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Breaking Down the Controversy Surrounding the Fed’s SVB Deposit Guarantee

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Have you heard about the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to guarantee deposits at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)? It has caused quite a stir in the financial world and raised some important questions. In this blog post, we will dive into the controversy surrounding this move and break down what it could mean for both SVB customers and the broader banking industry. So grab your coffee and get ready to learn all about this hot topic!

What is the Fed’s SVB Deposit Guarantee?

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Svb Deposit Guarantee is a program that guarantees bank deposits in the event of a financial institution failure. The guarantee was created in order to promote the stability of the banking sector and protect consumers’ deposits.

The guarantee is currently being debated due to its potential effects on the banking sector. Some argue that the guarantee increases bank lending, which can lead to increased economic activity and more jobs. Others argue that the guarantee may create risky lending practices and could lead to a financial crisis.

What are the benefits of the guarantee?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) guarantees the deposits of banks and savings associations in order to protect depositors from losses in the event of a bank failure. The guarantee is available to banks and savings associations who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The guarantee has been effective in protecting depositors since it was created in 1933. The guarantee has helped to prevent many bank failures, and has preserved the deposits of millions of Americans.

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Some critics argue that the guarantee is ineffective because it does not prevent all bank failures, and because it does not cover all deposit holders. Supporters argue that the guarantee is an important safeguard against bank failures, and that it protects a wide variety of deposit holders.

How did the guarantee come about?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has been guaranteeing certain savings account deposits for over sixty years. The guarantee is currently in place for accounts held at FDIC-insured banks with a balance of $250,000 or less. The deposit insurance guarantee is not available to accounts at institutions that are not FDIC insured.

In 2015, the Federal Reserve announced that it would begin providing a similar deposit insurance guarantee for accounts at large commercial banks and other financial institutions. The Fed’s SVB deposit insurance program was created as a response to the 2008 financial crisis, when many large commercial banks were unable to provide adequate protection to their customers’ deposits. Under the program, the Fed will provide a backstop against losses on deposits up to $250,000 at participating institutions.

Critics of the Fed’s SVB deposit guarantee argue that it will lead to increased bank risk-taking and should be discontinued altogether. Supporters of the program argue that the guarantees will protect depositors from potential losses during times of market turmoil and help preserve access to credit for businesses and consumers.

What are the risks associated with the guarantee?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has come under fire in recent weeks as some lawmakers argue that the guarantee is no longer necessary. FDIC head James Cracchiolo defended the guarantee in a speech last week, but he conceded that it may be time to rethink its use.

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The guarantee was created in 1933 in response to the banking crisis of the Great Depression. It allows banks to receive deposits from consumers and then pay those deposits back if they become insolvent. In practice, this means that if a bank fails, taxpayers are likely to bear the brunt of the losses.

Critics argue that the guarantee has failed to protect consumers from irresponsible lending behavior by banks. In fact, research shows that banks have used the guarantee more often than not to cover up poor investment decisions rather than protect depositors. As a result, taxpayers have been left on the hook for billions of dollars in losses.

Supporters of the guarantee argue that it has prevented large bank failures and helped stimulate economic growth during difficult times. They also argue that repealing or modifying the guarantee would create serious financial instability and could cause another Great Depression.

What are people saying about the guarantee?

Many people are critical of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) guarantee of savings and loan deposits, believing that it led to the collapse of the industry. However, others believe that the guarantee helped prevent a worse economic disaster.

The controversy around the Fed’s deposit guarantee can be traced back to 1989, when the Savings and Loan Crisis threatened to bankrupt many small providers of affordable housing and credit products. At this time, the FDIC was created as part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act in order to protect depositors in failed banks.

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The guarantee allowed banks to continue lending to vulnerable customers, thereby preventing a broader financial crisis. In fact, economist Alan Greenspan has argued that without the guarantee, “the S&L debacle might have been so much worse.”

Critics argue that because the FDIC was not designed to handle a systemic failure like this one, it did not have enough resources available when it came time to pay out claims. They also say that because regulators refused to allow insolvent institutions to fail outright, taxpayers eventually bore heavy losses when these institutions went bankrupt.

Supporters argue that without the FDIC’s guarantees, many depositors would have lost their money regardless of what happened at individual banks. Additionally, they argue that if regulators had allowed insolvent institutions to go under outright, it would have caused even more economic turmoil and chaos than what actually occurred.

