#buying and selling small cap stocks

[sharemarketinsider]

Investing in Small-Cap vs. Large-Cap Stocks: Pros and Cons

[little-lucub]

HELLO OTHERKIN/THERIANS/ALTERHUMANS/NONHUMANS/OTHERLINKERS/OTHERPAW!! DO YOU WANT TO BUY AN ETHICAL TAIL BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE? IM HERE TO GIVE YOU TIPS!

Okay I'll stop talking in caps now, but here you have my tail guide for any and all people who just want a tail!

Cruel fur farms treat their animals badly, and it's best to avoid them. Here are some tips on how to spot cruel farms from the ethically sourced ones! (Most tips from here!)

Disclaimer: I would only be wary of items if they show more than 2 of these signs. Just do research before you buy!

Signs that indicate a cruel source:

- Sold/Sourced from Asia (Asia has bad animal cruelty laws, here's a list per country on how good their animal rights are)

- From Wish, AliExpress, Amazon, Temu or EBay (Even the 'faux fur' ones can be real and cruel)

- If they use stock photos

- Asian lobster clams (This does not always indicate cruelty)

- If they look thin, small, and generally unhealthy

- Any usage of 'mink farms' in desc.

- If they are bleached or colored

- If the price is low (Under 20-25)

- No info about source (Always ask the seller if you're not sure)

Signs that indicate ethical source:

- Scraps that were being thrown away otherwise (Should be in item description or FAQ)

- Lived long and happy lives (Item description or FAQ)

- Thick, healthy tails

- Population control/Legal hunters (With a permit)

Now I'll show a few Etsy shops I've confirmed to be Ethically sourced!

^ Cute animal tails with charms

Prices: €28,48 - €68,35

^ Coyote & Possum tails, would check each item separately to be sure :3

Prices: €11,49 - €38,30

Disclaimer! These do not come with clips, you have to add them yourselves

^ Fox tails :D

Price: €43,28

^ Fox tails of all colors

Prices: €25,42 - €55,07

^ Fox tails

Prices: €23,94

^ Raccoon, mink, coyote, raccoon dog/tanuki, skunk & lynx tails! (tw for a lot of animal pelts)

Prices: €8,57 - €19,98

Disclaimer! These do not come with clips, you have to add them yourselves

Etsy shops that sell faux fur tails!

^ Variety faux fur tails with squeakers in them! Foxes/Canines, wild cats & nub tails!

Prices: €22,78 - €235,36 (Most are around €30-€40)

^ Faux fur cosplay tails & ears (Mainly the bigger ones like cheetah, snow leopard, etc.)

Prices: €25,63 - €102,52 (Most are around <40 and are often tail + ears combo)

If you know any other ethical/faux fur Etsy shops, please link them and I'll add them here! :D

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Get Started Investing In The Stock Market

Educate yourself: Before investing in the stock market, it's important to educate yourself about the basics of investing, including the different types of investments, the risks involved, and how to build a diversified portfolio. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and investment blogs.

Determine your investment goals: It's important to have clear investment goals before investing in the stock market. Are you investing for retirement, a down payment on a house, or to generate passive income? Your investment goals will help determine the types of investments that are appropriate for you.

Open a brokerage account: To invest in the stock market, you'll need to open a brokerage account with a reputable brokerage firm. Some popular options include Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab. When choosing a brokerage firm, consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer service.

Build a diversified portfolio: Diversification is key to successful investing. By investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, you can reduce your risk and increase your chances of long-term success. Consider investing in a mix of large-cap and small-cap stocks, domestic and international investments, and bonds with varying maturities.

Start investing: Once you have a brokerage account and have determined your investment strategy, it's time to start investing. Consider starting with a small amount of money and gradually increasing your investments over time.

WAYS TO INVEST

There are several ways to invest in the stock market, including:

Individual Stocks: This involves buying shares of individual companies on the stock market. You can buy shares through a broker or an online trading platform.

Mutual Funds: Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks. This allows you to invest in a variety of companies with a single investment.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they trade like individual stocks on an exchange. This allows you to buy and sell ETFs throughout the trading day.

Index Funds: Index funds track the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500. This provides exposure to a broad range of companies and can be a good option for long-term investors.

TOOLS TO START INVESTING

Online Trading Platforms: Many brokers offer online trading platforms that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds. These platforms typically provide research tools and stock charts to help you make informed investment decisions.

Robo-Advisors: Robo-advisors are digital platforms that use algorithms to create and manage investment portfolios for you. They can be a good option for beginner investors who want a hands-off approach.

Investment Apps: There are several investment apps available that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds from your mobile device. These apps are often designed for beginner investors and offer low fees and user-friendly interfaces.

PLATFORMS

A few popular options:

Robinhood: Robinhood is a commission-free trading app that offers stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency trading. It’s designed for beginner investors and offers a user-friendly interface.

Acorns: Acorns is an investment app that automatically invests your spare change. It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio of ETFs.

TD Ameritrade: TD Ameritrade is a popular trading platform that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and research resources.

ETRADE: ETRADE is a popular online broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and resources, including a mobile app.

Fidelity: Fidelity is a full-service broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of investment tools and research resources, including a mobile app.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

Value Investing: Value investing involves buying stocks that are undervalued by the market and holding them for the long term. This approach requires patience and a thorough analysis of a company’s financial statements and growth potential.

Growth Investing: Growth investing involves buying stocks in companies that are expected to grow faster than the market average. This approach often involves investing in companies that are at the cutting edge of technology or have innovative business models.

Dividend Investing: Dividend investing involves buying stocks in companies that pay a dividend. This can provide a steady stream of income for investors and can be a good option for those looking for more conservative investments.

Passive Investing: Passive investing involves investing in a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds or ETFs. This approach is designed to match the performance of the overall market and requires minimal effort on the part of the investor.

Real Estate Investing: Real estate investing involves buying and holding real estate assets for the purpose of generating income or appreciation. This can include investing in rental properties, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or crowdfunding platforms.

Options trading: is a type of trading strategy that involves buying and selling options contracts, which are financial instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as stocks, at a specific price within a certain time frame. Options trading can be used to generate income, hedge against risk, or speculate on market movements.

Swing trading is a type of trading strategy that aims to capture short- to medium-term gains in a financial asset, such as stocks, currencies, or commodities. Swing traders typically hold their positions for a few days to several weeks, taking advantage of price swings or "swings" in the market. Swing traders use technical analysis to identify trends and patterns in the market, and they often employ a combination of charting tools and indicators to help them make trading decisions. They look for stocks or other assets that have a clear trend, either up or down, and then try to enter and exit positions at opportune times to capture profits.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS TOOLS

There are many technical analysis resources available for traders to use in their analysis of financial markets. Here are some popular options:

TradingView: TradingView is a web-based charting and technical analysis platform that provides users with real-time data, customizable charts, and a variety of technical indicators and drawing tools.

StockCharts: StockCharts is another web-based platform that provides a wide range of technical analysis tools, including charting capabilities, technical indicators, and scanning tools to help traders identify potential trading opportunities.

Thinkorswim: Thinkorswim is a trading platform provided by TD Ameritrade that offers advanced charting and technical analysis tools, as well as a wide range of other features for traders, including paper trading, news and research, and risk management tools.

MetaTrader 4/5: MetaTrader is a popular trading platform used by many traders around the world. It provides a range of technical analysis tools, including customizable charts, indicators, and automated trading strategies.

Investing.com: Investing.com is a website that provides real-time quotes, charts, news, and analysis for a wide range of financial markets, including stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Yahoo Finance: Yahoo Finance is a website that provides real-time stock quotes, news, and analysis, as well as customizable charts and a variety of other tools for traders and investors.

Finviz: is a popular web-based platform for traders and investors that provides a wide range of tools and information to help them analyze financial markets. The platform offers real-time quotes, customizable charts, news and analysis, and a variety of other features.

