Lessons – LSD News https://lsd.hu Updates You With The Latest News 24/7 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:47:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://lsd.hu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-lsd-32x32.png Lessons – LSD News https://lsd.hu 32 32 In Japan, life lessons in healthy eating https://lsd.hu/in-japan-life-lessons-in-healthy-eating/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:47:13 +0000 https://lsd.hu/in-japan-life-lessons-in-healthy-eating/

Here’s a number that might make you put down that second donut: In the United States, around 40 percent of all adults are considered obese. In Japan, the obesity rate is only one-tenth of that.

We’re not saying you’ll never see a heavy person in Japan; you’ll just need to look really hard. But compared to Americans, few Japanese ever go to a gym. They just move more in everyday life. In Tokyo, where fewer people own cars, they average at least 10,000 steps a day.

And it continues when they get to work. Like a lot of other Japanese companies, Tokyo’s Tanita Corporation is all-in on personal fitness. Even a routine business meeting can be a chance to get your steps in.

workers-at-tanita.jpg

Employees at Tanita gets their steps in at the office. 

CBS News


Tanita makes scales, and employees like Ito Takeshi are required to use them at least once a month. It’s a new level of accountability, but it seems to work. Takeshi says he lost 15 kilograms (about 35 pounds) after starting at Tanita. “That weight loss came from eating better and walking every day,” he said.

It’s just part of the job, according to CEO Senri Tanida. Unlike in America, where people might not want to share their weight or BMI with anyone (let alone their employer), Tanida said, “In Japan, sharing your weight or the number of steps you’ve taken isn’t something that people necessarily want to hide. So, the hurdles to getting the Japanese to agree are pretty, pretty low.”

It might seem extreme, but if Tanita doesn’t weigh and measure employees over 40, their national health insurance payments go up, so it is mandatory for anyone who wears the Tanita badge.

And that company ID isn’t your standard employee badge; it measures how many steps you’ve taken in any given day. It also knows if you haven’t weighed yourself on the scale for the last month. If you haven’t done so, you will get locked out of the building.

Hara hachi bu

And then, there’s the matter of what Japanese eat. The traditional Japanese diet is pretty basic: rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. The fermentation in the miso and pickles is good for a healthy gut.

Legendary Japanese culinary expert Yoshiharu Doi cooked us up a classic Japanese meal that included all three. “It’s through this simplicity and accessibility that we’re all able to remain healthy,” said Doi.

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A meal prepared by Yoshiharu Doi. 

CBS News


But the Japanese eat a lot more than this. In Tokyo alone, there’s plenty of fast food, and junk food. (Trust me: the donuts alone are exceptional.) Pizza is getting more popular, and so are hamburgers, made with high-grade wagyu beef.

But the Japanese tend to eat a lot less of these things. And the Japanese practice something called hara hachi bu – eating until they’re only 80 percent full. 

“They love vegetables at school”

There is also an effort to teach young people healthy eating habits right from the start.

At Shikahamamirai Elementary School, by the time classes begin at 8 a.m., the staff is already making lunch in a spotless kitchen, run by people dressed like they work in a sterile microchip factory. Around here, school lunch is a big deal, and it has been for years.

Japan’s school lunch program was actually started after World War II, when the country was shattered and food was scarce. The occupying U.S. authority ordered that all schoolchildren get one good free meal a day, and when the Americans pulled out, the Japanese government kept the policy in place. So, today no kid goes hungry at school.

Most of the food is sourced locally, and delivered daily. Vegetables are always a big part of the menu, maybe the biggest. The food is cooked and tasted, and tasted again. 

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School lunch preparation at Shikahamamirai Elementary School. 

CBS News


There’s a full-time, on-site nutritionist on every school campus. Shikahamamirai’s nutritionist, Kawano Komiko, said parents have told her they can’t get kids to eat vegetables at home, but they love vegetables at school. 

There’s no cafeteria here; the lunch ladies cart the food up, and deliver it to the classrooms. The principal and vice principal get the first taste, and once they sign off, the feeding ballet begins.

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Kids deliver lunch to each classroom.  

CBS News


Kids suit up in sterile white smocks and collect the food carts, then wheel them back to the individual classrooms and set up a lunch line.

On the menu the day we were there: rice, blanched vegetables, soup, and a special treat, fried squid.  

The school says the kids only get fried foods about twice a month. For dessert: quarter of an orange.

