Hi, im going abroad for ski trip next week. so in general, is it cheaper to change in one of those little shops or go to my own bank(barclays) and request for currency exchange.
also using barclays visa debit card in switzerland's atm machine or swipe debit card in the store will charge hefty transaction fee right?

Pretty self explanatory, all the forex shops are closed down, Westpac don't do currency exchange and ANZ is 'customers only'.
I can't actually confirm that ANZ would even do it for customers as their lines are closed today.
Broke atm due to this thing, have EUROs left over ~150 or so. Can't pay bills at the moment and Optus don't seem to give a crap about people being out of work/hard up due to this thing.

I'll be traveling to Philippines very soon. I live in Japan, and would like to know which of the following would be the best place (=best rates) to get PHP for my JPY: 1. Forex shop in Tokyo 2. At Haneda airport 3. At Manila airport 4. Somewhere else

Hi, Alexis, CEO of Bity.com here. We have designed and built an open API that can be used to swap crypto with fiat. You can sell your BTC for EUR or CHF and we will make a bank transfer to your account. If you open a fiat to crypto order, you will receive instructions on how to send a bank wire to us. Once received, we will send you BTC on your wallet. In order to ensure Swiss AML standards, you will have to sign a message with the private key of the receiving account.
For regular users, on bity.com, you can make a simple payment using without the need of an account with us. Just follow the guide. This is basically like if you go to a forex shop and change some Euros notes for CHF notes.
For developers, we created some tools to help you integrate the API in your own application. The API was mainly designed to be implemented in wallets, but it can also be used elsewhere based on your needs. The documentation of the API is available at https://doc.bity.com/exchange/v2.html
On the frontpage, we have built an implementation of our API using our reference implementation in JS https://www.npmjs.com/package/@bity/react-exchange-client . This package is based on https://www.npmjs.com/package/@bity/api
Currently our API support BTC, ETH and CHF, EUR. For now it supports payments to IBAN accounts only. The limits are currently 5000 CHF per transaction per day, like on ATMs in Switzerland. Another limitation is the speed of Bank payments. When your transaction is confirmed, we send the Fiat payment immediately to our banks. But it can happen that the bank transfer itself takes few hours or days.
KYC-Less? We will still need the details associated to your bank account like your name and address. This not for KYC purpose, but because our bank will refuse to send a payment to an IBAN without us providing the proper name of the account holder. This data is actually routing data.
In the future? We want to add some more cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, we want also to add support of non-IBAN accounts. We will also be adding an authentication layer that will allow verified Bity users to use the API without the limitations.

so, recently there has been some debates between fiat lovers and crypto lovers regarding how some specific cryptocurrencies (for example IOTA or NANO) are feeless and thus better than the current fiat system. However, crypto enthusiasts, imo, are missing the point.
You see, cryptocurrency is literally a 'currency'. fiat is also a currency. Transferring currency does not have any fee. If I give my friend $10 fiat, i do not charge fee. He will get exactly $10. If i send 5 NANO to my friend, he will also get exactly 5 NANO.
But crypto enthusiasts do not see it from this fair comparison. They compare banking system (fiat service provider where they have to make money by charging fees) WITH sending NANO or IOTA from friend to friend. This is blatant dishonesty and manipulation
If you want to be fair. You should always compare service provider WITH service provider. For example, you compare forex shop where they always charge fees VS binance/coinbase where they also charge fees. Fiat or crypto, as long as they are service providers, they always need to make money. That's why they charge fees on top of their service
So, exchanging fiat, in its purest form, does not have any fee. It's just that the banking system, the forex shop, etc. they charge fees because that's their business model. And when it comes to crypto, it's literally the same. binance and other crypto exchanges also charge fees because they need to make money. Sending fiat/crypto to a friend both are feeless. hell, even sending some crypto (i.e. ETH) has fees, while if i give my friend $5 he will get exactly $5.
So, when will this dishonesty stop from crypto enthusiasts? Why keep lieing to yourself?

As PTI comes onto two years, I felt like making this post on account of seeing multiple people supporting PML-N for having an allegedly better economy for Pakistan, particularly with allegations present that PTI has done nothing for the economy. So here's a short list of some major achievements done by PTI in contrast to PML-N.