Conclusion

There is a lot of discussion surrounding the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) SVB deposit guarantee program. What is most interesting about this program, however, is how it breaks down tribalism and political divides. For example, when lawmakers learned that the FDIC would fund up to $250 million in losses for each insured bank regardless of its size, there was an outcry from some members of Congress. It seems as though they wanted banks with more money to be able to absorb any losses incurred during a financial crisis, while smaller banks would be forced into full or partial shutdowns. The FDIC’s decision not to discriminate against certain banks based on their size shows that even when lawmakers are fighting tooth and nail over policy decisions, they can still come together and work towards a common goal – protecting American citizens’ deposits.

 

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Top Trends in Financial Technology for 2024

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By Nora Mike

In 2024, the financial technology (fintech) landscape is evolving rapidly with technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and changing regulations. As digital financial services continue to expand, keeping up with the latest trends in fintech becomes increasingly important for businesses, investors, and consumers alike. This article explores the top financial technology trends for 2024, outlining how each trend is expected to impact the industry and reshape the financial ecosystem.

1. The Rise of Embedded Finance

Embedded finance is the integration of financial services into non-financial platforms and applications. Instead of accessing financial services through traditional banks, consumers can now interact with services like lending, insurance, or payments directly within apps they already use, such as retail platforms or ride-hailing services.

In 2024, embedded finance is expected to further blur the lines between financial and non-financial services. This allows companies to offer a seamless customer experience while potentially increasing their revenue streams. For consumers, this means easier and faster access to financial services without the need to interact with a standalone financial provider.

Financial Technology Trends

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/calculator-and-notepad-placed-on-usa-dollars-stack-4386366/

Benefits of Embedded Finance

  • Convenience: Users can access finance options without leaving their preferred platform.
  • Customer retention: Businesses can offer value-added services, keeping customers within their ecosystem.
  • Growth opportunities: Startups and non-financial companies can tap into financial services without the complexity of becoming licensed financial institutions.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Finance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the fintech landscape by enhancing automation, decision-making, and customer service. In 2024, AI and ML are expected to play a larger role in financial forecasting, fraud detection, and personalized financial advice.

For example, AI can help financial institutions analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential risks, while ML models can predict consumer behavior and offer tailored financial products. Robo-advisors, which use AI to provide automated investment advice, are also growing in popularity.

Key AI Applications in Financial Technology

  • Fraud detection: AI can analyze transaction patterns to detect fraudulent activities in real-time.
  • Personalized services: AI-powered systems can recommend customized financial products based on an individual’s financial behavior.
  • Automation: Routine tasks such as loan approvals or customer inquiries are automated, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

3. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Expansion

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies continue to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted and recorded in the financial industry. In 2024, the adoption of blockchain for secure, decentralized, and transparent transactions is expected to grow, not only for cryptocurrencies but also in areas such as cross-border payments, smart contracts, and tokenization of assets.

While cryptocurrencies have faced regulatory challenges in recent years, blockchain’s underlying technology is being recognized for its potential to enhance efficiency and security in financial systems. Many financial institutions are now exploring how to integrate blockchain into their operations, from clearing and settlement processes to digital identity verification.

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Blockchain Applications in Finance

  • Cross-border payments: Blockchain reduces transaction costs and settlement times for international transfers.
  • Smart contracts: Automated contracts that execute when predefined conditions are met, increasing efficiency and reducing legal costs.
  • Tokenization: Real-world assets, such as property or stocks, can be digitized and traded on blockchain platforms, increasing liquidity.

4. Open Banking and API Integration

Open banking refers to the practice of allowing third-party developers to build applications and services around a financial institution, through the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This enables the secure sharing of financial data with authorized third-party providers, giving consumers more control over their financial information.

In 2024, open banking is expected to continue growing as more countries adopt regulations that promote data sharing between financial institutions. This trend is driving innovation by allowing fintech startups to develop new solutions that improve consumer access to financial services, such as budgeting tools, lending platforms, and payment services.

Advantages of Open Banking

  • Enhanced competition: Traditional banks face competition from fintech startups offering innovative solutions.
  • Better customer experience: Consumers can easily manage multiple financial accounts and services from different providers.
  • Increased financial inclusion: By allowing third-party access to financial data, more people can gain access to credit and financial services.

5. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) refers to a blockchain-based financial system that operates without intermediaries such as banks or brokers. DeFi allows for peer-to-peer transactions, lending, borrowing, and trading using smart contracts, without the need for traditional financial institutions.

