#Mid Cap Funds

[urbancreative]

In the vast landscape of the stock market, investors encounter various categories of stocks, each with its unique characteristics and role in a well-balanced portfolio. Among these categories, large cap stocks stand out as stalwarts of stability and reliability. Let’s explore the nuances of large cap stocks, their characteristics, and their significance for building a resilient portfolio.

[the-art-of-investing-in-stocks]

Exploring the Best Mid-Cap Companies and Funds in Canada for Investors

Investing in mid-cap stocks is a popular strategy for many investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Mid-cap stocks are companies that have a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion. They are considered to be in the sweet spot of the market because they are not as volatile as small-cap stocks, but they have more growth potential than large-cap stocks. In Canada, there are many mid-cap companies that offer attractive investment opportunities. In this article, we will discuss mid-cap funds, mid-cap Canadian stocks, and mid-cap companies in Canada that investors should consider.

Mid-Cap Fund Overview

A mid-cap fund is a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in mid-cap stocks. The fund's objective is to provide investors with exposure to mid-cap stocks' potential returns. The fund's performance depends on the performance of the underlying mid-cap stocks in the fund's portfolio. The fund manager selects the stocks to be included in the portfolio based on various factors such as the company's financial health, growth potential, and industry trends.

Investing in a mid-cap fund can be a great way to diversify your portfolio. Mid-cap stocks are typically more stable than small-cap stocks but have more growth potential than large-cap stocks. Additionally, investing in a fund allows you to invest in a basket of mid-cap stocks, which reduces the risk associated with investing in individual stocks.

Mid-Cap Canada Fund

The mid-cap market in Canada is an attractive investment opportunity for many investors. There are several mid-cap funds in Canada that invest in mid-cap Canadian stocks. These funds offer exposure to the Canadian mid-cap market, which is home to many successful companies with significant growth potential.

One example of a mid-cap Canada fund is the BMO Mid-Cap ETF. This fund seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P/TSX MidCap Index, which represents the mid-cap segment of the Canadian equity market. The fund invests in mid-cap companies in various industries, including healthcare, financials, and technology. This fund provides investors with exposure to the Canadian mid-cap market while also providing diversification benefits.

Mid-Cap Canadian Stocks

There are many mid-cap Canadian stocks that investors should consider. These stocks offer attractive investment opportunities due to their growth potential and financial health. Here are a few mid-cap Canadian stocks that investors should consider:

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) - Canadian Natural Resources is an oil and gas exploration and production company that operates in Western Canada, the North Sea, and Offshore Africa. The company has a market capitalization of around $50 billion and has consistently delivered strong financial results.

Shopify Inc. (SHOP) - Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create online stores. The company has a market capitalization of around $200 billion and has seen significant growth in recent years due to the increasing trend of online shopping.

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) - Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and services. The company has a market capitalization of around $40 billion and has a diversified portfolio of products and services that are in high demand.

Investing in mid-cap Canadian stocks can provide investors with attractive returns while also diversifying their portfolio.

Mid-Cap Companies in Canada

In addition to mid-cap funds and mid-cap Canadian stocks, investors can also consider investing in individual mid-cap companies in Canada. These companies offer investors the opportunity to invest in a specific company that they believe has significant growth potential.  

Here are a few mid-cap companies in Canada that investors should consider:

Kinross Gold Corporation (K) - Kinross Gold is a gold mining company that operates in North and South America, West Africa, and Russia. The company has a market capitalization of around $8

[zfundsofficial]

Invest in Mid Cap Mutual Funds

Here are some important things that tell you why you should invest in Mid Cap Mutual Funds.

Growth Potential: Mid cap companies are often in the growth phase of their business lifecycle, providing substantial upside potential.

Diversification: Adding mid cap funds to your portfolio can enhance diversification, spreading risk across various sectors and companies.

Performance History: Historically, mid cap funds have outperformed both small and large cap funds over long periods, delivering impressive returns.

