a margin of error of +/- 1.82 percentage points, while a sample of n=1,200 Canadian households is associated with a margin of error of 2.83 percentage points. All surveys were completed only via an outbound solicitation sent to a randomly selected cross-section of U.S. and Canadian households. In order to calculate overall incidence, the sample of respondents was statistically balanced to ensure that the results are in line with overall population figures for age, gender, and ethnicity. Some results may not add to 100 percent due to rounding. ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. For more information, visit KOA.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 27, 2024 12:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Hive Digital Technologies Reports Fiscal Year Results and Significant Growth in Bitcoin Mining

HIVE Digital Technologies

Hive Digital Technologies CEO Aydin Kilic joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's robust financial results for the full year ended March 31, 2024. The company reported impressive revenue from digital currency mining, totaling $111 million for the fiscal year. This revenue, combined with the company's high-performance computing (HPC) operations, resulted in a gross operating margin of $40.3 million, representing a 36% operating margin. The company's selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fiscal year were $13.2 million, leading to a positive corporate margin on a cash basis of $23.7 million. Hive achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of $37.5 million for the fiscal year. Kilic highlighted that Hive significantly expanded its Bitcoin mining operations, growing its ASIC hashrate by 57% over the fiscal year, from 3.0 Exahash in March 2023 to 4.7 Exahash in March 2024. During this period, the company mined 3,123 Bitcoins, including digital assets mined from GPUs. As of March 31, 2024, Hive held 2,287 Bitcoins on its balance sheet, valued at approximately $161.3 million. These Bitcoins are unencumbered, unleveraged, and were all mined through Hive's green energy-focused operations. HIVE plans to continue investing in new technology to maintain and enhance their operations. Their strategy includes extending the lifecycle of existing machines through firmware modifications and aiming to scale their operations from five to 15 exahash. Additionally, they are exploring clean, renewable power sources to support this growth. On the AI front, HIVE's GPU compute business aims to reach $20 million in annualised revenue by H2 this year and $100 million next year, highlighting the company's aggressive pursuit of technological and operational advancements. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 27, 2024 11:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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