Veteran investment executive Stephen Gibson has joined Eppler Capital Funds in Philadelphia as Managing Director. Both Eppler and Gibson worked together for 4 years at Wealth Enhancement Group (formerly Hoover Financial Advisors).
At Wealth Enhancement, Eppler and Gibson dramatically increased the use of private investments and alternatives and reduced traditional fixed income in client accounts. That strategy proved timely in 2022, when bond indexes posted a historic loss of more than 15%. Based on that success, Craig Eppler founded Eppler Capital Funds in early 2023.
The fund is aimed at forming a collection of diversified, small niche income sources. Eppler Capital Funds offers this portfolio to private accredited investors. Accredited investors are individuals earning $200,000 or more, and/or couples earning $300,000 or more, and/or with a household net worth of $1 million, excluding primary residence.
The past five years have seen an explosion in private income investing, as changes to interest rates by the Federal Reserve have created volatility previously unseen in fixed income. An array of giant investment managers like Fidelity, Blackrock, and J.P. Morgan have acquired and expanded their alternative income products. In general, alternative investments now outnumber traditional mutual funds and ETF offerings.
The large investment firms have experienced rapid growth, but, due to their size, they must derive income from mid-size and large companies only. That size may lead to lower returns than smaller companies can offer. Eppler is specifically targeting smaller-sized firms and is offering the fund in a unique Promissory Note form.
“At WEG, Stephen and I teamed up to transform client portfolios by adding lower-correlation private income assets. The expectation is that stocks may face resistance due to high valuations, and bond funds seem to vary based on Fed policy. Our offerings may offer high income with a new source of diversification,” said to Craig Eppler, Founder and CEO of Eppler Capital Funds. “Many advisors are not comfortable with private investments, and only offer stock and bond funds. We believe that holding meaningful private assets is a key to achieving most financial plans.”
Eppler Capital Funds Craig Eppler 445-895-2614 epplercapital.com
RACO Investment spotlights supply chain trends, investing in tech for tomorrows logistics.
San Jos, Costa Rica – WEBWIRE – Monday, April 1, 2024
RACO Investment, a leading in supply chain management, is taking a closer look at the trends and technologies shaping the future of supply chains. With a commitment to innovation and strategic investment, the company is at the forefront of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of supply chain management.
In todays global marketplace, supply chains play a crucial role in driving business success. From sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to customers, supply chains are the backbone of modern commerce. However, as consumer expectations evolve and technology advances, supply chains are facing new challenges and opportunities. RACO Investment recognizes the importance of staying ahead of these trends and is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern supply chain management.
One of the key trends that RACO Investment is monitoring is the rise of eCommerce and omnichannel retailing. With the growing popularity of online shopping and the increasing demand for fast and convenient delivery options, businesses are under pressure to optimize their supply chains for efficiency and agility. RACO Investment is investing in technologies such as warehouse automation, last-mile delivery solutions, and predictive analytics to help businesses meet the demands of todays digital consumers.
Moreover, RACO Investment is keeping a close eye on the growing importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing in supply chain management. As consumers become more environmentally and socially conscious, businesses are under pressure to ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethically responsible. RACO Investment is investing in technologies such as blockchain and IoT (Internet of Things) to enable greater transparency and traceability in supply chains, allowing businesses to verify the authenticity and provenance of their products.
In addition to eCommerce and sustainability, RACO Investment is exploring the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics on supply chain management. From demand forecasting and inventory optimization to autonomous vehicles and drones, AI and robotics have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of the supply chain. RACO Investment is partnering with innovative startups and technology companies to identify and invest in cutting-edge solutions that have the potential to transform the future of supply chain management.
Furthermore, RACO Investment is focusing on the role of data analytics and predictive modeling in supply chain optimization. By leveraging big data and advanced analytics techniques, businesses can gain valuable insights into their supply chains and make more informed decisions. RACO Investment is investing in technologies such as machine learning and prescriptive analytics to help businesses identify inefficiencies, mitigate risks, and optimize their supply chain operations.