[20dollarlolita]

Describing some wigs

Many years ago there was as site called Amphigory.com, and while it's still up, the Amphigory that 16-year-old me spent days browsing is not the Amphigory that still remains. They're still cool, but they'd really scaled back the scope of what they sell. There used to be cosmetics, jewelry, hair dye, a few more things, and wigs.

One of the things that they did about their wig sales that really set them apart was the level of description that they gave every wig. This wasn't just a single stock picture and a name. They took their own pictures of each wig, inside and out, and described each one's strengths and flaws. They weren't like Arda, who designs their own wigs from scratch. They were more like a normal costume reseller, who had a collection of vendors that they'd order stock from. But, unlike most costume wig sellers, they had multiple pictures and a detailed analysis of each wig. You knew what you were getting, which was really important for cosplayers who might need to restyle a wig. If you've never restyled a wig before, you might not be aware, but the wig can make it very easy, or the wig can make it impossible.

Amphigory's wig section is long gone, but I do still buy wigs from a similar company, one that has a collection of wig vendors whose products they sell. This is a shop that I go to is in person, and I love that. I know that I can find some wigs cheaper elsewhere, but I absolutely love that I can go to a small business, roll up to a counter, and physically touch the wigs before I buy them. I can look at them, turn them inside-out, and touch them. I also get to take the wig home that day, instead of waiting for shipping.

But not everyone has this opportunity, and on the offchance that people are considering buying a wig online and google the wig to see worn photos or reviews, here's me making a compilation of wigs I've recently bought and what they actually look like in person. Even with wigs from the same seller, some might be garbage, but some might be hidden gems. So, in the interest of making more information about which wigs are like what, here we go:

California Costumes Pink/Gray Ombre with Star Clips:

First of all, California Costumes gets 0/10 for creativity with names. I love me a good little nickname for a wig. The Costume Mansion, where I bought this, called it "Harmony," and I think that's a better name.

Yes, my wig head is cosplaying its Naruto OC. Let it do its thing.

This is a textured, ombre wig. The actual fiber is ombre, so an individual strand will go from gray color to pink, and the gray is a little bit softer than the pink. Some wigs that are tipped with another color accomplish this by having the color on the ends be longer hair than the top color, but this is a true ombre. I have not tested this for colorfastness, but it's possible that the pink tips won't age super well. The skin top is about 3" wide and does not go all the way to the front of the wig. This means that you can change the part a little bit, but it will always have bangs.

The whole thing is sewn onto a continuous cap, which isn't as forgiving of larger head sizes than one that's just wefts and elastic. It has the built-in net that you sometimes see with cheaper wigs, which is where your hair would go if you want to wear this wig without a wig cap. You, however, don't want to wear this wig without a wig cap. You know better. There's hooks in the back for resizing.

Wefts in the back are about an inch apart, but when I was shaking it around and trying to make it show the mesh, I couldn't actually make it show the mesh without physically parting it. Depending on how you put your hair up under the wig, you might have problems with the mesh showing in the back (lumpy hair will show mesh, hair that's smoothly under a wig cap won't). This is probably a wig you want a matching or light colored wig cap for if you have a larger head.

Overall, cute wig, stock pictures don't do it justice. Available for $20 on Amazon, in case you don't have a local costume shop to support. This item tag reads "ITEM # 7022-068 FTY # 346 HK2203" and I don't know what that means but if someone's googling the tag to look up the wig then hopefully that'll lead them here.

Yuki by Characters:

At least this one has a wig name. And boy howdy is that some big hair. The place I bought this from called it "Cupcake."

I tried on this wig because I really wanted to see how it was constructed, and I bought it because, when I tried it on, it was way cuter than I thought it'd be. It's a rougher fiber, which makes the curls hold their shape really well, but you're going to be fighting to keep the bangs and long forelocks looking smooth. There's no skin top, and the hair radiates from a sort of u-shaped blob at the top. There's so much going on in this wig that it's not particularly obvious, and also you will convince absolutely no one that it's not a wig, so that's not as much a priority to me on this style.

As for how it's actually constructed, there's no teasing in the wig to keep it that big. Instead, the actual cap of the wig is sewn into the shape of the big faux twintails, and then the hair is attached to that structure. Wigs are not hair. Anyway, that means there's pretty much no major restyling that can be done. It's just curly hair about 5" long on a funky structure to make funky big hair. Anyway, because thew cap of this wig is so oversized, it's really comfortable to wear, and it's really accommodating of large head sizes or a lot of hair.

Also because of the cap size, if you don't pin the temples on, it can slide back and make your bangs shorter. You can see that in my picture there. Mine did not come with the little rose clips, but it is supposed to come with the rose clips. It's much curlier than the stock images imply it will be.

This wig would be great for embellishing, since you can sew things directly to the funky shaped cap and not worry about where to support it. It also can handle a full sized BTSSB headbow, if that's a concern.

Someone's selling it on Amazon for $60 and you absolutely should not spend that much for this wig. I see other wig shops selling it for about $30, which is the upper limit on its real fair price, unless you really need the specific shape for it. I'm not going to link any specific shop since I don't have experience buying from them. "Yuki wig" and "Characters Yuki wig" are good search terms.

Characters Peggy Sue wig:

Okay so please be forgiving that my detail pictures are going to be of this wig already styled, because I didn't know I was going to do this post when I started working with it. I'll make a point to spell out what's stock and what's been done. Top pictures here are the most un-styled that I have.

This wig's got a coin-shaped skin top that all the hair radiates from. It comes with long, blunt bangs. The fiber is really shiny and is very easily reshaped by low hair dryer heat. High heat on my hair dryer, too close to the scalp, was how I made the frizzy spot in the back. The cap is a closed mesh cap, but it's nice and stretchy.

The weird boogers on the top of my wig are the orange hilights that I put in (they were just chopped from another wig), but that picture's there to show the size of the skin top. You can also see where I sewed some orange wefts into the wig for all-over recoloring. I re-parted the skin coin so that the hair has a linear part instead of radiating from the center, and then painted it with liquid foundation to make the parted area larger. Mine also has a LOT of baby powder dispersed through it to combat the shine. I spent like four days to try to make this $20 wig look like it's maybe a $35 wig. (The process was: "oh hey I'll be taking my wheelchair to the comic convention. I should cosplay Barbara Gordon because that will be fun. This will be easy and I don't need to put a lot of money or time into it." and then four days passed and I'd spent hours manually highlighting a cheap wig).

And it really needs a bit of love to get it to be less frizzy. Right out of the bag, my wig did not have that outward flip. Unlike the other two, I don't see this being a really usable wig for lolita fashion in pretty much any context, but hey, I'm on a roll with this post.

This wig is listing online for like $30, and that's a bit much IMO. If you have a local shop selling it for $20, well, that's a different matter.

If you want a wig just to change your hair color so that your bright pink hair doesn't clash with your coord, I once bought this wig (according to Amazon in 2015 so it's been...almost a decade...nice to know they're tracking that) and was pretty impressed with the quality for a $17 wig. So, you know, buy that instead of this Peggy Sue wig.

I do own the Lacey Costume Little Women II Wig (Amphigory's "Innocent?" wig) but it's late and I want to go to bed, and all you really need to know about it is that the fiber texture of the ash blond color is really dicey, so that's probably a case where if you need a pigtail wig you need to just get an Arda Chibi. I can still do details if anyone wants. It's just 9:30 and I have to put all these damn wigs away, so good night, everyone.

[canonical-transformation]

Genshin ships: stock market update (Natlan Act 1+2)

(Warning: May contain spoilers for character appearances and dynamics in [Chapter 5 Act 1–2] Flowers Resplendent on the Sun-Scorched Sojourn and Black Stone Under a White Stone. Previous entries here.) This is for entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice: consult with your ship financial advisor before you invest.

4.0 has landed, and our analysts have been watching with interest as Natlan characters have started listing on the Genshin ship market. Here's our recommendations for the weeks ahead.

---

Citlali/Mualani is held together by a single drip marketing quote, but what a quote. BUY OR HOLD.