No one eats until everyone is served. They briefly give thanks, and then douzo meshiagare – bon appetit!

Everyone eats the same meal, including the teachers, and the guests, who may be surprised that the children have cleared their plates of these vegetables.

japanese-diet-1920.jpg

CBS News


But getting kids to eat healthy is more than a skill; it’s a mission, says Komiko: “The main principle is, we want to teach kids from an early age to know how to eat so that they can carry on those life lessons through adulthood.”

In other words, she says, they just want to give their children – and Japan’s future – a taste of a healthy life.

     
For more info:

     
Story produced by John D’Amelio. Editor: Lauren Barnello.

See also:

In:

]]> “Enough”: Oprah Winfrey on her weight-loss lessons https://lsd.hu/enough-oprah-winfrey-on-her-weight-loss-lessons/ Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:37:18 +0000 https://lsd.hu/enough-oprah-winfrey-on-her-weight-loss-lessons/

Oprah Winfrey is one of the best-known, most-admired and successful people on the planet. But for years she seemed powerless to conquer her fluctuating weight problem … until new medications, and a new attitude about her weight, gave her a breakthrough, which she describes in “Enough,” a new book she has co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. They talk with Jane Pauley about an individual’s genetically-influenced weight range, and how to reset it. Winfrey also relates the long road she traveled since she began her TV career in Nashville, facing sexism, racism, and comments about her weight.

]]> Lessons From ‘Never Mamdani’ and ‘Never Cuomo’ Voters in the New York Mayor Race https://lsd.hu/lessons-from-never-mamdani-and-never-cuomo-voters-in-the-new-york-mayor-race/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:17:04 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/lessons-from-never-mamdani-and-never-cuomo-voters-in-the-new-york-mayor-race/

Some New Yorkers know the person they want for mayor. Others are more certain about the person they don’t want.

In a recent New York Times/Siena poll, a third of likely voters said they would “never consider” Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee. A similar percentage said they would “never consider” former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary in June.

Support for Mamdani and Cuomo

Based on a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,284 likely voters in New York City from Sept. 2-6.

The unlabeled segment represents the share who did not respond or who said they did not know.

These “never” voters and their concerns can impart some lessons. If Mr. Mamdani, the front-runner in the polls by far, wins in November, he will take office with notable opposition from voters in his own party. And his victory will be in part thanks to “Never Cuomo” voters, whose distaste for Mr. Cuomo may have more to do with the sexual harassment allegations that drove him from the governor’s mansion in 2021 than his moderate policy stances.

If the field shrank to a Mamdani-Cuomo matchup, which Mr. Cuomo and President Trump appear to be pushing for, these voters would be a key part of why the general election could get competitive.

The “Never Mamdani” bloc includes a nontrivial number of Democrats and a large share of Republicans, putting a ceiling on Mr. Mamdani’s potential support.

Party breakdown of the ‘Never Mamdani’ and ‘Never Cuomo’ voters

Based on a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,284 likely voters in New York City from Sept. 2-6.

Includes those who identified with or leaned toward each party.

Thirty-five percent of the “Never Mamdani” voters are Democrats, a remarkably high share to be holding out against their own party’s nominee. In the poll, he is winning just 61 percent of the city’s Democratic voters.

To make a rough comparison: In a Times/Siena poll from October 2024, Kamala Harris won over 90 percent of N.Y.C. Democrats.

The makeup of the “Never Cuomo” bloc — overwhelmingly Democrats — showcases why it could be hard for Mr. Cuomo to beat Mr. Mamdani, even one-on-one.

Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters will make up about 72 percent of the likely N.Y.C. electorate for the coming election, making them a crucial contingent.

For “Never Mamdani” Democrats, Mr. Mamdani’s proposed policies are a bigger concern than the broader issue of his political ideology, although the two are probably linked in many voters’ minds.

Among “Never Cuomo” Democrats, views of Mr. Cuomo’s personality and character dwarfed other concerns. The small but notable share who referred to policy concerns mainly cited his record as governor.

Based on a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,284 likely voters in New York City from Sept. 2-6.

Poll question asked voters for the “main reason” they would never support each candidate. “Democrats” include those who leaned toward the Democratic party. Top 3 categories shown.

Here’s a selection of voters’ responses, in their own words.