• Stopping Pakistan from defaulting: The move to devalue the rupee was one done despite knowing the backlash that would be faced. Under Nawaz Sharif the rupee was artificially overvalued through loans and forex reserves, this meant Pakistan had no sustainable way for repaying those massive loans. Imran Khan on the other hand had to approach the IMF due to these overlaying maturing debts, lack of growth in exports under PMLN, decline in Foreign Direct Investment and an ever higher import bill. This was done at the cost of letting the rupee massively devalue against the dollar, however paved the path for economic stability as noted by the IMF.
• Renewed focus on taxation: Easily the most controversial facet of the economic policy by PTI, but one that has shown merit and results. Overall, there has been a 40% increase in returns filers and a 17% revenue increase. This coupled with a massive austerity scheme, meant that the government has started an incline towards increasing it's revenues. While this hasn't been met with open arms, it presents a solution to the everpresent crisis that the Pakistan government has faced, in it's inability to increase it's revenues. Not only that, but the general taxation system was streamlined, making it easier for individuals to file taxes. Introductions of new apps and consolidating activities for the FBR were among the efforts as well. Moreover, businesses that were entitled to tax refunds are finally being granted them, under PMLN they were held onto so as to inflate collection numbers, however under PTI that has changed and it's not inflated. It is worth noting, that because of the covid-19 pandemic, the effect of the austerity schemes and feasibility have seriously dampened, and it's created a bigger problem for increasing revenue collection.
  • However it is one that can be solved. The government succeeded, quite commendably, in revising the tax collection revenue which had been set unrealistically high by the IMF. What can also be recognised, were the 60% cuts in the Presidential house. Alongside a 58% decrease in Presidential secretariat for allowances for officers and staff, not to forget the decision to not increase government salaries for this fiscal year nor introduce new taxes. A bold but needed decision.
• The account deficit: Arguably one of the biggest examples of progress has been in the reduction of the account deficit. Under PML-N the account deficit had carried forward, and increased to nearly $5 billion, but shrunk massively once PTI came into power. A total decrease of nearly 78% from the previous fiscal year. The lowest recorded from the previous 5 years. Even when looked at from the perspective of the account deficit in percentage of GDP; the general trend has been improving under PTI. Under PMLN the total account deficit as a % of GDP had grown to -5.4%, however under PTI it has shrunk to -1.1% of GDP in FY2020 and was -3.4% in 2019.
  • It is worth noting, that some may criticise the overall decrease in the account deficit to be a result of the decrease in imports, and the increase in worker remittances, however this was indeed a result of the overall economic impact from the covid-19 pandemic. And that general trends support the notion of exports increasing and the account deficit decreasing in the second quarter of 2019.
• Revitalisation of exports & balance of trade: The shift in policies towards increasing exports has been among the most vital, the growing negative balance of trade under PML-N finally stabilised under PTI. Although the recent spikes can be attributed to the global drop in imports because of covid-19, and the overall curtailing of imported goods. The export rates in Pakistan have shown a massive growth as well; going from negative growth to spontaneous positive growth. Nearly doubling in total export value, going from -5% growth in 2015 to +10% growth in 2019. Which are massive, and much-needed improvements. World bank data shows the rapid decline of Pakistani exports which occurred, as a % of GDP, which went from 13% in 2013 when PML-N came into power, to 8% in 2017 — a near 40% decrease in total exports from 2013-2017. To which we now once again notice the growth where the exports as % of GDP have increased to 10% in 2019 from 8% in 2017; recording an overall positive growth of 10%. These things all in all prove the export based benefits PTI has managed to bring in it's tenure, which sadly have seen a halt due to the effects of covid-19, yet the situation remains hopeful in the recovery. Especially given Pakistan is recording a trade surplus with Italy and other such examples.
• Ease of Business: One thing that cannot be sidelined is the massive improval in the ease of business. While under PMLN, Pakistan massively decreased in it's EoB Iease of business) ranking, going from 110 to 136 to so on. Once Imran Khan came into power, Pakistan climbed the Ease of Business ranking, with a massive improvement of upto 28 spots. A huge increase over PMLN, where it had fallen by a total of 36 positions. For perspective. Currently Pakistan stands at 108th, as a result of easing tax collection, reducing corporate tax, introducing online one-stop shops which made the process of starting businesses considerably easier, and the overall ease in paying taxes through online processes.
• Tourism: The reforms and measures taken to facilitate tourism in Pakistan were evidently among the most successful — Pakistan went from being sidelined to being amongst the worlds top destinations to visit. There were multiple reasons for this, the removal of the mandatory NOC, the initiative for online visas for upto 175 countries alongside visa-on-arrival for 50 countries were among the facilitating measures taken for tourism.
• Foreign Direct Investment: What can be appreciated is the general reception of Pakistan's economic outlook, where FDI climbed by upto 137% within this fiscal year, gathering upto nearly $2.1 billion. Yet, once again — the pandemic will undoubtedly cause most countries to rethink their economic policies for now, and the overall FDI might see a downward trend with regards to global decrease in FDI. Despite, the increases in FDI are welcomed, especially considering total foreign investment rose 380 percent to $2.375 billion in July-March FY2020. Yet the sustainability of this remains to be seen.
• Dealing with covid: Despite all odds, Pakistan has somehow managed to deal well with the pandemic. Coming out relatively alright, in perspective of countries such as India, Mexico, Italy, Brazil etc. The factor that plays out, is that despite being incredibly vulnerable, the country managed to pull through and has markedly reduced the impact of the virus. With regards to the economy, taking a bold risk of abating a complete lockdown, whilst met with criticism was once again a factor that showed competency. Keeping in mind that 51 million Pakistanis lived below the poverty line, and the adverse effect it would have on the economy. Pakistan managed to come through the economic contraction with only a -0.38% growth. Although the full effects are still not abated or understood, what's commendable is the fact that Pakistan under PTI has kept itself from an even worse situation. Whilst managing to keep covid under relative control. Especially given increases in exports despite the pandemic in countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Italy.

This is by no means a highly comprehensive list, just my opinion on some of the bigger achievements; saving the economy from defaulting, adopting tax reforms, tourism reforms, export reforms among them whilst managing covid and economic stability with relative success.
There are of course a multitude of other factors, successfully avoiding a blacklist from the FATF, macroeconomic reforms, attempts to strengthen the working class; ehsaas programs, Naya Pakistan housing schemes alongside other relief efforts. These are measures in accordance with curtailing the effect of increasing taxation and attempts to abate the economic slowdown that came as a result of forcing an increase in government revenue. Alongside the focus on multiple new hydroelectric dams, industrial cities, reduction of the PM office staff from 552 to 298, 10 billion tree project and an overall renewed interest in renewable energy and green Pakistan. The list is comprehensive.
Pakistan remains on a rocky path, it is not out of the woods yet. Covid-19 has seriously hampered the overall projections, and caused a worldwide economic contraction. Not only that, but there are criticisms that can be attributed to the government as well, as they are not without fault. However, the overall achievements of the government with regards to the economy do present hope for the long-term fiscal policy and development of Pakistan.

I need some USD for an upcoming visa run once international flights resume. Anyone know where I can exchange INR for USD?

Hi everyone,
I have come across a question/problem and was hoping someone could provide some clarity.
I traveled to Canada last year and was recently going over my Credit Card statements (I know - super late) and noticed that the Currency Exchange rate that I was charged from my bank (Citi) wasn’t a competitive rate at all. In fact, I would have been better off exchanging the money myself at a currency exchange shop. Please keep in mind that my Credit Card is considered a “No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards.”
My question: aren’t banks actually making huge profits by offering non-competitive currency exchange rates without the knowledge their card holders?
I’m asking this because I believe many people don’t factor the exchange rate into account when applying for a “No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards.”
On top of this: there are Credit Cards that people use with a 3% foreign transaction fee + a non-competitive exchange rate. Is this one of the main ways that Credit Card companies make money? I know Capital One offers “No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards” — but there has to be a way they can make some $$$ on this… is it by offering non-competitive exchange rates?
Any input would be appreciated — Thank you in advance.

I’ve been looking for a broker that has an API for index futures and ideally also futures options. I’m looking to use the API to build a customized view of my risk based on balances, positions, and market conditions.
Searching the algotrading sub I found many API-related posts, but then when I actually read them and their comments, I found they’re often lacking in real substance. It turns out many brokers or data services that have APIs don’t actually support index futures and options via the API, and instead they focus on equities, forex, or cypto. So here’s the list of what I’ve found so far. This isn’t a review of these brokers or APIs and note that I have a specific application in mind (index futures and futures options). Perhaps you’re looking for an API for equities, or you just want data and not a broker, in which case there may be a few options. Also, I’m based in the US so I didn’t really look for brokers or platforms outside the US.
If you have experience with these APIs, please chime in with your thoughts. Also, I may have missed some brokers or platforms. If I did or if you see anything that needs correction please let me know.
​

