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Fanatics Is Running a De Facto Sports Apparel Monopoly

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Fanatics, a sports apparel company, makes large profits by paying teams big for licensing and then selling a cheap, inferior product. Criticism of quality issues has yet to hurt its market share, however, as reported by Slate in March 2024.

The company holds critical apparel licensing partnerships with four major North American professional sports leagues, as well as numerous college athletic programs. Fanatics manufactures its own apparel, including game uniforms, and also sells products from other companies. The company has an evaluation of $31 billion, and had a projected $8 billion in internal revenue production, per CNBC. 

Fanatics has been under scrutiny as of late due to their poor spring training uniforms for Major League Baseball. These uniforms have poor patching, see-through pants, and overall have a bootleg look. This has led to certain teams, such as the Cincinnati Reds, to revert to last year’s pants, which were made by Majestic instead of Fanatics, per The Athletic. Despite this debacle, Fanatics remains Nike’s supplier for the MLB. 

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Beyond this, Fanatics has problems supplying fans with goods they ordered. One customer on X (@SeanDeitrick) wrote on March 4, 2024, “Welp, @Fanatics just canceled my Christmas present today: a World Series baseball autographed by Adolis Garcia. Hope they enjoyed having my money for three months interest free for selling something they apparently never had. So bummed. So, so bummed”. This is an experience that is unfortunately shared by many fans but is largely unavoidable as Fanatics holds much of the licensing required to sell such goods. Getting the product from another company is either not an option or significantly more expensive. 

As for corporate coverage of the topic, nothing really captures the full picture like this Slate article has. Several articles, such as this NBC Sports article, have covered issues with Fanatics products, including their baseball pants and the complaints of MLB players who have to wear them. ESPN also posted an article about how a rival card company, Panini, sued Fanatics for being a monopoly—however, this focuses on Fanatics at the corporate licensing level and does not include information on their poor products. 

Given that NCAA athletes now have the theoretical right to earn corporate profits from Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, the corporate bad actor already raking in the profits from their sweat deserves greater scrutiny—even from non-sports fans. “The company fits into the trend of enshittification, which happens when a company builds up a huge consumer base, then sells out its users in service of its business clients,” Kirshner concluded.

Source: Alex Kirshner, “It’s Time for Fanatics to Get Grilled by Congress,” Slate, March 7, 2024. 

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Student Researcher: Duncan Kammar (Frostburg State University) 

Faculty Evaluator: Andy Duncan (Frostburg State University)

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Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay Where Luxury Meets Paradise

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As the glistening sun rises over the pristine shores of Ibiza on this mystical Spanish Island in the Mediterranean, the iconic Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay begins its annual invitation to guests every spring. This inspired 5-star luxury hotel on the white island in the Balearic Islands offers an unmatched blend of luxury, relaxation, and indulgence in one of the world’s most coveted locations. 

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Talamanca Bay, this exclusive beachfront property has become synonymous with sophistication, catering to the discerning tastes of global travelers who seek more than just a getaway—they seek an experience.

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An Island Escape Like No Other

Every year, as late March or early April approaches, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay opens its doors to a season that promises new adventures, luxurious stays, and unforgettable memories. The resort’s season stretches through late October, a period where Ibiza transforms into a vibrant hub for the elite, the creative, and those in pursuit of the extraordinary.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is referred to as the “ultimate playground for the grown-up Ibiza set.” The hotel provides the essence of Ibiza, seamlessly blending the island’s free-spirited charm with an opulent lifestyle, creating an atmosphere where every detail is designed to elevate the guest experience.

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Traditions of Excellence

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay continues its tradition of excellence each year with a new season of Ibizan Discovery and is in an idyllic seaside location slightly away from the island’s busy hotel row. Guests returning to this luxurious haven and first-time visitors find themselves immersed in a world of unparalleled comfort. The resort’s offerings have been carefully curated to ensure that every moment spent on the property is infused with luxury, relaxation, and a touch of Ibiza’s unique energy. Whether it’s the breathtaking views from the suites, the world-class wellness facilities, or the innovative dining experiences, each element of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is designed to cater to the desires of its discerning guests.

Rejuvenation and Indulgence at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

The experience at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is more than just a stay; it is an opportunity to indulge in the finer things in life. Guests are welcomed into stunningly designed accommodations with open terraces that blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional Ibicenco architecture and Ibizan artwork.