‘Never Mamdani’ Democrats who said his policies or ideology were their main concern

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “Lack of experience and promises he cannot keep.”

    Woman, 70s, Cuomo supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “His housing policies.”

    Woman, 30s, Adams supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “His statement of defunding the N.Y.P.D.”

    Man, 60s, Sliwa supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “He does not value the safety of New Yorkers.”

    Woman, 30s, Adams supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “He’s a communist and has no experience.”

    Man, 40s, Adams supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “I believe he’s an anti-Semite.”

    Man, 70s, Adams supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “He’s anti-Israel.”

    Woman, 40s, Cuomo supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “He is socialist; I don’t like him.”

    Woman, 60s, Cuomo supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “His beliefs will destroy N.Y.C.”

    Woman, 70s, Sliwa supporter

  • Concern about Mamdani

    “His ideas are unrealistic. It’s a nice fairy tale but not realistic.”

    Man, 70s, Cuomo supporter

Nearly half of the “Never Mamdani” Democrats cited his proposed policies as the primary reason for withholding their support, although many did not cite a specific policy. Rather, they expressed a general concern that he was too inexperienced to lead the city, or that his plans were unachievable.

Those who did have a particular grievance most often brought up his past calls to defund the police, a stance he has tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Mr. Mamdani recently said he would apologize for comments in 2020 calling the New York Police Department racist and homophobic.

Some Democrats called his views socialist or communist. (Mr. Mamdani is a democratic socialist, meaning his beliefs are similar to those of socialists but not exactly the same. He is not a communist.)

Some also said they thought Mr. Mamdani was anitsemitic, echoing accusations lobbed at him by his opponents in the race. Mr. Mamdani, who has denied the charge, has spoken frequently about expanding the city’s efforts to combat antisemitism if elected.

“Never Cuomo” Democrats, by contrast, were far more likely to cite concerns about Mr. Cuomo’s personality and character than any other issue.

‘Never Cuomo’ Democrats who said his personality or character was their main concern

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He’s a sex pest.”

    Woman, 20s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He’s a washed-up loser.”

    Man, 40s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He’s corrupt.”

    Woman, 50s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He likes power too much.”

    Man, 20s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He is working with Trump against Mamdani.”

    Woman, 20s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He’s ridiculous, out of touch and running on 1990s-era politics. He hates the city and thinks of it as a vacation spot.”

    Man, 30s, Mamdani supporter

These voters most frequently brought up the sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Cuomo. Although he apologized at the time, he has now taken a more defiant stance toward his accusers and has denied wrongdoing.

A large number also mentioned that Mr. Cuomo was conspiring with President Trump against Mr. Mamdani. Mr. Trump and his advisers have reportedly tried to clear the field for Mr. Cuomo by offering Mayor Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, positions in the administration in exchange for dropping out. “I think they need to have one candidate,” Mr. Trump said during a recent interview on Fox News. “And it would look to me like Cuomo, frankly, is leading the other two.”

Both men have said they intend to stay in the race, though Mr. Adams has hinted he may be open to dropping out.

The heavily Democratic nature of the “Never Cuomo” bloc suggests he will need to win over many Republicans. But the “Never Cuomo” Republicans and their concerns over his time as governor reveal he faces an uphill battle.

“Never Cuomo” Democrats and Republicans who said his policies were their main concern

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “He was a failed governor.”

    Republican woman, 50s, Sliwa supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “Was not a good governor.”

    Democratic man, 60s, Mamdani supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “Handled the Covid-19 situation poorly, causing a lot of suffering and deaths.”

    Republican woman, 50s, Sliwa supporter

  • Concern about Cuomo

    “His continued mismanagement of the M.T.A. as governor, showing N.Y.C. transportation is not a priority.”

    Democratic woman, 30s, Mamdani supporter

Regardless of party, virtually all the “Never Cuomo” voters who cited his policies mentioned his track record as governor, and many mentioned his actions early in the pandemic, including guidance that directed nursing homes to readmit patients who had tested positive.

Reporting by The New York Times revealed how Mr. Cuomo and his top aides had edited a state health department report to conceal how many nursing home residents died in the pandemic.

Some “Never Cuomo” Democrats also took issue with Mr. Cuomo’s handling of the city’s issues as governor, including his control of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Others said Mr. Cuomo was too closely tied to the city’s wealthy business elites and worried his policies as mayor would not address working-class concerns. That contingent, however, was a relatively small segment in this category compared with those who disliked the job he did as governor.