Platform	Notes
ADM Investor Services	No API
Ally Invest	Does not support futures instruments
Alpaca	Only supports US Equities
Alpha Vantage	Does not support futures instruments
AMP	Broker with a huge number of platforms available including some with APIs
ApexFutures	No API
Arcade Trader	No API
AvaTrade	Does not support futures instruments
Backtrader	Not a data feed; otherwise looks cool but also looks like a one-man shop
Cannon Trading	Broker with a variety of platforms, some have API access such as TT
Centerpoint	No API
Charles Schwab	API does not support futures instruments
Cobra	No API
Daniels Trading	No API
Discount Trading	Broker with a variety of platforms including CQG, Rithmic, TT, some with APIs
Edge Clear	Broker with a variety of platforms including CQG, Rithmic, TT, some with APIs
Eroom	Now part of Dashprime. Offer a variety of APIs including CQG, TT, CBOE's Silexx, and others via FIX.
ETNA Trader	Only supports equities, options (including multi-legs), ETFs, Mutual Funds (Forex with cryptocurrencies coming soon)
ETrade	API seems robust but OAuth authorization needs to be refreshed via login once per 24 hours
Futures Online	No API
Gain Capital Futures	API available, based on .NET; unsure if they are open to retail clients
GFF Brokers	Broker with a large number of platforms including some with API access
High Ridge Futures	Broker with a variety of platforms including CQG, Rithmic, TT, some with APIs
iBroker	API available; contact them for more info
IEX Cloud	Looks great but does not support futures instruments
Infinity Futures	JSON API available; contact them for more info
Interactive Brokers	Client Web API looks promising if clunky
Intrinio	Supports futures instruments but is expensive
Koyfin	No API
Lightspeed	C++ API available
marketstack	API for equities available. Does not support futures instruments.
Medved Trader	Windows app with a streaming API to various data sources and brokers. See comment below about API beta access.
NinjaTrader	Does not support futures options
Norgate Data	Not a broker; supports futures data for $270/year
Oanda	Forex only; API last updated in 2018
Optimus Futures	Broker with a large number of available platforms including some with API access
Phillip Capital	Broker with a large number of available platforms including some with API access
polygon.io	Expensive but looks slick; does not support futures instruments
Quandl	API looks solid; $49/monthly for personal use, does not allow distributing or sharing data; not a broker
Quantconnect	Does not expose raw data
Quantopian	Does not expose raw data
Quantower	Software that connects to multiple brokers and data feeds; API to their software via C# interface
Saxo Markets	Broker with extensively documented API
Stage 5 Trading	API available through Trading Technologies
Straits Financial	Broker with several platforms available including some with APIs such as CQG, R
Sweet Futures	Broker with a large number of available platforms including some with API access
TastyWorks	There's an unofficial Python API
TenQuant.io	Does not support futures instruments
ThinkorSwim	Does not support futures instruments via the API
Tiingo	Free account tier but does not support futures instruments
TradePro	Broker with a number of platforms available; unclear if any are available with API access
Tradier	Free developer API account for delayed data but does not support futures instruments
TradeStation	Nice looking API docs and supports futures instruments; requires opening an account and a minimum balance of $100k and there’s no trial available
TradeFutures4Less	Broker with a variety of platforms including CQG, Rithmic, TT, some with APIs
TradingTechnologies	API looks robust; pricing starts at $700/month
TradingView	Does not expose data API
Tradovate Technologies	API exists, documentation unknown; need to talk to their account team
Wedbush Futures	Broker with several platforms offered, a few of which have API access
WEX	.NET/COM only; pricing not disclosed on website
Xignite	Pricing not disclosed on website but they do support futures instruments
Yahoo Finance API	Available through RapidAPI or via direct access; but it’s discontinued and unreliable
Zaner	Broker with a variety of platforms including CQG, Rithmic, TT, some with APIs

​
Wow, this list grew longer than I originally thought it would be. If you spot a mistake, please let me know and I’ll correct it.
Edit:
- added Lightspeed API - updated Dashprime to indicate some of the APIs available - added Medved Trader to table - added marketstack to table

Pre Market Brief for Thursday July 16th 2020

You can subscribe to the daily 4:00 AM Pre Market Brief on The Twitter Link Here . Alerts in the tweets will direct you to the daily 4:00 AM Pre Market Brief in this sub.
Updated as of 4:45 AM EST
-----------------------------------------------
Stock Futures:

• Premarket Trading
• Dowfutures little changed as index tries for fifth straight day of gains
• Asian markets retreat as coronavirus vaccine rally fades
• European stocks retreat, shrugging off Chinese growth data that beat expectations
• Global Markets: Asian shares fall despite China GDP beat as Sino-U.S. tensions, virus fears weigh
• Treasuries yields edge lower with coronavirus spike, vaccine progress, economic data in focus

Wednesday 07/15/2020 News and Markets Recap:

• Pre Market Brief for 07/15/2020
  
• Market Recap: Wednesday, July 15
  

Thursday July 16th 2020 Economic Calendar (All times are in EST)
(JOBLESS CLAIMS TODAY)

• 08:30 AM US Retail Sales MoM JUN Previous: 17.7% Consensus: 4.8% Forecast: 4.5%
• 08:30 AM US Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index JUL Previous: 27.5 Consensus: 20 Forecast: 17
• 08:30 AM US Jobless Claims 4-Week Average 11/JUL Previous: 1437.25K Forecast: 1375K
• 08:30 AM US Retail Sales Ex Autos MoM JUN Previous: 12.4% Consensus: 4.5% Forecast: 4.2%
• 08:30 AM US Initial Jobless Claims 11/JUL Previous: 1314K Consensus: 1250K Forecast: 1290K
• 08:30 AM US Continuing Jobless Claims 04/JUL Previous: 18062K Forecast: 17600K
• 08:30 AM US Retail Sales YoY JUN Previous: -6.1% Forecast: -3%
• 10:00 AM US NAHB Housing Market Index JUL Previous: 58 Consensus: 59 Forecast: 58
• 10:00 AM US Business Inventories MoM MAY Previous: -1.3% Consensus: -2.1% Forecast: -1.8%
• 10:30 AM US EIA Natural Gas Stocks Change 10/JUL Previous: 56Bcf
• 11:30 AM US 4-Week Bill Auction Previous: 0.100%
• 11:30 AM US 8-Week Bill Auction Previous: 0.120%
• 01:30 PM Fed Evans Speech
• 04:00 PM US Overall Net Capital Flows MAY Previous: $125.3B Forecast: $200B
• 04:00 PM US Net Long-Term Tic Flows MAY Previous: $-128.4B
• 04:00 PM US Foreign Bond Investment MAY Previous: $-176.7B

News Heading into Thursday July 16th 2020:
NOTE: I USUALLY (TRY TO) POST MANY OF THE MOST PROMISING, DRAMATIC, OR BAD NEWS OVERNIGHT STORIES THAT ARE LIKELY IMPORTANT TO THE MEMBERS OF THIS SUB AT THE TOP OF THIS LIST. PLEASE DO NOT YOLO THE VARIOUS TICKERS WITHOUT DOING RESEARCH! THE TIME STAMPS ON THESE MAY BE LATER THAN OTHERS ON THE WEB.