As DeFi continues to evolve, 2024 will likely see the rise of more sophisticated decentralized applications (dApps) that offer services such as lending, borrowing, and derivatives trading on blockchain platforms. DeFi offers the potential for a more open and inclusive financial system, though it also presents regulatory challenges and risks related to security and volatility.

Growth of DeFi in 2024

  • Increased adoption: More users are expected to engage with DeFi platforms as they offer lower fees and greater access to financial services.
  • Risk management: DeFi platforms are improving security and risk mitigation, addressing concerns related to hacks and volatility.
  • New financial products: Innovative financial products, such as decentralized insurance and prediction markets, will emerge, enhancing the DeFi ecosystem.

6. Sustainable and Ethical Fintech

As sustainability becomes a global priority, the financial technology sector is increasingly focusing on sustainable finance and ethical fintech solutions. In 2024, there is a growing demand for green financial products, such as carbon credits and renewable energy investments, as well as platforms that promote socially responsible investing (SRI).

Ethical fintech platforms focus on transparency, inclusivity, and responsible lending, providing consumers with financial services that align with their values. This trend is driven by a new generation of consumers who prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their financial decisions.

Examples of Sustainable Fintech

  • Green finance: Fintech platforms that help consumers and businesses track their carbon footprint or invest in sustainable projects.
  • Socially responsible investing: Platforms that allow users to invest in companies with strong ESG credentials.
  • Inclusive finance: Fintech startups focusing on underserved communities, providing access to credit and banking services in remote areas.

7. Regulatory Technology (RegTech)

With increasing regulation and compliance requirements, financial institutions are turning to Regulatory Technology (RegTech) to streamline processes and ensure compliance. In 2024, RegTech solutions will continue to evolve, helping companies navigate complex regulatory environments more efficiently through automation and data analytics.

RegTech solutions can monitor transactions for compliance, manage reporting requirements, and help companies stay up-to-date with changes in regulations. This reduces the risk of fines and penalties while enhancing the overall transparency of financial operations.

RegTech Innovations in 2024

  • Automated compliance: AI-driven tools that monitor regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Data security: Advanced encryption and secure communication protocols to safeguard financial data.
  • Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of transactions to detect compliance issues or fraudulent activities.

Comparative Table: Fintech Trends in 2024

Trend Impact on Industry Key Benefit Key Risk
Embedded Finance Integrates financial services into other sectors Convenience for users Potential overreliance on platforms
AI and Machine Learning Enhances automation and customer service Efficiency and personalization Data privacy and ethical concerns
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Improves transparency and security Faster, cheaper cross-border payments Regulatory uncertainty
Open Banking and APIs Promotes data sharing and competition Greater innovation and access Data security risks
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Creates a decentralized financial system Lowers transaction costs Security and volatility issues
Sustainable and Ethical Fintech Supports green and ethical finance Aligns financial services with values Limited regulation
Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Streamlines compliance processes Reduces compliance costs Overdependence on automated systems

Analytical Table: Key Drivers and Barriers to Fintech Trends in 2024

Fintech Trend Key Drivers Barriers to Adoption
Embedded Finance Consumer demand for convenience Integration complexity with platforms
AI and Machine Learning Need for automation and better data analytics High cost of AI technology
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Demand for secure and fast transactions Uncertain regulatory framework
Open Banking and APIs Regulatory push for open data Consumer concerns over data privacy
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Desire for financial inclusion and transparency Security concerns and lack of trust
Sustainable Fintech Increasing focus on ESG and sustainability Limited awareness and market maturity
Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Complex regulatory environment Lack of expertise in RegTech solutions

Conclusion

As we move into 2024, the financial technology sector will continue to experience rapid growth, driven by innovations in embedded finance, AI, blockchain, open banking, and sustainability. These trends are set to reshape the way financial services are delivered and consumed.

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The Benefits and Risks of Emerging Markets Investment

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By Mike Henery

The Benefits and Risks of Investing in Emerging Markets

The United States is the largest economy in the world by far, accounting  for more Emerging Markets Investment than a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. Yet we make up less than 5% of the global population.

Most of humanity doesn’t enjoy the same standard of living that we do — at least, not yet. Developing countries are full of people working hard to offer their children the kind of life we take for granted in America. And every year, more of them succeed.

In investing parlance, these developing countries are called emerging markets. Investing in emerging markets isn’t just good for the conscience — it can also be a potentially profitable way to diversify your investment portfolio.

Emerging Markets Investment

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What are emerging markets?

Emerging markets are countries with fast-growing economies. They’re also called developing economies or developing countries. Emerging markets are often contrasted with so-called “established markets” or “advanced economies” like the U.S., which tend to be wealthier and more stable, but slower-growing.

