Technology

Introducing Facebook Shops: Is Shopify out of the game?

Published

5 years ago

June 16, 2020

BY CHRISTINA GWIRA

This past week, Facebook announced Facebook Shops. Essentially, the solution would bring eCommerce directly to the Facebook platform. For many local stores and businesses, this could be a simple, fast and FREE way to break out into the eCommerce world. As the platform will be already integrated into the Facebook ecosystem, businesses with a business page will now have the option to also have an online store, directly running on Facebook. For a bit of clarity, the other members of the Facebook ecosystem include: Instagram, the photo and video sharing app; Whatsapp, the mobile messaging service; Oculus VR, which is a virtual reality company; Onavo, for web analytics and lastly Beluga, which is also a messaging service. What could happen in the near future is an amalgamation of all the above technologies and apps into one eCommerce platform: Facebook Shops.

Here’s a little-known secret: there are two versions of Whatsapp. There’s the Whatsapp that we’re all familiar with the one where aunties share 5G news and the good morning blessings. However, there’s also another version of Whatsapp called Whatsapp Business. With Whatsapp Business, certain things are enabled for your account, to make commerce easier on the platform. I’ve used Whatsapp Business, instead of the regular version of Whatsapp for several months now. As an entrepreneur, I love the platform and the thing is, the interface is EXACTLY the same as the regular Whatsapp, except for one, major thing: you can run Facebook and Instagram ads to send or receive messages through Whatsapp. This has been a feature for several months now and I discovered it when I was trying to setup a simple ad for my Facebook page.

Imagine this: the ability to chat with someone, directly on their phone, from your phone, through an ad that you setup. Ground-breaking. Not through Facebook Messenger, not through email, directly to their cellphone number. But that’s not all that I noticed in Whatsapp Business. For the past week or two, Whatsapp has been prompting me to add my products to my Facebook Shop. I only recently started offering digital products in the form of social media templates to my Instagram audience, so I was very weary that somehow, Facebook knew that I had a product to sell (*cough* *cough* I am now, more than ever, super certain that our devices are listening to us!). So, it was strange that I would continuously be asked to do so. Then, the news about Facebook Shops hit, and it all made sense.

One of the questions that I have is how Facebook Shops differs from the Instagram and Facebook catalog, which I thought Whatsapp was prompting me to populate. In or around 2017, Facebook introduced Instagram Shopping: this feature enabled companies to be able to tag products within Instagram, and once a follower or viewer clicked on the product, they would be directed to their online store to purchase. This would take them away from the Facebook ecosystem. My prediction is that Facebook will attempt to either shutdown the catalog, therefore turning off this feature for millions of businesses, forcing them to keep their catalog on their platform. The reason I think this is because if people are forced to purchase and most importantly pay on and within the Facebook ecosystem, then Facebook would be able to eventually monetize this feature in more ways than one. For example: Facebook could demand a portion of sales, Facebook could dictate which payment processor will need to be used. Lastly, but probably most problematic, Facebook could determine whether your shop is or isn’t fit for their platform…

While we are going through a pandemic, life still goes on: this article is due and so are bills. However, with Facebook’s cunning launch of Facebook Shops, I believe that the future of the feature will be another way for Facebook to dig into the pockets and lives of its users. While Facebook does state that they are working with other eCommerce platforms like Shopify (my favorite), Woocommerce and Bigcommerce, I’m hesitant as to what the future will hold for this new feature. What will fees look like after COVID-19? Will the Facebook catalog still be in place? Will Instagram Shopping become a thing of the past? These questions and more come to mind.

Nevertheless, I would still encourage those who are looking to bring their business online to try and setup their store through Facebook Shops. For now, it is free, and it’s always good to have the early adopter advantage. If you’ve been looking to take your business online and have an online shop, this may be a viable option for you. You totally cut out the web designers like me clean out of the way and have the opportunity to completely run you and create your online store. Take a chance and see.

Technology

Understanding the Risk-Reward Dynamics of Investing in Casino Stocks

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Trish Browning

Photo Credit Pexels

Casinos have always made for attractive investments, encouraging many with the capability to handle both competitive risks and opportunities of stock markets. Stocks in the gambling industry offer investors a way to profit from upscale casinos and resorts, along with one of these crypto casinos and online gaming sites. However, they also create unique challenges that, therefore, require investors to have a good understanding of the sector and stock market risk.

In this article, you will learn about the risks and potential benefits of casino shares that should help you decide whether they are the right fit for your investment portfolio and make some decisions accordingly in this fun yet edgy sector.

The Attraction of Casino Stock

The changes in the legal structure related to gambling have made investing more easily accessible through online platforms and mobile games. For those who are looking to diversify their investing portfolio and increase their returns can find casino stocks appealing.

High growth potential

The gambling industry globally has shown impressive growth potential and expansion. The worldwide gambling sector has seen a resurgence thanks to a rise in travel and tourism as pandemic measures have been relaxed. In addition, online betting platforms are drawing in a new, younger audience, increasing growth opportunities for casinos and creating new possibilities for investing in casino stocks.

Growing Acceptance of Gambling

Today, gambling is being accepted by many countries, making it legal, including betting and online gaming. The casino stock investment will expand more as the acceptance will increase widely. This legal expansion of this market will make it easier for investors to try new investment opportunities.

Technological Innovations

Technology has been reshaping all industries, including casinos. Brands are putting efforts into engaging with their prospecting customers through the use of augmented reality and AI in personalizing games, among others. These contribute to better revenue, making gambling stocks popular.