• 6:13 PM yesterday: Mallinckrodt (MNK) Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee Voted to Recommend Terlipressin for Approval to Treat Patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (HRS-1)
• UK Car insurance premiums in second-quarter show largest quarterly drop since 2018 (WLTW)
• Postal Realty Trust (PSTL) Announces Pricing of Follow-On Offering (Second offering back to back)
• California Resources files for Chapter 11 (CRC)
• California Resources Corporation Agrees on Comprehensive Balance Sheet Restructuring with Key Creditors (CRC)
• ServiceSource to Hold Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results Call on July 30, 2020 (SREV)
• Tricida Receives FDA Notice On Deficiencies In Veverimer NDA; Stock Slumps (TCDA) {CICERO COMMENT: NEW GUYS TAKE NOTICE; THIS IS WHAT FDA TROUBLE LOOKS LIKE}
• The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Continues Investigation of Kirby Corporation (KEX) on Behalf of Investors (KEX)
• Weil Gotshal lawyer inks four mergers in a day amid deal wave (ADI, MXIM, SIRI, SSP)
• Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. Closes US$12.65 Million Registered Direct Offering (NEPT)
• Fifth Third/MB Financial (FITB) Alert: Johnson Fistel Launches Investigation into the Fifth Third Acquisition of MB Financial; MB Financial Investors Receiving Fifth Third Shares Encouraged to Contact Firm (FITB)
• Home Sales Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels for the First Time (RDFN)
• Aptose Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Shares (APTO)
• The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation of Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) on Behalf of Investors
• Twitter Stock Slides 3% After Hackers Target High-Profile Accounts
• Tesla registrations in California nearly halve in second quarter: data
• FOREX-Dollar nurses losses as investors wait for China data (MRNA)
• Relay Therapeutics Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering (RLAY)
• HPX Corp. Announces Pricing of Upsized $220,000,000 Initial Public Offering (HPX)
• Adaptive Biotechnologies (ADPT) Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Stock
• Nabriva Therapeutics Enters into Exclusive Agreement to Promote and Distribute SIVEXTRO® (tedizolid phosphate) in the U.S. (NBRV)
• EU Court Invalidates Data-Sharing Pact With US (FB)
• EU Court Bans Privacy Shield Data-Transfer Pact (FB)
• Corporación América Airports S.A. Reports June 2020 Passenger Traffic (CAAP)
• China buys more soybeans as its U.S. crop buying spree continues
• Coronavirus vaccine hopes rise after strong trial results (AZN)
• Dell Confirms It’s Considering Spinning Off VMware. Here’s How It Would Work. (DELL, VMW)
• BBBY reported 10 new insider trades (small buys) to the SEC yesterday evening
• American Airlines sending 25,000 furlough notices as U.S. demand sags (AAL, DAL, UAL, LUV)
• U.S. Judge confirms Berkshire Hathaway unit's 643 million euro award against German pipemaker
• Carnival to raise $1.26 billion in debt to deal with COVID-19 impact (CCL)
• Chevron restarts Pasadena, Texas, refinery: sources (CVX)
• American Air Sees 25,000 Jobs at Risk When U.S. Aid Expires (AAL, UAL)
• Alcoa Says Cost Cuts Drove Cash Increase in ‘Challenging’ Market (AA)
• Average Earnings Are Falling, Prices Are Rising: Economic Numbers Indicate Hard Times For Consumers (KR, TGT)
• FCPT Announces Acquisition of a Caliber Collision Property for $1.8 Million
• Tencent launches new online shopping feature in WeChat app, in a challenge to rivals Alibaba and JD
• Boyd Gaming Corporation Commences Exchange Offer For 4.750% Senior Notes Due 2027 (BYD)
• Valaris Skips $13.3M Interest Payment (VAL)
• Stewart and Stevenson’s Apollo ABVM Receives Emergency Use Authorization from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (KEX)
• AdaptHealth Announces Pricing of Upsized $350.0 Million Senior Notes Due 2028(AHCO)
• Atreca , Inc. Announces Pricing of Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock (BCEL)
• US Department of Defense awards new contracts to (GD, NOC)
• Joseph T. Ryerson and Son, Inc. Announces Pricing of Private Offering of Senior Secured Notes (RYI)
• Orchid Island Capital increases dividend by 9%
• White House says Trump has not ruled out sanctions on Chinese officials
• CNBC’s Jim Cramer uses this chart to predict the exact date the stock market could hit the skids
• Needham boosts Apple’s price target on strength of services and wearables
• Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Virgin Galactic, Twitter, Norwegian Cruise Line and more
• Twitter blocked tweets from verified accounts after a massive security breach
• Singapore’s economic situation is ‘dire’ as global coronavirus resurgence looms, central bank says

Upcoming Earnings:

• Earnings Calendar
• Earnings Calendar II
• Earnings season kicks off with big banks, Netflix: What to know in the week ahead
• Notable earnings after Thursday's close (FNB, JBHT, MRTN, NFLX, PPG, WAL)

Commodities:

• Commodity Prices
• Commodities Futures

COVID-19 Stats and News:

• COVID-19 Stats
• Latest Map and Case Count

Macro Considerations:

• Economic Indicators
• Economic Indicator Forecasts
• Tracking America’s Recovery

Most Recent SEC Filings

• SEC Form 10-K
• SEC Form 10-Q (Quarterly Performance)
• SEC Form 8-K (Information of Shareholder Interest)
• SEC Form DEFA14A (Upcoming Shareholder Meeting)
• SEC Form 4 (Insider Trading)
• SEC Form 144 (Insider Selling)
• SEC Form 13F (Institutional Investment)

Other

• Current Trading Halts
• Reg SHO Threshold List
• Short Sale Circuit Breaker
• Highest Short Interest
• Most Recent Insider Filings
• Fear and Greed Index
• OTC Market Snapshot
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Most Recent IPO Filings
• Dividend Calendar
• Most Active Stocks
• Daily Gainers
• Daily Losers

-----------------------------------------------
Morning Research and Trading Prep Tool Kit
Other Useful Resources:
The Ultimate Quick Resource For the Amateur Trader.
Subscribe to This Brief and the daily 4:00 AM Pre Market Brief on The Twitter Link Here . Alerts in the tweets will direct you to the daily brief in this sub

For a quick, easier search - http://www.isthisanmlm.com/ has compiled this whole thread. Special thanks to u/SHIFTnSPACE. - This is now a part of the sidebar as a button widget!

What is an MLM?