Five countries that make up the “BRICS” acronym — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are some of the most prominent examples of emerging markets, and they’re good examples of why emerging markets are of interest to investors.

The U.S. economy grew about 58% between 2012 and 2022, the latest year for which complete international data is available

The slowest-growing BRICS economy, South Africa, grew about 86% over that decade . The other four all had growth rates above 100%.

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  • Country
  • GDP growth, 2012-2022
  • United States
  • 58.39%
  • Brazil
  • 109.35%
  • Russia
  • 125.32%
  • India
  • 175.64%
  • China
  • 123.69%
  • South Africa
  • 85.86%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Data is current as of Apr. 5, 2024.

Index provider MSCI classifies 24 countries as emerging markets

. They’re listed below:

  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Czechia
  • Egypt
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Kuwait
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates

You may notice that certain notable emerging markets, such as Russia, are missing from the list above.

There is no universal standard for noting which countries are emerging markets, and indexers like Emerging Markets Investment MSCI often have geopolitical concerns to work around. Russia, for example, is an emerging market by most definitions. But it’s largely unavailable to Western investors for reasons related to the Russia-Ukraine war, so MSCI stopped tracking it in 2022.

Should I invest in emerging markets?

Investing in emerging markets might sound advanced or out-of-reach for novice investors, but there’s a strong argument for diversifying outside of the U.S. Even simple portfolios, such as those that contain only two or three funds, often include some exposure to international stocks. After all, a stock market crash in the U.S. might not hit international markets as hard.

In theory, faster GDP growth in emerging markets should also translate into faster stock market growth, but this doesn’t always work out in practice. Many of the ETFs listed above have underperformed the S&P 500 over the last five years, for a variety of reasons.

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Some emerging markets, such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, have energy-dominated economies that tend Emerging Markets Investment to boom when oil prices are high, and decline when they’re low. Others, such as Poland and Turkey, have unique security risks because they border active war zones.

There’s a common thread between these underperformances: Emerging markets tend to be less stable than established markets. They may be faster-growing, but that fast growth is more vulnerable to interruptions, like shifts in global resource markets or armed conflict.

One way to manage this kind of risk is by investing in several emerging markets at once, through a diversified emerging markets ETF, rather than a country-specific one.

» Interested in ETFs? Check out the best ETFs by one-year performance.

9 top-performing emerging market ETFs as of August 2024

Below is a list of the nine best-performing emerging markets ETFs listed by Finviz, ranked by one-year return.

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  • Ticker
  • Company
  • Performance (Year)
  • GLIN
  • VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF
  • 41.39%
  • INCO
  • Columbia India Consumer ETF
  • 39.90%
  • EPI
  • WisdomTree India Earnings Fund
  • 36.88%
  • DGIN
  • VanEck Digital India ETF
  • 36.44%
  • ARGT
  • Global X MSCI Argentina ETF
  • 34.46%
  • NFTY
  • First Trust India Nifty 50 Equal Weight ETF
  • 33.59%
  • SMIN
  • iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
  • 32.77%
  • FLIN
  • Franklin FTSE India ETF
  • 30.91%
  • INDA
  • iShares MSCI India ETF
  • 30.27%

Source: Finviz. Data is current as of Sept. 3, 2024, and is intended for informational purposes only.

Of course, it’s worth researching an ETF before you buy it, just as you would research stocks. Different Emerging Markets Investment emerging markets ETFs may have different holdings — and if you’re looking for exposure to a specific company in an emerging market, you may want to consider investing in it directly.

» More on index funds: Check out some of the best index funds in terms of long-term performance.

Investing in emerging market stocks

There are a few emerging market stocks that are directly listed on U.S. exchanges — largely bank stocks. For example, HDFC Bank, India’s largest bank, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “HDB.”

Some others are available via over-the-counter (OTC) markets — although it’s worth checking an OTC emerging market stock’s trading volume on a website like Yahoo Finance or Google before buying it. Buying a low-volume OTC stock at a good price can be tricky.

Even large conglomerates like South Korea’s Hyundai (HYMTF) are largely overlooked by U.S. investors because they trade OTC. They may only change price a few times per trading day due to a lack of buyers and sellers. That can result in buy or sell orders going through at suboptimal prices, or not going through at all. Limit orders can somewhat mitigate this risk.

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A third way to invest in individual emerging market stocks is to open an account with a Emerging Markets Investment broker that allows Americans to trade directly on foreign stock exchanges. However, only a few brokers offer this feature, and those that do may have special requirements for would-be foreign stock traders.