]]> Symbolism of Operation Sindoor – Lessons in strategy for corporates https://lsd.hu/symbolism-of-operation-sindoor-lessons-in-strategy-for-corporates/ Sun, 11 May 2025 06:30:40 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/symbolism-of-operation-sindoor-lessons-in-strategy-for-corporates/

In business —as in politics—symbols can shape narratives, drive engagement, and inspire team unity. Our Government’s use of symbolism during Operation Sindoor, a recent counter-terror operation, offers not just a geopolitical message but also rich strategic takeaways for the corporate world. This operation exemplifies how leaders can align vision, values, and action to build resilient organizations.

Effective branding: Operation Sindoor

Symbol Sindoor, the vermillion mark symbolizing marriage and protection in Indian tradition.
For Corporates, it’s a lesson in branding with purpose. Naming the operation Sindoor wasn’t incidental—it carried a cultural resonance, evoking the protection of women, families, and national identity. Similarly, in business, naming a product, project, or initiative should reflect deeper values and purpose. When the name aligns with purpose, it builds emotional equity and reinforces internal alignment. Names can unite teams, inspire action, and anchor meaning during crises.

Flipping the Narrative: From Victimhood to Resolve

There is a lesson for Corporates on how to transform external threats into resolve to succeed. Terrorists used women as messengers of fear; India responded by elevating women as messengers of strength. The enemy’s narrative was rooted in misogyny and division. But India countered not just with arms, but with symbolic clarity—having two senior women officers lead the operation’s communication. This flipped the narrative completely.Similarly, a corporate, when faced with external attacks—market disruption, bad PR, or cultural backlash – shouldn’t just respond tactically, but also with narrative clarity. Use challenges to reinforce your culture, diversity, and values. Let the message be: This is who we are!

Leading with diversity and pluralism

Two women. Two uniforms. Two faith. One purpose. The deliberate choice of spokespersons to brief the nation on Operation Sindoor reflected a clear intent: to send a message of unity beyond caste, religion, or gender. For businesses, representation in leadership—especially during key moments—sends a powerful cultural message to both internal and external stakeholders. It is important to elevate under-represented voices to reinforce inclusive leadership. Corporates must make diversity visible in leadership, especially in high-stakes situations. It’s not performative when it’s authentic—it’s a declaration of strength and credibility.

Where the terrorists sought to divide, India’s leadership showed that pluralism is power. In the corporate world, teams with diverse perspectives outperform homogeneous ones—not despite their differences but because of them. It is critical to build cultures where diverse voices aren’t just included—they are empowered. Operational resilience grows when inclusion is not a policy but a practice.

Final Reflection: Victory Beyond the Battlefield

Critics may call symbolic gestures performative. In our government’s strategy, they are integral. Operation Sindoor shows how cultural signaling can be part of operational success. For businesses, this means seeing internal communications, rituals, values, and cultural symbols as strategic assets—not fluff. Culture and communication are part of main act—not side acts. It is important to invest in symbolic clarity. From town halls to internal campaigns, your language and visuals must reinforce strategic intent. Culture isn’t built on slides—it’s built on repeated, resonant signals.

Operation Sindoor wasn’t just about neutralizing terrorists—it was about owning the narrative, redefining symbols, and asserting a cohesive identity. For corporations, this means thinking beyond quarterly goals. It means understanding that your story, your values, and your symbolism shape how the world sees your brand—and how your employees believe in it.

In a noisy, divided world, symbolism isn’t decorative—it’s strategic. Use it wisely, and your organization doesn’t just survive disruption—it thrives through it.

]]> Behind Bitcoin ‘Flash Crash’ To $88,000 – On-Chain Lessons Learned | Bitcoinist.com https://lsd.hu/behind-bitcoin-flash-crash-to-88000-on-chain-lessons-learned-bitcoinist-com/ Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:48:23 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/behind-bitcoin-flash-crash-to-88000-on-chain-lessons-learned-bitcoinist-com/

The past week has been an eventful seven-day span for the Bitcoin price action and the general cryptocurrency market. From the flagship cryptocurrency achieving a six-figure valuation to “flash crashing” to under $90,000, investors have gone through various emotions over the past week.

