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Welcome to our #258 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we highlight the key findings from the latest Pipeline report: “Women Count”. Female representation on FTSE 350 executive committees has declined from 33% to 32% in 2024. So what are the implications on businesses and investors? And what are the solutions? Read on..***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaFTSE 350 Women in Leadership: A Step Back in 2024The latest "Women Count" report by Pipeline reveals a concerning trend in gender diversity among FTSE 350 companies, with implications for investors and company performance.The report emphasises how men continue to predominate in leadership jobs even though women make up 50%+ of the workforce in the UK.There is no room for complacency: businesses that prioritise gender equity have a 60% higher chance of experiencing increased productivity and profits.Key findingsFemale representation on FTSE 350 executive committees has declined from 33% to 32% in 2024. This setback is particularly notable in key leadership positions:* Only 9% of CEOs are women. The figure has hardly changed in the past eight years.* 18% of CFO roles are held by women. This is despite making up 44% of chartered accountants.* A mere 19% of commercial boardroom positions are occupied by women. These roles are really important stepping stones to CEO and CFO positions— filled by women.The Pipeline chair Professor Geeta Nargund has said:“Female leadership is good for business. Organisations which are performing the best in terms of gender parity are 22 per cent more likely to have improved profits versus those that perform the worst. Gender parity means economic prosperity, and so fair representation is not just a ‘nice to have’ or a tick-box exercise – it is a business imperative…”Implications for lack of gender parity* Performance concerns: research consistently shows that companies with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts. This decline may signal potential underperformance for affected companies.* Risk management: lack of diversity can lead to groupthink and poor decision-making, potentially increasing investment risks.* ESG considerations: as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors become increasingly important to investors, companies with declining gender diversity may face scrutiny and potential divestment.* Long-term value: the stagnation in female CEO representation (only increasing twice in eight years) suggests a systemic issue that could impact long-term value creation.So what are the solutions?Business leaders must actively demonstrate personal commitment to gender parity and link gender diversity to business strategy. Women must be sponsored and promoted to senior positions.Company culture should accommodate women’s life and health changes. And robust and clear data must be captured to track progress and hold leaders accountable. The recruitment process must be improved and high-performing women developed as part of a talent programme.And whilst mentorship and sponsorship programmes are important, specific targets for female representation need to be set, and linked to performance.Workplace policies need to improve and greater focus being given to increasing the number of women in in profit and loss-accountable roles.***It's crucial to recognise that gender diversity is not just a social issue but a key indicator of a company's ability to innovate, adapt, and perform in an increasingly complex business environment. The decline reported by Pipeline should serve as a wake-up call for both companies and investors to redouble efforts in promoting women to leadership positions.News in BriefFinancial news* Global public debt to pass $100tn this year, IMF warns. “Risks to the debt outlook are heavily tilted to the upside”.* S&P 500 bulls drive the longest weekly winning streak in 2024. On the 37th anniversary of the “Black Monday” market crash, the S&P 500 is up for the sixth straight week. * Assets in US money market funds have hit a fresh ATH at $6.5tn, although the relevant Fed Funds Rates have fallen and are likely to fall further.* Gold tops $2,700 for the first time to extend its record-breaking run. It is now up 31% YTD and on course for its best year since 1979.* China’s $562bn loan push for unfinished homes disappoints as Chinese home prices in worst slump on record.* Euro drops on dovish rate cut. ECB says inflation may reach 2% sooner than previously thought. Lagarde says economy somewhat weaker than expected.* ECB cut the key rates by 25bps as expected. Depo rate to 3.25%, Main Refi to 3.4%.* UK employer national insurance hike threatens jobs and pay rises, firms warn.* Pay growth in Great Britain falls below 5%, making interest rate cut more likely. Gap between wages and inflation narrows in August, as UK unemployment rate dips to 4%.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin's price has also risen by 8.33%+ in the past week. The current price is $68,374.22 per BTC* US spot bitcoin ETFs reach highest recorded total asset value after six-day inflow streak.* US SEC gives green light for options listing for spot bitcoin ETFs to NYSE.* ETH held in accumulation wallets jumps 65% since the start of 2024. A crypto analyst highlighted a 65% increase in Ethereum held in accumulation wallets since the start of 2024, arguing that it's no longer just for "tech enthusiasts."* SEC doubles down on allegations against Solana in amended Binance lawsuit.* BlackRock pitches Binance, OKX and Deribit on using its BUIDL token for derivatives trading.* DeFi can complement centralised financial systems, says Federal Reserve's Christopher Waller.* Kamala Harris crypto regulation plans spark criticism—but also optimism.Coffee Break? Read This* Do you want kids? It’s finally OK to simply say no* The 7 types of people you need in your life to be resilient* Guilt, worry, resentment: how the ‘club sandwich’ generation juggles caring for parents, children and grandparents.We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse ...

