The camu camu berry is one of the world’s most abundant sources of vitamin C – in fact, one single teaspoon of camu camu powder has 1180% of your recommended daily intake!
Red peppers come second a vitamin race against the camu camu berry.
Where can the berries naturally be found?
Camu camu berries, scientifically referred to as Myrciaria dubia, originate from the Amazon rainforest. They flourish naturally along riverbanks and floodplains, prospering in moist, marshy zones with acidic soil and plentiful sunshine. These berries are predominantly found in areas of Peru and Brazil.
Harvesting and farming of the camu camu berry
Camu camu berries are harvested both from the wild and through cultivation. Traditionally, in the Amazon rainforest, local communities collect the berries from naturally occurring shrubs along riverbanks.
With the rising demand for their health benefits, commercial farming of camu camu has expanded. These farms are often found in Peru and Brazil, where the conditions are perfect for growing camu camu. Harvesting typically occurs in the rainy season when the berries reach full ripeness.
Gold has been a popular investment for centuries. The allure of gold endures in today’s varied financial environment. We will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of investing in gold, as well as the different methods by which you can incorporate this valuable metal into your investment portfolio.
Pros of investing in gold
Protection against market downturns
Gold is viewed as a safe-haven asset. In times of market crashes or economic instability, investors tend to turn to gold to protect their savings and investments. For example, during the financial crisis of 2008, the price of gold soared by more than 100%, contrasting sharply with the losses experienced by other assets.
One year gold price chart as of 26th July 2024
One year gold price chart as of 26th July 2024
Inflation hedge
As inflation increases, the purchasing power of the dollar diminishes. During periods of high inflation, gold often appreciates, offering a potential return for investors.
Diversification
Diversifying an investment portfolio across various assets can help in minimizing losses. Gold, which usually has a low correlation with stocks and bonds, can bolster diversification and diminish overall risk.
Cons of investing in gold
No income generation
In contrast to stocks, which distribute dividends, or bonds, which accrue interest and can appreciate (or depreciate) in value, gold does not produce income. It’s worth is dependent entirely on its appreciation in price.
Additional costs
Owning and storing physical gold involves various expenses. These include transportation costs, storage fees, and insurance, especially if the gold is kept at home.
Ways to invest in gold
Physical gold
You can buy gold bars or coins. Owning physical gold provides tangible ownership and is a classic tried and tested way to invest.
Gold Mining Stocks
Investing in shares of gold mining companies can be a strategic move, as these stocks are impacted by gold prices and the operational performance of the mines.
Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs track the price of gold. They’re an efficient way to invest without holding physical gold.
Gold mutual funds
These funds aggregate investors’ capital to invest in assets related to gold.
Options and futures contracts
For more advanced investors, trading gold options and futures can provide exposure to price movements.
Conclusion
Gold can be a valuable addition to your investment strategy, especially for long-term goals. Consider your risk tolerance, financial objectives, and the role gold plays in diversifying your portfolio. Remember that while gold has held its value over time, it’s not a guaranteed path to wealth. As with any investment, thorough research and a well-thought-out approach are essential.
On Friday 26th July 2024, U.S. stocks surged, and Wall Street concluded a volatile week on an upbeat note as investors considered the latest U.S. inflation data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 654 points to settle at 40589. The S&P 500 climbed to 5459 while the Nasdaq Composite advanced around 1% to close at 17357.
Dow Jones as at: 26th July 2024 – one day chart
Dow Jones as at: 26th July 2024 – one day chart
The upward movement was attributed to a mix of oversold conditions, a U.S. GDP report on Thursday 25th July 2024 that exceeded expectations, and the anticipation that the Federal Reserve will start reducing rates in response to the economy’s demonstrated resilience.
Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system and nearest to the sun, conceals an intriguing secret: a diamond mantle approximately 10 miles thick under its surface. This revelation comes from data provided by NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft.
Diamond mantle
Recent studies indicate that Mercury’s mantle is composed not of graphene, as was previously believed, but of diamond. The extreme pressure at the boundary between the mantle and core is thought to have facilitated the formation of diamond.
Graphite patches
Mercury’s surface is peppered with dark-coloured graphite patches, a form of carbon that has intrigued scientists for many years.
Carbon-rich magma
Researchers believe that in Mercury’s early history, it had a carbon-rich magma ocean. As the ocean of magma rose to the surface, it formed the graphite patches that are visible today.
Apple has been ousted from the top five smartphone vendors in China during Q2, as local brands like Huawei continue to escalate competition
Apple is no longer among the top five smartphone vendors in China as local brands take over the market.
Apple’s market share in China has declined, falling to 14% in the second quarter from 15% in the first quarter and 16% 2023.
For the first time in history, domestic vendors have taken over all top five positions in China.
According to reports, incorporating Apple’s Intelligence systems in its products in mainland China will be crucial over the next 12 months, as Chinese brands are rapidly integrating generative AI into their designs.
This is not good news for Apple. The company is facing challenges, notably lagging behind in the AI innovation race, and compounded by a rapidly falling share of the mobile market in China.