Unsurprisingly, the Bitcoin “flash crash” has been a major source of commentary in the past day, with several pundits providing insights as to how this phenomenon might affect the Bitcoin trajectory. Below are some of the on-chain lessons learned from the sudden price plunge, according to CryptoQuant’s head of research.

What Happened In The BTC Futures Market?

In a new post on the X platform, CryptoQuant’s head of research Julio Moreno weighed in on the flash “crash” of the Bitcoin price to around $88,800 on Thursday, December 5. For context, a flash crash refers to a scenario when the price of an asset abruptly declines but recovers almost immediately.

According to Moreno, the latest flash crash experienced by the premier cryptocurrency was triggered by a sell-off cascade and deleveraging in the BTC futures market. The crypto expert revealed that open interest dwindled as the price of Bitcoin fell on Thursday, signaling the liquidation of a significant portion of the leveraged long positions in the futures market.

Furthermore, the funding rates, which refer to the periodic payments exchanged between traders in the perpetual futures market, experienced a sharp decline when the Bitcoin price dropped. When the funding rates turn negative, it suggests that the market is becoming bearish, with short traders willing to pay a premium.

Moreno noted that the declining funding rates signaled that the prices of perpetual futures are falling faster than spot prices. It is worth noting that when the funding rates are in the negative during a price crash, it could signal that traders anticipate further bearish pressure in the short term.

Bitcoin

Source: JJCMoreno/X

An on-chain observation that stood out from the post of CryptoQuant’s head of research is that the spot demand remains strong despite the weak futures market dynamics. This is based on the Coinbase Premium metric, which tracks the difference in price on Coinbase (a spot exchange) and other exchanges (usually futures-dominated). According to Moreno, the premium has grown stronger in the positive territory, reflecting a strong buying interest amongst US investors.

Bitcoin Price At A Glance

As of this writing, the price of BTC sits just beneath the $100,500 mark, reflecting a 2% increase in the past 24 hours. According to data from CoinGecko, the premier cryptocurrency now boasts a market capitalization north of $2 trillion.

Bitcoin
The price of BTC on the daily timeframe | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView

]]> Investment lessons to learn from Goddess Durga’s 9 avatars https://lsd.hu/investment-lessons-to-learn-from-goddess-durgas-9-avatars/ https://lsd.hu/investment-lessons-to-learn-from-goddess-durgas-9-avatars/#respond Sun, 22 Oct 2023 06:48:18 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/investment-lessons-to-learn-from-goddess-durgas-9-avatars/
msid 104621478,imgsize 35220

The festival of Navratri is celebrated biannually by the Hindu Diaspora worldwide. Mythology states that Goddess Durga had battled the buffalo demon Mahishasur to restore dharma. Hence, each of the nine days is dedicated to an avatar of Goddess Durga. Navratri is all about the spirit of merriment and galore, where devotees pray, dance, sing, socialise and set up pandals.

While you enjoy the fun and frolic, it is also important to remember that the story of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars has a lot to teach. This Navratri, you can find some inspiration from Goddess Durga by following these investment lessons to welcome financial abundance into your life.

Start on the right note:
Shailputri, or the Goddess of Nature, is the first Navdurga. She symbolises introspection, dedication, and awakening. These attributes can be helpful in all spheres of life, particularly investment. An introspection of your financial goals can help you devise the right investment strategy. Dedication can ensure that you stay focused on your goals and practice a disciplined approach to wealth creation. Lastly, awakening can steer you away from mistakes and give you the power to differentiate right from wrong, thereby contributing to a foolproof investment portfolio.

Be patient:
Goddess Brahmcharini embodies patience, the power of mind over matter, and determination. These traits can be poignant in investing. Investing is all about delayed gratification and being patient is of utmost importance. Try to be disciplined, keep a long-term approach, rebalance your portfolio occasionally, and avoid decisions in haste.

Understand that knowledge is your best friend:
Goddess Chandraghanta represents the clarity of mind that comes with knowledge. She wears a half-moon on her forehead depicting a state of enlightenment and perceptiveness. Knowledge can be your greatest ally in investment. Being aware of the economic reforms in the country and globally, understanding tax implications, being vigilant about new investment options, etc., can lead to investment success.