Welcome to our #257 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we spotlight our interview with Ayesha Ofori on The Purse Podcast. Ayesha is the founder and CEO of Propelle: a pioneering investment platform designed to empower women to achieve financial independence.We focus on why women need to invest in order to build their wealth. And start early. And in the interview we talk about women’s relationship with money, closing the gender investment gap, launching Ayesha’s startup Propelle, what’s next and more+Please enjoy! Listen to the full interview here.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaWomen, money and closing the gender investment gapWe interviewed Ayesha Ofori, founder and CEO of Propelle on The Purse Podcast to talk about women and money, closing the gender investment gap, starting a business, fundraising from female investors and more+We interviewed Ayesha Ofori on The Purse Podcast.Ayesha Ofori is the founder and CEO of Propelle, a pioneering investment platform designed to empower women to achieve financial independence.As a former Executive Director and Private Wealth Adviser at Goldman Sachs, Ayesha personally managed over £500 million in client assets, working closely with ultra-high-net-worth individuals.In this interview, we talk about women’s relationship with money, closing the gender investment gap, how women invest, the financial services industry, launching Ayesha’s startup Propelle, fundraising, female investors, challenges raising from VC, what’s next and more+Here is a short extract from the interviewJana: “…how would you describe women’s relationship with money in the UK and globally..”Ayesha’s response: (this has been lightly edited for ease of reading)“…So things are changing: Propelle exists. There are other companies out there, even existing financial services companies are now starting to focus on women. So it's definitely an area whereby a lot of companies and a lot of people have woken up. I think that generally around the world… one of the issues has been that, historically, money was never something that we (women) were encouraged to look at, to focus on, or really to be part of…I can't remember the exact date, but I think it was in the 1970s, (when) women still needed permission to be able to buy properties and without their husband's permission. It's just crazy. That's not that long ago. So when I sit back and think, I'm just like, how on earth?So then it's hardly surprising if you look at where we are today and our relationship with money, given that not too long ago, we had to go and seek someone else's permission to do certain things…So we have made progress, but there's still a long way to go. And I say that some of the myths that do exist around money and finances aren't helping.And there are lots of them. So (for example), a lot of women assume that investing is something that wealthy people do. Or it's something that rich people do..A lot of women say, ‘oh, investing is not for me: you know, that's for wealthy people….maybe one day, when I have lots of money, then I'll start investing’. Absolutely not. That is not the case. You can open an account and get an ISA (Individual Savings Account) with a little as a pound. And what's really important is that we have to start investing as early as possible. So it's not about waiting until you've accumulated wealth.Investing can help you accumulate that wealth. But you've got to put the money that you have to work as soon as you possibly can. There's actually a graph that I love to show, which has two women investing at different times. And essentially what it shows is, if they're both getting the same return from the investment, the woman who invests earlier, even though, she only invests for say five years and then stops. The woman who starts investing later but invests for like 10, 20 years, she ends up with less money than the woman who started earlier but stopped.And when you see that chart, it blows your mind because you're like: ‘But this woman only invested for a tiny amount of time versus the other woman. How on earth does that woman have more money?’ It's the power of compounding. And it works when you start as early as possible. So it's not about waiting until you become wealthy, whatever that is.If you have a pound, you can invest. It's about finding that amount that works for you and investing, ideally on a regular basis. But as I said, even if you have to stop, it doesn't matter. Starting is the crucial thing…”Listen to the full interview hereNews in BriefFinancial news* Chinese stocks tumbled as Beijing stopped short of launching more major stimulus, disappointing traders looking for more fuel for a world-beating stock rally.* To put US dominance into perspective: In 2009, the market cap of the US stock market was 30% of the global stock market cap. Today it is almost 50%, Apollo's Slok has calculated.* Brent oil soared $80/bbl+ – its highest price since August – as mounting tensions in the Middle East raised speculation that Israel may attack Iran’s oil infrastructure.* US September consumer price inflation data is hotter than predicted by a tenth of a percentage point for both headline CPI and core CPI (2.4% and 3.3% YoY).* Blowout US jobs report: US economy created 254k jobs in Sept way above the estimated 150k, according to Establishment survey.* UK economy returns to growth in boost to Rachel Reeves before budget. GDP rises by 0.2% in August after flatlining in June and July but rate of expansion slower than first half of year.* Rachel Reeves considers raising capital gains tax to 39%. Rates of 33% to 39% being tested as Treasury source says tax-raising plans are in ‘complete disarray’.* Ex-Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson appointed UK investment minister.* Meta's co-founder Mark Zuckerberg became the 2nd richest person in the world, taking the title from Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos. Zuck is worth $210bn and has become $83bn richer since the beginning of the year alone.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* BTC price eyes sub-$65K hurdles as metric hints Bitcoin 'going to rip'. * ETH reclaims $2,395 support but risks inflationary pressure.* S&P 500 has climbed more than 60% since a bear market in equities petered out two years ago. Over the same period of time, Bitcoin’s price has risen around 220%.* MicroStrategy aims to be ‘Bitcoin Bank’ with trillion-dollar valuation. With nearly $16 billion worth of Bitcoin in the bank, MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor shares big plans ahead for BTC.The Purse PodcastWe cover the following on our conversation:* Women's relationship with money* The gender investment gap* How women think about investing* Challenges in financial services for women* Introducing Pr...