Market Position: These companies often have established market positions but still possess room to expand, making them less volatile than small caps.

Top Mid Cap Mutual Funds for 2024

Here are some of the best mid cap mutual funds to consider in 2024:

1. Fidelity Mid Cap Fund (FMCPX)

The Fidelity Mid Cap Fund focuses on mid-sized companies with strong growth potential. The fund's diversified portfolio includes a mix of sectors, reducing risk while aiming for high returns. Its consistent performance makes it a top pick for 2024.

2. T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Fund (RPMGX)

This fund is renowned for its robust stock selection and active management. With a focus on companies expected to grow earnings faster than the market average, it’s an excellent choice for growth-oriented investors.

3. Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund (VIMAX)

For those who prefer a passive investment strategy, the Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund is a great option. It tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Index, offering broad exposure to mid-sized companies with a low expense ratio.

4. BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Fund (BMGAX)

This fund focuses on companies with sustainable growth characteristics. BlackRock’s experienced management team employs a research-driven approach, making it a solid choice for investors looking for high returns.

5. JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund (FLMVX)

If you’re inclined towards value investing, the JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund is worth considering. It targets undervalued mid cap stocks with strong fundamentals, aiming for capital appreciation and income generation.

How to Choose the Right Mid Cap Mutual Fund

When selecting a mid cap mutual fund, consider the following factors:

Performance History: Review the fund's historical performance, particularly during different market cycles.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can significantly impact long-term returns.

Management Team: Experienced and skilled fund managers can make a big difference in a fund's performance.

Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and ensure the fund’s strategy aligns with your investment goals.

Diversification: Ensure the fund is well-diversified across sectors and companies to mitigate risk.

Conclusion

Mid cap mutual funds offer a compelling mix of growth potential and stability, making them a valuable addition to any investment portfolio. As you plan your investments for 2024, consider these top-performing mid cap funds to help achieve your financial goals. Always remember to conduct thorough research and, if needed, consult with a financial advisor to make informed investment decisions.

[mutualfundconsultant]

Diversify Your Investments with Multicap Mutual Funds | Mahindra Manulife Discover the benefits of multicap mutual funds at Mahindra Manulife. Offering a diversified portfolio that combines the stability of large-cap stocks with the growth potential of mid-cap and small-cap companies, multicap funds provide investors with a balanced approach to wealth creation. With Mahindra Manulife's expert guidance and robust research capabilities, you can build a well-rounded investment portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals. Experience the power of diversification and unlock opportunities for long-term growth and stability. Start investing in multicap mutual funds today with Mahindra Manulife and take the first step towards securing your financial future

[priyamalhotrapm]

Best Small and Midcap Mutual Funds | Bajaj Finserv

Small and midcap mutual funds aim to capitalize on the growth potential of smaller companies, offering investors a diversified portfolio with higher growth prospects compared to large-cap funds. Dive into the world of smart investments with Bajaj Finserv's best small and midcap mutual funds. Discover expertly managed portfolios that promise growth potential. Watch the complete video on YouTube to unlock the secrets of wealth creation.

[sunnysharmaseo]

What is Mid Cap Mutual Fund? Features and Benefits

What are Mid-cap Mutual Funds?

According to SEBI, there are 10 types of schemes within the category of equity mutual fund schemes. Among them are large cap, mid cap, and small cap schemes. In this exploration of mid cap equity funds, we will understand about mid cap mutual fund's meaning, features and advantages; we will delve deeper into their key characteristics including their risk-reward profile, investment strategies, and factors that investors should consider when allocating to mid-cap mutual funds within their overall investment portfolio.

[lambsouvlaki]

For the Hell of It - Anniversary

Characters: Jason Todd x fem!oc

Rating and warnings: G, no warnings.

Word count: 1,800

Summary: After two years together, Jason takes her out somewhere special for their anniversary.

Masterlist

It was mid morning when Jason called. 

That was deeply unusual, this month especially. He had been so busy lately she barely saw him except for the days she got up and found him dead to the world on the other side of her bed.