Junior Suite with Plunge Pool

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Each of the 152 designer Ibizan-style rooms and grand suites is a sanctuary of comfort and tasteful details, offering modern amenities, luxurious bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. The sense of tranquility that pervades the rooms is complemented by state-of-the-art wellness facilities that promise to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Nobu Hotels

Six Senses Spa

For those seeking to unwind, the Six Senses Spa offers a haven of relaxation, featuring a range of treatments that cater to every need. From island-exclusive CBD rituals to personalized skincare consultations, the spa is a sanctuary where guests can escape the stresses of everyday life. Enjoy sunset yoga on the panoramic roof terrace.

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Yoga By Ibiza Bay – Nobu Hotels

The wellness offerings at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay extend beyond the spa. Fitness facilities include an expanded gym and serene yoga sessions on the rooftop. Here, guests can practice yoga or indulge in sound baths while overlooking the azure waters of Talamanca Bay, a perfect blend of physical and spiritual well-being.

Views From The Holistic Hike – Photo by Dana Sanderson

Holistic Hikes Retreats: Connecting with Nature and Self

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For those who prefer a more active and immersive spiritual experience, the Holistic Hiking Retreats offer a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Ibiza while engaging in wellness practices. These retreats, which are highly anticipated each season, combine the luxury of a three-night stay at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay with invigorating hikes through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes.

Manuel Ehrensperger – Founder Ibiza Hike Station

Participants are guided through dramatic gorges, hidden caves, crystal-clear hot springs, and lush greenery, with each hike designed to connect them with the natural world and their inner selves.

Chambao by the Beach

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Culinary Delights and Cultural Experiences

At the heart of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay lies a passion for gastronomy, with three restaurants offering an array of culinary delights. The iconic Nobu Restaurant, renowned for its innovative Japanese fusion cuisine, invites guests on a gastronomic journey like no other. At the same time, Chambao by the Beach showcases the flavors of Ibiza with its fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Breakfast Buffet – Dynie Sanderson

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, The Bay Café offers light bites and refreshing cocktails throughout the day. Every day before hitting the lounge chairs by the pool and bay, guests can casually indulge in the delicious breakfast buffet offerings while seated at their beachside tables in the sand.

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Chef Nobu at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

Culinary Excellence at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

At the heart of the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay experience is a dedication to culinary excellence, a quality that the renowned Nobu restaurant embodies. Founded by world-famous Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the Nobu brand has become synonymous with innovative cuisine that masterfully blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences.

Nobu Restaurant

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The Nobu Restaurant at Ibiza Bay is the pinnacle of Nobu Hotels’ global brand’s commitment to exceptional dining experiences. Guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey that combines the finest ingredients with the artistry of Japanese culinary techniques.

From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance, where every detail, from the décor to the service, reflects the high standards set by Chef Nobu himself.

Black Cod Miso – Photo by Dynie Sanderson

The Nobu Menu: A Symphony of Flavors

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The menu at Nobu Ibiza Bay offers a tempting array of dishes that showcase Chef Nobu’s innovative spirit. Signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso – “the star of the show,” Yellowtail Jalapeño, Tiradito Nobu, and their Omakase menu are celebrated for their exquisite balance of flavors and textures. The Black Cod Miso, in particular, has become a signature dish across all Nobu restaurants, with its delicate, buttery texture and rich, savory glaze leaving a lasting impression on all who taste it.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay Lobby

The Nobu Experience at Ibiza Bay

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s ambiance is enhanced by attentive service that anticipates every need, ensuring that each guest feels like a VIP. The staff at Nobu Ibiza Bay is not only knowledgeable about the menus and the hotel’s many amenities but is also passionate about sharing the story behind Nobu, making the guest experience both educational and enjoyable. You are welcomed like a rock star from the moment you embrace the lobby area upon arrival and are warmly greeted at the entrance of this spectacular hotel.

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Sun Lounges by the Pool Overlooking The Bay

The Beachside Experience at Hotel Nobu Ibiza

After being satiated by a remarkable breakfast feast, it’s time to claim your spot on your spacious sun lounger by the freshwater pool area with breathtaking sea views. Imagine a perfectly created refreshing drink, mixed cocktails, and freshly prepared sushi or other yummy delights delivered to your beachside enclave by your on-call waiter.

Immerse yourself in the sheer magic of the experience with enchanting mornings of relaxed nirvana. You are easily lured into bliss by the enchanting, intoxicating melodies orchestrated by the hotel’s talented musical DJ masters. The afternoon perks up with a more lively party mix of tunes as the energy by the pool takes off. Just a minute’s walk from the hotel along the soft sands, you will find many beach shacks that offer refreshing libations and fresh seafood bites.