Welcome to our #256 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we highlight the recent study by Fidelity Investments (US) which indicates that women are investing more of their money. And whilst younger women invest in higher numbers, Gen X and Boomer women have shown the most significant year-over-year growth in stock market participation.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaResearch: 70% of women own investments in the stock market (US)A recent study by Fidelity Investments (US) highlights that women are investing more of their money.According to a recent study by Fidelity Investments (US), the number of women owning stock market investments has surged by 18%+ compared to 2023, with 70% of women now participating in the stock market.Gen X and millennial women lead the chargeWhile younger generations continue to invest in higher numbers, Gen X and Boomer women have shown the most significant year-over-year growth in stock market participation:* Gen X women: 18% increase* Boomer women: 23% increaseMillennial women are particularly motivated by building generational wealth, while older generations focus more on affording future goals.Key findings* 71% of women agree that investing is a way to build generational wealth.* Top motivators for women to invest include ensuring quality of life for children, maximising earnings, and affording goals like retirement.* More than half of women admit their financial situation causes stress at least monthly.* Gen Z women continue to lead in embracing investing, with 77% owning stock market investments (up 6% from 2023). This group is also most likely among women to say they consider themselves an investor.Persistent challengesDespite progress, women still face a financial confidence gap. They are nearly twice as likely as men to describe their investing knowledge as "non-existent" and more likely to feel overwhelmed by investing and day-to-day financial management.What’s next? (Re) listen to The Purse Podcast:* #104: Why every woman needs a financial plan with Kristine Beese* #113: How to start investing and the secret to building a rich life with Chloe LinNews in BriefFinancial news* US jobs report: US economics created 254,000 jobs in Sept way above the estimated 150k, according to Establishment survey.* Goldman Sachs has raised the year-end 2024 S&P 500 target from 5600 to 6000, implying a 4% gain in Q4. The 12-month price target is lifted to 6300 from 6000, which means a 10% return.* Eurozone inflation slowed below ECB's 2% target for the first time since June 2021. CPI rose 1.8% year-on-year in September, down from 2.2% in August as energy costs fell sharply. Core inflation eased to 2.7%.* Pound heads for biggest fall in 18 months after Bank of England governor hints at ‘more activist’ rate cuts.* BlackRock is eating the world. Since its IPO in Oct 1999, the share has returned an average of 20.7% per year, completely outperforming the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100, which have only returned 8.2% and 9.7% per year respectively. BlackRock even outperformed Amazon and Microsoft, with only Apple and Nvidia doing better.* To put things into perspective: Since 2008, the US has continued to increase its share of the MSCI ACWI index, now standing at 64.7%, and exceeding levels last reached during the tech bubble. (via SRP)Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Analysts say that Friday's strong U.S. jobs report could be bullish for Bitcoin and other risk assets after a middling start to the month. Bitcoin is currently trading at $62,005.* Bitcoin whale's transfers of BTC mined in 2009 to Kraken hits $3.6m. * Investors have gotten quite a scare so far in October, with Bitcoin ETFs marking three straight days of losses to start the month.* Ethereum whales scoop up $66m in ETH during price dip, sentiment remains cautious. Ethereum is currently trading at $2,418.* Asset manager Bitwise will combine three Bitcoin and Ethereum futures ETFs into a single offering with a momentum-based strategy.* Grayscale launches Aave fund for Ethereum lending token. The Grayscale Aave Trust allows investors to buy shares that track the price of the asset.* Coinbase to delist EU non-compliant stablecoins in December. EU to implement new rules to oversee the crypto industry.Coffee Break? Read This* Amanda Abbington was brave enough to complain. She shouldn’t shrink from admitting it* When you start a new job, pay attention to these 5 aspects of company culture* Let’s stop calling them ‘soft skills’ — and call them ‘real skills’ insteadWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #255 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we focus on research by Scottish Friendly which highlights that women are far more likely to hold their long term savings outside of tax-efficient ISAs or pensions. But women can take proactive steps to ensure their savings work harder for them.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaThe gender savings divide: are women missing key tax benefits?Women are far more likely to hold their long term savings outside of tax-efficient ISA or pensions.A recent study commissioned by Scottish Friendly, in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research, has revealed a significant trend: women are more likely to keep their long-term savings in basic savings accounts rather than in tax-efficient vehicles like ISAs or pensions.According to The Standard, nearly half (46%) of women, compared to 39% of men, are opting to hold money earmarked for long-term goals in savings accounts instead of taking advantage of the benefits offered by pensions or stocks and shares ISAs.What counts as long-term savings?Long-term savings typically refer to plans that extend beyond five years, such as retirement funds, a deposit for a property, or capital to start a business. By relying on basic savings accounts, women miss out on higher potential returns from stocks and shares ISAs and are not fully utilising the £20,000 annual tax-free allowance ISAs offer.The cost of missed opportunitiesAdditionally, by investing in a pension, individuals can benefit from tax relief, meaning that part of what would have been paid in taxes is instead directed to their pension. This helps reduce the overall tax burden and increases the potential for long-term savings growth. The amount of tax relief you receive is based on your income tax rate.A gender wealth gap issueFor women, this trend is particularly concerning. On average, women earn less, save less, and consequently have less money to invest. This tendency to keep long-term savings in low-interest accounts not only limits their potential for wealth accumulation but also exacerbates the already significant gender wealth gap.This financial behaviour is costing women significantly, which as we know, extends well into their retirement years.What can women do to close the gap?Women can take proactive steps to ensure their savings work harder for them in the long term. A good starting point is reviewing where your savings are currently held. Consulting with a financial adviser or using online tools can help determine whether a pension, stocks and shares ISA, or even a Lifetime ISA might offer better returns. Setting up automatic transfers into these accounts can also help ensure regular contributions without the need for constant monitoring.What next? (Re) listen to The Purse Podcast:* #85: Closing the gender wealth gap and managing your money with Vicky Pryce and Victoria Ross* #117: How money works for women and why financial education is key with Sharon Lechter* #122: Financial psychotherapy, money habits, money avoidance and crisis points with Vicky ReynalNews in BriefFinancial news* World stocks hit record high after China stimulus push. * China CSI 300 on course for its biggest weekly advance since 2014 or 2008.