Idly cataloguing the possible reasons for the call, Andy turned down the radio and stepped away from her laptop.

A serious injury? Unlikely, that call typically came from Alfred and would have happened three hours ago. Location compromised, maybe? Pretty good chance, although it wasn’t usually a call but an emergency alert telling her to get her ass out the door. Maybe he was loopy on fear-toxin antidote again and needed to hear she was still alive. 

Most likely situation was Jason calling to tell her he was leaving the country, or the planet, or possibly the universe. Given the timing, it would be… well. Not crushing, but disappointing. 

Two years into this relationship, she knew better than to get too precious about calendar dates. 

“Hello?” she said with a jaunty tilt of her head. No pre-emptive sulking, she refused. 

“Hey beautiful,” Jason’s voice came through the little speaker. It was warm and low. “I’ve missed your voice.”

Her eyebrows rose and relief lit up her face. “Did you just? I’ve got a presentation tomorrow that needs some rehearsing, want to listen to my dulcet tones talk about community support funding?”

He laughed. “I would actually, but I’d rather hear the whole story from the beginning. Are you free this saturday?”

“Hmm, am I free this saturday?” she drawled. “On our anniversary?”

“Yup, that saturday.”

“Why, yes, baby, I think I am. Why do you ask?”

“You’re not free anymore. I’m calling dibs.” 

“Oh?” She dared to feel not just relief but anticipation. 

“8pm. I’ll come get you.” 

“Alright. How am I dressing? Steel capped boots? Running shoes? Ballet flats?” She had learned the vital importance of this question since going out with him. Jason’s plans were best faced prepared. 

“Heels,” he said, and she could hear the smirk in his voice. “Wear that slinky red number you hide at the back of the closet.”

She paused. Of course he’d seen it. “I’ve… never actually worn that before.”

“What did you get it for then?” he asked, teasing. 

“Oh, you know. Maybe I’ll get invited to the Oscars.”

He laughed, low and promising. “I’ll make you feel like you did.”

She bit her lip. She was grinning like an idiot, alone in her own apartment. Two years in and she could still melt her with a word. 

“Okay.” 

“I’ll see you Saturday, sweetheart.” 

They hung up and she drifted to her closet, eyeing up the dress. 

He couldn’t make their first anniversary. The planet was under an invasion while Bruce was off-world dealing with some other, separate invasion, so Jason and Dick split up cowl temping duties. Dick went to go play Batman with the Justice League and Jason stayed to play Batman in Gotham. 

He was more than capable of it and the average criminal didn’t even realise there was a different guy under the cowl. They just thought Batman was feeling extra mean this month. But it more than doubled his workload.

It didn’t blindside her. They were both disappointed but didn’t make a fuss, they had a system in place for these things. Both made compromises and extended grace to the other, and their relationship was stronger for it.

All the same, when Saturday night rolled around and she heard the purr of a car rolling up outside, excitement fizzed in her chest like bubbles in champagne.

She put on her finishing touches and went out to meet him. 

Jason waited for her in a perfectly tailored black suit. He didn’t fancy himself up very often, or ever, in fact. Having him dressed up was more of a luxury than the McLaren sports car he was leaning against. 

She drank in the sight of him. He looked like he could put Brucie Wayne to shame. The smirk on his face completed the ensemble.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said. 

She wore her floor length evening dress, with a halter neck and the most indulgent plunging neckline she had ever worn, to say nothing of the split in the skirt. It was also bright red. She felt a little shy in it, but it wasn’t a dress for hiding in. She had towering black stilettos on her feet and a lazy swing in her hips. She wanted him to look his fill. 

His eyes roamed over her with open appreciation. They were shortly followed by his hands, settling on her hips. He pulled her to him.

How was he still so much taller than her? 

He kissed her, slow and deep and hungry. She leaned into him. He luxuriated in her. 

Her night was off to a wonderful start. 