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Many early evenings, by the pool area, Nobu Hotel Ibiza will entertain guests with live music. What a great atmosphere at one of the best hotels in authentic Ibiza.

Celebrating Ibiza’s Cultural Heritage

Beyond its luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage of Ibiza town. The hotel regularly hosts exclusive events celebrating the island’s vibrant arts scene. As a sponsor of the Ibicine Film Festival, the resort offers guests the opportunity to mingle with stars from Spain’s film industry and experience the glamour of the silver screen up close.

The hotel collaborates with local artisans and craftsmen, showcasing the island’s artistic traditions through bespoke souvenirs, artisan ceramics, and gifts available at the El Almacen boutique. These partnerships reflect Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural richness of Ibiza, offering guests a deeper connection to the island.

Old Town Ibiza

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Exploring the Magic of Ibiza

While Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers an oasis of luxury and tranquility, the island of Ibiza itself is a destination with a rich history, vibrant local culture, natural beauty, and adventure. From the ancient fortress of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the stunning beaches and hidden coves that dot the coastline, Ibiza is a place where history and nature converge.

Travelers can explore the island’s diverse landscapes on foot, by bike, on horseback, or on private guided tours discovering secluded spots and breathtaking views along the way. For those seeking adventure on the water, Ibiza’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding. 

Ibiza Nightlife

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The island’s natural beauty is complemented by Ibiza’s legendary nightlife, making it a destination that offers something for everyone. In old town, you will discover an array of trendy boutiques and hand-crafted ceramics, a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring.

Conclusion: A Luxurious Retreat Awaits

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers exemplary luxury and relaxation on the White Isle, delivering guests an unparalleled escape amidst the stunning beauty of Talamanca Bay. Experience the good life with its luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, innovative Nobu cuisine, and commitment to holistic wellness; the resort promises a rejuvenating experience like no other. 

As travelers immerse themselves in the tranquility of the resort and explore the enchantment of Ibiza, you are invited to discover the true essence of paradise on this idyllic Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain.

Chef Nobu Overlooking Ibiza Bay

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To book your stay or learn more, visit nobuhotelibizabay.com or email infonobuhotelibizabay@nobuhotels.com.

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Satellite pics show scorched earth devastation after Ukraine’s biggest strikes blew up 58 buildings & ammo trains – The Sun

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Satellite pics show scorched earth devastation after Ukraine’s biggest strikes blew up 58 buildings & ammo trains – The Sun

DRAMATIC satellite pictures have revealed the aftermath of one of the biggest Ukrainian strikes that rained hell inside Russia and reduced Putin’s weapons arsenal to ashes.

Over 58 storage buildings, belonging to the Main Artillery Directorate of Russia’s Defence Ministry, have either been obliterated or destroyed beyond repair in the devastating scorched-earth attacks.

Satellite pictures show destroyed buildings in a Russian military facility in Tver Oblast

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Satellite pictures show destroyed buildings in a Russian military facility in Tver OblastCredit: Twitter/@MT_Anderson
Open areas stacked with ammunition were destroyed while railway units and trains containing Russian military equipment were wiped out

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Open areas stacked with ammunition were destroyed while railway units and trains containing Russian military equipment were wiped outCredit: Twitter/@MT_Anderson
A picture from the Ukrainian strike on Russian storage depots in Tver Oblast

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A picture from the Ukrainian strike on Russian storage depots in Tver OblastCredit: Telegram

Several open areas stacked with ammunition have been destroyed while railway units and trains containing Russian military equipment have also been wiped out.

Pictures released by verified OSINT accounts now show the level of destruction near Oktyabrsky in Tver Oblast, where Kyiv’s crack units have been blitzing targets with Kamikaze drones.

The areas used for loading ammunition onto trains to transport them to the frontlines have also been affected, Pravada reports.

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Ukrainians are understood to have struck the military compound containing Russian missiles on September 21.

more on Russia-Ukraine war

Russian authorities were forced to close a nearby federal M-9 motorway after the blitz under “special orders”.

Multiple war bloggers and Russian telegram channels reported that Ukrainian UAVs had supposedly hit the facility and could explode and “wipe out tens of kilometres in the area”.

It comes just days after Ukraine’s biggest attack on Russian soil was seen from space after Kamikaze drones obliterated Putin’s massive weapon arsenal.

