Fintech PR

Logistics Execs Wary of 2024 Recession and Overreliance on China

Published

11 months ago

February 6, 2024

Majority plan Africa expansion despite guarded outlook on emerging markets

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global logistics executives, still worried about recession, say they are battling higher costs, reducing dependence on sourcing from China, and planning to boost investment in Africa despite seeing emerging markets investment overall as somewhat riskier.

Half of the 830 industry professionals surveyed for the 2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index expect a global recession in the coming year – down from nearly 70% a year ago.

More than 63% of respondents say their companies continue overhauling supply chains by spreading production to multiple locations or relocating it to home markets and nearby countries. China, the world’s leading producer, stands to be most affected: 37.4% of industry professionals say they plan move production/sourcing out of China or reduce investment there.

“Shippers and carriers are struggling to minimize supply chain risk and find new growth opportunities. Inflation and recession risks have eased, but the industry is still living with the aftershocks of the COVID pandemic. At the same time, businesses are worried about geopolitics — troubled trade relations between China and the U.S. and Europe, and the thicket of sanctions against a growing number of countries,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan.

The survey and Index are Agility’s 15^th annual snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets. The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness — factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors.

Shipping and logistics costs that soared during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath are still climbing but at a slower rate, the survey found. One way shippers expect to cope is by increasing use of digital freight forwarding from 37.8% today to 52% in five years.

Meantime, the industry is gearing up for a surge in Africa investment. Nearly 62% of professionals say their companies are planning additional or first-time investments in Africa vs. only about 7% exiting or scaling back there.

China and India, the world’s two largest countries, held their spots at No. 1 and 2 in the overall rankings. UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand rounded out the top 10. No. 24 South Africa and 25 Kenya were highest among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Three of the four countries offering the best emerging markets business conditions are situated in the Arabian Gulf: UAE (1), Saudi Arabia (3) and Qatar (4). Malaysia (2) and Jordan (5) both moved up in the business fundamentals rankings.

China and India were tops for domestic and international logistics. In digital readiness, China jumped three spots to No. 1, followed by UAE, Malaysia and Qatar. India fell from the top spot a year ago to No. 5 this year.

Outside of the top 10, many of the biggest swings in year-to-year rankings involved countries experiencing conflict, facing international economic sanctions, or suffering from chronic economic instability. Among them: Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, Argentina, Lebanon, Tunisia.

2024 Index Highlights

SURVEY

Supply chain restructuring – India, Europe and North America rank ahead of China as destinations executives expect to move production to in 2024 and onwards.
China – 40% expect their businesses to be less reliant on China in five years. Leading factors in decisions to de-risk in China: difficulty of doing business; U.S.-China trade friction; a slowing economy; the harshness of China’s COVID restrictions.
Climate change – 66% say climate change is something they’re planning for, or already affecting their businesses.
Emerging markets – the largest percentage sees increased risk/decreased rewards in emerging markets.
India – many see India growing in importance as a producer and market, but cite inadequate infrastructure and corruption as the biggest obstacles there.

COUNTRY RANKINGS

In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings were: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (6); Qatar (7); Turkey (11); Oman (15); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Egypt (20); Kuwait (21); Morocco (22); Tunisia (37); Lebanon (38); Iran (40); Algeria (42); Libya (50).
Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (24); Kenya (25); Ghana (31); Nigeria (36); Tanzania (41); Uganda (43); Ethiopia (45); Mozambique (46); Angola (47).
Index rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (4); Indonesia (5); Vietnam (8); Thailand (10); Philippines (18); Kazakhstan (23); Sri Lanka (26); Pakistan (29); Cambodia (32); Bangladesh (33); Myanmar (49).
Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (9); Chile (12); Brazil (14); Uruguay (19); Peru (28); Colombia (27); Argentina (30); Ecuador (35); Paraguay (39); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (48).
In Europe: Russia (13); Ukraine (34).

Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “Supply chain managers are still coming to terms with the political and economic instability characterising the post-COVID global economy. Geopolitical relationships are changing rapidly, and this is having a major impact on international trade and risk profiles. Businesses need to be alive to the opportunities and threats that exist in emerging markets and use data, such as that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index, to inform agile decision-making.”

2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: agility.com/2024index

About Agility

Agility is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility’s companies include the world’s largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); the market leader in logistics parks across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.

For more information about Agility, visit: www.agility.com

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Fintech PR

Strictly Money Launches Crowdcube Campaign, Inviting European Investors to Fuel its Growth Journey

Published

5 hours ago

December 27, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

strictly-money-launches-crowdcube-campaign,-inviting-european-investors-to-fuel-its-growth-journey

LONDON, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Strictly Money Ltd, the London-based fintech, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to invite European investors to fuel its next phase of growth. Crowdcube, Europe’s largest private market investment platform, has powered success stories like Revolut, Qonto, and Monzo. Regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Crowdcube provides a trusted and innovative platform for investors to participate in transformative ventures.

Strictly Money’s primary objective with this campaign is to accelerate its growth, fuel product development, and expand its shareholder base. The funding will enable Strictly Money to launch its payment card and banking app in early 2025 and to strengthen its market presence in Scandinavia, the UK, and Ireland. The company plans to introduce hedge fund returns products, broadening investment options for consumers by the end of 2025.

Discover how you can be part of Strictly Money’s growth journey by visiting our Crowdcube campaign at https://crowdcube.getstrictlymoney.com.

Will Povey, CEO and Co-Founder of Strictly Money, said: “At Strictly Money, our vision is to empower everyday investors with access to wealth-building tools and opportunities that were previously reserved for high-net-worth individuals. With this crowdfunding campaign, we aim to bring together a diverse community of investors who share our passion for financial innovation and inclusivity. This funding will not only help us launch our innovative debit card and app but also drive the development of new products that deliver real value to our users.”

About Strictly Money:

Strictly Money is a UK-based financial technology company set to launch a debit card and a cutting-edge banking app in early 2025. The company aims to democratize access to high-performing hedge fund returns, providing innovative investment strategies and financial solutions tailored to investors, savers, and entrepreneurs. Strictly Money’s mission is to open up premium investment opportunities traditionally limited to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). For more information, visit https://strictly-money.com.

For media inquiries contact:
Mary Prendergast
Email: [email protected]

Important Notice:

Investing in startups and early-stage businesses involves risks, including illiquidity, lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution. It should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Crowdcube is targeted exclusively at investors who are sufficiently sophisticated to understand these risks and make their own investment decisions. Please read the full Risk Warning on Crowdcube’s website before deciding to invest.

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Fintech PR

Bybit Web3 Wallet Integrates Tonstakers: The First of Its TON Staking Offerings to Expand DeFi Opportunities

Published

11 hours ago

December 27, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

bybit-web3-wallet-integrates-tonstakers:-the-first-of-its-ton-staking-offerings-to-expand-defi-opportunities

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange,is excited to announce the integration of Tonstakers, the leading liquid staking protocol on the TON blockchain, into its Web3 Wallet. This marks the first of Bybit Web3’s TON staking offerings, reinforcing its commitment to expanding decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities for its users.

With this integration, Bybit Web3 Wallet users can now seamlessly stake Toncoin ($TON) and receive $tsTON (Tonstakers LST) in return. The value of $tsTON increases relative to $TON every 26 hours, ensuring competitive rewards while contributing to the growth and success of the TON ecosystem. The integration also opens the door for 130 million users in the TON ecosystem to access TON staking directly within the Bybit Web3 Wallet.

Bybit is dedicated to simplifying DeFi adoption by providing intuitive and user-friendly staking experiences. This milestone partnership with Tonstakers enables users to unlock annual returns estimated between 3% and 5% APY, with rewards automatically compounded, further cementing Bybit’s role as a leader in DeFi accessibility.