* BCA's Marko Papic sees Chinese monetary & fiscal stimulus as a ‘fairly big deal’: this is Beijing’s 'Whatever It Takes' moment. He bets, that we are at the start of a major rotation out of US assets.* Europe's new debt problem child: France’s 10 year yields surpass Spain’s for first time since 2007.* UK government debt has hit 100% of GDP for the first time since 1961. As a Deutsche Bank chart shows, it is now the third debt super cycle since 1700 given the OBR expects debt to rise to 274% by 2073-74.* Hedge Fund legend David Tepper is buying ‘everything’ related to China, telling CNBC that “I didn’t know that they were going to bring out the big guns like they did.* The IPO conundrum: While the S&P trades at ATH, IPO activity has been almost nonexistent, when measured as a percentage of S&P 500 market cap. Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin increased marginally in value this week, currently trading at $65,508 despite supportive macroeconomic conditions, including China’s recent stimulus measures and a US Federal Reserve rate cut.* US spot Bitcoin ETFs log highest inflow day since June, two-month high in total value.* Ethereum has extended its rally this week and it is currently trading at $2,650+.* BlackRock's spot Ethereum ETF has surpassed $1bn in value for the first time. Last week was only the second week since the funds launched that net inflows were positive, signaling renewed enthusiasm for the token. * Leveraged MicroStrategy ETFs are a 'Ghost Pepper' bet on Bitcoin—and they're booming.* Binance founder CZ walks free from US prison. He served four months in federal prison for charges including alleged violations of United States Anti-Money Laundering rules.Coffee Break? Read This* A self-care checklist for leaders* How to learn from your mistakes and make better decisions* Kamala Harris now knows what strong women before her knew: the true enemy is always misogynyWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #254 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we spotlight the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves and her support for the Invest in Women Taskforce and ‘women in the economy’.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaRachel Reeves backs Invest in Women Taskforce and commits to ‘improving life for women’ in the UKOn Wednesday, UK’s Chancellor provided her full support for ‘women in the economy’.On Wednesday, UK’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced the government’s support for the Invest in Women Taskforce, as per the press release.Reeves also said she intends to use her position as the first female Chancellor to ‘improve life for women’ which includes closing the gender pay gap, strengthen rights at work and invest in childcare.The taskforce is aiming to create a funding pool of more than £250m for female-founded businesses through private capital. This will make it one of the world’s largest investment funding pools aimed solely at female founders.Reeves is expected to take an active role in steering the taskforce’s priorities and objectives. She said:“And by backing the Invest in Women Taskforce we can establish one of the world’s largest dedicated investment funding pools for female-powered businesses, helping grow our economy.“This event gathers together some very powerful women, but the truth is everyone can do something for women’s equality – whether that’s supporting the women and girls in their lives with their ambitions or making their workplace a fairer playing field.”According to The Rose Review, if the UK were to have the same share of female entrepreneurs as similar countries, £250bn of value would be added to the UK economy.News in BriefFinancial news* China doom deepens with CSI 300 drops to lowest since 2019.* Wall Street hits all-time highs after Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut. S&P 500 climbs 1.7% for highest close since July, while Dow Jones and Nasdaq also welcome rises.* The global bond rally continues. The value of global bonds increased by $91.6bn this week, reaching a new all-time high of $69.9tn.* Gold hit a fresh ATH following the Fed's 0.5% (or 50bps) rate cut.* The Fed cut interest rates by 50bps, opting for a more aggressive move amid worries the job market is slowing.* ECB cuts benchmark rate by a quarter point. Depo rate now at 3.5%, ECB depo-MRO spread to narrow 15bps as of Sep 18.* The idea of a "soft landing" is dominant narrative in stock markets. Acc to latest BofA Fund Manager Survey, the percentage of investors expecting a soft landing has increased from 76% to 79%.* Interest rates ‘on path down’ despite hold at 5%, Bank of England chief says. Bank voted on Thursday not to change borrowing costs – but Andrew Bailey says cuts likely to resume.* UK consumer confidence falls sharply amid fears of ‘painful’ budget.* UK debt hits 100% of GDP, the highest level since 1960s. Debt pile increases by 4.3 percentage points in year to August, adding to challenge for chancellor Rachel Reeves.* August saw the biggest equity fund outflow since 2022, according to JPM. This points to the abrupt downshifting of the retail impulse into equities.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin shot up this week following long-expected cuts from the Federal Reserve Wednesday. Bitcoin is now trading at $62,900+* Ethereum is up by almost 6% over the past week. The coin rose despite investors continuing to cash out of the newly-approved exchange-traded funds (ETFs). * Solana has continued to surge, adding 8% to its value over the week. Solana is now trading at $146.99.* But Avalanche is this week’s winner, having jumped 11% in seven days, and currently trading hands for $27.57.* Donald Trump finally launched his crypto project: dubbed World Liberty Financial, would offer borrowing and lending services for cryptocurrencies on Ethereum’s network. * MicroStrategy continued buying Bitcoin, adding another $458.2m in orange coins to its balance sheet.