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The ammunition depot exploded in a huge mushroom fireball with thick black smoke pouring into the sky in Toropets and nearby villages.

Tens of millions of pounds worth of missiles and ammunition went up in flames as repeated fireball explosions ripped through the depot.

Putin missile and ammunition depots detonated in fireballs and mushroom clouds by Ukrainian kamikaze drone strikes in one of biggest hits of war

Dramatic footage showed the scale of the strong blast that even caused an earthquake of 2.8 on the Richter scale.

And the following mushroom cloud was so big that it was snapped by satellites all the way from space.

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Schools and kindergartens in the area were ordered to shut down due to ongoing explosions and toxic smoke filling the sky.

The modern storage depots in Tver region – part of Russian military unit No. 71628 – were hit by multiple kamikaze drones in the massive attack.

It’s thought up to 30,000 tonnes of munitions were being held in the facilities for Putin’s war.

The facility is some 285 miles from the Ukrainian border and is also alleged to house a giant stock of North Korean missiles and weapons sent by Putin ally Kim Jong Un inside.

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When the “Comprehensive Storage Arsenal” was constructed in 2018, Putin’s deputy defence minister General Dmitry Bulgakov vowed that “it protects missiles and munitions from outside impact and ensures proper upkeep”.

He boasted: “It is explosion and fireproof.”

Multiple depots containing up to 240 tonnes of missiles, ammunition and explosives built in Toropets.

Ukrainian journalist Denis Kazansky said: “The scale of the detonation of the warehouse in the Tver region is impressive…

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“The 107th arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Federation is on fire.

“The depots stored rockets for MLRS, mortar mines and anti-aircraft missiles.

“In total, the volume of stockpiles is estimated at 30,000 tonnes.”

More than ten Russian servicemen were killed in the devastating kamikaze drone strikes, one source revealed.

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 Ukraine also hit a new ammunition silo complex at Toropets in Tver region.

The separate blast is rumoured to have taken place at a secret Putin facility where he keeps his prized nuclear weapon – the “Satan-2” rocket.

Ukrainian soldiers in the war-torn Donestk region have also released dramatic footage of a battle against Putin’s troops.

Incredible footage shows the relentless battle on the streets of Toretsk.

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The two-minute video shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows Ukrainian units of the Lyut Assault Brigade at work as they wipe out enemy troops.

The action-packed clip begins with Kyiv’s brave men heading to the battleground in a truck before they unload the vehicle and head off to fight.

Meanwhile, data shows that at least 70,000 Russian troops have been killed since the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

But the figure could be far higher if casualty figures hidden by Russia are taken into account.

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The death toll used obituaries, photos from funerals and social media sites.

BBC Russian and independent website Mediazona said new graves marked by flags also helped confirm the identities of killed soldiers.

Some 13,781 were volunteers — which now exceeds former prisoners.

Citizens called up to fight under conscription account for 13 per cent.

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Since October last year, the death rate among volunteers has been at least 100 per week.

Incredible footage shows the ammo depot exploding in a mushroom fireball

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Incredible footage shows the ammo depot exploding in a mushroom fireballCredit: East2West
Satellite view shows smoke trail from the exploding missile and ammunition arsenal in Toropets, Tver region

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Satellite view shows smoke trail from the exploding missile and ammunition arsenal in Toropets, Tver regionCredit: East2West
Black smoke filled the sky in the area - sparking mass evacuations

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Black smoke filled the sky in the area – sparking mass evacuationsCredit: East2West

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The Morning Briefing: Advisers see AI as the best investment opportunity; why do black and ethnic minorities feel excluded from advice?

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The Morning Briefing: Phoenix Group scraps plans to sell protection business; advisers tweak processes

Good morning and welcome to your Morning Briefing for Monday 23 September 2024. To get this in your inbox every morning click here.


Advisers see AI as the best investment opportunity

The majority of financial advisers (71%) see Artificial intelligence (AI) as the best investment opportunity for the next 12 to 24 months.

This is according to Capital Group research, which also found 13% believe the energy transition, 9% healthcare innovation and 6% evolving globalisation to be the best investment opportunity.

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Why do black and ethnic minorities feel excluded from advice?

For those in a minority, it can be difficult for your voice to be heard and your views to carry weight. Even if the majority group listens, it is not easy for its members to stop seeing the world as they do and start seeing it through your eyes.

This is always the problem when the predominantly white financial advice profession tries to tackle the lack of ethnic diversity within its ranks and client base.