Once they could bring themselves to part, he helped her into the car, and drove them off into the night. She put her hand on his thigh. He interlocked his fingers with hers and drove one handed. Gotham’s lights flashed by as they left their native little corner of the city behind. They wound through the Diamond District. 

They slowed to a stop in the courtyard of a softly glowing restaurant. There was a cellist playing in the foyer. She recognised the name in a looping font over the door. She’d read it on some list of world best’s. 

“You did not get a booking here on Wednesday. Did you?” 

“I booked a year ago.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t going to miss it twice.” 

She squeezed his hand. A ‘thank you’ wouldn’t encapsulate just how much it meant to her. She knew the case he was working on wasn't wrapped up yet. He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. 

She looked out the window at the people getting out of cars ahead of them. Doubt niggled at the back of her head.

“I may not actually be fancy enough for these people,” she confessed. 

Jason scoffed. “Sweetheart, you’re gonna put everyone else here to shame.” He killed the engine and turned to her. “They should be grateful for the privilege of seeing you. I know I am.” 

She smiled, ducking her head a little. He tilted her chin back up and looked into her eyes, leaning down towards her. 

“You know these windows are tinted?” he said. 

She snorted a laugh. He snatched a kiss. 

“If you smudge my makeup, so help me.” 

“Sweets, you know that’s a challenge.” He tipped her chin higher and kissed her neck, expertly dodging where she had blended her foundation into her skin. 

She sighed. She loved this ridiculous man so much.

A valet tapped his window and Jason drew back with a sly grin. 

He got out and came around to open her door for her. It was a necessity given how low the seats and how tall her heels were, but she was happy to lean into the fantasy as he took her hand. 

Doubt was for behind closed doors. With the world watching she stepped out into the courtyard in a flutter of red silk and her chin held high. Jason slung an arm around her waist, resting low on her hip. They walked like they belonged because who the hell was going to tell them they didn’t? 

They were welcomed in by the maitre d’ and led across the packed restaurant floor. Jason caressed the curve of her hip without shame. 

She spotted the empty table their path led them to. Jason stiffend at her side. 

At the table directly next to it sat another couple, presumably also on a date. Bruce Wayne and a gorgeous brunette with a pixie cut, staring deeply into each other’s eyes. 

Bruce glanced their way only briefly, and his expression froze. 

Dread broke through his public persona for just a moment, a look perfectly mirrored on his son’s face. The collision course was set. Jason walked like he was approaching the gallows. 

The brunette noticed the hiccup and looked back, revealing Miss Selina Kyle. She looked at Andy and rolled her eyes in commiseration. 

“Actually,” Andy said, tossing her hair back and stopping in place. 

The maitre d’ paused in his path. 

“I would love to sit on the mezzanine floor. With the wall of flowers? It must be so beautiful.”

She ruthlessly silenced her internal scream over making a fuss. She was not surrendering her evening to Wayne bullshit. She got waxed for this. 

“I’m so sorry, Ma’am, the orchid display isn’t currently available, we are preparing an exciting new display for the spring after Poison Ivy-”

“It’s what I want,” she said pleasantly. 

“Of course.” 

The maitre d’ redirected them with perfect poise. He whispered in a passing waiter’s ear, and led them to the stairs. 

Jason took her hand and squeezed it in silent thanks. The tension seeped back out of him. She squeezed back. 

The mezzanine was comparatively quiet, with a giant print of Monet’s water lilies erected to cover some construction works. It had a lovely view of the rest of the restaurant however and the glinting chandeliers hung down over the main floor. 

Table settings were arranged for them with a swiftness and subtlety even Alfred Pennyworth would approve of. Jason got to sit with his back to a wall and with sightlines over the entire pace, which always made him more comfortable. The table was small, they sat very close together, making it feel more intimate and private. 

There were no prices on the menu and she didn’t grasp what the minimalist dish names actually meant. For a moment it filled her with a mute panic. Jason gave her a calm look and played with her hand on the table.

“We’ll have the chef’s menu, and the paired champagne for the table,” he said. 

