Wednesday 14 October 2015

Medium Term Notes for Trading by Matthew Roddan

Medium term notes are used to raise working capital and to improve a company’s balance sheet. Private trading programs are quite popular and banking instruments are popular trading tools. Private trading programs are an investment generating option for individuals and corporates alike, though not many have adequate funds to gain entry into such programs. On the other hand, MTNs could be acquired for larger values at discount and then used in private placement programs, says Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine.

Why are MTNs in demand for PPP or Private Placement Programs as they’re called? MTNs have been around since late nineties, with amounts as less as $10 – a billion, with the current highest values crossing $75 billions! There are more than 6500 private trade programs and even big corporations like Harley Davidson, Sony Capital and LG have offered MTNs collateralizing their assets for development or expansion.

Individual investors, hedge funds and portfolio managers prefer private trading programs and play by the rules, where most of their funds are invested in one or more variants of private trading programs, says Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine.  However not many individuals have large sums and many investors are lured by middlemen who take advantage of their ignorance and exploit them into giving up their funds for nothing using fraud or scams. On the other hand, there are real platforms like Project Ninety Nine where investors can pool their funds and get placed in a genuine private placement program and earn profits, which is otherwise impossible when done individually.

MTNs come in handy as they can be purchased for a discount, so one can get an instrument worth 100 million for 10 million or less. Then, it could be invested in PPPs for the duration (medium term) the instrument is valid (1 – 99 years).  As for firms, PPPs are a way to improve their financial credentials and raise capital. Without MTNs many wouldn’t have a shot at these programs, owing to the high investment required. MTNs are a way to invest in PPPs, though not many know how they work.

It is important to understand that MTN buyers do have rights and should request for POF before buying the instrument. If a potential seller refuses or show POF (Proof of Funds), stay clear from them. Remember MT103/23, MT799/999, MT760, etc. are a type of POFs and there’s no way they can avoid showing the POF.

Do you know as a buyer you have a right to see CUSIP / ISIN of the instrument you are buying?

In most cases, you are talking to a broker or middleman who claims to be a seller’s mandate, but you must understand there could be more than just this person and it could be a long chain before the direct seller or buyer is connected. Always ask how many people are involved before proceeding.
No trading platforms communicate with the end party before requirements are met and anyone claiming otherwise is not to be trusted.

While PPPs or Private Trading Programs or Private Placement Programs are real, it is important to identify the right contacts and resources to get through and make money through these programs. Of you wish to avoid fraud and scams tread carefully.

By Matthew Roddan


Tuesday 13 October 2015

Discounted Cash Flow by Matthew Roddan

. Do you know stock market speculations are based on DCF? Whether it is acqui When a company’s financials are scrutinized, metrics used to evaluate the same are important. According to Wall Street, a company’s cash flow is the best indicator for a company’s performance. As such, DCF or discounted cash flow analysis is used to determine a company’s worth by estimating future cash flows.

Projected cash flows (operating profit + depreciation + amortization of goodwill - capital expenses - cash taxes - alteration in working capital) are discounted to current value using company’s weighted average costs. In short, DCF is an effective and unparalleled tool for determining share value, which is important for investors.

Also, a few financial scandals only hiked the importance of DCF. With more concerns about reliability of earnings and calculation of P/E or cash flow determination, coming up with a DCF model calls for more efforts than merely dividing share price by income or sales. However, taking this effort ensures investors get a good idea of the key factors like share value, projection of future income or profits, growth ratio, etc. Besides, DCF can’t be manipulated through aggressive accounting practices easily.

While DCF is a very useful tool, it isn’t without shortcomings. It is a mechanical valuation tool that works akin to garbage in, garbage out saying. So, any minor change or change in assumptions could lead to major differences. But, investors should always crosscheck evaluations and allow considerable margin for such changes or errors, when taking decisions. Major investment decisions should not be taken purely relying on DCF calculations alone. What if a client backs off from a contract, or what if interest rates hike unexpectedly or even a competitor cropping up with crushing prices and the firm losing most business? Remember, when expectations change, calculations or derivations based on the assumptions will change along with it! Do you know even reputed investor Warren Buffet and other financial experts and portfolio managers rely on DCF?