Multi-level marketing (MLM), also called pyramid selling, network marketing, and referral marketing, is a marketing strategy for the sale of products or services where the revenue of the MLM company is derived from a non-salaried workforce selling the company's products/services, while the earnings of the participants are derived from a pyramid-shaped or binary compensation commission system. ​
THIS LIST MAY CONTAIN COMPANIES THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD MLM BRANCH BUT MAY NO LONGER HAVE ONE.
If you see a company and are not sure that it belongs on this list, please reach out. I have compiled this list from the sources listed at the bottom along with input from community members. This list may not be 100% accurate but the goal is to get it as close as possible.
31 - Bags
5Linx - Home & Business Services
Abby & Anna - Clothing
ACAN Pacific - Utilities
ACN - Utilities
ActiLabs - Skincare/Health
Adornable.U - Accessories
Advocare - Dietary Supplements
AeroGrow - Garden Tools
Agnes & Dora - Clothing
AIM Global - Nutritional Supplements
Akasuka (Japan) -
Alcone - Beauty
Alice's Table - Flower Arrangement Classes
All'asta - Home Goods
Allysian Sciences -
Aloe Vera of America (Young Living) - Nutritional Supplements
Aloette - Beauty
Alphay Int - Nutritional Supplements
AlureVe - Skincare/Health
Amare Global - Nutritional Supplements
Ambit - Utilities
Amelia James -
Ameo - Essential Oils
American Income Life - Financial
Amsoil - Motor Oil
Amway - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Ann Summers - Product
Ann Summers (UK) - Adult Novelties
Anorak (UK) - Home Goods
Anran (China) -
Apollo (India) - Juice
Apriori - Skincare/Health
AquaSource UK - Nutritional Supplements
Arbonne - Skincare/Health
ARIIX - Water Purification
Arsoa Honsha (Japan) - Fitness/Weight Loss
Asea Global - Nutritional Supplements
Asirvia (shut down) - Marketing
Aspire/Digital Altitude - Marketing
ATC Coin - Crypto Currency
Athena's - Adult Novelties
Atomy - Skincare/Health
Ava Anderson -
Ava Rose - Clot
Avisae - Weight Loss
Avon - Beauty
b:hip Global - Health
Bachar Nutrition - Nutritional Supplements
Bamboo Pink - Jewelry
Barefoot Books - Books
Bath.Ologie - Bath Bombs
Beach Body - Fitness/Weight Loss Videos
BearCereju (Japan) - Cosmetics
BeautiControl -
Beauty Counter - Cosmetics
Beauty Society - Beauty
beCAUSE Cosmetics - Cosmetics
Become International (US & AUS) - Cosmetics
Bedroom Kandi - Adult Novelties
Beever (UK) - Hair Care
BelCorp (Latin America) - Cosmetics
Bellame - Skincare/Health
Bemer - Appliances
Better Way Design/Imports - Clothing
Biogreen Argentina -
BioPerformance - Automotive (Fuel Pills)
Bod-e Pro - Nutritional Supplements
Body by Vi/Visalus - Health
Body Shop at Home - Beauty
Boisset Collection - Wine
Boston Finney (shut down) -
Bounce Life/Network - Insurance
Bud Star (Canada) - CBD/THC Products
BurnLounge (shut down as pyramid scheme by FTC in 2012) -
Buskins - Clothing
Butterfly Beauty - Cosmetics
Cabi - Clothing
Cambridge Weight Plan/Diet - Dietary Supplements
CAN - Utilities
Captain Tortue - Clothing
Carico Int - Home Goods
Celebrating Home - Home Goods
Cellements - Skincare/Health
CEO Movement (Not MLM but scammy) -
Chalk Couture - Chalkboard Signs
Chalky & Co - Home Goods
Chandeal (Japan) - Clothing
Charle (Japan) - Clothing
Charlie's Project - Clothing
Chef's Toolbox (AUS) (Insolvency) - Kitchen Accessories
Cherish Natural Products -
Chloe & Isabel - Jewelry
Clever Container - Home Goods
Close to My Heart - Scrapbooking
Cloud 9 Parties - Adult Novelties
Cobra Group/Appco -
Cocoa Exchange - Food
Color by Amber - Jewelry
Color Happy -
Color Street - Nail Wraps
Colour Me Beautiful (UK) - Clothing
Compelling Creations - Jewelry
Conklin - Roofing
Cookie Lee (shut down) -
Cosway (Malaysia) - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Country Scents - Product/Candles
Create Your Life - Health
Creative Memories - Scrapbooking
Credit Repair USA - Financial
Crunchi - Cosmetics
Cutco - Knives
CVSL - Multiple Companies
Daisy Blue Naturals - Personal Care
Damsel in Defense - Product/Self Defense
Darceys - Candles
David Lerner Associates, INC - Financial
Dazzle and Daze - Clothing
Deutsche vermögensberatung/Dvag (Germany) - Financial
Diana (Japan) -
Dione Cosmetics - Cosmetics
Direct Cellars/DC Nation - Wine
Discovery Toys - Educational Toys
Divvee/Nui -
Dot Dot Smile - Clothing
DoTERRA - Health/Oils
Du Northing Designs - Clothing
Dubli Network - Financial
Dudley Beauty - Cosmetics
DXN - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Dynamic Essentials -
EcoWarehouse - Home Goods
Elepreneuer -
Elk River Soaps - Personal Care
Ella Tina - Clothing
Elli Kai - Clothing
Elvacity - Nutritional Supplements
EmGoldEx/Global Intergold -
Enagic/Kangen Water - Ionized Water
Endless Xpressions - Clothing/Accessories
Enersource Int - Nutritional Supplements
Enjo (AUS) - Cleaning Producs
Envy Jewelry - Jewelry
Epicure (Canada) - Food
Equinox International (dissolved in 2001) -
Ergo (Germany) - Insurance
Essante Organics -
Essential Bodywear - Clothing
European Grouping of Marketing Professionals/CEDIPAC SA (dissolved 1995) -
European Home Retail (dissolved 2007) -
Evanescence Network - Health
EVER Skincare - Skincare/Health
Evolution Travel - Product
EvolvHealth - Health
Faberlic (Russia) - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Family First Life - Insurance
Family Heritage Insurance - Insurance
Fantasia - Adult Novelties
Fantasia (Canada) - Adult Novelties
Farmasi -
FES Connect - Financial
Fibi & Clo - Footwear
Fifth Ave Collection - Jewelry
First Fitness Nutrition - Dietary Supplements
Fit4Mom - Clothing
FITTEAM Global - Dietary Supplements
Flamingo Paperie - Art
Fleuresse -
FM World (UK) -
For Tails Only - Pet Supplies
Forever Living - Health/Oils
Forex Education (iMarkets Live branch) - Crypto
Forex Entourage - Financial
Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing (dissolved 2013) -
Four Oceans - Health
Fragant Jewels - Bathbombs
FreeLife - Nutritional Supplements
Frontrow -
Fuel Freedom Int - Automotive
Fund America (Bankrupt 1990) -
Gano Excel - Nutritional Supplements
GelMoment - Beauty
Gemstra - Jewelry
Genesis Pure - Nutritional Supplements
Global Legacy Initiative -
GoDesana - Pet
Gold Canyon - Product/Candles
Golden Days (China) - Health
Grace & Heart - Jewelry
Green HoriZen - CBD
Greeting Cake Company - Cake Kits
H2O At Home - Personal Care
Hale - CBD Oil
Hanky Panky Parties (Canada) - Adult Novelties
Happy Coffee - Coffee
Harvard Risk Management (Legal Shield) -
Hayward's Gourmet Popcorn - Food
HB Naturals - Health
He(L)o - Health
Healthy Peach - Dietary Supplements
Heavenly Chia - Food
Heka Corp - Fitness
Helo Wristbands - Health
HempWorx - Health
Herbalife - Health
Heritage Makers - Scrapbooking
Hinode - Cosmetics
Holiday Magic (shut down) -
Home Interiors - Home Goods
Honey - Beauty
Honey & Lace - Clothing
Hualin Biotech (China) - Health
iCoinPro - Crypto Currency
ID Life - Health
Igniting Passion (Canada) - Adult Novelties
iMarketsLive - Financial Trading Software
Immunotec - Health
Imperial Candles (UK) - Candles
In a Pikle - Bags
Income Advantage -
India Hicks - Product/Accessories
Infinitus - Health
Initials, Inc - Bags
Inkd Up Nails - Beauty
innov8tive nutrition - Nutritional Supplements
InteleTravel - Travel
Intimo (AUS/NZ) - Adult Novelties
Isagenix - Dietary Supplements
ItWorks! - Health
J. Elizabeth - Clothing
J. Hilburn - Clothing
J.R Watkins -
Jafra - Beauty
Jamberry - Beauty
Jamby - Clothing
Jamie at Home (shut down) -
Janice Collection - Home Goods
Java Momma - Coffee
Javita - Coffee
Jbloom - Jewelry
Jequiti - Cosmetics
Jerky Direct -
Jeunesse - Beauty
Jewel Kade (31) - Jewelry
Jewelscent - Product/Candles
JK Apparel (Canada) - Clothing
Jordan Essentials - Beauty
JoyMain (China) - Health
Joyome (Plexus) - Beauty
JuicePlus - Nutritional Supplements
Jump Natural - Health
Kaesar & Blair -
Kalaia - Skincare/Health
Kalo & Co - Pearl/Jewelry
Kangen Water -
Kannaway - CBD Oil
Karat Bars - Gold
Kaszazz - Scrapbooking
Keep Collective - Jewelry
Keep Me Safe - Cos
KETO (Pruvit) -
Keto Coffee - Coffee
Ketones - Health
Kirby - Vacuums
Kleeneze - Home Goods
Kobold (Vorwerk) -
Kyani - Health
Labella Baskets - Home Goods
Lady Godiva Beauty - Cosmetics
Lavylites - Beauty
L'BRI - Beauty
LeadUp Consulting -
Legal Shield - Legal Services
LegArt (Canada) - Leggings
Legend Age (China) -
Legging Army - Clothing
Legging Girl - Clothing
Lemongrass Spa - Beauty
LeReve (Canada) - Cosmetics
Le-Vel (Thrive) - Health
Lia Sophia (dissolved) - Jewelry
Life Abundance - Pet