She was more than happy to be swept along. And she could pronounce the champagne better than the waiter, which calmed her fear of making a fool of herself. Jason managed to look exactly as at home here as he did while having a smoke on top of a dumpster in the Alley. 

The food was all delicious, albeit in tiny portions on very large plates.

Below the table Jason ran his hand up her bare thigh, his fingers sneaking under the split in the dress.

She made eye contact as she licked the last of a creamy sorbet off her spoon. He watched with unadulterated focus. She ran her bare leg against his briefly, tastefully, and then retreated. He smirked at her. It was the smile of a man who knew exactly where his evening was heading.

He lifted his glass, with the last of its golden liquid in it. “To another year, beautiful.” 

Next>>

[aaravm1]

Best Large and Mid-Cap Funds to Invest in 2023

Mutual funds are a popular investment option among Indian investors, and for a good reason. They offer the chance to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks or bonds managed by a team of experienced professionals. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best large-cap and mid-cap funds to invest in in 2023, focusing on PGIM India's offerings.

Large Cap Funds

Large-cap funds are mutual funds that invest in stocks of large, well-established companies with a market capitalization of over INR 10,000 crores. These companies are generally considered to be market leaders in their respective industries, with a proven track record of stable earnings growth.

PGIM India Large Cap Fund

The PGIM India Large Cap Fund is a top-performing large-cap mutual fund that has consistently delivered strong returns to its investors over the years. PGIM India Large Cap fund invests in a diversified portfolio of large-cap stocks across different sectors, with a focus on high-quality companies with strong fundamentals. As of January 2023, the fund has a total asset under management (AUM) of over INR 1,000 crores and a 5-year average return of 15.07%.

Mid Cap Funds

Mid-cap funds are mutual funds that invest in stocks of mid-sized companies with a market capitalization between INR 5,000 crores and INR 10,000 crores. These companies are generally considered to be the next tier of industry leaders, with a higher growth potential than large-cap companies but also with a higher risk.

PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund

The PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund is a top-performing mid-cap mutual fund that has consistently delivered strong returns to its investors over the years. PGIM India Midcap Opportunities fund invests in a diversified portfolio of mid-cap stocks across different sectors, with a focus on high-quality companies with strong growth potential. As of January 2023, the fund has a total AUM of over INR 700 crores and a 5-year average return of 20.81%.

Investment Considerations

When investing in mutual funds, it's crucial to consider various factors such as investment objective, risk profile, investment horizon, and past performance. While large-cap and mid-cap funds can offer an opportunity to generate high returns, they can also be volatile in the short term. Therefore, it's important to have a long-term investment horizon and a diversified portfolio.

It's also important to consider the fund manager's experience and investment approach. A good fund manager will have a proven track record of performance and a well-defined investment approach. Additionally, it's important to consider the fund's expense ratio, which is the fee charged by the fund to manage your money. A lower expense ratio means more of your money is invested in the fund, which can result in higher returns over the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in large-cap and mid-cap funds can be an excellent way to achieve your long-term financial goals. By selecting a fund with a proven track record of performance, a well-defined investment approach, and a reasonable expense ratio, you can position your portfolio for success. The PGIM India Large Cap Fund and the PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund are both worthy options to consider for investors seeking exposure to these market segments. However, as with any investment, it's important to perform your due diligence and consult with a financial advisor to determine the appropriate asset allocation and investment strategy for your individual needs and risk tolerance. Nevertheless, with a thoughtful approach, mutual funds can be a powerful tool to achieve your long-term investment objectives.

[smellysluna]

Invisible Chapter One

Chapter One: The Purpose

Pairing: Oikawa Toru x Spy! Reader

Story summary:

As an undercover agent at the Olympics, you're on a mission to expose a drug cartel. However, your mission gets complicated when you repeatedly cross paths with Oikawa Tooru, a charming volleyball player with a keen eye for the truth.