* A judge threw out Ethereum software giant Consensys’ lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).* Coinbase announces plan to bring cbBTC to Solana network.Coffee Break? Read This* I earn a good wage but still want a wealthy man – what’s wrong with that?* ‘I earn £2m – my partner £20k. It’s a bit ridiculous’: the truth about wealth-gap relationships* The Observer view on Mohamed Al Fayed: despite #MeToo, women are still at the mercy of powerful predatorsWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #253 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we spotlight our interview with Ida Tin on The Purse Podcast. Ida coined the term ‘femtech’ in 2016 and co-founded Clue, the most trusted female health app.We focus on why starting Clue was important to her. And in the interview we cover Ida’s personal journey, the rise of femtech, the challenges in the women’s health market, the impact of gender in leadership, fundraising, ethical challenges in tech and much more+Please enjoy! Listen to the full interview here.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaFemtech, fundraising and future aspirations We interviewed Ida Tin on The Purse Podcast to talk about femtech, the women’s health market, fundraising, ethical challenges in tech and why we need to design ‘a new system’.We interviewed Ida Tin on The Purse Podcast.Ida Tin coined the term ‘femtech’ in 2016. And she is the co-founder and former CEO and chairwoman, of Clue; the most trusted female health app. Clue has more than 10m active users in over 190 countries.In the interview, we talk about Ida’s personal journey, why she decided to start Clue, the women’s health market, the gender health gap, fundraising, the impact of gender in leadership, ethical concerns in tech, transparency and trust in organisations, building a new system and more+Here is a short extract from the interviewJana: “…you're the co-founder of Clue. Can you share what led you to launch your startup and why was starting what was initially a period tracking app important to you?”Ida’s response: (this has been lightly edited for ease of reading)Well, I had tried to be on the pill in my twenties, and I didn't feel great. And I was sort of puzzled that nobody had come up with something else. You know, the pill is great for a lot of people, a lot of the time, but not for everybody all the time. So I felt there needed to be more choice. And it was around 2008 and ‘quantified cell’ was a big thing: you can collect data and you can kind of optimise your body and your life and your health. And I thought, what if my phone… (because the iPhone came out in 2008 and I didn't have one. I was pretty poor. I did not have an iPhone)…what if my phone could tell me: ‘Ida, today you cannot get pregnant’ and I would not have to worry?And the days it told me… I could get pregnant, I could use a condom. And I thought that is really smart. And I had this idea that if you could measure hormones and saliva, it would be this really fast sort of home diagnostics and it would be data driven, completely scientific…And the more I thought about it, the more I thought that could literally change the world. If every single woman on this planet knew exactly when she got pregnant, oh my gosh, that would be so powerful. So I really had this sense of like, oh, all the big diagnostic companies, they must be working on this. I better hurry up! And I started trying to build this and I didn't have anything. I was not a scientist or a doctor or, you know, a lawyer or anything, but I just, ‘solving a problem’. Another part was the sense of having seen women's lives all around the planet.I knew that having more children that you want to have. It's brutal and it's not good for the kids. It's not good for society. It's not good for anything. It's not good for the planet and for, you know, ecological systems. So I had the sense of my own need. I had a global sense. I knew that overpopulation is a thing on the planet. So I was like, this would be a meaningful thing to work on as well. And I also thought it must be a good business case. We need to not get pregnant for most of our lives, for most of our reproductive lives, 40 years. So, I thought, somebody must be working on this now, fast forward, I don't know, almost 15 years.I was like, wow, they were not even trying to build this. They literally were not thinking about it! And that blows my mind to this day. It really does. That's a long conversation. We can get into it…”Listen to the full interview hereNews in BriefFinancial news* China doom deepens with CSI 300 drops to lowest since 2019.* August saw the biggest equity fund outflow since 2022, according to JPM. This points to the abrupt downshifting of the retail impulse into equities.* Oil prices tumble to their lowest level since Dec 2021 on global growth worries.* Investors dialled back their expectations for a 50bp Fed cut next week after a somewhat hot CPI report.* ECB's Lagarde: ECB decision on the size of the depo rate cut to 3.5% was unanimous. Says inflation will drop to 2% in course of 2025.* Former ECB President Mario Draghi called on the EU to invest as much as €800bn extra a year to make the bloc more competitive and to commit to the regular issuance of common bonds to compete with China and the US.* UK debt projected to almost triple over next 50 years, watchdog warns. Public finances under pressure from ageing population, climate crisis and security risks, OBR report says.* UK economy unexpectedly flatlines for second month in row. Pre-election slowdown continues in July despite economists predicting growth of 0.2%.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin is now trading above $60,000. That’s a 12% rise over seven days, and a threshold unseen since last month. The price rise came as traders grew more confident that the Fed might slash interest rates by 50 basis points instead of 25.* MicroStrategy buys an additional 18,300 bitcoin for $1.1bn, taking its holdings to 244,800 BTC.* Etherum now stands at $2,442 after jumping nearly 11% in seven days. It had recently struggled and hit its lowest level of the year but is now climbing up again.* There was more drama for Tether this week after Consumer protection group Consumers’ Research said in a report that the company behind the biggest stablecoin, USDT, was a “disaster for consumers waiting to happen.”* The price of XRP, the seventh biggest digital asset, shot up following news that Grayscale had launched a new product that gave investors exposure to the Ripple-aligned asset.* Solana applications can “prioritise real humans” with Wormhole’s latest World ID integration.* Stablecoin issuers freeze $5m worth of stablecoins tied to Lazarus Group by ZachXBT.* <a target="_blank" href="https://decrypt...