Why Tonstakers Matters: The First of Its Kind
Tonstakers is the inaugural partner in Bybit Web3’s TON staking initiative, setting a new standard for staking services. With a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $260 million and a significant market share in the liquid-staked TON sector, Tonstakers offers Bybit Web3 Wallet users unparalleled access to TON staking benefits:

Effortless Staking: Securely stake $TON with ease, thanks to the user-friendly interface within the Bybit Web3 Wallet.
Earn $tsTON Rewards: Receive tokenized staked Toncoin ($tsTON), which can be leveraged within DeFi applications across the TON ecosystem.
Explore DeFi Liquidity: Engage with Tonstakers Earn to provide liquidity using $tsTON, unlocking diverse earning opportunities.

“Bybit Web3 is proud to deepen our integration with the TON blockchain, a crucial step in our mission to foster a thriving and interconnected Web3 ecosystem,” said Emily Bao, Head of Bybit Web3. “This integration empowers our users with seamless and trusted access to TON liquid staking pools and unlocks valuable earning opportunities. As a strong believer in DeFi adoption, Bybit Web3 is committed to bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, creating simple, easy, and accessible solutions that bring the benefits of decentralized finance to a wider audience. We believe this integration will significantly contribute to the growth and success of the TON ecosystem.”

Start Staking Today To begin staking your $TON and earning with $tsTON, visit https://www.bybit.com/en/web3/staking and discover the power of Bybit Web3 Wallet’s integration with Tonstakers. Bybit Web3 Wallet currently supports a wide range of staking services beyond TON tokens, including ETH, USDT, USDC, bbSOL, SUI, and more.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3

About Bybit Web3

Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.

Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 60 million users globally.

Join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.

For more details about Bybit Web3, please visit Bybit Web3.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Fintech PR

Yaber Achieves 100% YOY Sales Growth during Black Friday and Gears Up for CES 2025

Published

11 hours ago

December 27, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

yaber-achieves-100%-yoy-sales-growth-during-black-friday-and-gears-up-for-ces-2025

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Yaber reported a remarkable 100% year-over-year sales surge during Black Friday. The T2 outdoor projector, featuring a built-in battery and handle-to-stand design, ranked among Amazon’s Top 3 “Most Wished For” list. Meanwhile, the L2s projectors, available in exclusive Pantone colors, sold out shortly after launch.

Yaber T2 projector is currently available at Christmas sale on Amazon and the official Yaber website. Meanwhile, pre-orders for the L2s projectors in exclusive Pantone colors will reopen in mid-January 2025.

This year, Yaber further expanded its global retail presence, debuting at the iconic Selfridges in the UK and securing placements in MediaMarkt across EMEA, Canada’s London Drugs, Saudi Arabia’s EXTRA, Belgium’s FNAC, Greece’s PUBLIC, Czech Republic’s Datart, Japan’s Bic Camera and Yodobaxi, and Malaysia’s premier IOI City Mall and Plaza Low Yat.

Looking ahead, Yaber is set to unveil its first ultra-short-throw laser projector and a new Keith Haring-inspired entry-level model at CES 2025. The launch event will take place at 4:00 PM PST, January 6, 2025 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Visit Yaber’s booth in South Hall 1-30808 at Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC) from January 7-10 to discover more.

About Yaber

Founded in 2018, Yaber redefined home entertainment by introducing the world’s first entertainment projector, pioneering a new category in the industry. Today, its innovative projectors have delivered immersive experiences to users in over 120 countries, making Yaber a trusted name in global home entertainment.

The letter “Y” in Yaber embodies the youthful vigor and innovative spirit of Generation Y. It’s not just a symbol, but a unique representation of youth identity and attitude towards life, infusing the brand with rich cultural connotations of youthfulness within simplicity.

Committed to excellence, Yaber has been pushing the boundaries of audiovisual innovation, crafting projectors that inspire richer, more vibrant lifestyles. Its achievements are recognised with prestigious accolades, including the Red Dot, IDEA, VGP, and CES Innovation Awards.