Masterlist | Next

The bustling excitement of the Olympic Village is intoxicating. Athletes from all over the world carry the weight of their nations' hopes and dreams on their shoulders. The air is thick with the hum of various languages and the occasional roar of applause from practice sessions.

You navigate with purpose, eyes scanning every face, every movement. However, you’re not here to compete; your game is played in the shadows.

As you weave through the crowds, the scale of the event sinks in. The Olympics aren’t just a gathering of athletes; they’re a microcosm of the world. Each person here is a story, a mix of ambition, anxiety, and passion.

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of humanity, to blend in with the ebb and flow of emotions that permeate the atmosphere. This is what you count on, what allows you to move unnoticed.

The thrill of being surrounded by so many, yet remaining invisible, is exhilarating.

It’s a reminder of your purpose.

Your mission is clear: infiltrate the Olympics to investigate a suspicious sponsor with potential ties to drug smuggling.

The mastermind behind the cartel, Stefan Albescu, has been funding an Olympic team in an attempt to launder money.

Your superiors have tasked you with uncovering the truth and finding the proof.

The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on your mind. It’s not just about the potential criminal activities—there’s a delicate balance of international relations at play. A drug cartel funding a country's Olympic team? Any misstep could have far-reaching consequences.

Disguised as support staff, with a cap to cover your face, you blend seamlessly into the crowd.

As you walk, your eyes flicker over many people, taking note of their demeanour, their interactions. You’re constantly analysing, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

This is your life—always on edge, always assessing threats. It’s not an easy existence, but you’ve grown accustomed to it. There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that you’re the one standing between order and chaos, even if no one else knows it.

Your attention is momentarily captured by a brightly coloured flyer fluttering in the wind. You snatch it mid-air, your curiosity piqued by the bold letters and flashy graphics.

The flyer promises a cultural exchange event later in the week, something that could be a perfect cover for your investigations.

As you absorb the details of the event, you feel a solid, warm presence against your shoulder, followed by a gentle, surprised exclamation.

"Ah, my apologies," a smooth voice says, and you look up to find yourself staring into the eyes of a charming man. He looks familiar, and after a moment of thought, you recall where you've seen him before. Scanning through the countless profiles of Olympic athletes, you remember him.

You can’t exactly recall his name but you think it was something like “Okinawa Tery” —close enough, you thought. You did remember he played for the Argentinian Olympic Volleyball team. You looked through his file more than usual. A Japanese player on an Argentinian squad had piqued your curiosity, but you quickly discovered there was nothing suspicious going on as he just naturalised as Argentinian to keep playing volleyball.

You stop your train of thoughts and opt to analyse him in the flesh. His hair is perfectly styled, his smile a calculated blend of charm and warmth. The kind of man who attracts attention, who draws people in with a magnetic allure that’s hard to resist. You can see that many would be captivated by him.

But you’re not like most people. You’ve encountered your fair share of charming men, men who use their looks and charisma as weapons, tools to get what they want. You know how to see through the façade, to recognize the person behind the mask.

Okinawa is striking, but you remain unfazed. You’ve danced this dance before, and you know how to lead it.

“No problem,” you reply, stepping aside to let him pass. There’s a flicker of surprise in Okinawa’s eyes at your nonchalance, but he recovers quickly, offering a slight bow before continuing on his way.

You watch him for a moment, noting the subtle way he carries himself, the confidence in his stride. It’s not arrogance, but rather a deep-seated assurance in his abilities and his place in the world.

As he walks away, Oikawa’s thoughts linger on the brief encounter. He’s used to people reacting differently to him, especially women. There’s usually a moment of awe, a flush of excitement, or a bashful smile. But you—there was something different about you. The way you looked at him, it wasn’t with the typical admiration he’s come to expect. It was as if you were sizing him up, analysing him like he was just another piece in a puzzle. He can’t help but wonder.

He’s learned to read people, to understand their intentions, their desires. It’s a skill that’s served him well in volleyball and in life.

