Welcome to our #249 weekly newsletter.

“For women taking control of their financial future”

-Jana Hlistova

From The Purse

In 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.

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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,

Jana

Research: breaking down financial barriers for women

A 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 Brief

Financial 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 bind

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.

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