It’s also worth considering that you may be subject to the investment taxes and laws of the host country while investing directly in its stock market.

Neither the author nor editor owned positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication.

Frequently asked questions

Are emerging markets the poorest countries?

Emerging markets are often poorer than advanced economies, but on a global scale, they’re upper-middle-income countries, for the most part.

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In economics terminology, countries with very low GDPs, such as Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are referred to as “least-developed countries,” or LDCs.

Although LDCs may have the potential for rapid economic growth in the future, many are largely inaccessible (or extremely hazardous) to international investors today, due to some combination of lack of infrastructure, active conflict, or lack of a functioning legal or banking system.

Is investing in emerging markets the same as forex?

No — investing in emerging markets means investing in stocks from other countries, while forex involves trading the currencies of other countries.

Forex is a complicated and risky market that may not be appropriate for novice investors. But if you feel you’re capable of trying your hand at it, check out our list of the best forex brokers

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The Best Personal Finance Apps for 2024

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The Best Personal Finance Apps for 2024

Meta Description Find the best budget apps for 2024. Discover free Personal Finance Apps available on the app store and google play with high store ratings. Learn about the features of these apps and how they can help manage your personal finances.

Personal Finance Apps

Understanding Budget Apps

Budget apps are cool tools that help you manage your money. They connect with your financial accounts, track what you’re spending, and show you where your money is going. Some apps even do more than that. They help you plan your finances and make smart decisions about your money

Top Choices for Budget Apps

There are many budget apps out there, but we’ve picked out the best ones for you. We didn’t include our own app in this list because we want to give you an unbiased view. These apps have great features and lots of people love them. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

 YNAB The Hands-On Budgeting App

YNAB is an app that helps you plan your money ahead of time. It uses a method called zero-based budgeting. This means you make a plan for every dollar you earn. As soon as you get paid, you tell YNAB how much you want to spend, save, and pay off debt. It’s a very hands-on app, but it has lots of resources to help you learn how to budget and use the app. The downside is that you need to be committed to keep up with it and it’s a bit pricey.

Benefits

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– Connects with your checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans.

– Available on mobile, desktop, iPad, Apple Watch, and Alexa.

– Store rating 4.8 on iOS app store and 4.7 on Google Play.

 Goodbudget The Envelope Budgeting App

Goodbudget is another great app that helps you plan your finances. It uses the envelope budgeting system, where you set aside money for different spending categories. It doesn’t connect to your bank accounts, so you need to add all the information manually. This could be a bit of work, but it can also help you be more aware of your spending.

Benefits

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– Available on your phone and the web.

– Store rating 4.6 on iOS app store and 4.0 on Google Play.

 EveryDollar The Simple Budgeting App

EveryDollar is a simple and easy-to-use app. It uses a zero-based budgeting method, but it’s simpler than YNAB. The free version requires you to enter all the information manually, while the premium version allows you to connect your bank account.

Benefits

– Allows you to connect your saving and investing accounts with the premium version.

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– Store rating 3.8 on iOS app store and 3.3 on Google Play.

 Empower Personal Dashboard The Wealth and Spending Tracker

Empower Personal Dashboard is an app that helps you track your wealth and spending. It’s primarily an investment tool, but it also has features that can help you track your spending.

Benefits

– Connects and monitors checking, savings, and credit card accounts, as well as IRAs, 401(k)s, mortgages, and loans.

– Store rating 4.8 on iOS app store and 4.3 on Google Play.

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 PocketGuard The Simplified Budgeting App

PocketGuard simplifies budgeting. It connects your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments and  Personal Finance Apps shows you how much you have left to spend after setting aside money for necessities, bills, and goals.

Benefits

– Tracks your net worth.

– Store rating 4.6 on iOS app store and 4.1 on Google Play.

 Honeydue The Budgeting App for Partners

Honeydue is an app that helps you and your partner manage your finances together. You can both see your financial information in one place and set up monthly limits for different spending categories.

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Benefits

– Allows you to sync bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments.

– Store rating 4.5 on iOS app store and 3.8 on Google Play.

 How We Chose the Best Budget Apps

To create this list, we looked for apps that let users sync financial accounts, plan their finances, see their spending patterns, track bills, and share financial information with partners. We also checked the apps’ ratings on the iOS App Store and Google Play and read reviews from real users. We only included apps that had high ratings and lots of reviews. These ratings were last updated on Aug. 12, 2024.

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