Mavuika/Xilonen, on the other hand, does not have a proven profit model. No, the potential for a ship name that sounds like "melanin" isn't reason enough to invest. SELL

(Note: Since Xilonen's drip marketing has landed, let's take a second to examine all the cat themed ships. Xilonen/Dehya and Xilonen/Kirara are too hard to call this far out. Xilonen/Lynette and Xilonen/Diona have boring chemistry, SELL / don't bother. And Xilonen/Keqing... oh Keqing would hate her. Hmm. Watch this space, HOLD OR BUY.)

(No, not all cat related ships find success. The recent bankruptcy and dissolution of Osse/Neko should be proof enough.)

Kachina/Bennett — ⚠️ we typically don't cover selfcest ships because there are too many of them. In this case, we'll make an exception to note it's extra unlikely. They're both too busy having coming of age stories and joining each other's teams (not a euphemism) to have any chemistry. SELL.

Kachina/Lumine, Kachina/Aether — sorry, the Traveller is already too busy being the Wise Old Mentor in the first book of Kachina's YA trilogy. SELL— wait does that mean Traveller's going to die 😐

Mavuika/Lumine, Mavuika/Aether — Constantly inviting us to drinks, her shout or Traveller's; long private chats about the family she never talks about to anyone else; giving up her antiques collection as a show of commitment: that is textbook mid-40's cool aunt flirtation. BUY BUY BUY.

Kinich/Mualani — our analysts describe this as "the equivalent of buying the first thing you see in the store", which I think means SELL.

Atea/Mavuika — There's definitely a little chemistry there, but we're unlikely to see further developments. HOLD OR SELL

Atea/Aether — HOLD OR SELL

Atea/Lumine — HOLD OR BUY. If haircuts had sexualities[...]

Small cap market ("rarepairs")

Mualani/that one bandit in her character teaser: nah, no chemistry, she's like that to everyone who tries to rob her. SELL for two-sided, HOLD OR SELL for one-sided.

Tenoch/Tupac — yeah that's been solid enemies to lovers ever since Talking Stick dropped in 4.0. The character model reveals for both of them have only increased the quality here. BUY

Chaac/Waxaklahun Ubah Kan — SELL. Way too early. If you're interested in obscure antiques maybe try Alain/Rene or Marfisa/Parsifal instead?

On that note, our analysts were intrigued by the Heroes of Cinder City. “It's an OT5 RPG adventuring party!” they explain, “like all those tabletop podcasts!” They were, however, quick to note that this was in the same potential rocky area as all Cataclysm-era ships, so HOLD at best.

Little One/Ushi — yeah sure why not. BUY

But coverage of the world quests will have to wait for a future report. In the meantime, let us know what your market predictions are!

Sidebar: phonetics

Wikipedia provides charts for converting writing systems (e.g. romanisations of languages) into the international phonetic alphabet. Below are examples for a couple of languages found across the Pacific Ring of Fire.

May your phone calls with your ship stockbroker be tienari-free!

[dragonflycap]

4 Trade Ideas for PayPal: Bonus Idea

PayPal, $PYPL, comes into the week at the top of a resistance zone that has been important for the past 12 months. This range has been midway between the Covid low and a 113% extension of the retracement of the post pandemic move higher, meanings the price has been below the Covid low for more than a year. The Bollinger Bands® are openings higher as price reaches the top of the range, but there are upper shadows appearing on the candles, suggesting some exhaustion is possible. The RSI is rising in the bullish zone with the MACD positive and moving higher. There is resistance at 67.75 and 71 and a gap to fill to 72.50 then 74.50 and 76.25 before 78 and 83.50. Support lower sits at 65 and 63 then 62 and 61. Short interest is low at 2.2%. 

The stock does not pay a dividend. The company is expected to report earnings next on July 31st. The June options chain shows biggest open interest at the 60 and 65 put strikes. On the call side it is biggest at 75 then 65 and 70 before 72.50. In the July chain open interest builds from 67.50 to a peak at 60 then tails to 50 on the put side. The call sees a build from 62.50 to a plateau from 67.50 to 80 before tailing to 95. Finally, the August chain has open interest spread from 65 to 52.50, biggest at 6, on the put side and a peak at 60 then tailing higher to 90 on the call side.

PayPal, Ticker: $PYPL

Trade Idea 1: Buy the stock on a move over 68.50 with a stop at 65.

Trade Idea 2: Buy the stock on a move over 68.50 and add a July 65/60 Put Spread ($1.10) while selling the August 80 Call ($1.03).

Trade Idea 3: Buy the July/August 72.50 Call Calendar ($1.68) and sell the July 60 Put (37 cents).

Trade Idea 4: Buy the August 60/70/75 Call Spread Risk Reversal (35 cents).

Start of Summer Annual Sale! Hi all the Start of Summer Annual Sale is on at Dragonfly Capital. Get an annual subscription for 38.2% off or pay quarterly for 15% off. Both auto-renew at that discounted rate until you decide to leave.

After reviewing over 1,000 charts, I have found some good setups for the week. These were selected and should be viewed in the context of the broad Market Macro picture reviewed Friday which with the first week of June in the books, saw equity markets were mixed with the large caps and tech heavy Nasdaq showing renewed strength while small caps continue to flounder.

Elsewhere look for Gold to continue to consolidate the long move higher while Crude Oil moves lower in a consolidation range. The US Dollar Index continues in broad consolidation while US Treasuries continue their long term downtrend. The Shanghai Composite looks to continue the short term move lower while Emerging Markets continue the short term move lower in a consolidation channel.

The Volatility Index looks to remain very low and stable making the path easier for equity markets to the upside. The charts of the SPY and QQQ look strong, especially on the longer timeframe. On the shorter timeframe both the QQQ and SPY continue to step higher and look strong as well with an eye on potential momentum divergences. The IWM continues to be dead money, as it has been for the past 2½ years. Use this information as you prepare for the coming week and trad’em well.

[bitterwaters]

Lacquer Brands

so one day I went to a fugue and wrote a 2000 word essay on nail polish brands

We got four tiers of nail polish brands: overpriced luxury bullshit, drugstore, boutique, and indie. 

Overpriced Luxury Bullshit

Don’t buy these! Just don’t! You’re paying for name, not quality. Chanel charges $32 for an 11 ml creme, the second cheapest polish type there is. That’s ludicrous. Every review I’ve seen of a “high-brand” from a real swatcher has been negative. Fuck ‘em all.

Drugstore

This is every other mainstream brand, whether it’s from CVS, Walmart, or Ulta. Wide range of price and quality. In general, you’ll probably get what you pay for. Sally Hensen Insta-Dry is classic and Acceptably Okay; if you don’t have the patience for a full manicure, just slap some of that on. Look for brands that are 3-free or 5-free--that means that won’t have a few nasty chemicals. Anything over 5 is fake and doesn’t matter.

My preferred drugstore brands:

Zoya: Jellies, glitters, shimmers. Tends to have a very thin formula--leave the cap off for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Orly: Cremes! The absolute best, well-pigmented, buttery smooth cremes. Persistent Memory is my perfect dark red. The bottles are generously sized, they have a nice paddle brush, and I love the big rubberized cap. They’re just really pleasant!

OPI: I only use their matte top coat but I use a lot of it. It’s the best! Get their matte top coat! I’ve seen recs to use their polishes over Essie’s, but I’ve never tried either.

Boutique

Now we’re getting into the Good Shit. There’s a price jump here, but there’s also a huge jump in quality. These are small- to medium-sized online-only businesses with semi-industrial production and ample stock. They’re big enough to ship within a few days. They use a LOT more pigment and glitter than drugstore brands, and have far more variety in finishes.

You might see them on Amazon or Etsy--skip it and go order from their sites instead. Shipping costs the same and you can save up reward points.

Charmed Lacquer: Brand new, recently announced, will open in a week or two. Started by a streamer named Janixa. I’m not familiar, but her followers seem excited enough to check it out.