Throw light on essential matters:
The divine Khushmanda lives inside the sun and is the carrier of light. Also known as the life creator, she brought light into the world and dispelled the darkness. An effective financial plan should draw light on your financial goals and align with your needs. Take control of your finances:
Goddess Skandmata was the commander-in-chief in the War of Demons. She embodies leadership and control. Skandmata is also the Goddess of Wisdom. Just like her, you need to be the commander-in-chief of your investment plan. Take control of your investment strategy and do so with prudence and wisdom. Create an asset allocation that matches your risk appetite and goals, and be proactive in reviewing your portfolio and making changes according to the altering market cycles.Pay attention to the minute details:
The sixth Navdurga, Katyayani, is known for her sharp vision. You, too, can adopt precision in your investment style. Being mindful of the minute details can help you identify the right investment opportunities from unsuitable ones. Whether stocks, private equity, venture capital or others, having a keen eye can help you spot the loopholes and find the strengths.

Eliminate the negatives:
Goddess Kaalratri is the most feared of all Navadurgas. She is the slayer of evil. You, too, can learn from her and eradicate all evil forces that come in the way of your investment success. Lack of knowledge, inconsistency or poor financial discipline, poor performers, etc., can stall your financial growth. Remove these to make way for better opportunities.

Get rid of investment sins:
It is believed that the mighty Goddess Mahagauri can free devotees from their sins and offer them a clean slate to start over. You can also eliminate financial sins like excessive spending, laziness or disinterest in your investment plan, lack of socially responsible investments, and more. Debt can be another evil holding back your investment progress. Getting rid of it or lowering it can help you concentrate on making money rather than spending it.

Be prepared:
Sidhidatri translates to the supplier of thoughtful capacity. Her divine providence guides her followers in the darkest of times. Recession, business failure, inflation, etc., can come in the way of your growth. However, you can overcome these challenges with thoughtfulness and awareness. Preparing for risk with diversification, planning ahead of time with an emergency fund, and timely succession and estate planning can protect your investments and help you in trying times.

Conclusion
This Navratri, try to imbibe these qualities of Maa Durga and welcome the light of wealth and happiness. And remember to create a diverse investment portfolio just like the diverse nine goddesses of Navratri.

(Anupama Sharma is Executive Director at 360 ONE Wealth. Views own)

]]> https://lsd.hu/investment-lessons-to-learn-from-goddess-durgas-9-avatars/feed/ 0 ​Key lessons for investors to navigate volatility amid Israel-Palestine conflicts – Market Maneuvering https://lsd.hu/key-lessons-for-investors-to-navigate-volatility-amid-israel-palestine-conflicts-market-maneuvering/ https://lsd.hu/key-lessons-for-investors-to-navigate-volatility-amid-israel-palestine-conflicts-market-maneuvering/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:08:15 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/key-lessons-for-investors-to-navigate-volatility-amid-israel-palestine-conflicts-market-maneuvering/
msid 104439956,imgsize 455926
Markets have always shown robustness following geopolitical events and recovered from brief disturbances. Investors should avoid impulsive actions and maintain a long-term outlook.

]]> https://lsd.hu/key-lessons-for-investors-to-navigate-volatility-amid-israel-palestine-conflicts-market-maneuvering/feed/ 0 With eyes on Taiwan, new China ban shows the U.S. may be learning lessons from mistakes with Russia https://lsd.hu/with-eyes-on-taiwan-new-china-ban-shows-the-u-s-may-be-learning-lessons-from-mistakes-with-russia/ https://lsd.hu/with-eyes-on-taiwan-new-china-ban-shows-the-u-s-may-be-learning-lessons-from-mistakes-with-russia/#respond Sun, 13 Aug 2023 20:03:34 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/with-eyes-on-taiwan-new-china-ban-shows-the-u-s-may-be-learning-lessons-from-mistakes-with-russia/

The White House has announced a ban on some U.S. investment in China in sensitive technologies such as computer chips in the latest ratcheting up of Washington’s disassociation from Beijing amid perceived national security risks.

Drew Angerer | Getty Images News | Getty Images

LONDON — U.S. moves to de-risk from China with a new investment ban suggest that Western allies may be learning from national security failings in Russia, according to analysts.

The White House on Wednesday announced a ban on some U.S. investment in China in sensitive technologies such as computer chips, in the latest ratcheting up of Washington’s disassociation from Beijing amid perceived national security risks.

Analysts said the U.S. was making such moves with an eye on rising tensions over Taiwan, given that the potential fallout from a conflict between China and Taiwan would be “unimaginable.”

