A new study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction suggests that it is not how often people engage in crypto trading, but how they trade that matters most. According to the study, individuals who opt for riskier assets over safer ones, or who invest with limited information or without a clear strategy, are at a higher risk of experiencing “harm.” Harm is typically defined as the negative consequences arising from excessive engagement in an activity and is central to public health approaches to addiction.

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In this correlational study, researchers examined the most prevalent forms of harm associated with cryptocurrency speculation and how these are linked to known risk factors such as fear of missing out (FOMO), impulsivity and problem gambling.

Crypto prices are often strongly influenced by hype, social media influencers and are characterised by strong periods of price appreciation followed by large price depreciation. The researchers recruited 487 crypto investors from an online panel and measured their crypto engagement, impulsivity, FOMO, problem gambling and the types of harm experienced that could be at least moderately be attributed to cryptocurrency. It was observed that problem gambling scores (PGSI) and FOMO scores were reliable predictors of the level of harm reported, with the strongest model obtained for financial harm.

The findings suggest the need to screen for speculative trading in gambling studies and that resistance to FOMO is an important element that would need to be targeted in clinical interventions for people experiencing harm.

It has already been observed that cryptocurrency traders are vulnerable to some of the harms prevalent in gambling. A 2022 study by Oksanen et al found that cryptocurrency traders reported higher levels of mental health disorders, psychological distress, and perceived loneliness compared to non-traders. Additionally, crypto market traders scored significantly higher in alcohol use and excessive gambling.

Cryptocurrency is not yet formally recognised as an addiction, but the latest study indicates that certain individuals may be more vulnerable to harm than others. The researchers concluded that these findings highlight the need for more detailed studies on the relationship between risk factors and specific trading and investing behaviours. They also emphasise the importance of ongoing public education about the risks and protective factors that can promote safer investment in these speculative markets.

HALF a million workers employed by more than 15,000 companies paying the real living wage will get a pay boost from today.

The rate will rise by 60p to £12.60 an hour across the UK and by 70p to £13.85 in London for workers.

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Unlike the government-set minimum wage, the real living wage is the only UK pay rate based on the cost of living.

It is voluntary meaning, employers can opt to pay their staff this amount but are not legally required to do so.

As of today, a full-time worker earning the new real living wage will earn £2,262 a year more than a worker earning the current government minimum, according to the Living Wage Foundation.

Employers who are signed up have until the deadline of May 1 to pay the increased rates but are encouraged to pay it as soon as possible.

Katherine Chapman, director of the foundation said low-paid workers have been “hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis”.

She said: “The real living wage remains the only UK wage rate calculated based on actual living costs, and the new rates announced today will make a massive difference to almost half a million workers who will see their pay increase.”

The real living wage was introduced in April 2016, and since then thousands of employers have opted in.

Recent joiners include Pieminister, Fred Perry and the National Theatre.

They join half of the FTSE 100 companies and household names like Aviva, Everton FC, Ikea, Burberry and LUSH.

Darren Taylor, country people and culture manager at furniture retailer Ikea, said: “A business’s success is purely driven by its people, and as a values-driven company we care about our co-workers and their wellbeing. “

“That’s why we’re committed to pay our co-workers a Real Living Wage that creates a fairer, inclusive and healthier standard of living for the many.”

You can find out which companies are signed up to pay the Real Living Wage on the foundation’s website, www.livingwage.org.uk/.

The rates are separate from the government’s national living wage, which sets the minimum hourly rate at £11.44 an hour for workers over the age of 21.

The national minimum wage is also set by the government and it is the minimum pay per hour for workers under the age between 18-20.

Will the national living wage increase?

The national living wage set out by the government usually rises every year to keep in line with increasing prices.

In April this year, the rate increased 10% from £10.42, and has generally risen by more than inflation in recent years.

In September, the Low Pay Commission (LPC), which advises the government on the minimum wage, announced plans to raise the statutory rate to £12.10 per hour.

The government usually confirms how much the National Living Wage will rise when it delivers its Autumn Statement, which will take place next week on October 30.

However, the national minimum wage for children under 18 will not be raised to the same level as that planned for adults.

This means kids aged 16 and 17 still have a slightly lower hourly minimum wage requirement.

Currently, those under 18 are legally required to get £6.40.

Apprentices are paid the same rate, too.

A MONEY-saving expert has revealed a little-known button on tumble dryers that could cut energy bills by £35 a year.

As temperatures drop, many households will be worried about the lengthy and sometimes costly process of drying their clothes indoors.

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Tumble dryers are household staples for many, but they can become pricey to run.

Especially now Ofgem‘s new energy price cap has come into effect, leading the average bill to rise by £149 a year.

But there is a little-known feature that could help curb the cost of running the device.

The Sun spoke to Fiona Peake a money-saving expert at Ocean Finance, who explained that by using the “sensor dry” function households could save up to 20% on costs.

Fiona said this setting “detects” when your clothes are dry and automatically stops the machine.

She explained: “This prevents over-drying—a common issue that wastes energy and can damage fabrics

“By making the switch to this setting, households could save as much as 20% on their drying costs, making a noticeable difference in monthly energy expenses.”

So for example, a vented tumble dryer can cost up to £179.21 to run per year, according to analysis by consumer website Which?

But using the sensor dry feature could shave up to 20% or £35 off the yearly bill.

This would mean a household would be left with a bill of £144.21.

But this could be higher or lower depending on your model and how often you use the machine.

For example, a heat pump washing machine usually costs less to run than its vented counterpart.