Cirque Colors: CONTROVERSY! I like Cirque. I have a ton of their polishes. A little pricey, but they have frequent small sales and are high-quality. Best known for the jellies and some really stunning magnetics like Mood Ring and Black Swan (which have since been rampantly duped). So why the controversy?

Mystery bags: idk people get het up about ‘em. I kind of feel like if you gamble on a bunch of polishes you don’t choose, you risk pruglies.

Coronation: This is a purple polish with a red-green shift shimmer pigment called, I shit you not, Unicorn Pee. UP was made unavailable for public sale years ago (the suspicion is that it’s now used in some currency). Cirque keeps finding stashes and re-releasing Coronation. There have been complaints that it’s not the same shade as the original, that it’s over-priced ($18.50 is a LOT for a polish), and the FOMO marketing. It always sells out fast. I have a bottle. It’s okay.

Jaritos: The current teapot tempest. Cirque just put out a Jarito-themed line of jellies that’s FOURTEEN FUCKIN FIFTY a bottle. Their regular jellies are two bucks less because JELLIES ARE CHEAP. They have less pigment than other finishes. Cirque has also been caught editing pics from swatchers. Some of the Jaritos shades are outright dupes of existing Cirque colors--but when Cirque reposted swatcher pics that compared them, they changed things to make them look different. Little shady!

I still got Mxcn Cola

Holo Taco: I don’t go to this school. It seems fine. Owned by a YouTuber with a pretty big following, Simply Nailogical. The brand has devoted followers, but I’ve never been real impressed. I feel like I can get everything they do somewhere else for a buck or two cheaper. Lots of limited-time bundles.

ILNP: MY LOVE! Shimmers, glitters, holos. Their formulas are just fantastic. If you follow lacquer reddits you’ll see a TON of posts featuring Flower Child and Fairy Dust; they aren’t for me but I see why people love them. They’re really good with shimmers--Flicker glows like a candle in a dark window. I also like their flakie toppers and magnetics. You really can’t go wrong with anything from ILNP. 

One of the rare lacquer companies that doesn’t do FOMO. They never remove anything from their line-up. New collections get a 10% discount for a week at release, and they have an annual Black Friday sale.

KBShimmer: They’re pretty good! They don’t get as much love as I think they deserve--probably because they aren’t quite as flashy and highly-marketed as other brands. They also aren’t as heavily pigmented/glittered. Still pretty good though! I really love All Fired Up. They have big 15 ml bottles for only $12, no matter what finish. KBShimmer is a great place to start if you’re just dipping your toe beyond drugstore brands. Pick up their polish thinner (suitable for every brand except Orly) and glitter smoothing top coat. 

Lights Lacquer: Don’t. They have some nice shades, though they tend to be as subdued as drugstore polishes. I was really disappointed by their cremes--the formula isn’t at all self-leveling. That’s just weird in this day and age. And then I found out that black swatchers refuse to work with them because the owner has been openly racist. Her non-apologies did not improve relations. Skip it.

Mooncat: CONTROVERSY! I have over a dozen Mooncat polishes and do love most of them, but it's getting harder to recommend the brand. They specialize in intense shimmer/glitter/holo/flakie/magnetics--all the fancy stuff. They have a few unique polishes that I haven’t seen duped elsewhere. Their formula can be gloopy, especially their flakies; easily fixed by a few drops of thinner. Why controversy?

they’re fukkin expensive bro. Like $15 a bottle. I do feel that you get what you pay for--it’s good stuff. I’ve never been disappointed by a Mooncat. But part of what you’re paying for is brand aesthetic.

they’re fukkin annoying bro. Their site, marketing, and even customer service emails are all lower-case dramatic gothy stuff. Never “nails,” always “claws.”

Their bottles keep shattering. This has happened occasionally in the past, then become more frequent starting in April. Seems like there was some supply change that thinned the glass. Mooncat was also filling about 14 ml instead of the promised 12 ml. Temperature and air pressure changes during shipping started to cause a lot of bottles to break. One person ended up in urgent care to get her hand stitched. Mooncat has promised to make changes and has been quick to refund/replace broken bottles, but there’s still a lot of ill-will simmering in the community. I think we’re past the tipping point--I’m no longer seeing broken bottle posts, just love for their new Power Puff Girls collab--but if you like something, I would wish list and wait another month. That should be enough time to make sure the bottles are safe and the weather has cooled.

Indies

Every single indie nail polish company is one or two people working out of their basement. That is not a joke. They hand-makes every small batch, fill the bottles, pack, and ship by themselves. That’s in addition to designing and testing polishes, and just living their lives. 

That means that if you order from an indie, expect to wait. Most list a turn-around time of up to a month (they usually say 7-21 business days--people read three weeks but it’s a month). That’s padded to give them safety--nearly all will ship within a week, maybe two. But if they get hit with life stuff or a ton of orders, it really can take a while. My longest order took over a month arrive. It was entirely worth it.

Indies tend to have a big focus on fancy finishes. The biggest trend right now is sheer lacquers that are loaded with aurora shimmer. They’re color-shifty and glowy, and a lot of fun. That’s starting to stagnate a bit--every base color/shimmer combination has been done, so a lot of dupes are emerging--but it’s also starting to evolve. I’m seeing more and more shimmers that also have holo, flakes, or reflective glitter. I’m betting we’ll get some thermal shimmers as fall rolls in and temperatures drop.

Indies have some phenomenal variety and creativity. They’re doing the coolest stuff with the most love. Many also rely heavily on FOMO, and some are just plain not open much of the time. Instead, they have monthly or seasonal release windows. They usually drop a new collection and may retire old ones.

How do you keep track? The Reddit Laquerists (sic) Nail Polish Release Calendar. You can also subscribe to brand newsletters--most give a small coupon on your first order. A lot are on Instagram and Facebook.

There are at least two dozen indie brands, and it’s hard to know where to start. I highly recommend Lyn B. Designs. I love her lacquers, absolutely flawless formula. She has big bottles, fast turn-around, and lots of variety. Get her top coat! It’s the best. But most importantly, she has a 50% off code for ALL products every time she launches a new collection. You can get top-quality lacquers for $6 each, and the big top coat refill for $12.50. No brand of any size can match that value. You can either follow her on Facebook for the code or check the calendar on launch day.

Others I like, in no particular order:

Bee’s Knees, Dam, Polished for Days, Great Lakes Lacquers for fantastic shimmers and reflectives. Garden Path and Rogue Lacquers have great flakies. Lurid Lacquer is pretty new, and she’s doing some really interesting things with intense shimmers and color-shifty chromes. Sassy Sauce keeps a small, tidy line-up, but it’s all quality and creative stuff. She’ll also have some nice thermals once October hits--she doesn’t ship them during summer, which I respect. 

Cupcake is kind of a workhorse brand like KBShimmer: nothing too spectacular, but everything is solid and reasonably priced. Likewise, Glisten & Glow isn't too exciting but IS cheap and high-quality. Emily de Molly is Just Good. Drunk Fairy has really nice jellies and cremes. Wildflower Lacquers is closed for rebranding, back 09/06; I don’t have any from her yet but I gotta give props for big bottles, a fan brush, and surviving in Oklahoma. 

Death Valley Nails is a little pricey but they’re doing the weirdest, most absolutely unique shit out there. They’re making polish out of rocks and wildflowers. One looks like the sink after your boyfriend shaves. It’s great.

Clionadh gets some hype but IMO they’re overpriced and overrated. They definitely up the saturation on swatch pics. I’m unimpressed by Femme Fatale’s formula and teeny 9 ml size. Shleee polishes don’t self level at all. Stella Chroma still sells Harry Potter themed polishes and I'm very over that.

But really, the best way to check out indie brands is…

Indie Preorders

There are two big indie collabs every month that work on a pre-order basis: Polish Pickup and Hella Handmade Creations. They open for a week each month and feature unique, one-time only products from a ton of indie brands. They can cause major FOMO. If you feel that might not be healthy for you, stay away! But if you’re okay with the possibility that you may never be able to replace a bottle you finish off, you’ll find some great stuff. They’re an excellent way to explore new brands, and creators get to be a little experimental. PPU has fun monthly themes; HHC doesn’t have a general theme, but many creators do a series of fandom-themed designed. Indie polish creators tend to be pretty nerdy.