U.S. President Joe Biden said the executive order, which will come into effect next year, aims to ensure that China’s military does not benefit from American technology and funding, particularly in sectors that “counter United States and allied capabilities.”

Such moves have sometimes been referred to as a “decoupling” of the world’s two largest economies, though the U.S. has preferred the term “de-risking.”

Beijing hit back at the announcement Thursday, with the Foreign Ministry saying it was “resolutely opposed” to what it dubbed the U.S.’ “blatant economic coercion and technological bullying.” China’s ambassador to Washington has previously warned that Beijing would retaliate against such measures.

These preemptive ideas about decoupling … that’s all done with a view to potential conflicts.

Olena Yurchenko

advisor at the Economic Security Council of Ukraine

“These preemptive ideas about decoupling — taking the manufacturing and the manufacturing facilities from China to India etc. — that’s all done with a view to potential conflicts, so that when it erupts, let’s say in Taiwan, it’s not so excruciating to impose some restrictions,” said Olena Yurchenko, advisor at the Economic Security Council of Ukraine. Yurchenko, who spoke to CNBC ahead of the Wednesday announcement, dubbed the scale of the risks regarding Taiwan as “unimaginable.”

Taiwan has been governed independently of China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing views the island as part of its territory.

The dispute over Taiwan is a global flashpoint, with most in the West considering it a self-governing nation. Beijing, meanwhile, has called for “reunification” with Taiwan, last year describing its status in a white paper as an “unalterable” part of China.

Prominent China hawk Kyle Bass, who said he had consulted military experts, told CNBC Tuesday that he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping could launch an attack on Taiwan as early as next year. He cited Beijing’s recent ratcheting up of its military drills around the Taiwan Strait. CNBC could not independently verify his assertions.

The Chinese government did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment on Bass’ assertions. However, it has previously said the issue with Taiwan is an internal affair and its military exercises are in response to repeated meetings between Taiwan’s president and U.S. representatives — a red line for Beijing. 

Learning lessons from Russia

The U.S. has been forthright in its aims to de-risk from China, with the Biden administration ramping up measures over the past several months amid growing global tensions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Economic Security Council of Ukraine’s Yurchenko, whose work closely follows geopolitics and international relations, said the timing of the two events was no coincidence.

“This is kind of a long-term lesson the Western governments try to learn from what they’ve seen in Russia,” she said.

Western allies have slapped unprecedented sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing war. Still, CNBC analysis shows that Moscow is able to circumvent sanctions by relying on intermediary countries to help it import Western goods, including advanced technologies for its military equipment.

How sanctioned Western tech is fueling Russia's military

Elina Ribakova, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said that China was watching the West’s approach to Russia closely. China has been cited as the primary intermediary supplying Western tech to Russia’s military.

“If we’re not effective with Russia, if China is the one playing the key role in helping Russia circumvent these export controls, then how can we possibly think that we’ll be effective against China if something were to happen with Taiwan?” Ribakova said.

The Chinese government did not respond to a request for comment on Ribakova’s and Yurchenko’s statements.

Western sanctions against Moscow keep coming, almost 1½ years after Russian forces crossed Ukraine’s borders.

The U.K. on Tuesday announced new sanctions on a range of foreign businesses accused of supplying Russian forces with weapons and components for use against Ukraine.

This follows the European Union’s introduction in June of a new package of sanctions, which includes an anti-circumvention tool to restrict the “sale, supply, transfer or export” of specified sanctioned goods and technology to certain third countries acting as intermediaries for Russia.

Asked last month whether the sanctions might send a message of potential repercussions from any possible future conflicts, including between China and Taiwan, European Commission spokesperson Daniel Ferrie told CNBC he could not comment or speculate on the future.

Reducing ties with China

As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s contributions to — and its role within — international relations and global markets are widely recognized as far exceeding those of Russia, prompting heightened caution from the West.

The European Union has thus far been more ambivalent than the U.S. in its approach to China. The British government, for its part, said Wednesday that it was considering whether to follow the U.S. as it continues to assess “potential national security risks attached to some investments.”

We need to be more firm. I’m not saying immediately decouple and walk away, although I think that’s what will happen.

Kyle Bass

founder and chief investment officer at Hayman Capital Management

However, Bass said that Western allies’ current approach of a “slow decoupling” could be misguided, leaving governments to “improvise” quickly if a conflict involving Taiwan broke out.