Quote Of The Day

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It’s been a lacklustre start to the week for the internationally focused FTSE 100, despite extra stimulus for China’s economy.

– Hargreaves Lansdown head of money and markets Susannah Streeter



Stat Attack

A new study from New Horizon Aircraft has revealed what small and micro-cap fund managers in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia predict the Federal Reserve will do in the remainder of the year in relation to rate cuts.

75%

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are predicting further rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year after it cut interest rates on 18 September for the first time in four years.

99%

expect the US economy during 2024 and 2025 to provide a more favourable foundation for micro and small cap valuations.

89%

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believe the Fed will achieve its target of 2% by Q2 2025 with current inflation in the US at 2.5%.

99%

of fund managers expect micro and small-caps to deliver strong returns over the next 12 months.

Source: New Horizon Aircraft 

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In Other News

Legal & General Home Finance has launched a Video Support Hub on its website, offering financial advisers “informative and easy-to-access” video guides on Legal & General’s lending criteria to help them support their clients.

The hub provides advisers with short clips on a range of topics associated with Legal & General’s lifetime mortgage products.

Video guides on the hub cover various topics including estimating property values, help with legal process requirements, and lending criteria around a property’s construction and its proximity to commercial buildings. Videos on additional topics will be added to the hub following its launch.

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Legal & General Home Finance distribution director David G Jones said: “We’re always listening to adviser feedback to improve their experience. That is why we are delighted to launch the Video Support Hub; a platform that signifies our commitment to empowering financial advisers with the tools they need for success. The informative guides on our lending criteria are designed to help streamline their client application processes and support customer needs.”


Bitcoin jumps to one-month high and yen grinds even lower (Reuters)

Rachel Reeves to rule out return to austerity after gloomy rhetoric draws criticism (Financial Times)

Fifty pubs a month shut in first half of year in England and Wales, figures show (Guardian)

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Did You See?

The investment sector has welcomed the news that that cost disclosure requirements for investment trusts will be temporarily banned.

The announcement, by the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority on 20 September, comes following years of investment companies calling for change.

These rules were inherited by the European Union (EU) and made it appear that investment trusts were more costly to put money into than they were.

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This is because the disclosure rule requires trusts to publish the costs of financing, operating and maintaining real assets.

However, many of these costs are already published in regular company updates and reflected in the value of the share price for all investment companies.

This created a “double counting of costs”, which investment trusts have long been saying has put investors off.

Although £15bn of new money went into investment trusts in 2021 alone, it is estimated the double counting rule was seeing £7bn a year in income being lost.

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The Treasury said it will lay out legislation to provide the FCA with the appropriate powers to deliver reform – the new Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime.

It said the new CCI regime will deliver more tailored and flexible rules to “address concerns across industry with current disclosure requirements, including for costs”.

Darius McQuaid has the full story.

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Private equity roll-ups of accounting firms could run into trouble

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Spurned by job seekers, the accountancy profession has an image problem. But it has never been so fashionable with investors. Private equity is tipped to own as many as 10 of the 30 largest US accounting firms and might soon be funding their international expansion. Grant Thornton’s private equity-backed US business is one of the potential bidders for its UK and Irish affiliates.

It is not hard to see the logic. Accounting firms provide a flow of resilient, stable audit revenues, along with scope to consolidate a fragmented market. If private equity can find cross-border deals, it could accelerate growth by making it easier to serve high-paying international clients.

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Firms have traditionally relied on a club of international networks for global reach, a structure that makes it easier to distance themselves from any member firm that runs into trouble.

But advocates of cross-border mergers emphasise the advantages of simplified decision-making, less bureaucracy and fewer arguments over how to allocate profits on international projects. Deloitte began merging its European businesses in 2016.

Bar chart of Fee income of accounting firm networks excluding Big Four, 2023 ($bn) showing Mid-tier accounting firms have a global reach

Reaching agreement can be tricky. A 2006 push by KPMG to merge its national partnerships in Europe failed, though its UK and Swiss firms recently agreed to merge again. Internal disagreements forced EY to abandon its ambitious attempt to break up its auditing and consulting businesses in 2023.

Another worry, noted by regulators, is that private equity ownership could damage audit quality. Maria Nykyforovych, an assistant professor at George Mason University, says the short-term investment objectives of private equity investors could create damaging incentives. Even though regulators require audit businesses to be controlled by auditors, there might be scope for private equity investors to influence the audit practice through interlocked boards or management service fees.