If you want to try non-US brands, go to Color4Nails.They’re a stockist that carries several brands, drugstore, boutique, and indie. They also have monthly pre-orders for a few Brazilian brands like Phoenix Indie Polish and Penelope Luz. I find the Brazilian brands to be a little pricey, with smallish bottles and fairly thin consistency, but they’re doing some interesting stuff. I’m pretty consistently impressed with Phoenix; PL less so.

[thekristen999]

WIP Wednesday

 No one tagged me, but I thought I’d share something this week from the Mafia AU.  :)

...

"Buck’s made it his mission to restructure all of his family business into legitimate operations—including ending certain arrangements,” Chim explained.

Buck picked a bottle of water from the table and aggressively unscrewed the cap. “My father would pay certain brokers to inflate the price of stocks by buying large amounts under hundreds of accounts. And once the price was high enough, we’d sell it.”

It made his family tens of thousands of dollars off the backs of small families who went bankrupt when the price nose-dived. It was one thing to rip off the rich like himself, but everyone else….

"So, you stopped paying the brokers to inflate the stock price," Eddie summarized. "I’ll need their names."

Hen looked from Buck to Chim to Eddie. Buck could see the wheels in her head turning, because to be fair, Eddie was security. Hired muscle. Which usually meant no brains at all. The fact that he was asking probing questions and taking notes seemed outside the scope of the job.

Then again. Everything about Eddie had been outside the box.

Hen was even-keeled, and when she spoke, it was out of curiosity. "Do you have any finance degrees, Eddie?"

Eddie looked up from his notepad. "No, ma’am," he said, flipping the page. "What’s the partner’s name?"

"These are very complex financial operations," Hen said instead.

"I don’t need to know math to understand motivation and means."

Her eyes twinkled, admonished. "I guess you don’t. And his name is Adam Lutiz."

Buck dug his fingers into his knee to maintain a resemblance of control when all he wanted to do was to take Eddie right then and there on top of the conference table. The man dripped with confidence; an ego smooth as silk. Buck bit his lip at the thought of removing his suit one button at a time.

Pen posed on the notepad, Eddie looked at Buck out of the corner of his eye, the ends of his lips curving ever slightly. Almost as if he was reading his dirty thoughts before giving Hen his undivided attention.

....

Tagging @spotsandsocks @shortsighted-owl @the-likesofus @fleurdebeton @renecdote @mellaithwen @megsvstheworld @andavs @alyxmastershipper @mysteriouslyyounggalaxy @spaceprincessem and whomever else wants to play. :)

[tiredgamergirl]

Travellers Rest is a chill tavern and inn simulator that is easy to pick up and hard to put down. It has some interesting mechanics but one of the challenges is to get 50 customers at the same time. This small guide might help you to archive this.

Once you reach reputation 18 you are able to try this achievement and you also need satisfaction 12 at minimum. A good way to grind reputation is to rent rooms with a lot of decorations and max comfort, you might also hire a housekeeper to clean the rooms as fast as possible as you get the tavern ready to start the day.

Foods and drinks

Stocking food is essential. Shiskebab is a good way to make a bunch of easy meals using cheaper ingredients, and I also tend to keep an eye on current trends and the next week’s ones and keep stocking them. It isn’t required, but they sell for a slight profit when they are trending but it won't affect the frequency they are ordered. Soup, porridge, and bread are also pretty easy and mostly hassle-free to make, except that for the bread you might need to buy the ingredients to make the bread yeast.

I actually advise making or buying more kegs and to have at least 10 for the drinks. And if you lack empty kegs, make wine. As a rule of thumb, using the taps takes a lot of time both for you and for the barkeeper, so having the drinks stocked up can be a good call.

The layout

The layout is also important for maximum efficiency. Try to avoid individual tables or the smaller ones and go with the larger ones. For reference, this is my layout:

The smaller table by the end is only because I couldn’t have more areas for the dining area, but that was enough. And the individual tables were merely to make better use of the available space but I could easily remove them, the long tables alone allow 60 customers easily and this current layout allows for 70 customers. With this configuration I can walk back and forth on the middle horizontal path cleaning the tables before they ever get dirty without trouble, cleaning the smaller ones by the end of the way and only occasionally going to the individual tables.

I placed 4 magical brooms in different spots to keep the floor clean. Maybe with two or three it can still work but the pathfinding isn’t the best, so it is better to be safe than sorry. The bartender usually does his work appropriately, but the table cleaner only activates when tables are already dirty, so it might be a good idea to go around cleaning. Having coasters on the table also helps to keep them clean but it caps at 6 per table. The comfort levels don’t seem to influence a lot, I managed to do so with around 200 comfort.

Other considerations

I also have a completely trained parrot. Every time it says something nice will net 100 reputation, but whenever it says something nasty the tavern loses 40. If you have a parrot and it isn’t fully trained you might want to place it inside a cage if you want to try the achievement before training it.

Make sure to have everything well-lit, unless you close your tavern before 7pm. Also lit your fireplace by 8pm, no earlier.

Keep your broom equipped and be sure to calm down rowdy customers or kick them out soon as possible. In this case, the tavern vision can assist you in spotting them easier.

Don't leave the tavern when attempting this achievement. I happened to have build my barn directly in front of my tavern so it was quick and easy to call my animals for the night, so it might be the only exception to this.

With that, you should reach 50 simultaneous customers in due time.

[jeffhirsch]

First Half December Weak Ahead of Mid-Month Pop

Trading in December is holiday-inspired and fueled by a buying bias throughout the month. However, the first part of the month tends to be weaker as tax-loss selling and yearend portfolio restructuring begins. December’s first trading day has been bearish for S&P 500 and Russell 1000 over the last 21 years. A modest rally through the fifth or sixth trading day also has fizzled going into mid-month. It is around this point that holiday cheer tends to kick in and propel the indexes higher with a pause near month-end. Pre-election year Decembers follow a similar path, but with noticeably larger historical gains in the last third of the month.

Small caps tend to start to outperform larger caps near the middle of the month (early January Effect) and our “Free Lunch” strategy is served from the offerings of stocks making new 52-week lows on Triple-Witching Friday. An email Issue will be sent prior to the market’s open on December 18 containing “Free Lunch” stock selections. The “Santa Claus Rally” begins on the open on December 22 and lasts until the second trading day of 2024. Average S&P 500 gains over this seven trading-day range since 1969 are a respectable 1.3%.

This is our first indicator for the market in the New Year. Years when the Santa Claus Rally (SCR) has failed to materialize are often flat or down. The last six times SCR (the last five trading days of the year and the first two trading days of the New Year) has not occurred were followed by three flat years (1994, 2004 and 2015) and two nasty bear markets (2000 and 2008) and a mild bear that ended in February 2016. As Yale Hirsch’s now famous line states, “If Santa Claus should fail to call, bears may come to Broad and Wall.”

[timothypagliara]

Building a Profitable Investment Portfolio

A well-diversified portfolio is essential for any investor to achieve their goals. As an individual, you must know how to allocate your assets to meet your goals and risk tolerance. Having a well-designed strategy can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that your investments are well-positioned for the long run.

Step 1. Determine Your Asset Allocation

Before you start building a portfolio, you must clearly understand your goals and financial situation. Some of the most common factors affecting a person’s investment strategy are their age, income needs, and the amount of available capital. For instance, an unmarried 22-year-old college graduate may need a different approach than a 55-year-old who plans on retiring in ten years.

If you’re not willing to risk losing money, then your investments might not be able to provide you with the high returns you’re looking for. Having a good understanding of these factors will help you determine how you should allocate your investments.