“We need to be more firm. I’m not saying immediately decouple and walk away, although I think that’s what will happen,” he added.

Speaking to CNBC’s “Street Signs” on Tuesday, before Biden signed the executive order, Bass, who is founder and chief investment officer at Hayman Capital Management, supported the prospect of new guidelines around U.S. investment in Chinese tech.

“We should have very strict outbound restrictions on surveillance companies, on genomics companies, on any companies that deal with Chinese military building their aircraft carriers, their war machines, their ships, their tanks,” he said.

]]> https://lsd.hu/with-eyes-on-taiwan-new-china-ban-shows-the-u-s-may-be-learning-lessons-from-mistakes-with-russia/feed/ 0 Life and investment lessons from chess https://lsd.hu/life-and-investment-lessons-from-chess/ https://lsd.hu/life-and-investment-lessons-from-chess/#respond Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:59:43 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/life-and-investment-lessons-from-chess/

Chess,the ultimate game of strategy and the game of royalty, is one of the most popular games in the world.

According to the United Nations, 70% of the adult population in the US, the UK, Germany, Russia, and India has played chess at some point in their lives and about 605 million people play chess regularly. The game is so complex that on one hand, it is said mathematically there are more possible moves of chess than atoms in the observable universe and on the other, it is still possible to checkmate your opponent in just two moves.

With its origins dating back nearly 1500 years, chess is the only board game that stood the test of time. It is believed by many that Chess originated in India. It was known as ‘Chaturang’, named after the four parts of an army namely the elephants, chariots, horsemen and foot soldiers. While Chess began as a battle simulation game, it may not be wrong to say that the game teaches a lot about life and investments.

Let’s see how…

The Game starts long before the first match.

Chess is a game of strategy. Even before the first move is played, chess aficionados prepare their game plan and strategize. Similarly, before one starts putting their money to work, it is important to be aware of our financial goals and investment horizon, which would then define our investment strategy. Players, when stuck, often take help from coaches to fine tune their game plan. Similarly, when in doubt investors can gain from the expertise of financial advisors who can help them fine tune their financial plan.

Each piece is unique and has a specific role to play.There are six types of pieces in chess, 16 pieces in all, eight pawns, two bishops (camel), two knights (horse), two rooks (elephant), one queen and one king. Each type of these pieces has a defined movement and can attack their opponents only through a defined set of rules. Each one of them has a unique place in the game.

Similarly, when it comes to life it is important to know that all of us are unique with unique journeys. And with investing, remember, each asset class has its own features and place in an investor’s portfolio. For example, debt is relatively stable whereas equity is prone to bouts of volatility but has the potential for growth vis-à-vis debt.. We often, without thinking, use debt for long-term investments, forgoing the extra return we would have earned, had we invested in equity. Similarly, we invest in equities and with even slight and short-term movements in the market, redeem within months or days, without giving our investments adequate time to grow.

Equity is well suited for long-term investments. Debt tends to bring down volatility and gold acts as a hedge against the negative impacts of inflation or geo-political events. We create robust portfolios only when we align the characteristics of each asset class with our time horizon and risk appetite.

Consistency can turn a Pawn into a Queen.
We often underestimate the power of small consistent efforts. In chess, a pawn that is able to reach the other end of the board can convert itself into a Queen. In life, people who consistently puts in efforts towards their dreams achieve it. In investments consistent small and systematic investments (SIPs) have the power to compound and grow over time.

Patience is the Key.
Chess is a game of patience. There are times during the game when the players have to keep their mind calm and decide on the next move. So much like investing (and life), where short term news, or market movement can make us restless. However, like a good chess player, we need to remain calm, not take any hasty decisions, stick to our plan and let the volatile investment cycle tide over.

Lastly, and most importantly, protect the King at any cost.
It is often said in chess that the Queen has the most powers, however if the King is dead, the game is over and hence it is important to protect the king at all times. In investing (and life) the king translates to what is most important for us and the need to protect that. What we value, needs to be decided by us. It could be child’s education or sending parents for their dream vacation. Whatever we think is important, it is pertinent that we start investing in that direction.

Just like winning at chess, the path towards wealth creation and financial freedom involves strategy and discipline. The analogy between the two is aimed to help you maneuver your investment journey.

Happy International Chess Day.

(The author is CEO Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund)

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