There is also uncertainty over investors’ end game given the difficulties of initial public offerings and trade sales. Private equity, which mostly began investing in 2021, has barely tested the exit routes. Ownership could end up with pension funds, family offices or even return to the partners.

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For now, the most likely outcome seems to be a sale to other private equity firms. London-based Hg passed on half its stake in Azets to PAI Partners in June 2023. But the scale and complexity of international roll-ups could ultimately limit the pool of potential buyers.

There is potential for private equity to be a force for good in the accountancy profession. It can fund investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies or help revamp incentive structures to enhance the appeal of an accountancy career.

But there will also be unintended consequences. The speed and scale of investment in the sector risks amplifying the impact of any mis-steps.

vanessa.houlder@ft.com

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Who is Oskar Picht? Why a Google Doodle is celebrating German teacher today

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Who is Oskar Picht? Why a Google Doodle is celebrating German teacher today

The life of Oskar Picht, a German teacher and inventor, is being celebrated with a Google Doodle today, Monday 23 September 2024.

For more than a quarter century, the internet search engine has periodically transformed its logo into fun designs marking everything from the birthdays of famous scientists and musicians to interactive games and international events.

Since the first Google Doodle – which saw Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin tweak the logo to add a man behind the second “O” to let people know they would be out of office for the Burning Man festival, in 1998 – the company’s team of in-house “Doodlers” have partnered with local guest artists and creators from across the world to generate more than 5,000 designs.

i explores the life of the man behind today’s Doodle and explains why he is being celebrated.

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Who was Oskar Picht?

Oskar Picht was a German teacher and inventor best known for creating the first Braille typewriter.

He was born in Hamburg in 1871. As a teacher Picht soon became interest in educating the blind, attending the State Institute for the Blind in Berlin-Steglitz for two years.

He developed his first Braille typewriter in 1899 and received the patent for it in 1901, before being granted another patent in 1932 after decades of improvements and modifications. The upgraded machine had six keys with different combinations of depressed dots used to make indents in a sheet of paper.

In 1910, Picht developed the first German Braille strip pen, or shorthand stenomachine, and continued to advocate for the societal inclusion of people with vision disabilities.

He went on to become the director of the Provincial Institute for the Blind in Bromberg and the director of the State Institute for the Blind in Berlin-Steglitz. He was the first German to give a radio lecture on blindness and also reportedly had the first film for the blind made, Unsere Blinden und ihre Welt (Our Blind and Their World).

Picht married Margarete Charlotte Conrad on 24 April 1902. The couple had three children.

He died aged 74 on 15 August 1945, with his final resting place in the cemetery of the Brandenburg municipality of Nuthetal in the Bergholz-Rehbrücke district.

Why is a Google Doodle celebrating Oskar Picht today?

A Google Doodle celebrating Picht and his work has been released because on this date in 1907 he received a gold medal at the International Typewriter Exhibition in Venice for his achievements.

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Created by Kiel-based artist Ute Dietz, the Doodle celebrates Picht’s remarkable invention, which has enabled blind people to write Braille more quickly and efficiently.

It features a bronze typewriter engraved in Braille on a bronze slab, surrounded by various icons of stationary items and tools including reading glasses, a wrench and a screwdriver.

The Google Doodle for Monday 23 September 2024, celebrating Oskar Picht (Photo: Google)

Google’s story about the design said: “The Doodle artwork is a bronze relief sculpture and imagery is designed to create an equitable, legible and interesting tactile Google Doodle experience for blind people – the first of its kind in Doodle history!

“The artwork also features Braille text, explaining Oskar Picht’s accomplishments.

“The relief is permanently installed at the first Accessibility Discover Centre in the Google Munich offices.”

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Explaining her design, Ms Dietz – whose artwork focuses on ways to enable blind people to participate in visual art, including through tactile or auditory means – added: “I wanted the focus to be on the typewriter for the blind and highlight some attributes of Oskar Picht as a teacher and inventor.

“When selecting the tactile elements in the Doodle, I considered balancing visual information that could be translated into the tactile. Gradually, however, the desire emerged to also convey the essence of the Doodle itself.

For instance, the screen reader text is preserved in tactile Braille. Additionally, we decided to make the classic Google logo, which is part of the collective visual memory of sighted people, accessible to the blind for the first time.”

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PHP joins key South African stock exchange

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PHP joins key South African stock exchange

The group has been included in the FTSE/JSE All Share index and All Property index.  

The post PHP joins key South African stock exchange appeared first on Property Week.

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