Discounting cash flow is tricky and it is important to remember that assuming or predicting future estimates could be meaningful or meaningless depending on the estimates taken and how reasonable they are. Besides, numbers aren’t static and keep changing with changing trends. As for investors, evaluating stock pricing is very important and DCF is a handy aid for calculating the same, says Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Ninering a business, or a property, or investing on stock, DCF helps with speculating approximately.


Sunday 11 October 2015

Is Money Important? By Matthew Roddan

We’ve all heard the saying “Money can’t buy happiness” several times. Funny how most of our problems are related to money or created by money! Can we really ignore money? Money is a means of exchange and a very essential commodity. Without money there’s nothing one can do today – home, education, food, medical assistance and what not, everything boils down to money.

Right from the time a life is brought into the earth, everything revolves around money. While money is not everything, is does play a key role in our lives and one can never do without it. That aside, what about businesses? Can businesses be commenced or run without money? There’s always a pursuit for money and there’s no denying the fact that enough money can bring one a secured feeling. That’s one reason why many prefer starting their own business, says Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine.

With tumbling economy, many lost their jobs and were left in lurch and succumbed to not being able to manage the change or uncertainty. Even established individuals who had a career for years couldn’t take the hit and look for new opportunities, if at all there were any! By having a business, one can control their destiny and not leave it at the mercy of others – this is one reason that pushes many to start their own business.

It is one reason why many who don’t have the resources for starting a business, look for potential investors or crowd funding to start their dream and take reigns of their future. When potential entrepreneurs have profitable proposals, investors or sponsors are interested in taking the plunge, provided they’re briefed on the possibilities adequately. Matthew Roddanof Project Ninety Nine says that’s one reason why project proposals should be prepared along with financials and statistics to show potential investors. Being prepared is the key to getting funding and Project Ninety Nine brings potential entrepreneurs and investors to discuss on options and take up profitable and potential ventures.

Unlike other sites, this is a real platform where investors discuss and share knowledge and projects that catch their attention are given a thought, analyzed and the site intervenes to come up with a mutually beneficial proposal. In other words, the site stays though the ride and ensures both parties’ interests are taken care of. Handling finances the right way ensures one gets to live comfortably, secure one’s future and what not. Money is a means to an end – one’s security, which influences one’s happiness, freedom and quality of life.


Monday 5 October 2015

Discounted Cash Flow ~ An Overview

DCF short for discounted cash flow analysis is a way to evaluate a company, project or assets. Cash flows for the future are assumed and discounted considering cost of capital to get the current values. Sum of future cash flows outgoing or incoming is net present value (NPV) that’s taken as price or value of cash flows. Discounted cash flow analysis is used to determine the worth of an investment in simplified terms. It is used in real estate development, investment finance, patent evaluation and corporate financial management.

As Matthew Roddan from Project Ninety Nine says, understanding the probability of risk and profits is very important in an investment decision. Investment decisions are made for profits and understanding what one can expect is very important to determine the suitability of an investment. Exponential discounting is the most common method deployed for discounting, to evaluate future cash flows answering the question – what would be the returns for an investment at a specific rate of return, as against cash flow expected in the future? Hyperbolic discounting is another method, though not deployed widely. Discount rate is the right weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and it reflects cash flow risks.

Discounted cash flow analysis is important for any investor to determine if or not an investment decision is suitable. Let’s look at it this way – consider the investment as a business or a company. DCF is a way to determine a company worth currently, based on calculations for the future. Though this is a useful method, it does have hiccups. Being a mechanical evaluation tool, it is bond by a principle and even simple changes in one value could result in major changes in value. So, instead of determining values for infinity a cap is used – say 10 years. This way, estimation becomes measurable.


Besides, Discounted Cash Flow is a method that uses intrinsic valuation for companies that have predictable flow of cash. It is used for companies that have been around for a while, though it is also used for IT companies that are expected to grow swiftly. This means, when a start-up or developing firm is evaluated, the results could go right or horribly wrong! As an investor, you must be able to weigh your options and prepare for both, says Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine. This way or that, evaluating an investment is important for any investor and determining the right investments is done based on calculations that are probabilities and possibilities, not a definitive. The calculated risk should be something you would be able to manage, irrespective of whether it turns our favorable or not! 