On average the annual cost to run one of these tumble dryers is £76.09.

With this in mind, a household could save £15 on their yearly bill by using the sensor dry feature.

To make the saving you will also have to ensure that your washing machine has the sensor dry feature.

Some tumble dryers will have the sensor dry feature built-in meaning it runs automatically without you having to do anything.

Otherwise, it can be found on the dial of your tumble dryer where the other settings can be found.

If you are confused it may be worth digging out your manual to see if your tumble dryer has the feature or searching the details of your model online.

Fiona added that cleaning the lint filter regularly can also help save money.

She added: “A blocked filter can cause your dryer to work harder and prolong drying time, wasting both energy and money.

“Keeping your dryer well-ventilated allows the machine to operate more effectively, helping you save more money.”

Other ways to save money drying your clothes

There are plenty of other gadgets which can help dry your clothes quicker this winter.

For example, heated airers can be a cost-effective tool that costs a few pennies to run.

Heated airers can save money on your energy bill as it offers a cheaper alternative to drying your clothes on the radiator.

This method can become costly as it requires you to turn on the central heating.

Heated clothes airers are like traditional ones, but you plug them in, with the bars of the dryer heating up.

You can buy covers for some as well, which speeds up the time it takes to dry your clothes.

Aldi launched an upright heated airer across its stores on October 20, for £79.99.

It was part of its Special Buy range meaning once stock has been cleared it will not be coming back.

The retailer also launched a smaller version for £34.99.

You can find a similar version on Amazon or Dunelm if you can’t find one at Aldi.

Another hack for keeping your clothes dry is using a dehumidifier.

These devices can help remove dampness from your home and can prevent the growth of mould.

They can also be great for helping clothes dry quicker when placed near your airer.

This is because it can help suck the moisture of your clothes helping them dry at a faster pace.

Real estate developer Emaar plans to invest at least Rs 2,000 crore in the Mumbai market over 6-7 years as it looks to expand into this sprawling megapolis, where it sees huge growth potential.  

The Dubai-based company, which has developed iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa, has already announced plans to invest around $1.85 billion in India over the next 6-7 years, Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India said on Monday. 

Emaar India has already developed projects across six cities in India, including Gurugram, Mohali, Lucknow, Indore, Jaipur and Hyderabad. 

It is now entering the Maharashtra market with a luxury villa project in Alibaug in Raigad district near Mumbai. 

“As far as Mumbai is concerned, it’s core to our thinking. This is the deepest and largest real estate market (in the country) and is going to be so for several decades. The economic activity that is coming out of Mumbai, the type of thought process and wealth generation that happens here, the degree to which Mumbai is well connected to the globe, makes it a pretty attractive location,” said Chakrabarti. 

Given Mumbai is already a saturated market, Emaar is open to explore redevelopment projects also, apart from greenfield opportunities, said Chakrabarti. It will continue to focus on luxury and mid-market segments for development of projects.  

The coastal town of Alibaug can be reached by ferry boats from south Mumbai, or it’s about 3-4 hour drive. However, the company officials are hopeful that with infrastructure projects like the Mumbai trans-harbour link (Atal Setu), the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport and other planned infra developments in the region, this Villa project will find many takers. 

The project spread over 25 acre will consist of 84 villas, each costing between Rs 9 crore to around Rs 16 crore. 

Excluding the cost of land acquisition, Emaar India will be investing around Rs 400 crore in this villa project. The company has received RERA approval for the project and as per timelines submitted to authorities, the project is expected to be delivered by December 2030. The company officials are hopeful of finishing it much earlier. 

By the end of 2024, the company will have close to 8 million square feet projects under various stages of construction in India, according to Chakrabarti, who added that 80-85 per cent of its portfolio will be residential projects. 

RACHEL Reeves was handed a pre-Budget boost as the economy is set to grow FASTER than expected this year, new figures show.

The Chancellor was given the boost by the International Monetary Fund declared the battle against inflation “has largely been won”.

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The upgrade comes after Ministers have been accused of peddling doom and gloom about the UK which has dented business and consumer confidence.

Growth in the UK is now expected to be 1.1 per cent for 2024 up from a forecast of 0.7 per cent projected back in July.

The IMF stated that the world economy this year will grow by 3.2 per cent rather than its previous estimate of 3.3 per cent.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “It’s welcome that the IMF have upgraded our growth forecast for this year, but I know there is more work to do.

“That is why the Budget next week will be about fixing the foundations to deliver change so we can protect working people, fix the NHS and rebuild Britain.”

Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves have put growth as a key mission at the start of their time in office.

Ministers have repeatedly said that strong economic growth will help deliver vital public services such as the NHS and education system.

But the Chancellor has warned of a £22 billion financial black hole as she prepares for next Wednesday’s Budget.

It’s also understood that the Treasury are also looking at a funding gap overall of some £40 billion which will include building a financial buffer to withstand economic shocks.

The IMF also said that UK inflation for the year will be higher than expected at 2.6 per cent, up from a previous forecast of 2.5 per cent.

Their inflation figure for next year was set at 2.1 per cent which is up from 2 per cent previously.

The rate for UK unemployment is set to have been 4.3 per cent for the whole of this year compared to the earlier estimate of 4.2 per cent.

But they warned in their World Economic Outlook that there is uncertainty in the forecasts due to a raft of elections – including the US on November 5.

They said that there could be “significant shifts” in trade and fiscal policy which could change future growth in different regions.

Reeves will travel to Washington DC at the end of the week to meet finance chiefs at the IMF annual meetings.