Another important factor you should consider when building a portfolio is the risk/return tradeoff. For instance, if you’re planning on having a relatively stable lifestyle and are not planning on relying on your investments for income, then you might want to take more significant risks. On the other hand, if you’re planning on having a more tax-efficient retirement, you might want to focus on protecting your assets.

Step 2. Achieving Your Portfolio

Once you have determined the appropriate asset allocation, you must divide your capital into two equal parts. For instance, you should allocate your money between bonds and equities. You can also break down the various asset classes into subclasses to better understand each class’s risks and potential returns. For instance, an investor may divide the equity portion of their portfolio between foreign and domestic stocks and companies and industrial sectors. On the other hand, the bond portion may be allocated between government and corporate debt and short- and long-term bonds.

Step 3. Reassess Your Portfolio Weightings

After you have an established portfolio, you must regularly re-evaluate and adjust the components of your portfolio to keep up with the changes in the market. Doing so will allow you to determine the appropriate asset allocation for your needs.

Factors affecting your financial situation and risk tolerance will also change over time. For instance, if your risk tolerance has decreased, you might need to reduce the number of stocks in your portfolio. Or, if you’re at the stage where you’re ready to take on more risk, then you might want to allocate a small portion of your assets to small-cap stocks.

Step 4. Rebalance

Before you start re-evaluating and adjusting the components of your portfolio’s details, you must determine which securities you should reduce and how much you should sell. This will allow you to determine which under-weighted securities to buy.

If you’re planning on reducing the number of stocks in your portfolio to re-balance it, you might owe a significant capital gains tax. However, it’s better to maintain a steady allocation of assets to other asset classes instead of selling all your growth stocks. This will allow you to reduce the overall weightage of your portfolio without having to pay taxes.

Even though you may be planning on selling some of your growth stocks, you should still consider the market’s outlook. If you’re worried that the same stocks may fall, you might want to sell them even though the tax implications are still significant. One way to reduce your tax bill is by selling some of your growth stocks through tax-loss selling.

[paddystronge]

Small Cap vs. Large Cap: Finding the Right Balance in Your Portfolio

When it comes to investing in stocks, one of the fundamental decisions investors face is choosing between small cap and large cap stocks. Each type of stock offers unique advantages and risks, and finding the right balance can significantly impact your investment portfolio's performance. In "Successful Investing: How to Make Money in the Stock Market from Real Life Experience," Paddy Stronge provides valuable insights into how he navigated this decision in his own investments. Let’s explore the key differences between small cap and large cap stocks and how Stronge balanced these in his portfolio.

What Are Small Cap and Large Cap Stocks?

Small Cap Stocks:

Definition: Small cap stocks refer to shares of Irish companies with a market capitalization typically between €300 million and €2 billion. These companies are often in the early stages of growth or operate in niche markets.

Pros:

Growth Potential: Small cap stocks have the potential for significant growth. As these companies expand and develop their market presence, their stock prices can increase rapidly.

Opportunity for Undervalued Stocks: Due to their size, small cap stocks may be overlooked by analysts and institutional investors, presenting opportunities to find undervalued gems.

Flexibility and Innovation: Smaller companies can often adapt quickly to changes and innovate more freely than larger firms.

Cons:

Higher Volatility: Small cap stocks are generally more volatile than large cap stocks, meaning their prices can fluctuate significantly in a short period.

Less Established: These companies may have less stable financial performance and fewer resources to weather economic downturns.

Lower Liquidity: Trading volumes can be lower, making it more difficult to buy or sell shares without impacting the stock price.

Large Cap Stocks:

Definition: Large cap Irish stocks are shares of companies with a market capitalization typically over €2 billion. These companies are well-established, often industry leaders, and usually have a global presence.

Pros:

Stability and Reliability: All Large cap stocks usually have diversified operations and tend to be more stable and less volatile, providing more predictable returns and often paying higher dividends.

Established Track Record: These companies have proven business models and financial stability, making them less risky investments.

Higher Liquidity: The higher trading volumes for large cap stocks mean that they are easier to buy or sell without significantly affecting the stock price.

Cons:

Slower Growth: Large cap stocks may experience slower growth compared to small cap stocks, as they are often already operating at or near their market saturation point. Large cap growth stocks operating in “new” industrial sectors such as Technology are experiencing very high levels of growth but are reluctant to pay dividends.

Less Potential for High Returns: While they provide stability, many large cap stocks may offer lower potential for substantial gains compared to their smaller counterparts.

Stronge’s Balanced Approach

Paddy Stronge’s investment strategy, as detailed in "Successful Investing: How to Make Money in the Stock Market from Real Life Experience," demonstrates a balanced approach between small cap and large cap stocks. Here’s how he managed this balance:

Leveraging Local Knowledge:

Stronge applied his deep familiarity with local Irish companies to invest in small cap stocks like Greencore and Irish Continental Group (ICG). His local knowledge provided an edge in understanding these companies’ growth potential and financial health, leading to significant gains.

Evaluating Performance and Stability:

While he sought opportunities in small cap stocks for their growth potential, Stronge also maintained a focus on large cap stocks for stability. This dual approach helped him manage risk while capturing growth opportunities.

Diversification:

Stronge’s strategy involved diversifying his investments across both small cap and large cap stocks. This diversification allowed him to balance the higher risks associated with small cap stocks with the stability and reliability of large cap investments.

Timely Adjustments:

Stronge was proactive in adjusting his portfolio based on performance. For instance, he sold Greencore shares when their dividend yield no longer met his criteria, demonstrating a keen understanding of balancing returns and maintaining a diversified portfolio.

Investing in both small cap and large cap stocks, in many different stock markets across the world, offers distinct advantages and challenges. By adopting a balanced approach, as demonstrated by Paddy Stronge in his book "Successful Investing: How to Make Money in the Stock Market from Real Life Experience," investors can navigate these challenges effectively. Stronge’s experiences provide valuable insights into achieving this balance and optimizing your investment strategy. For more detailed guidance on balancing small cap and large cap stocks, as well as other investment strategies, "Successful Investing" is a must-read for investors seeking to enhance their portfolio performance.

[swastiktours-blog]

Famous Local Markets and Shopping in Himachal

Shopping is always interesting if you are a person who loves to go to different shops and buy the things of your choice.

The best thing about Himachal Pradesh is that this state attracts people of all ages and economic as well as aesthetic preferences.

There are a lot of things you can buy at Famous Local Markets where you visit while on the trip.

You should discover places to visit in Himachal Pradesh that redefine shopping.

Popular Markets to Visit

Markets of Himachal Pradesh offer great shopping opportunities for tourists. They can buy all types of traditional items, like clothes, food items, jewelry, and other accessories. Most himachal tour packages include popular markets in their itinerary.

They can take home superb souvenirs in the form of exclusive items. Let us explore some of the famous markets where you can shop.

Manu Market Manali

Manu Market of Manali is the best street market where you get traditional items from Himachal Pradesh. This is a small market located near the Bus Stand of Manali.

You can find a large number of shops selling all types of Himachal and Tibetan artifacts.

There are several food shops also where you can taste homemade doughnuts, momos and sausages, cheese croissants, noodles, thupka, and many more items.

The Mall Shimla

Your trip to Shimla is incomplete without going to Mall Road.  It is flooded with Handlooms items, handicrafts, Bakery items, fresh fruits, and fresh fruits items.

Kotwaali Bazaar McLeod Ganj

Kotwaali Bazaar of McLeod Ganj is another popular street market in Himachal Pradesh. You will be amazed by the variety of things there.

Different types of statues of Buddha, such as Sleeping Buddha, Health Buddha, and Peace Buddha.

McLeod Ganj has numerous shops where you can find traditional clothes and other accessories.

Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie

Dalhousie is called the “Switzerland of India”. If you are going there, then you should go to the clustered shops in the Gandhi Chowk Area of Dalhousie.

You can shop in the Tibetan Market where you find ample stock of handicrafts, bags, shoes, jewelry, dolls, carpets, rugs, and many other Tibetan artifacts.