Saturday 3 October 2015

Dubai International Financial Centre By Matthew Roddan

The Dubai International Financial Centre also called DIFC is located in Emirate of Dubai and is a federal financial free zone in United Arab Emirates. Established in 2004 through a decree, DIFC is a sprawling 110 acres. Legal systems and courts are different from UAE, with a jurisdiction over commercial, corporate, employment, trusts, civil and securities law affairs. The main aim of DIFC is to offer a platform for financial and business institutions to enter in or out of emerging marks in the region and to create an ambiance for progress, growth and economic development in UAE by offering adequate infrastructure and legal backing on par with international standards.

Under the constitution of UAE, DIFC is independent judicially with commercial and civil laws different from that of UAE. DIFC laws are in English to avoid ambiguity and DIFC has courts and judges from jurisdictions with common law like Singapore, England and Hong Kong. Though DIFC has independent laws, the immigration rules and criminal law is the same as UAE. DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre is modeled after London Court of International Arbitration. DIFC Authority is the main governing body for DIFC and DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) regulate financial services in DIFC, though it is different from UAE federal Securities and Commodities Authority that governs outside of DIFC.

Financial institutions can submit applications for a license and they’re benefitted from the 0% tax for income and profits, no limitations on Forex or profit/capital repatriation, 100% foreign ownership, business continuity and operational support amenities. Dubai International Financial Exchange is a privately owned financial exchange for DIFC and was listed as DIFX and rebranded as NASDAQ Dubai in 2008. DFSA regulates NASDAQ Dubai.

Dubai International Financial Centre Complex houses a hotel, Ritz Carlton that was opened in 2011. Dubai International Financial Centre also houses art galleries, restaurants and an array of outlets for shopping extravaganza. The Dubai shopping season has garnered acclaim worldwide and the number of tourists visiting during this season shoots through the sky. Many entrepreneurs would like to have a business established in DIFC and it isn’t surprising considering the perks and profits businesses get here. Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine would recommend suitable and innovative project launch here, when an able leader is helming it.

The location of a business is very important and DIFC is one location businesses should consider. Not just for expansions, even new launches that are good would sure thrive and flourish here. There’s a reason why it is called Financial Centre and you must try it, to believe it.


Friday 2 October 2015

What’s a Medium Term Note?

Medium-term note or MTN is when a debt note maturity period is 5 – 10 years, though technically the repayment duration or maturity period could be less than a year to a 100 years! These debt notes can be issued on floating or fixed coupon basis. Floating rate MTNs are either simple where the coupon is aligned
Euribor +/- basis points or it could be notes with complex structure and linked to indices, swap treasuries, etc.  If they’re issued to investors who aren’t residents of the US, they’re termed "Euro Medium Term Notes". Issuing MTNs to US-based investors calls for a US MTN program.

MTNs can come with fixed maturity date or come with put options, embedded call wherein MTNs could be redeemed per pre-accepted terms or speculations. MTN is usually issued for unsecured investment debts, with fixed rates, though it offers flexibility to both the issuer and investor when it comes to documentation and structure. While many use bank instruments for PPP and have an idea of how MTNs work, many don’t know how it really works! It is funny how they’re rising in popularity and many deploy it for different purposes, without knowing how these instruments work or what it really is! Matthew Roddan of Project Ninety Nine explains MTNs are a great way to get into PPP, especially since not many have the funds required to invest in PPP from their resources. Since PPP is gaining exposure and many would like to know if or not PPPs are what stuffs that make a mythical legend, let’s understand MTNs better.

According to Matthew Roddan, many aspire to invest in PPP but end up being unable to do so by trusting wrong people (brokers) or because they don’t have enough resources. The former is truer and why many think PPPs don’t exist. So, let’s understand MTNs better and how they can be used for PPP. MTNs are instruments of debt issued by banks and are sold to investors with a good face value, annual interest rate and maturity date. So, if you hold a note from Bank of America that’s worth 100 million, with interest rate of 7% each year, you will get 7 million till the instrument matures, after which you can cash it for its worth!