LIFE Leadership - Financial
Life Tree World - Food
LifeBrook -
LifePlus (US/Germany) - Dietary Supplements
Life's Abundance - Pet Supplies
LifeVantage - Dietary Supplements
Lilla Rose - Jewelry
Limelife - Skincare/Health
Limu - Health
Limu - Nutritional Supplements
Linen World - Home Goods
Lion Crown -
Lipsense - Beauty
Liv International - Travel
Live Sore - Clothing
Longabeger Company - Baskets
Longrich (China) - Beauty
Lorraine Lee Linen - Home Goods
Love Winx - Adult Novelties
LR Beauty & Health - Beauty
LuLaRoe - Clothing
Lulu Ave - Jewelry
Luminess - Cosmetics
Lyconet/Lyoness -
Lyoness - Financial
M. Global (Jamberry) - Jewelry
M. Network - Nutritional Supplements
Maelle Beauty - Beauty
Magnabilities - Jewelry
Magnolia & Vine - Jewelry
Makeup Eraser - Cosmetics
Man Cave - Kitchen Accessories
Mannatech - Dietary Supplements
Mark. - Financial
Market America - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Marly Ray - Pearl/Jewelry
Marvelous Mouse Travels - Travel
Mary & Martha - Home Goods
MaryKay - Beauty
Maskara - Beauty
Matilda Jane - Clothing
Max & Madeleine - Skincare/Health
Maxwell Clothing - Clothing
MCA - Financial
Medifast - Nutritional Supplements
Melaleuca - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Metabolife (dissolved in 2005) -
MiA Bath and Body (Closed) -
mialisia - Jewelry
Miche EU - Accessories
Miki (Asia) - Nutritional Supplements
MOA Nutrition - Nutritional Supplements
Modere -
MojiLife - Essential Oils
Monat - Hair Care
MonaVie (went into foreclosure 2015) -
Morinda Bioactives - Personal Care/Dietary Supplements
Motives Cosmetics - Cosmetics
Multpure - Water
My Club 8 - CBD Oil
My Daily Choice - Nutritional Supplements
My LALA Leggings - Clothing
myEcon - Financial
National Safety Associates - Dietary Supplements
National Wealth Center - Education
Natura (Brazil) - Cosmetics
Nature Direct (AUS) - Essential Oils
Nature's Sunshine Products - Dietary Supplements
Neal's Yard Remedies Organic - Beauty
NeoLife - Dietary Supplements
Neora (Nerium) -
Nerium - Skincare/Health
NeVetica - Pet Supplies
New Era (China) - Nutritional Supplements
New U Life - Health
Neways - Personal Care
Nikken -
Noevir - Beauty
Nomades - Jewelry
Noonday Collection - Jewelry
Norwex - Cleaning Producs
Nouveau Riche (real estate investment college) (dissolved 2010 -
Nspire Network - Feminine Products
NuCerity - Skincare/Health
NuSkin - Tooth Paste/Personal Care
Nutriboom -
NXIVM - Financial
Nygard - Clothing
Omnilife - Dietary Supplements
One Hope Wine - Wine
Optavia - Health
Opulenza - Jewelry
Organo Gold - Coffee
Oriflame - Personal Care
Origami Owl - Jewelry
Our Hearts Desire - Jewelry
Paid 2 Save - Travel
Pampered Chef - Kitchen Accessories
Paparazzi - Jewelry
Paperly - Paper
Park Lane Jewelry - Jewelry
Party Girl - Candles
Party Lite - Candles
Party Time Mixes - Food
PartyLite - Candles
Passion Parties - Adult Novelties
Pawtree - Pet
Paycation - Travel
Peach - Clothing
Pearl Chic - Pearl/Jewelry
Peekaboo Beans - Clothing
Perfect (China) - Cosmetics
Perfectly Polished - Beauty
Perfectly Posh - Beauty
Personally Poetic - Jewelry
PHP - Insurance
Pierre Lang - Jewelry
Pink Zebra - Candles
Piphany - Clothing
PixieLane - Clothing
Plexus - Health
Plumeria Bath - Beauty
Plunder - Jewelry
PM International - Health
Pola (Japan) - Skincare/Health
Poofy Organics - Beauty
Powur - Solar Panels
Premier Designs - Jewelry
Premier Financial - Financial
PrimeMyBody - Health
Primerica - Financial
Princess House - Kitchen Accessories
ProDoula -
ProYoung - Health
Pruvit - Health
Pulse Cosmetics - Cosmetics
Pure Haven - Cosmetics
Pure Romance - Product
PureHaven - Home Goods
PUREly - Essential Oils
Purium - Health
Qnet - Nutritional Supplements
Quanjian Natural (China) - Food
RadiantlyYou -
Rain International - Health
Rainbow Vacuum - Vacuums
Real Time Pain Relief - Health
Red Aspen - Beauty
RED Safety - Security
Regal Home and Gifts - Home Goods
Reliv - Health
Reliv - Nutritional Supplements
Renatus Real Estate - Education
RevitalU - Coffee/Health
Riway - Deer Placenta
Robert Kiyosaki -
Rodan+Fields - Beauty
Roland (Vorwerk) -
Rolmex (China) - Kitchen Accessories
Royal Tongan Limu (dissolved in 2003) -
Royaltie Gens - Marketing
Ruby Ribbon - Clothing
Saba - Health/Beauty
Sabika Jewelry - Jewelry
SafeGirl Security - Self Defense
Salad Master - Home Goods
SARSO (India) -
Scentsy - Health/Oils
Schneider's Gourmet World - Food
Scout & Cellar - Wine
Seacret - Beauty
SendOutCards - Gift Cards
Senegence - Skincare/Health
Shakeology (BeachBody) - Dietary Supplements
Shaklee - Dietary Supplements
Shopping Sherlock -
Shrimp & Grits - Clothing
Signature Homestyles - Home Goods
Silpada - Jewelry
Silver Icing - Jewelry
Simple Man - Personal Care
Simply Success Elite -
SimplyFun Games - Education
Skinny Body at Home - Dietary Supplements
SkinSanity/Tomorrow's Leaf - Skincare/Health
Smart Circle -
Smartway -
Solavei (dissolved 2015)[ -
Solvei (bankrupt) -
Sophie Paris (France/Asia) - Clothing
South Hill Designs - Jewelry
Southern Living at Home - Home Goods
SouthWestern Advantage - Education
Sseko - Clothing
Stampin Up - Paper
Steam Energy - Utilities
Steeped Tea - Tea
Stella & Dot - Clothing
Stream Energy - Financial
Style Dots - Jewelry
Success University - Education
Sun Hope (China) -
Sunrider - Health/Beauty/Home Goods
Sunset Gourmet - Food
Sunshine Empire (dissolved 2009) -
Surge 365 - Travel
Sweet Legs - Clothing
Sweet Minerals - Beauty
Symmetry Financial Group - Insurance
Syntek Global - Automotive
T.O.P Marketing Group -
TAG Team Marketing -
Taisei/Green Planet/Kaikisui (Japan_ - Purifiers
Tara at Home - Home Goods
Tastefully Simple - Food
Tavala - Health
Tealightful - Tea
Team National - Financial
TeDivina - Tea
Telecom Plus (UK) - Utilities
Telexfree (bankrupt 2014) -
The Advert Platfrom - Crypto Currency
The Body Shop at Home - Beauty
The Landmark Forum - Health
The Super Affiliate Network - Marketing
Thermomix (Vorwerk) -
Thirty One - Bags
Thrive - Health
Thrive Life - Food
Tiber River Naturals - Beauty
TKO WorldWide -
Tocara (Canada) - Jewelry
Tom James - Clothing
Total Life Changes/TLC - Health
TouchStone Crystal - Jewelry
Touchstone Essentials - Dietary Supplements
Tracy Negoshian - Clothing
Trades of Hope - Jewelry
Tranont - Financial
Transformational Beauty - Cosmetics
Travel Evolution - Travel
Traveling Vineyard - Wine
TraVerus Global - Travel
TriVita - Nutritional Supplements
Tropic Skin Care - Skincare/Health
True Peak Revolution (Europe) -
Truvision Health - Health
TS-Life - Nutritional Supplements
Tupperware - Tupperware
Unicity - Health
United Sciences of America (dissolved in 1987) -
United Warehouse (UK) -
US Health Advisors -
Usana - Nutritional Supplements
Usborne - Books
Utility Warehouse (UK) - Utilities
Valentus - Dietary Supplements
Vantel - Product/Pearls
Vasayo - Health
VectoCutco - Knives
Vemma - Dietary Supplements
viaOneHope - Wine
ViBella - Jewelry
VIC Cosmetics -
Vida Divina - Tea
Vie at Home (closed) -
Virtuity Financial Group (World Financial Group) -
ViSalus (Body by VI) - Dietary Supplements
Vitality Extracts - Essential Oils
VivaMK - Cleaning Producs
Volo - Health
Vorwerk - Home Goods
Votre Belle Maison (UK) - Giftware
Voxxlife - Health
Wakaya Perfection - Health
WakeUpNow (dissolved 2015) -
Watkins Inc - Health/Home Goods
Wealthperx - Travel
Wikaniko - Home Goods
Wildtree - Food
Willing Beauty - Beauty
Winasun - Health
Wine Shop at Home - Wine
Wines for Humanity - Wine
Wink Naturals - Health
World Financial Group/Pinnacle Leadership Development - Financial
World Leadership Group (dissolved in 2008) -
World Ventures/Wealth Wave/TKO WorldWide - Travel
WoTaBu - Travel
XanGo/Ziji - Health
Xerveo - Dietary Supplements
Xoom Energy - Utilities
Xooma - Weight Loss
Xstream Travel - Travel
Xyngular - Health
Yanbal Int - Jewelry
Yandi (China) - Nutritional Supplements
Yelloow - Beauty
Yevo (closed) -
Yofoto (China) - Health
Yoli - Health
Yoonla -
YOR Health - Weight Loss
Young Living - Health
Youngevity -
Younique - Beauty
YTB International - Travel
Zepter -
Zija - Health
Zilis - Health
Zinzino (Scandanavia) -
Zrii - Skincare/Health
Zurvita - Health
Zyia - Clothing
Zyn - Travel
TOTAL COUNT = 594 ​ This list will be continually updated (5/19/2020).
2018 Archived MLM Mega Thread
​
Sources: https://mlmtruth.org/2018/02/08/the-mlm-master-list/ , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multi-level_marketing_companies Special thanks to u/Copacetic1515 (I could not stick your thread)
​
For income disclosure information: Updated 2019 Thread
​
Other Helpful Links: Discussion about World Financial Group