Understanding the Risks of Casino Stocks

Investing in casinos can lead to high rewards, but the stock market risk related to casino stocks should not be ignored. Below are the primary dangers that investors need to take into account:

1. Fluctuations in the Market

Casino shares are known to be very responsive to overall economic situations. During the time of economic decline or recessions, there is a general reduction in the money spent on entertainment stocks or gambling stocks. This can reduce the revenue generated by the casino firms, thus impacting the prices of shares. This fluctuation can pose a risk to investors.

2. Regulatory Risks

Heavy regulations are imposed on the gambling industry, and these regulations vary considerably between countries. For casino stocks, changes in regulations, for example, changes in tax policies, stricter laws on advertising, or changes in minimum age limits, can affect its profitability.

For example, nations that previously embraced casinos may opt to enforce limitations because of worries regarding problem gambling or other societal consequences. Therefore, individuals investing in casino stocks must carefully observe regulatory updates at local and global scales.

3. Intense Competition

As new players emerge day by day, this industry has become highly competitive. New start-ups joining the industry can impact the profitability of major players by attracting their customer base. Thus, investors must analyze the competitive position of each casino company in terms of sustainability and market share expansion.

4. High-Risk Investments

These stocks might look riskier as an investment option because they are volatile and rely on the spending patterns of consumers. However, having a good knowledge and risk tolerance capacity can make it easy to invest in these stocks. On the other side, this industry generates one of the highest investment returns for investors.

The Rewards of Investing in Casino Stocks

Despite the risks, there are significant rewards of investing in casinos. Understanding these benefits is essential for investors looking to balance their portfolios with high-return assets.

1. High Returns During Economic Growth

During economic reforms, the consumer spends more on casino stocks, which boosts casino revenue. The introduction of new players and advanced technological advancements are also driving the enthusiasm of investors. For investors willing to weather potential downturns, the casino stock performance during economic expansion can result in substantial growth.

2. Potential for Dividends

Certain established casino firms pay out dividends to investors, offering a consistent stream of earnings along with the possibility of increasing capital value. Investors who like consistent income but also want to benefit from stock growth find casino stocks attractive due to dividends.

3. The Resilience of the Gambling Industry

The gambling sector has shown strength despite economic hardships, in part because it maintains a loyal clientele. This ability to recover results in consistent performance over an extended period for certain casino stocks. Investors who purchase investments when they are cheap and hold onto them as the market bounces back may see significant profits.

4. The Appeal of Long-Term Investment

For people with long-term investment plans, casino stocks can be a profitable asset. Those who keep gambling stocks for a longer period can reach larger benefits due to changing trends like online gaming and wider acceptability.

Analyzing Casino Stock Investment Performance: Key Metrics

Before delving into investing in casino stocks, it is crucial to evaluate their performance using important financial metrics and market indicators. Here is a brief comparison of several important metrics and their significance:

Metric	Description	Why It Matters
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	Reflects the profitability per share of a company. To calculate EPS, divide net income by outstanding shares.	Higher EPS indicates stronger profitability, making the stock potentially more attractive.
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio	The company’s stock price is compared to per earning share.	A lower P/E suggests the stock is undervalued, while a high P/E may indicate growth potential and higher risk.
Revenue Growth	Measures the increase in revenue over time, often shown as a percentage growth rate.	Consistent growth signals a healthy business and is essential in competitive sectors like casinos.
Dividend Yield	Shows the annual dividend as a percentage of the stock price.	Indicates potential income from the investment, which can appeal to income-focused investors
Debt-to-Equity Ratio	Assesses the company’s leverage by comparing total liabilities to shareholders’ equity.	A lower ratio indicates less reliance on debt, which can reduce risk, especially in case of market volatility.
Free Cash Flow (FCF)	Cash is available after operating expenses and capital expenditures are paid.	Positive FCF suggests the company has flexibility for growth or to return capital to shareholders.
Market Share	The company’s portion of the overall market within the industry	A strong market share can indicate stability and competitive advantage, which is important in a crowded market like casinos.

By utilizing these measurements, investors can assess the possibilities of casino stocks and determine if the financial status of the company meets their investment objectives.

Investment Strategies for Casino Stocks

Creating a solid investment plan is crucial for navigating the risk-reward dynamic in casino stock investment. Below are a few tactics that have shown to be successful:

1. Long-Term Investment Approach

Because of the instability linked with the stock market for gambling companies, adopting long-term investment strategies can be advantageous. This approach enables investors to endure temporary price fluctuations and capitalize on long-term industry expansion. It also allows investors to benefit from the compounding effects of reinvested dividends.

2. Portfolio Diversification

Spreading out your investments by including both casino stocks and other industries in your portfolio can mitigate the consequences of one stock underperforming. Investors can achieve a better risk management strategy by balancing their casino investments with stable industries, all while still aiming for potential growth.

3. Risk Management Tactics

To manage risk, certain strategies like modifying asset allocation and continuously analyzing investment performance. Investors can avoid their losses by utilizing stop-loss orders in case a stock price falls below the set level.

Long-Term Growth Potential in Casino Stocks

Purchasing shares in casino companies provides a thrilling chance for individuals looking for substantial gains, yet it comes with substantial risks as well. A comprehensive investment knowledge of market conditions, regulatory shifts, and economic influences is essential to grasp the risk-reward dynamics in this industry.

By utilizing carefully studied, extended-term investment strategies, investors can take advantage of the gambling industry stock expansion while reducing the stock market risk. Investing in casino stocks can offer a distinctive combination of risk and opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolio, as long as they grasp the potential consequences.

Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

Published

8 months ago

April 16, 2024

TOCaribNews

Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

Technology

Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

Published

10 months ago

March 11, 2024

TOCaribNews

Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.