Newsletter Jan 21, 2025
Welcome to your January 21 newsletter...

Santander may be shutting down its operations in Britain, potentially affecting 14 million customers and 20,000 employees. The closure comes as the company faces challenges in maintaining its business in the UK market. Also, get to know who is the rich heiress demanding more taxes from the rich during the World Economic Forum in today's Money Making Moves: 

In the Fast Lane of Business...

> Spanish banking giant Santander is reportedly considering exiting the British market due to challenges posed by high operating costs, regulatory demands like ring-fencing, and lower profitability. Ring-fencing rules, introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, require banks to separate retail banking from riskier activities, adding to Santander's frustrations. Despite having 14 million customers and 21,000 staff in the UK, Santander has already been cutting costs, with job reductions and declining profits. While the bank insists the UK remains a core market, the Financial Times suggests a potential focus shift to regions with higher returns, possibly retaining investment banking operations but selling its retail banking arm.

> Bitcoin surged to over $109,000 ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, continuing a 50% rise since his election, before settling above $105,500. Meanwhile, Trump’s meme coin, $TRUMP, skyrocketed tenfold after its launch, reaching a $10 billion market value despite widespread criticism from crypto enthusiasts labeling it a mockery of serious tokens. Adding to the frenzy, Melania Trump introduced her own meme coin, which quickly trended on CoinMarketCap. Reactions from industry leaders and experts were overwhelmingly negative, highlighting concerns about credibility, potential geopolitical risks, and the broader implications of the meme coin craze.

> The global supply chain for many everyday U.S. consumer goods like sneakers, T-shirts, beer, and toys, which heavily relies on imports from countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada, faces significant disruptions under President Trump's new tariff policies. These tariffs, which could range from 10% to 60%, are expected to raise prices on a wide range of products, including furniture, toys, and cars, as businesses struggle to absorb or pass on the increased costs to consumers. Retail executives and industry experts warn that higher tariffs could lead to price hikes across industries, from home goods to footwear, further straining inflation-conscious consumers. While some companies are exploring shifting supply chains to other countries like Vietnam or Mexico, the adjustments would still result in higher prices, making nearly every household and business in the U.S. feel the economic impact.

Unique Business Idea For You

Leverage the consistent global demand for potatoes by starting a farm focused on producing organic and specialty varieties, catering to health-conscious and gourmet markets. Use sustainable farming practices like crop rotation, water conservation, and integrated pest management to enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Expand beyond raw produce by investing in value-added products such as organic potato chips, frozen fries, or dehydrated potato flakes, creating diverse revenue streams. By embracing modern agricultural techniques like precision farming and direct-to-consumer sales strategies, the business can maximize yield, reduce costs, and build a loyal customer base. For more farm investing ideas, click here

Side Hustle You’d Be Crazy Not to Try

Start your own tour guide service in a popular city or town, showcasing unique attractions and hidden gems to visitors. This side hustle requires minimal investment, with your main contribution being time and local expertise. Partner with platforms like Airbnb to offer your services directly to guests, boosting visibility and bookings. Focus on personalized experiences, such as themed tours or cultural insights, to stand out and attract more clients.

Personal Finance News

> Bill Ackman, a billionaire investor, focuses on a few top investment ideas through his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital, which maintains a concentrated portfolio of high-potential stocks. His top holdings include Alphabet, Brookfield, and Hilton Worldwide, collectively accounting for nearly half of the fund's $12.7 billion equity portfolio. Ackman invests in undervalued companies, leveraging his influence to unlock value through strategic changes or investor persuasion. His strategy has been successful, with Alphabet's AI advancements, Brookfield's asset growth, and Hilton's expanding network driving strong returns. For more stock option ideas, click here

> Andrew Bloom, a successful businessman and real estate agent, has opened four of his luxurious Los Angeles mansions to families left uninsured and homeless by devastating wildfires that claimed at least 25 lives. He is urging other homeowners in Arizona and California to follow suit, offering their second or third homes as temporary housing for at least 90 days to help displaced families rebuild their lives. Bloom’s initiative highlights his longstanding commitment to philanthropy, including donations from his real estate business to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. His compassionate leadership has inspired an outpouring of support, with homeowners from across the region stepping up to offer shelter to those in need.

> Protests erupted in Davos as the World Economic Forum convened, with participants like German heiress Marlene Engelhorn demanding higher taxes on the superrich. Engelhorn, who inherited $27 million, has been a vocal advocate for wealth redistribution, creating an initiative to allocate her fortune to charitable causes. She criticized the forum for excluding those most affected by its discussions, emphasizing that the wealthy hold disproportionate power. Through her group "Tax Me Now," Engelhorn continues to lobby for significant tax reforms targeting the ultra-wealthy.

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