While overt operations will play a role in the retaliation, some more covert ones are needed. For these more... illegal... operations, we will have to take a different approach.
​
North Korea: Cyberwar, Inc.
North Korea has a well-established cyberwar capability and has recently begun selling its services to third parties. One of those third parties is about to become us, and we're going to buy out the entire shop, consisting of thousands of highly trained North Korean hackers. Are they the best, no, of course not--they are, after all, still North Korean. They certainly aren't as good as what we have in-house, even though they're surprisingly skilled all things considered. But they're extra talent, and talent with no official connections to China, and that's what counts here.
​
At whatever exorbitant price that North Korea charges [we've budgeted up to $500 million, and they will get to keep whatever they steal] we're siccing every trained hacker they have on what we view as the mastermind behind these plots, the United Arab Emirates [M: Even though we don't know the contents of the closed diplo, it's not hard to come to that conclusion given that Saudi Arabia is in a civil war, the UAE leads the GCC which is leading the embargo, and it has rejected our peace offerings and stated that we are an existential threat--also, assaulting the UAE is likely to spook the other participants who are in a much more frail situation].
​
Attacks will aim to be diverse and encompass the entire spectrum, with one exception, which we will do. Chinese experts will provide advice and limited intelligence and cyber-reconnaissance, but will not openly involve themselves in the operations, taking especial care to ensure that they don't touch the code the North Koreans are working on. We will maintain only a very high-level management, leaving precise means, targets, and so on to the North Koreans.
​
In addition, we'll ask the North Koreans to recruit criminal hacker groups across the globe to join on to this effort, with the North Koreans receiving additional payouts for every other criminal hacking group they bring onboard that has been verified by Chinese intelligence as actually existing [we don't trust the North Koreans that much, especially when money is on the line].
​
Targets are the following, in order of priority:
​
UAE Foreign Exchange Reserves and Sovereign Wealth Fund:
By far the most valuable target on the list for North Korea, the UAE's forex reserves are worth about $100 billion, and the sovereign wealth funds of the Emirates are valued at as much as $1 trillion. North Korean hackers will launch an all-out assault aiming to steal as much of this money as possible, destroying it if they must but, we imagine, preferably transferring it to North Korean accounts. Attacks via SWIFT like those conducted by North Korea in 2015-16 are possible--those attacks amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. We doubt that North Korea will be able to steal that much of this pile, especially given the fact that the UAE has an army of ex-Western cyberwarriors of its own, but even a relatively small quantity would be a significant psychological injury and would degrade global trust in the UAE.
​
Vital Infrastructure:
North Korea will target key pieces of infrastructure in the UAE. In particular, they will target the following facilities and attempt to force them offline. Even though the individual attacks won't do much damage, the cumulative impact will scare the public, damage investor confidence, and drive money out of the UAE.