Welcome to our #252 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we spotlight Selena Gomez and how she has grown her successful business empire and her personal wealth to billionaire status.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaSelena Gomez: how she became a self-made billionaireSelena Gomez is worth $1.3bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a first time ranking, as reported by Bloomberg. Gomez, who is an actress, singer and entrepreneur, has become wealthy from a mix of businesses that leverage her talent and hundreds of millions of social media followers.The majority of Gomez’s wealth is linked to Rare Beauty Brands Inc., the cosmetics line she founded five years ago, which has gained immense popularity among influencers and teens.She has also secured brand partnerships, acting contracts, and a mental health startup Wondermind, creating a diverse portfolio that will help sustain her wealth even if she chooses to step back from the spotlight.But there is an underlying key component to her success: authenticity.Selena Gomez combines her ‘influence and expertise to both do good and create good business’.Social mediaWith 424m followers, she’s behind only soccer legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the most popular person on Instagram.Her influence has made her a powerful figure, enabling her not only to elevate her own brand but also to collaborate with major names like Puma SE, which signed her to a two-year deal valued at approximately $30m in 2017. Gomez also earned $10m as the face of Coach in 2016 and had a similar $10m agreement with Louis Vuitton. Rare Beauty cosmeticsSelena Gomez's substantial wealth, estimated at around $1.1bn, primarily stems from her majority stake in Rare Beauty. The brand's only known external investors are Nikki Eslami's New Theory Ventures and CEO Scott Friedman, who has a successful track record in the cosmetics industry. The business generated $350m last year, based on Pitchbook’s data. And Bloomberg's analysis suggests Gomez holds a 51% controlling interest in the company.As reported by Bloomberg: “I really tried my hardest to create a product that were beyond just me putting my name on something,” she said in a 2023 radio interview. “I wanted the products to be great, and I also wanted the message to be that makeup is meant to be fun”.Gomez leveraged her celebrity status to generate social media buzz for Rare Beauty. She created content for platforms like TikTok and incorporated product usage into her other projects, such as her cooking show "Selena + Chef".Mental health awarenessA key aspect of Rare Beauty's appeal is its commitment to mental health awareness. Gomez, who has been open about her own mental health struggles, pledges 1% of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services and education. This philanthropic element has resonated strongly with consumers and contributes to the brand's success.WondermindGomez co-founded Wondermind with her mother, Hollywood producer Mandy Teefey, and Daniella Pierson, the founder of the newsletter, The Newsette. The platform includes mental-health tools, interviews and a newsletter was valued at $100m in 2022. It attracted investments from, including Serena Williams’s venture fund, Serena Ventures.Gomez’s powerful formulaIndustry experts praise Gomez's approach: the combination of celebrity endorsement, a mission-driven focus, and quality products creates a powerful formula for success in the beauty industry. Gomez's strategy of diversifying her business interests and aligning them with her personal values is why she has been able to build such a successful business empire.News in BriefFinancial news* The Nasdaq 100 plunged 5.9% in worst week since November 2022, S&P 500 dropped 4.3% in worst week since March 2023.* US 10 year yields dropped to their lowest point since Jun 2023 as markets worried about growth following the soft US jobs report.* US jobs data mixed or "could have been worse, but not great". This release more than justifies the Fed going 50bps on the 18 September.* The lender Halifax has reported that the average price of a house sold in August rose to £292,505, the highest since August 2022. That is only £1,000 shy of the record high set in June 2022.* UK state pension to rise by more than £400 a year, say reports. Figures reportedly seen by BBC show men born after 1951 and women after 1953 will get £12,000 in 2025 and 2026.* Nvidia has wiped out $400bn+ in value this week, weighing on key equity benchmarks.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin continued to drop this week. Over the past seven days, the price of the asset has descended by more than 9% and—after dipping as low as $52,690 on Friday. Bitcoin is currently trading at $54,400.* Ethereum’s price was hit harder: the coin hit its lowest price of 2024 and ended the week priced at $2,178 after tumbling more than 11%.* Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs drop to new lows after week of bearish price action.* The price of TON, the cryptocurrency closely associated with the app, is one of the worst-performing coins, having dipped by 14% in seven days. It’s now priced at $4.59.* Magic Eden's multi-chain NFT dominance surges with $60m daily volume amid ME token hype. This resurgence in NFT trading volume on Magic Eden could carry significant implications for the broader crypto ecosystem. * Crypto advocates to rally in Washington D.C. alongside The Chainsmokers for upcoming 'Stand with Crypto Day'.Coffee Break? Read This* The hidden toll of micro-stress* ‘It felt shameful’: the profound loneliness of modern motherhood* Victoria Beckham losses shrink as sales soar 50% at fashion brandWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #250 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we focus on research by Pantera Capital about gender compensation in the crypto sector (US).Women in crypto tend to earn 15% more on average than men, according to their research. However this can largely be explained by the fact that these women are more experienced and join at a more senior level, compared to most men.Based on the most recent data from 2023, the median gender pay gap in the UK is 13.26%. And in the US, the median gender pay gap is 16.39%. But keep in mind that the financial services industry has one of the worst gender pay gaps across all industry sectors, especially as it relates to bonuses.In the UK, in financial services, the median gender pay gap is around 30%. Whilst the median bonus gap is around 59%+.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaWomen in crypto: new insights on compensationResearch from Pantera Capital highlights gender compensation trends in the crypto industry (US).Recent research from Pantera Capital has revealed some intriguing trends regarding women's compensation in the crypto sector (US).Key Findings* Women in crypto earn 15% more than men based on median base salaries.* The study surveyed 502 participants across the crypto industry.