Through its strategic investments and forward-thinking approach, RACO Investment is helping businesses stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of supply chain management. By spotlighting key trends and technologies shaping the future of supply chains, RACO Investment is empowering businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace.
About RACO Investment
RACO Investment is a financial investment firm supporting small- and medium-sized businesses in Panama and Costa Rica. Established by Randall Castillo Ortega, an accomplished financial advisor with deep connections to the Latin American import and export sectors, the firm has played a crucial role in empowering numerous startups with the financial backing they require to launch. Additionally, RACO Investment provides bridge loans to assist companies seeking to restructure or enhance their operations.
Hong Kong and Bahrain signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) in Manama, Bahrain today (March 3, Manama time) to strengthen mutual investment protection, with a view to enhancing confidence of investors, expanding investment flows and further strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two places.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on his visit to Manama signed the IPPA with the Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
Mr Yau said, “This IPPA is a milestone of strengthening investment links between Hong Kong and Bahrain, each being the respective predominant gateway to the vast and exciting investment opportunities of our respective regions. The signing of the IPPA also signifies the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to the continual expansion of economic ties with Middle East economies, as heralded by the high level visit led by the Chief Executive to the region in February last year.
“An IPPA enables investors of the two parties to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, and thus enhance investors’ confidence in making investments abroad. Hong Kong has been making dedicated efforts to expand its network of IPPAs, in particular with countries along the Belt and Road and in the Middle East region, in order to enhance two-way investment flows and bring about economic growth and mutual prosperity,” he added.
Under the Agreement, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The Agreement also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules. The Agreement will enter into force after the fulfilment of the relevant internal procedures on both sides.
Following the IPPA signed with Türkiye in October last year, the Hong Kong-Bahrain IPPA is the second such agreement that this term of Government has signed. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.
Hong Kong has also signed IPPA with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Austria, the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
With an aim to further enhancing Hong Kong’s economic and trade network especially that in the Middle East region, the Government is currently conducting negotiations of an IPPA with Saudi Arabia and considering establishing an Economic and Trade Office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Following the signing of the Hong Kong-Bahrain IPPA today, the geographical scope of the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales is also extended to cover Bahrain (as the 39th eligible economy) with immediate effect to further support Hong Kong enterprises in developing their businesses there.
Saving up may be the first step to financial freedom, but that is certainly not the be-all and end-all. With rising inflation, the value of your savings could be diminished over time, resulting in a loss in purchasing power. Hence, investing is essential to hedge against inflation and help to achieve your financial goals through asset appreciation and compounding.
Here are some investment options offered by Citibank Singapore to kickstart your investment journey.
Citibank Investment Products You Should Invest In
1. Unit Trusts
A Unit Trust is a type of mutual fund that pools and invests capital from investors in a portfolio of assets according to the fund’s strategy. With Citi Unit Trusts, you can begin diversifying your portfolio with a minimum investment amount as low as S$100 a month, making it ideal for beginner investors. Since Citi Unit Trusts are handled by a professional fund manager, you can take advantage of investment opportunities with peace of mind. You also have the flexibility to track and manage your Unit Trusts on Citibank Online and Mobile.
2. Citibank Brokerage (Equity Trading)
If you prefer a hands-on investment approach, consider applying for a Citibank Brokerage account. With a Citibank Brokerage account , you can leverage investment opportunities in the U.S., Singapore and Hong Kong markets at low commission rates. Additionally, you will get access to the Thomson Reuters (TR) Stock Analytics tool, which allows you to make informed investment decisions with stock market insights and analysis.
3. Citibank Premium Account
The Citibank Premium Account is a dual currency investment account that allows the bank to repay your principal and earned interest in either the base currency or the alternate currency. If do not have a preference for receiving your money in either currency, hold the perspective that your two chosen currencies have a relatively stable exchange rate, or wish to hold on to a specific currency that appears to be weakening, the Citibank Premium Account may be a suitable investment option.