While MTNs are very similar to debt notes, it is more popular because of its price, flexibility, resale potential and option to be bought at a discount instead of its face value. According to Matthew Roddan from Project Ninety Nine, MTNs are available for more than fifty years and can effectively compete with any bank instrument. Since they were available for discounted rate, it became popular after “trading bank instruments” gained notoriety in the secondary market. PPP reign began soon after and Internet has made it even more popular and widely available. If you have an interest in PPP, MTNs Project Ninety Nine are your go-to option.


Friday 27 February 2015

Tips for Automating Software Testing

To perform testing objectives, the computerization of testing programming through devices, for example, Connect Wise, Open-nix and Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise is the best approach. Testing is a standout amongst the most critical capacities in any product improvement lifecycle in light of the fact that clearly the vicinity of any bugs or imperfections will intrude on the working of the framework. This, thus, could bring about a domino impact that prompts further surrenders. Thus, the significance of testing is broadly acknowledged in all organizations.

Manual testing is not a useful decision when you have different frameworks working in the meantime. The ID of deformities gets to be troublesome in such circumstances. Each time another bug is redressed, an alternate emerges. Mechanization is to a great degree supportive in such circumstances and thusly can have a positive effect on organization benefit and time administration. It basically makes testing more proficient and viable.

The estimation of the computerization instrument that you will use for testing is not as critical as looking at the device. Analyze the accessible devices. Picking the least expensive one is not a smart thought. Purchasing the most lavish may give you quality, however may not suit your motivation. So purchase robotization instruments as indicated by your own particular individual and hierarchical prerequisites.

Furthermore, before purchasing a robotized programming testing instrument, verify you test it. Test it with your framework to guarantee similarity. Most retailers will check the instrument for similarity, however that is insufficient for your cash's worth. Request that they exhibit the instrument in your framework. You need to perceive how the instrument performs and what its quantifiable profit may be.

When you have chosen your product testing computerization devices, make sure to take after a percentage of the best practices connected with their utilization. Case in point, verify your analyzers are prepared to utilize the devices as a part of the most proficient way.software testing tester  This is especially pertinent in terms of the scripting and the re-scripting procedure, on the grounds that in the wake of making a mechanized script it needs be re-scripted as the script itself is shaky. Additionally, graph your applications while applying computerized testing instruments to them. Upkeep will be much simpler in the event that you record the procedure of support in advance. This will likewise make repairs savvy and advantageous.

Additionally, mechanization is not fitting for each methodology, so never attempt to mechanize everything that comes your direction. Testing ought to be coordinated nearby a division of usefulness. Additionally, while performing the testing project, never join test mechanization with utilitarian computerized testing. Both of these testing strategies oblige diverse testing aptitudes, despite the fact that them two make utilization of comparable mechanized testing instruments.

On the off chance that the computerization instruments will be utilized as a part of an outsourcing limit, start by testing the instrument's quantifiable profit in this situation. Also, while outsourcing you must guarantee that the organization is tailing you and not the other route around. Thusly you are in control. Never get attached to any specific organization or firm, as this will constrain your outsourcing capacity.

The main thing is that computerized programming testing is getting embraced by more associations each and every year. Organizations that neglect to do the switch danger falling behind their rivals regarding proficiency, item quality, and authoritative soundness.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Tips for Building an Effective Software Testing Team

Programming Testing is one of those regularly disregarded zones of the improvement process, which frequently brings about disastrous disappointments for some organizations. As of late, some industry players have comprehended the need to put resources into the advancement of abilities needed to guarantee exhaustive investigation of new and/or changed arrangements. This field, which is frequently included under the QA/QC Services class has been effectively perceived as a company's last line of guard between propelling a without bug business sector prepared arrangement or an answer, which is destined to fall flat. In any case, numerous associations still disregard an essential part of testing - it is not a limited operation (unless its a little organization) and in the event of a group based multi-man operation, it is critical to build up the right blend of people who structure the group to guarantee achievement.