* For every pound a man earns, a woman in crypto generally earns £1.15.Analysing the DataExperience and SeniorityPantera Capital's research suggests that women in crypto tend to be:* More experienced* Often in mid-level to senior positions* Typically have over five years of experience in similar rolesIn contrast, a larger proportion of men occupy entry-level positions in the industry.The "Lindy Effect" in CryptoThe study introduces an interesting concept:* Women in crypto are considered "Lindy" – a term suggesting that women who have overcome industry hurdles possess valuable qualities.* These qualities include resilience and high competence, which may contribute to higher compensation.Why This Matters* Industry leadership: The crypto sector is showing a promising trend in addressing gender pay disparities, setting an example for other tech and finance industries.* Attracting talent: These findings could encourage more women to consider careers in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.* Diversity and innovation: Increased gender diversity in the crypto space could lead to more innovative solutions and broader industry growth.Looking AheadWhile this research is encouraging, it is important to remember that the crypto industry is still evolving. We need to:* Continue monitoring these trends to ensure they persist and expand.* Encourage more women to explore opportunities in crypto and blockchain.* Support initiatives that provide education and resources for women in this field.What next? (Re) listen to The Purse Podcast:* #27: Report: Women in crypto with Marina Spindler* #31: Blockchain, crypto, DeFi and how women are innovating with Bridget Greenwood* #45: Why women need to design, build and invest in crypto and Web 3.0 with Fiona O'Donnell McCarthyNews in BriefFinancial news* Fear Index Vix dropped 27.3% this week, most since Nov 2023 as recession fears have faded and bulls are firmly back in control of the narrative.* Gold prices hit ATH of $2,500 fuelled by a lower US dollar and lower US Treasury yields. Year-to-date, Gold is up 20.7%, setting the stage for its strongest annual performance since 2020 when it gained 25.1%.* US 2 year yields plunge to 3.95% as the Federal Reserve’s Jay Powell says ‘time has come’ to cut interest rates. Says Fed doesn’t seek, welcome further cooling in labor market.* US payrolls marked down by 818,000 for the 12 months through March or around 68,000 less each month; the most since 2009.* The US Treasury has become a key driver of stocks and other asset markets through its pro-cyclical issuance of debt and the increasing depth and liquidity of repo markets.* The pound was up at its highest level in over a year, based on the growing prospect of a US interest rate cut next month.* ETFs are eating the world: Active mutual funds have continued to experience outflows YTD. There have been $220bn of outflows from active mutual funds YTD, compared with $284bn of inflows to passive ETFs. Notably, “active” ETFs have experienced $48bn of inflows. Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin rallies as the Federal Reserve’s Jay Powell’s remarks sink bond yields and the US dollar. Bitcoin is now trading at $63,000+* Ethereum's price also jumped on the news from the Fed-the price of the second-biggest coin ended the week at $2,750 after increasing 6% in seven days.* The price of Solana also jumped on Friday. SOL is up nearly 10% over the week to $153 per coin.* TON Price plunges 17% after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France.* BlackRock's Ethereum ETF hits $1bn in net gains, nearly tripling Fidelity. * Grayscale launched a new crypto trust, giving investors exposure to Avalanche. The asset is now trading for $26.30, having jumped 28%.* Kamala Harris supports policies to expand crypto industry, aide says. Coffee Break? Read This* Why you feel under-appreciated at work* Let’s stop calling them “soft skills” — and call them “real skills” instead* The end of menopause: would women be healthier and happier if they menstruated for ever?We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #249 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we focus on research by nudge global which highlights the persistent gender disparity in financial wellbeing. For example, 50% of women globally report financial anxiety, compared to 41% of men.***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaResearch: breaking down financial barriers for womenA recent study from nudge global has spotlighted a persistent gender disparity in financial wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know:* Anxiety gap: 50% of women globally report financial anxiety, compared to 41% of men. The disparity is most pronounced among 25-34-year-olds, where women feel less hopeful and more anxious about their finances than their male counterparts.* Short-term planning: Over half of the women aged 25-34 rely on short-term financial plans of three years or less, compared to 52% of men who plan long-term.* Cultural factors: The gender pay gap continues to impact women's financial stability. Women globally earn 24% less than men, often balancing financial planning with family responsibilities, which exacerbates financial stress.* Employer opportunity: The report suggests that employers have a crucial role in addressing these disparities. By offering tailored financial education and support, they can empower women to achieve long-term financial security and reduce anxiety.It’s clear - addressing financial education and planning is vital to closing the gender gap and ensuring that women feel as confident and hopeful about their financial future as men do.News in BriefFinancial news* The UK stock market has posted its best week since May. The FTSE 100 has climbed by 1.75% this week, or 143 points, to close at 8,311 points.* Gold prices hit ATH of $2,500 fueled by lower US dollar and lower US Treasury yields. Year-to-date, Gold is up 20.7%, setting the stage for its strongest annual performance since 2020 when it gained 25.1%.* Fear Index Vix dropped 27.3% this week, most since November 2023 as recession fears have faded and bulls are firmly back in control of the narrative.* It looks like the ‘carry trade’ – that blew up markets – is attracting Hedge Funds again. Japan’s currency has weakened more than 5% against the dollar since August 5. Yen shorts have risen ~30-40% in past week.* Count corporate America as one of the big dip-buyers last week as US stocks fell into their worst correction since October. Goldman buyback desk flooded w/record orders amid stock swoon.* Strong US retail sales raise hopes of ‘soft landing.’ Retail sales leaped 1% in July MoM, the most in 1.5yrs and far above economists’ forecasts for a 0.4% increase.* UK economy continues recovery from recession with GDP growth of 0.6%. ONS data shows strong performance in second quarter with service sector helping drive growth.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin crashed to as low as $57,787 end of the week, and is now trading at $59,595 per coin, a seven-day dip of 2% and more than 8% below this time last month.* Increased spot bitcoin ETF inflows from institutional investors is a 'promising' indicator.* The price of ETH barely moved over the past week and is now priced at $2,607. The flat line is probably good news for holders, as it's down 23% over the past 30 days.* Solana ended the week priced at $139, a seven-day drop of 9%.* BlackRock's ETFs surpass Grayscale's in assets, crowning new crypto fund king* Franklin Templeton files S-1 for 'Crypto Index ETF' holding BTC and ETH, following Hashdex.* Trump’s family teased more crypto projects when Eric and Donald Trump Jr. told the New York Post in an exclusive interview that they were getting ready to drop "digital real estate."* Crypto.com announced it was now sponsoring the UEFA Champions League, boosting its brand in the European sports scene.* Foresight Ventures: AI x Crypto Report.Coffee Break? Read This* Beyond burnout* The future of flexibility at work* One invisible barrier holding back women at work: the conformity bindWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jointhepurse.substack.com