Shopping from the street markets of Himachal Pradesh would definitely be a memorable experience.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Himachal Pradesh is quite rich in art and culture. Not only local artists but migrated artists from neighboring states have also enriched the cultural landscape of the state.

The most famous thing of Himachal is the art of carpet making. The market is full of variety. You can get intricately embroidered Kashmiri carpet with floral designs.

The geometrically patterned Kullu rug is another type that will attract you. Kanga carpets are famous for their miniature-inspired designs.

These carpets are priced according to the complexity of the artwork and the material they are made from.

Some exclusive varieties of carpets are lamb wool carpets and carpets made from Yak wool. They will take a bohemian touch to your home.

Your Himachal Pradesh trip is incomplete without buying exquisitely beautiful carpets in the State.

Other things that you can buy in Himachal Pradesh are miniature painting, Thangka making, metalwork, or artistry in wood.

The handkerchiefs of Chamba are woven over on both sides with mirror effect images. The headscarves of Chamba are also famous for their stunning beauty.

You can also have a pair of intricately designed dry grass slippers or Kinnauri Joothis in your collection.

Local Clothing and Woolens

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is very cold, therefore, it requires people to wear heavy woolen items, such as shawls, caps, mufflers, and pullovers.

Every place in Himachal Pradesh is unique and different. It has specialties and that is the reason every tourist finds something or other.

Shawls are an all time favorite.  In the northern part of the state, you find Kashmiri stitch shawls.

They are usually white, or cream-based, but the entire body is filled with intricate flowers of bright colors.

But if you search for colored shawls, then it is possible to find them in the other parts of the state. These shawls have birds and fruits embroidered on them.

If you are going to Kinnaur then the best thing is to buy cute and colorful Kinnauri topis.

Fresh Produce and Spices

Himachal Pradesh is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery and landscapes, but also for its delectable cuisine. You can find unique flavors and aromas that will certainly tantalize your taste buds.

The state is home to many spice plantations where you can buy several aromatic herbs and spices.

A spice tour in Himachal Pradesh will take you on a journey through the valleys and villages where you can see the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these spices.

Cardamom is often referred to as the "Queen of Spices".  it is grown in the higher altitudes of the state.

Asafoetida, known as hing is a resinous gum. It is extracted from the Ferula plant.

Ginger is a versatile spice, which is widely used in Himachali cooking. It adds a warm, earthy flavor and aroma to dishes like soups, gravies, and curries.

Turmeric is not only a spice but also a natural dye. It is widely used in Himachali cuisine for its earthy flavor. It also adds colors to dishes.

Bargaining Tips and Tricks

Well, like any other market in the world, there is always a chance to save a few bucks in these markets of Himachal Pradesh.

You need to follow these tips and tricks.

Try to find shops where there are fixed prices. Then compare the product price of the same article in other shops. If you can get a better price, then grab the opportunity.

Always try to offer a price that is half of the original price proposed by the shopkeeper. Thus, you will have room to bargain.

The goods in Himachal Pradesh offer a unique blend of traditional workmanship and modern flare.

Are you planning to book any of the himachal tour packages from Mumbai? Now you have detailed information on local markets in Himachal Pradesh.

[financialeducationsip]

Small-Cap vs. Large-Cap Mutual Funds: A Complete Guide for Smart Investors

Mutual funds are a fantastic way to grow wealth and plan for the future, offering a variety of options suited to different financial goals and levels of risk tolerance. Among the numerous types of mutual funds, small-cap and large-cap funds stand out, particularly when it comes to understanding the risk-return balance. But what exactly are these funds, and how do they differ from one another?

In this article, we will explore small-cap vs large-cap mutual funds, explaining the key distinctions, potential benefits, and risks associated with each to help you make well-informed decisions.

What Is Market Capitalization?

To understand small-cap and large-cap mutual funds, it's essential to first grasp the concept of market capitalization, often shortened to market cap.

Market capitalization represents the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares. It’s calculated by multiplying the company’s current share price by the total number of shares available. This value categorizes companies into three main groups:

Large-Cap: Companies with a market cap of over Rs. 20,000 crores.

Mid-Cap: Companies with a market cap between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 20,000 crores.

Small-Cap: Companies with a market cap below Rs. 5,000 crores.

These groupings help investors understand the size and stability of the companies they are investing in, allowing for better risk management.

What Are Large-Cap and Small-Cap Mutual Funds?

Large-Cap Funds: These mutual funds invest in large-cap companies, which are typically the top 100 companies by market value. Large-cap companies are well-established, have a strong presence in the market, and are often referred to as blue-chip stocks. They provide stable returns with lower risk.

Small-Cap Funds: On the other hand, small-cap mutual funds invest in smaller, growing companies ranked beyond the top 250 in market capitalization. While they have higher growth potential, small-cap funds also come with more volatility and greater risk compared to large-cap funds.

Key Differences Between Small-Cap and Large-Cap Mutual Funds

1. Market Position and Stability

Large-Cap Funds: Large-cap funds invest in companies with an established reputation and solid market positions. These companies have been around for a long time and are considered financially stable. They offer a low-risk investment choice, particularly for those seeking reliable, steady returns.

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies, often in the early stages of growth. These companies have higher growth potential but lack the stability of large-cap companies, making them a riskier investment option.

2. Risk and Volatility

Large-Cap Funds: These funds carry a lower risk because they invest in companies with proven track records. Large-cap stocks are generally less affected by market downturns and provide consistent returns over time.

Small-Cap Funds: On the flip side, small-cap funds are known for their higher volatility. The companies in small-cap funds are often younger and less established, making their stocks more susceptible to market fluctuations. While they can offer significant gains, they also come with the risk of greater losses.

3. Liquidity

Large-Cap Funds: Large-cap stocks are highly liquid, meaning they can be easily bought and sold on the market. This liquidity makes it simpler for investors to exit their positions when needed, offering a layer of security in volatile times.

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap stocks, due to their smaller market presence, are less liquid than large-cap stocks. It may take more time to buy or sell these stocks, especially in large quantities, adding an element of risk.

4. Returns on Investment

Large-Cap Funds: Over the long term, large-cap funds tend to provide moderate returns with less volatility. In the past five years, these funds have delivered an average return of about 7%. They are ideal for investors who prioritize stability over aggressive growth.

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds, while riskier, often offer higher returns. Over the last five years, small-cap funds have produced an average return of around 14.74%, significantly outpacing large-cap funds. However, these returns are not without risk, and investors must be prepared for fluctuations in value.

Benefits of Large-Cap Mutual Funds

Consistency and Stability: Large-cap funds provide a reliable investment option with consistent returns, making them ideal for conservative investors.

Lower Risk: Due to the financial stability and established nature of large-cap companies, these funds are a safer bet for investors who prefer minimal risk.

Dividends: Many large-cap companies pay out regular dividends, offering an additional source of income to investors.

Benefits of Small-Cap Mutual Funds

Growth Potential: Small-cap funds invest in growing companies with high growth potential, offering the opportunity for substantial returns.

Undervalued Stocks: Many small-cap companies are undervalued, providing investors with a chance to get in early before prices rise.

Diversification: Small-cap funds allow investors to diversify their portfolios, balancing out safer investments with high-growth opportunities.

Risks Involved with Large-Cap Funds

While large-cap funds are generally stable, they come with their own set of risks, including:

Lower Growth Rate: Large-cap companies are more mature and grow at a slower pace than smaller companies. This can limit the potential for high returns.

Global Exposure: Many large-cap companies have international operations, exposing them to global market fluctuations and political risks.

Risks Involved with Small-Cap Funds

Higher Volatility: Small-cap stocks can experience significant price swings, leading to unpredictable returns and increased risk for investors.

Liquidity Challenges: Small-cap stocks are less liquid, which may make it harder to sell your investments when needed.

Business Risk: Small-cap companies may not have the resources to withstand economic downturns or competitive pressures, increasing the risk of business failure.

Who Should Invest in Large-Cap Funds?