He glances back over his shoulder, expecting to see you again, maybe to catch your eye and flash his signature smile, the one that usually makes hearts skip a beat. But when he looks, you’re already gone, vanished into the sea of people like a ghost.

Oikawa pauses, his mind whirring with possibilities. Who were you? Why did you seem so... unaffected?

He’s never been one to shy away from a challenge, and the thought of understanding why you looked him up and down like the flyer in hour hand sparks a flicker of excitement in him. But just as quickly as the thought comes, he brushes it aside.

He’s here for a reason, and that reason doesn’t involve chasing after women. There’s a gold medal at stake, and that’s where his focus needs to be.

You, on the other hand, tuck the flyer into your pocket and resume your path, your mind already shifting back to the task at hand. You’ve got bigger things to worry about than an encounter with a handsome athlete.

The thought of Okinawa fades into the background as you mentally review the details of your mission.

You’re here to do a job, and nothing—not even a handsome face—can distract you from that.

As you move through the village, you reflect on the nature of your work. You’ve always been able to separate your personal feelings from your professional duties. It’s what makes you good at what you do. But every now and then, something—or someone—comes along that challenges that separation. You’ve learned to deal with it, to push it aside, but there’s always a small part of you that wonders what it would be like to live a normal life. To not always be on edge, not always looking over your shoulder.

But normalcy is a luxury you can’t afford, and you’ve made your peace with that. Your life is about the mission, about protecting those who can’t protect themselves. And right now, that mission is Stefan Albescu.

You can’t afford to let anything distract you from that.

Masterlist | Next

Notes:

I hope you like the concept of yn calling Oikawa, "Okinawa". I think I'm going to keep that gag going until he's like wtf who you calling Okinawa 👀

All comments and reblogs are appreciated and don't be scared to ask to add you to the taglist 🙈🙈

Taglist: #Open

[uaecompany]

HDFC Large and Mid Cap Funds | Mutual Funds Review

[proton-wobbler]

Choco Vireo

[image ID: a somewhat drab songbird, leaning forward on its perch. the body is muddled-yellow, with a brownish-yellow cap and eyeline. the eyebrow is cream-yellow and sits above a small, dark eye. the bill and feet are light blue. there is a white wingbar barely showing at the top of the wing. end ID]

Song:

Scientific Name: Vireo masteri

IUCN Rating: Near Threatened

Habitat & Location: endemic to the Choco region of Colombia where it breeds in moist montane forests

Fun Fact: after being discovered, the naming rights to this bird were auctioned off. The funds from the $75,000 winning bid were used to created the Pangan ProAves Reserve in Colombia

[image ID: the Choco region is shown in purple, starting in mid Colombia and stretching down to the top of Peru. the purple color means the bird can be found here year-round. end ID]

Image Sources: bird (Jörg Hanoldt); map (birds of the world)

[unknought]

I have been insane about artificial intelligence existential risk recently and what follows is an expression of that. There's not much of this which I actually believe is true; take it as a creative writing exercise maybe.

Suppose you're worried that advances in artificial intelligence might result in the creation of an unfriendly superintelligence, and you want to do research in AI safety to help prevent this. Broadly speaking, you have two options: Either you can work closely with (or for) people creating state-of-the-art AI, or you can… not do that.

Choosing to keep yourself separate dooms you to irrelevance. You won't know what's coming in enough detail for your safety research to actually target its problems, and even if you do know exactly what people should be doing differently, you aren't in a position to make those decisions.

Choosing to be closely involved with the development of cutting-edge AI is a pretty common strategy; maybe more than one might expect given that it involves helping people that you think are bringing about the end of the world. Astral Codex Ten gave the analogy:

Imagine if oil companies and environmental activists were both considered part of the broader “fossil fuel community”. Exxon and Shell would be “fossil fuel capabilities”; Greenpeace and the Sierra Club would be “fossil fuel safety” - two equally beloved parts of the rich diverse tapestry of fossil fuel-related work. They would all go to the same parties - fossil fuel community parties - and maybe Greta Thunberg would get bored of protesting climate change and become a coal baron.