4. Fixed Income Securities
Fixed Income Securities are debt instruments that pay investors fixed interest. Through Citibank, you can diversify your portfolio and access alternative asset classes by investing in a selection of Bonds and Structured Notes.
5. Foreign Exchange (FX)
The Citibank Online Foreign Exchange (eFX) platform allows investors to instantly execute limit orders when the exchange rate aligns with the desired rate and access real-time foreign exchange rates. If you have international investment portfolios and wish to prevent currency exchange losses, consider depositing your funds into a foreign currency account. Citi eFX’s analytical and rate alert tools will assist you in making informed currency trading decisions.
6. Regular Savings Plan (RSP)
The Citibank Regular Savings Plan allows investors to leverage investment opportunities by contributing a fixed monthly amount from as little as S$100. Built upon the Dollar Cost Averaging approach, the Regular Savings Plan allows investors to purchase more units when prices are low and less when prices are high. As such, investors can benefit from market fluctuations in the long run without having to time the market.
Before investing in any investment product, it is essential to do your due diligence and understand the associated risks. Consider seeking the assistance of a professional wealth advisor to create a diversified investment portfolio aligned with your long-term financial objectives.
Citi Singapore
Citi Singapore is a full-service bank offering consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in Singapore with a broad range of financial products and services. It is one of the largest foreign banking employers in Singapore and a significant hub for Citi globally.
The content reflects the view of the article’s author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees. Please read the products and offers on the Citi Singapore website for accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article. 
Contact Information Sonakshi Murze Manager sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com
SINGAPORE, Dec 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Entering a political year in Indonesia in 2024, the Ministry of Investment/ Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) organized an Investment Forum on Friday (12/08) in Singapore, focusing on the theme “Indonesia’s Investment Outlook 2024 and Green Economic Opportunities.” The forum featured the Minister of Investment/ Head of BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, as key speakers.
Minister of Investment/ Head of BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia [IMAGE: BKPM]
With an audience of more than 200 forum participants, Minister Bahlil stated that the investment climate in Indonesia is continually growing, and the country remains open to collaborating with investors from Singapore to invest in Indonesia. He emphasized Indonesia’s openness to investors from all countries, not offering special privileges to specific nations.
“Despite facing political events, I am confident that politics wouldn’t hinder investments and the government will keep facilitating business permits through the Online Single Submission (OSS) Indonesia application,” said Bahlil.
Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo added that Indonesia, rich in natural resources, holds great potential. However, he stressed the importance of focusing on environmentally sustainable industries and ensuring well-being for future generations.
“The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and preserving internationally recognized natural resources. We have embarked on ambitious steps to become one of the global leaders in the environmentally friendly economy,” emphasized Suryo.
The panel discussion session featured Deputy for Investment Promotion of the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, Nurul Ichwan; Deputy for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of National Development Planning/ National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti; Economic Advisor to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Reza Yamora Siregar; Maritime and Investment Advisor to the Coordinating Minister, Edo Mahendra; and Chief Economist of Bank Mandiri, Andry Asmoro.
Singapore has been the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) source for Indonesia in the last three years, with significant investments totaling USD 12.1 billion from January to September 2023. Dominant sectors include basic metal industries (USD 11.3 billion), transportation and warehousing, and telecommunications (USD 7.9 billion), as well as real estate, industrial zones, and housing (USD 7.8 billion).
The primary investment destinations are DKI Jakarta (USD 12.4 billion), Central Sulawesi (USD 6.5 billion), and West Java (USD 6 billion).
For further information, please contact: Ricky Kusmayadi, Head of Communication and Information Service Bureau, Ministry of Investment/ Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) URL: www.investindonesia.go.id/en/home E-mail: rickykusmayadi@bkpm.go.id
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