Welcome to our #248 weekly newsletter.“For women taking control of their financial future”-Jana HlistovaFrom The PurseIn this week’s newsletter, we spotlight a short excerpt from the interview with Ozge Dogan on The Purse Podcast. Ozge is the Founder of Karman Beyond, Türkiye’s first independent multi-family office - democratising wealth management for families.We focus on how women (and the next gen) lead on money decisions in a family office setting. In the podcast interview we also talk about the definition of wealth, what is a family office, generational wealth and the dynamics at play, women and money, sustainability and more+***And you can review the news in brief so you stay on top of global financial, economic and investing trends.I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.Until next week,JanaHow women and the Next Gen lead on money decisionsWe interviewed Ozge Dogan, Founder of Karman Beyond to talk about generational wealth, how women and the next gen lead on money and how the world will benefit.We interviewed Ozge Dogan on The Purse Podcast.Ozge Dogan is the Founder of Karman Beyond, Türkiye’s first independent multi-family office - democratising wealth management for families.We talk about the definition of wealth, what is a family office, generational wealth and the dynamics at play, the impact of women and the next gen leading on money decisions, sustainability and more+Here is a short except from the interview:Jana: “Yes…because we are seeing more women coming into this leadership role and making financial decisions or certainly engaging far more than than they used to. And there is a difference…when a woman leads a family office versus when she co-leads with a male family member.. versus when men are leading..”Ozge’s response: (lightly edited for ease of reading)Absolutely…the investment perspective is changing a lot. There's more inclusivity and there's more diversification when a woman is leading the financial decisions. And also they tend to be more impactful because her decisions are more aligned to her values.Women also consider who is going to benefit from these investments, therefore what she invests in is important; the type of companies they are, what they bring back to society.And I think these are the really important concepts. Men, on the other hand, have historically focused just on the outcome. Women are more interested in the journey and are more likely to consider the entire process, that is: what they invest in and how they do it.Basically it is not just about making money or turning a profit. It's also about how are you making these profits and who is this going to benefit along the way? So I think more women should be involved in financial decision making, in any business, in any family office, anywhere in the world, in any sector…This really will change everything…Listen to the full interview.News in BriefFinancial news* European markets recover as Bank of Japan (BoJ) calms markets. Bank of Japan deputy governor Shinichi Uchida’s speech – saying the BoJ would not hike rates when markets are unstable, has given a proverbial “green light” to carry traders to resume shorting the yen and buying higher-yielding currencies and assets.* Rebound in tech stocks continues despite disappointing earnings from AirBnB and controversial earnings from Super Micro Computer (highest profile AI component stock after Nvidia). Nasdaq 100 Future +0.7% while ABNB -17% and SMCI -11%.* US bond vigilantes managed to turn the stock market around. Investors shunned a $42bn auction of benchmark 10 year US securities, which drew a yield that was well above the pre-sale indicative level. That horrible bond auction pushed stocks lower.* JP Morgan boosts US recession chance to 35% by the end of this year, up from 25% as of the start of last month. JP Morgan economists kept the odds of a recession by the second half of 2025 at 45%. Bank follows Goldman Sachs in raising risk of a downturn.* Rebound in tech stocks continues despite disappointing earnings from AirBnB and controversial earnings from Super Micro Computer (highest profile AI component stock after Nvidia). Nasdaq 100 Future +0.7% while ABNB -17% and SMCI -11%.* UK house prices ‘to rise through rest of year’ after jump in July. Halifax says average property price in July was £291,268 as lower mortgage rates expected to lead growth.Crypto: bitcoin, ethereum, DeFi* Bitcoin was at one point trading below $50,000, after news of the US jobs market, the phenomenon dubbed the ‘carry trade’ coming undone when the Japanese yen started rising against the US dollar and tensions in the Middle East. BTC is currently trading at $61,150+.* Ethereum was knocked harder by the early week volatility losing more than 12% over the last 7 days. ETH investors appear to be less loyal to the coin than Bitcoin or Solana, and therefore it’s prone to bigger sell-offs. ETH is currently trading at $2,666.* Sui surged on news that crypto asset manager Grayscale was launching a fund for the asset. The coin has surged over 35% in seven days and is now priced at $0.87.* Ripple, the company whose founders created XRP, had been ordered to pay a $125m fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Over a 30-day period the coin is up over 30%.* Crypto.com, Gemini join Coinbase in opposing CFTC proposal that could ban prediction markets.* Crypto executives meet White House officials to discuss policy, grievances during virtual roundtable.The Purse PodcastWe cover the following on our conversation:* The definition of wealth* What is a family office?* How have family offices evolved over the last 10 years?* Generational wealth: the dynamics at play* Female inheritors vs female founders* The impact women and the next gen have on money decisions* Succession planning* Women and moneyPlease enjoy! Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify+Coffee Break? Read This* DIY smear tests are on their way? I’ll be first in the queue* Young women are telling each other to ‘date rich’. How terrifyingly retro* Women – don’t get larger, don’t get older, don’t have fun, don’t dare to wear a bikiniWe’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and janicka. We do no provide investment advice. Please do your own research or speak to a financial adviser.The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2024 & All Rights Reserved This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...