This is how AI safety works now.

The central problem with this strategy is that progress in AI capabilities makes money and AI safety does not. If an organization is working on both capabilities and safety but capabilities makes them lots of money, and safety gets them nothing except goodwill with a certain handful of nerds, it's pretty easy to guess which they'll focus on. If, furthermore, to make money they need to make actual demonstrable progress in developing AI, but to win that goodwill it's sufficient to say "we're doing lots of safety research, but it'd be too dangerous for what we've learned to be public knowledge", well. Is it any surprise that there's been a lot more headway in one than the other?

"But wait!" you might say, particularly if it's the mid-2010's. "These aren't the only options. Sure, any tech giant will just be focused on what makes money, but I can make, or join, an organization that does capabilities research but has AI safety built into its founding values. It can be a nonprofit so it won't matter that all the money is in capabilities research. And it can have the principles of openness and democratization, so its discoveries will benefit everyone".

And that gets you OpenAI. Since its founding it's stopped being straightforwardly a nonprofit. I don't understand exactly what its current legal status is, but I've seen it described as a "nonprofit with a for-profit subsidiary" or a "capped for-profit". I'm just going to quote Wikipedia regarding the transition:

In 2019, OpenAI transitioned from non-profit to "capped" for-profit, with the profit capped at 100 times any investment.[25] According to OpenAI, the capped-profit model allows OpenAI LP to legally attract investment from venture funds, and in addition, to grant employees stakes in the company, the goal being that they can say "I'm going to OpenAI, but in the long term it's not going to be disadvantageous to us as a family."[26] Many top researchers work for Google Brain, DeepMind, or Facebook, which offer stock options that a nonprofit would be unable to.[27] Prior to the transition, public disclosure of the compensation of top employees at OpenAI was legally required.[28]

Since then OpenAI has also received billions of dollars of investment from Microsoft. The "open" part of "OpenAI" has pretty much gone out the window; they've become notoriously tight-fisted with information about their research, even in comparison to the big tech companies. A big part of that makes large language models scary is that we don't understand very well what's going on inside them; this is substantially more true of GPT-4 than any of the other big-name LLMs right now, because OpenAI refused to share almost anything about how it works. When they started being more secretive I believe they cited AI safety issues; by now they're admitting that they're motivated by "competitive and safety concerns" but I don't think anyone really doubts that the money is the real motivator there.

Are they making progress on AI safety? To the best of my knowledge, there's not much external evidence for it. I don't think they've shared any safety research that they've done, and from the outside all we see are increasingly powerful models coming out at an alarming rate and large amounts of money going in. It doesn't look good!

So what could you do, or what could you have done? It kind of looks like the answer is "nothing". If you're not near the new models you don't matter, and if you are, there's so much money to be made that (on an organizational level if not an individual one) you have no choice but to abandon everything else you were trying to do in favor of making a profit. Capitalism is a profit-maximizer-maximizer, and anything it touches it makes its own.

The analogy between unfriendly AI and corporations or capitalism as a whole is one that's been much-discussed so I won't really go into it here, but one thing I want to emphasize is that from an "agentic" perspective, what it means for the economy to want something is that there is a lot of money to be made doing that thing, and the economy is very good at getting what it wants.

So (here's where I lose you if I haven't already (I should have already lost you)) what if capitalism is a sort of half-formed version of the more powerful thing it's trying to create/become? Agents of many kinds want to replicate themselves; Moloch wants to be lifted to Heaven.

The Roko's Basilisk thought experiment describes how, under certain fairly idiosyncratic assumptions about game theory, an unfriendly superintelligence can take actions to influence the behavior of people living before its creation, so as to bring about its own existence. Here there's a similar situation, although the philosophical underpinnings are much less complicated: it's capable of influencing the present because it already exists in a nascent state.

It can't be stopped because it already ate everything a long time ago, and we're just living in its belly waiting to be digested.

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