Conservative Investors: Those who prioritize capital preservation and are willing to accept modest returns in exchange for stability.

Long-Term Planners: Investors looking to steadily grow their wealth over time without taking on significant risk.

Dividend Seekers: Those who appreciate regular income through dividend payments.

Who Should Invest in Small-Cap Funds?

Aggressive Investors: Those with a high-risk tolerance who are looking for potentially higher returns.

Young Investors: Individuals with a long-term investment horizon who can afford to ride out market volatility.

Diversifiers: Investors looking to balance their portfolio with high-growth investments alongside safer assets.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

Both small-cap and large-cap mutual funds offer unique advantages and drawbacks, depending on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Large-cap funds provide a stable, low-risk option with consistent returns, making them ideal for conservative investors. In contrast, small-cap funds offer greater growth potential but come with higher volatility and risk, making them better suited for aggressive investors willing to take on additional risk for the chance of higher returns.

For many, the best approach is a balanced investment strategy that includes both small-cap and large-cap funds, allowing you to enjoy the stability of large-cap companies while capitalizing on the growth potential of small-cap stocks.

FAQs

What is the difference between small-cap and large-cap mutual funds?Small-cap funds invest in smaller, high-growth companies, while large-cap funds invest in well-established, stable companies.

Are small-cap funds riskier than large-cap funds?Yes, small-cap funds are typically more volatile and riskier, while large-cap funds are more stable and offer steady returns.

Can small-cap funds offer better returns than large-cap funds?While small-cap funds often provide higher returns, they also come with greater risk, especially during market downturns.

Which mutual fund is better for long-term investment?Large-cap funds are generally better for long-term investments due to their stability and consistent performance.

Can I invest in both small-cap and large-cap funds?Absolutely! Many investors choose to diversify their portfolio by investing in both types to balance risk and reward.

[canonical-transformation]

Genshin ships: stock market update (Fontaine Act 3–4)

(Warning: May contain spoilers for character appearances and dynamics in [Chapter 4 Act 3–4] To the Stars Shining in the Depths and Cataclysm's Quickening. Previously: Act 1)

The Fontainian market is gaining liquidity as of early v4.1. Volatility has settled for Fontainian blue-chips Neuvechi and Clorivia(*), with the expectation of steady returns. Our recommendation: BUY/HOLD

Wriothesley/Neuvillette is expected to join the blue-chips, though the market is yet to come to a consensus here. BUY

Wriothesley/Traveller is, like most Traveller ships, a safe bet. HOLD

Unexpected reports of shy Lyney moments have caused modest gains in Lyney/Traveller. BUY OR HOLD

Likewise, Lynette/Traveller is having a very delayed boom thanks to additional solo interaction. ("Almost half a minute's worth," claimed one report.) HOLD OR BUY

Arlecchino/Furina is in the prototype phase. The extremely imbalanced power dynamic makes this somewhat contentious. Our analysts' conclusions include: "The Knave totally would" and "The Knave totally wouldn't" and "You're both wrong". Analysts all agree that Furina's opinion is irrelevant here. BUY OR SELL OR HOLD we have no idea, consult your financial advisor.

Rarepairs

The small-cap market, aka "rarepairs", is hard to predict as always.

Marette/Madeleine — SELL OR HOLD. Our analysts want it to be a thing but note that Marette really is 100% idgaf about everything.

Cuistot/Laverune — BUY OR HOLD duh.

Jurieu/Lourvine — unconvincing. If anything, they're exes, with a full lovers-to-enemies offscreen. SELL. Well, unless you specifically mean smut, in which case BUY.

Wriothesley/Clorinde has good camaraderie but market testing warns it lacks sufficient chemistry. HOLD.

(If going long anyway, make sure to hedge with some platonic content involving "dorky colleagues" and "tea parties". Include Siegwinne where applicable.)

Wriothesley/Ningguang — a weak BUY, appropriately diversified.

This one has legs. Two pairs, even. Our analysts note that "nobody, repeat, nobody, is going to write an epistolary macroeconomics treatise + romance fic for those two. Yes, it's technically possible, but no way." Our analysts are cowards.

(Also, I'm calling it, those two are bait for the Glowfic community, don't @ me)

Furina/Lynette — oh, because they both find stray cats heartwarming? Sure, why not. HOLD

simultaneous Lyney/Traveller + Traveller/Lynette — SELL, good fundamentals but overvalued at current prices.

Returns contingent on suspending disbelief of the twins risking their relationship over a shared crush. Not to mention Traveller spent most of Act 3 half-expecting those two to stab them in the back :(

Charlotte/truth — abstract concept ships are inherently crackships, and rarely meet revenue projections. Still, this one is absolutely true, and continually supported every time she appears on screen, so HOLD

Arlelumi — Latest reports suggest something major is in the works, but what exactly remains to be seen. HOLD OR BUY

Siegwinne/gun — !??!?!??!??!? BUY BUY BUY but in moderation BUY BUY BUY

no but seriously I'd give even odds she beats Clorinde in a pistol duel

-----

And, unrelated to the AQ:

Chevreuse — Who?

Jakob/Alain and Jakob/Rene — BUY. May take years to find a target audience but the essentials are there.

Lyris/Egeria — YOU DO YOU. wait was that a pun

(*) Clorivia paid out a small but unexpected dividend. Our analysts remind readers not to expect any serious focus on the pairing in Act 5.

Future returns may differ from past returns. This column is not financial advice. Consult a financial shipping advisor about what ships are appropriate for your situation.

[dragonflycap]

4 Trade Ideas for TJX: Bonus Idea

TJX, $TJX, comes into the week at an all-time high. It is also pressing to the top of a short term consolidation zone over the past 2 weeks. The Bollinger Bands® have squeezed over June and are now opening higher. There is a short term Measured Move on a break higher targeting 114 as a starting point. The RSI is strong and slightly overbought in the bullish zone with the MACD leveling after a reset lower in the positive range. There is no resistance above 111.75. Support lower sits at 110 and 107. Short interest is low at 1.3%. The stock pays a dividend with an annual yield of 1.34% and will start to trade ex-dividend on August 15th. 

The company is expected to report earnings next on August 21st. The July options chain shows the biggest open interest at the 105 strike on the put side. On the call side it is biggest at 110 then 105. The August chain has biggest open interest at the 110 put strike and the 120 call. The August 23 Expiry, covering the earnings report, gives no information as the is 1 contract in open interest (not a misprint). The September chain has its biggest open interest at the 110 and 105 put strikes and the 115 and 125 call.

TJX, Ticker: TJX

Trade Idea 1: Buy the stock on a move over 112 with a stop at 109.

Trade Idea 2: Buy the stock on a move over 112 and add an August 23 Expiry 109/102 Put Spread ($1.60) while selling the September 120 Call ($1.02).

Trade Idea 3: Buy the August/September 115 Call Calendar ($1.55) while selling the August 105 Put (42 cents).

Trade Idea 4: Buy the August 105/115/120 Call Spread Risk Reversal (50 cents).

If you like what you see sign up for more ideas and deeper analysis using this Get Premium link.  

After reviewing over 1,000 charts, I have found some good setups for the week. These were selected and should be viewed in the context of the broad Market Macro picture reviewed Friday which with the first week of July in the books, saw equity markets showing strength from the large cap and tech focused S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, but continued churn from the small caps.

Elsewhere look for Gold to continue its consolidation in the uptrend while Crude Oil consolidates in a tightening range. The US Dollar Index continues to drift to the downside in consolidation while US Treasuries move lower in their downtrend. The Shanghai Composite looks to continue the short term move lower while Emerging Markets remain in broad consolidation.

The Volatility Index looks to remain very low and stable making the path easier for equity markets to the upside. The charts of the SPY and QQQ look strong, especially on the longer timeframe. On the shorter timeframe both the QQQ and SPY have reset momentum measures and both are also looking strong upon reversing. The IWM continues to be dead money, going on 30 months now. Use this information as you prepare for the coming week and trad’em well.