Not at all like numerous IT industry operations, a regular programming testing group contains individuals from distinctive foundations, for example, planners, engineers and in addition laymen, for example, forthcoming clients. Indeed the more assorted the gathering, the more powerful is the trying procedure. Just put in the event that you are planning a budgetary arrangement, it generally serves to look for client's recommendation both amid and in the last phases of the improvement process, which would help guarantee that no slips in the money related suspicions happens and on the off chance that they do, such issues are distinguished and determined at the most punctual. Yet every organization puts resources into adding to a center group involving software engineers and creators, who check the acting and coding of the product to guarantee on time and without bug conveyance of the last item. Emulating are a few tips to help fortify your testing group:

Clarity of Roles and Responsibilities

The significance of clarity in characterizing parts/obligations of diverse individuals in a group can't be sufficiently underscored.Software testing Work expansion however an essential piece of the procedure of adding to a group, it is vital to characterize essential parts of every colleague. Thusly, you can guarantee that distinctive individuals don't obstruct the advancement or work of others in the group, while keeping up responsibility of every individual colleague as a major aspect of the general testing procedure.

Selecting Correct Skills and Tools

While selecting individuals for your center testing group, it is constantly fitting to search for various aptitudes among colleagues. A different group is a benefit as it permits an association to check its product from various points of view. While somebody with a foundation in web planning could give important proposals particular to the application UI, a software engineer would have the capacity to distinguish and purpose coding lapses or roll out improvements to the product to suit customer operations. Access to the right apparatuses is likewise important to help assemble a successful QA/QC group, in light of the fact that in the current-period of multi stage applications, customary techniques, for example, relapse testing or anxiety testing need to be reconsidered to suit distinctive sorts of programming being examined.

Transporter Growth Opportunities and Expansion of Skills

Each individual tries to move up the professional bureaucracy and such aspiration if supported and coordinated effectively profits the association and the single person. The IT business dependably moves at a quick pace and if an individual feels the absence of development opportunities, weakening can be an enormous issue. It is in this manner fundamental for associations to give satisfactory budgetary and non-money related chances to help representatives stay inspired. The quick paced change in the IT business requires that people working in the QA/QC Team keep on developping and increase new abilities, which are important to enhance their profit and also capacity to speak with one another to help resolve issues. A few organizations officially put resources into organizing preparing projects for their workers notwithstanding, a more centered way to add to the testing group further is needed for all product advancement organizations.

Monday 12 January 2015

Hitachi Magic Wand Massager and its Benefits

Hitachi magic wand vibrator, also known as the Hitachi magic wand massager is a device that has been appreciated by a number of people around the world. A large mass of people have been buying these vibrators for the past 30 years. There are a number of advantages associated with the Hitachi magic wand vibrator.

The price is not exorbitant and once you invest in it, you can use the device for at least 6-7 years. Proper handling further lengthens the life of the device

The magic wand massager or Hitachi magic wand vibrator helps soothes the body muscles and eliminates pains in the back, neck and the shoulders. The vibrations cause the regeneration of dead tissues and also stimulate the growth of body tissues.

The vibration speed can be adjusted to a low speed of 5,000 rpm and a high speed of 6,000 rpm

The device is easy to use and can be used on body parts that are hard to reach. The long handle and the flexible head reach those body parts that are not easily accessible to hands. The head is 2.5 inches in diameter and the handle is 9 inches long.

The magic wand vibrator is widely used as a sex toy. When the head is placed against the genitals and the erogenous zones in the human body, the vibration causes stimulation of sensitive tissues thus sexually arousing a person. Women enjoy increased and more orgasms during sexual intercourse while men enjoy elongated erection periods. The vibrator has enhanced effects in women and clitoral stimulation in them.

Old people can use this device to decrease the pain intensity in the concerned body parts. The use of the vibrator against the body parts improves blood circulation because of the vibrations produced by the device.

The magic wand vibrators are easily available in the stores and can also be ordered online on various sites on the internet.

These vibrators are extremely portable and can be carried around without much difficulty.

Hitachi magic wand vibrators have been on the block for a long time now and the sales of these vibrators have doubled in the last 2 years. The vibrator is being used by people of all ages as per their requirements. The massager saves you the time of going to a masseur and getting a massage every weekend. You can sit back and use the massager on your own.

There are various attachments that can be used with the magic wand vibrator. G-spotter and the wonder wand attachments are the two most popular attachments that can be used in conjunction with the device. The cord of the device is as long as 6 feet and hence can be easily plugged in to a wall socket.

All in all the Hitachi magic wand vibrator forms a perfect product for people who are looking to get rid of body pains that haunt them often and people who are looking to enhance arousal and genital sensitivity.