• Dubai International Airport
• All 8 desalination plants, the only source of potable water in the UAE [top target]
• Dubai Metro
• UAE High-speed rail [as this system uses Chinese software the North Koreans will happen to find a copy of the source code to work this one over]
• Barakah Nuclear Power Plant [as this system uses South Korean software North Korea may have added experience with it]
• Ruwais Refinery, capacity 400,000 barrels of oil per day, the largest in the UAE

​
Influential Figures And Government Officials:
North Korean hackers will also target the personal devices of government officials and influential figures in the UAE, especially politicians, military commanders, and media types. They will then leak anything remotely incriminating to the global media, possibly via Wikileaks or another such site of ill repute.
​
In addition, for particularly important government officials, North Korea will be commissioned to produce deepfakes with which it will flood social media. These will mostly focus on baseless conspiracy theories and personal slanders, for instance, catching a top official on mike confessing to being a devil-worshiper, or portraying a popular imam as being with Western prostitutes.
​
​
It is hoped that these operations will cause enough domestic trouble in the UAE that they will concede on the point of the oil embargo. If nothing else, though, they should keep the UAE distracted while we move elsewhere.

While Japanese tourists and investors are currently rejoicing at the appreciation of the JPY against most currencies, company executives and METI ministers are readying their tanto and are currently searching for an assistant to decapitate them. Too bad everyone else is getting ready for seppuku too.
I jest, but METI and company executives are (to put it lightly), fucking terrified about the JPY’s newfound mastery in these current times. Although firms, tourists, and investors find it easier than ever to do business overseas, exporters are seething from the recent appreciation of the Yen. In addition, the pegging of SE Asian currencies to the Yen and China’s suspected increase in JPY reserves (although yet to be confirmed) have cemented the JPY as an possible replacement for the USD, something that is very bad for Japan’s export economy.
To combat this, the BOJ has to change course from its conservative, restrictionary monetary policy (enacted to prevent a bubble economy) to a liberal monetary policy. One may ask, doesn’t this increase the probability of a bubble economy forming? Well, the BOJ has calculated that its conservative monetary policies have averted a bubble from forming. As we saw in 2029 and 2030, GDP growth was lower than predicted back in 2025, indicating that investors weren’t as bullish as before. In addition, strict financial regulations ensured that the predatory and dangerous loans of the 80s and early 90s didn’t make a comeback. Asset prices and land values, despite a nominal increase, did not soar to unreasonable heights.
So what is the BOJ doing now?
Inflation
Japanese inflation has been very low the past three decades, using hovering around the 0.5-1% mark. Although inflation has seen a small increase during the 2020s Asian Economic Boom, it is still around 1%. In response to this, the BOJ has set an inflation goal of 2.5% for 2031 and 2032.
The BOJ intends to reach this goal through three methods.
1) Interest and discount rates are to be tempered to 1.50% and 1.75% respectively. This should encourage lending between banks and companies, leading to more liquidity and more spending.
2) Buying back BOJ-issued bonds, focusing on foreign investors first. This will increase the money supply while simultaneously paying back more debt.
3) Quantitative easing increases the money supply and should increase inflation and devaluation of the JPY.
These actions, in addition, to increasing inflation (and in turn stimulating domestic consumption), should help to devalue the JPY. Other measures to devalue the JPY are as follows.
Depreciation of the JPY
As an export-based economy, any appreciation of the JPY is very, very bad for Japan, as one saw during the 1990s. The JPY recently broke the $95 USD mark, with no sign of the appreciation stopping. The BOJ has stated that it intends to block this appreciation of the JPY will all its might, and is targeting a return to the $100 mark. It intends to do by the following methods.
1) Increasing FOREX reserves: Right now the BOJ holds around $2.2 trillion in FOREX, mainly in USD and EUR. Following rumors that China has significantly increased its FOREX reserves (analysts estimate between $500 and $800 billion in new reserves), the BOJ has announced its intentions to follow suit. It has announced an increase in FOREX reserves of $450 billion in USD, EUR, and CNY. ($200 billion in USD, $150 billion in EUR, $100 billion in CNY) This should help depreciate the JPY relative to these currencies and help exporters.
2) Japanese companies who have overseas plants like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are being encouraged to reinvest USD garnered overseas into Japan. In addition to stimulating the domestic economy, this should also increase FOREX supply in Japan.
Miscellaneous
1) Domestic consumption tax rate is decreased form 8% to 6.8%.
2) Seeking to exploit the capital and investor flight from the US, a new campaign to attract foreign investment and foreign executives to settle in Japan will be launched. Titled “Land of the Rising Profits”, it will showcase the benefits of setting up shop in Japan as an investor.

I want to start trading stocks and I'm looking for full service brokers, ICICI Direct vs HDFC Securities, which is better ? I don't have any experience with trading securities but I have been trading crypto currency (successfully) for about 6 months. Do both these banks offer 3in1 accounts ? which one is better. I would like to know about their trading platform and banks also. Please share your opinions and let me know if there is are better options available.
I also had some bad experience while trading forex, oprions and US CFDs with a popular foreign brokerage firm that turned out to be a bucket shop manipulating the trading platform and prices to make me lose money. So I don't care if I have to pay higher fees and charges but I want good reliable broker who offers good service and doesn't cheat - this is my first priority.