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The Rise of BRICS: Is the US Dollar Losing its Grip as World Reserve Currency?

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In recent years, the BRICS countries, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have been rapidly expanding their economies and asserting their influence on the global stage. One of the ways they are doing so is by challenging the status of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. As of 2023, there is evidence that this trend is continuing, with the BRICS countries increasingly using alternative currencies and financial instruments in international trade and investment. The US dollar has been the world's reserve currency since the end of World War II. This means that it is the currency that most countries use to conduct international transactions and hold as a store of value. The dollar's status as the reserve currency has given the US significant economic and political power, as it has been able to use its currency as a tool of foreign policy and to finance its own deficits. However, in recent years, the BRICS countries have been increasingly push

American Muslims Are More Generous Than the Overall U.S. Population

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According to various studies, Muslims in America are more cha ritable th an the overall U.S. population. Despite the negative stereotypes and misunderstandings about Muslims, their generosity and commitment to charitable causes are often overlooked. A report by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) found that 70 percent of Muslims in the United States donate to charity every year, compared to 63 percent of the general population. This is a significant difference, and it suggests that the Muslim community in America is deeply committed to giving back to their community. The same report found that Muslims also donate more money to charity on average than the general population. While the average American donates about 2.5 percent of their income to charity, Muslims donate an average of 3.6 percent of their income. This may not seem like a big difference, but it adds up to millions of dollars in charitable contributions every year. Another study by the Council on Americ

From Soil to Survival: How Gardeners Thrived During the Great Depression

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The Great Depression was a time of economic hardship for many Americans, but for some gardeners, it was a time of abundance. As people struggled to put food on the table, gardeners turned to their plots of land and found a way to not only survive, but also thrive. In this article, we will explore how gardeners lived through or prospered during the Great Depression/financial crisis. One of the biggest challenges during the Great Depression was the lack of money and resources to buy food. However, gardeners were able to use their skills and knowledge to grow their own fruits and vegetables. In fact, the government even encouraged people to start their own gardens as a way to ease the strain on the food supply chain. Community gardens also became popular during this time, as people banded together to share resources and knowledge. In these gardens, people would work together to cultivate crops, share seeds, and exchange tips on how to grow the best produce. Not only did these gardens prov

Recession-Proof Your Career: These 5 Skills Are Always in High Demand, but Can You Guess Which Ones?

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As economies experience downturns, the demand for certain skills rises. During such times, companies tend to prioritize skills that bring the most value to their operations and that can help them navigate difficult economic conditions. Here are five skills that are typically in high demand during economic downturns: Strategic thinking: Companies need individuals who can help them navigate challenging times by making smart and informed decisions. Strategic thinking is a valuable skill that involves analyzing data, identifying trends, and developing plans that can help organizations achieve their goals. Financial management: During economic downturns, companies often face financial challenges, and they need individuals who can help them manage their finances effectively. Skills such as accounting, financial analysis, and budgeting are highly valued during these times. Sales and marketing: While companies may cut back on their expenses, they still need to generate revenue to stay afloat.

5 Strategies to Stay Ahead During Economic Downturns

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In times of economic uncertainty, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future. However, it's important to remember that recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and they can also present opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the right mindset and approach, it's possible to thrive even during challenging times. Here are some tips on how to prosper during a recession: Stay positive and optimistic: The first step to prospering during a recession is to maintain a positive attitude. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the situation, try to find opportunities and silver linings. Remember that recessions are temporary and that the economy will eventually recover. By staying optimistic, you'll be better equipped to see and seize opportunities. Be proactive and adaptable: During a recession, it's important to be proactive and take control of your situation. Look for new opportunities and be willing to adapt to changing circumsta

It's A "Defund-The-Global-Police" Moment, Jen Says De-Dollarization Is Happening At A "Stunning" Pace

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In recent weeks, de-dollarization headlines have dominated the news, with an increasing number of nations reportedly moving away from the dollar hegemon, from Brazil to Saudi Arabia and from India to Argentina. Stephen Jen, known for coining the 'dollar smile' while at Morgan Stanley, recently quantified just how rapidly the de-dollarization is occurring. Jen, who now runs money at Eurizon SLJ, warned that the dollar is losing its reserve status at a faster pace than generally accepted, as many analysts have failed to account for last year’s frantic swings in exchange rates. Jen estimates that if you adjust for price changes, the dollar’s share of official global reserve currencies has gone from about 73 per cent in 2001 to around 55 per cent in 2021. Then, last year, it fell to 47 percent of total global reserves. Jen and his colleague Joana Freire ominously explained that the USD is losing its market share as a reserve currency at a much faster rate than is commonly believed.

CNN Finally Admits What We All Knew About US Economy: Is Its Confession Way Too Late?

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CNN has recently begun to warn its audience that the U.S. economy is not doing well at all — this despite more than a year of stating the opposite. This late admission seems to come far too late to do anything about it at the ballot box for many voters, but, still, it seems to be the most obvious conclusion. Only a few days ago, for instance, CNN published a story wondering, “Is the US economy ‘unwell?’ We’re about to find out.” As inflation continues to soar and after suffering under rising costs in food, gasoline, rent and high interest rates for new home buys, the American people are likely screaming in gales of laughter at CNN for only just now noticing Biden’s two years of disastrous economic decisions. Naturally, CNN has to start its article out with a bald-faced lie, saying that there have been “months” of a strong labor market and economy. This is false. Jobs grew slightly under Biden only because so many were fired during the COVID pandemic and many took second jobs because co

More Indians own property in London than the English

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According to London-based residential developer Barratt London, Indians make up the largest group of property owners in London, surpassing even the English themselves. The group includes those who have lived in the UK for generations, NRIs, investors from other countries, students, and families who travel to the UK for education. Barratt London notes that English and Pakistani people follow closely behind in terms of property ownership. Indian investors, who reside in both the UK and India, are willing to spend between GBP 290,000 and GBP 450,000 for a one, two, or three-bedroom property in London. "We are seeing a strong demand from Indian investors looking to purchase properties in London and invest in the stable and long-term property market. Outside of London, most of our products are sold to UK residential buyers, who buy these properties and live in them," says Stuart Leslie – International Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt London. A Knight Frank survey shows tha

Baking Soda Can Successfully Remove Up To 96% Of Pesticides From Fruits And Vegetables

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Recent research has highlighted the versatility of baking soda as an ingredient, with many effective applications. In particular, it has been discovered that baking soda can remove up to 96 percent of pesticides from fruits and vegetables. This is significantly more effective than the standard technique of bleaching fruit for two minutes to remove pesticides. When mixed with water and gently rubbed on apple skins, baking soda can eradicate almost all the residual pesticide left on the fruit within 15 minutes. The reason for this is that baking soda has a highly alkaline pH, which allows it to break down pesticides into harmless molecules. Concerns about the hazards of pesticides to food safety and human health have been increasing, and so reducing pesticide residues is desirable. Lead author Dr Lili He from the University of Massachusetts stated that "pesticide residues may remain on agricultural produce, where they contribute to the total dietary intake of pesticides." To as

Palm Trees: The Secret to Thriving in a Recession

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When economic recessions hit, many businesses struggle to stay afloat. However, there are some industries that actually do well during these times. One such industry is the palm tree business. Selling palm trees may not seem like an obvious choice for a recession-proof business, but there are a few reasons why it can be highly profitable during economic downturns. Firstly, palm trees are a luxury item that people often invest in during good times. However, during economic recessions, people tend to cut back on other expenses and focus on investing in things that will improve their quality of life at home. This is where palm trees come in. Palm trees are known for their aesthetic appeal, and they can significantly enhance the look and feel of a property. As people spend more time at home during economic recessions, they tend to invest in home improvements, and palm trees can be a great addition to any landscape. Secondly, the palm tree business has relatively low overhead costs compared