Home Blog

Why study BSc (Hons) International Business Management



Develop the insight, confidence, management skills and international perspective to succeed in the modern global marketplace or set up your own business on this professionally-focused degree, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Find out more at

source

The Performance of Small Business Investment Companies


Gregory W. Brown, Wendy Y. Hu, David T. Robinson, and William M. Volckmann II

A large-sample analysis shows SBIC funds outperform non-SBIC peers across IRR, MOIC, and PME. Performance is strongest for funds using moderate SBA leverage and larger fund sizes, with equity strategies showing greater variability than debt funds.

China’s plan to transform its west


Additional contributions by Haohsiang Ko, Chris Campbell and Annalee Mather.

The location and route of the tunnel system for the hydropower dam are indicative, as official designs have not been made public. While the route shown is approximate, it follows an elevation change consistent with the proposed plans for the facility.

Mehebub Sahana, an environmental geographer at Manchester University, and Ye Huang, a researcher at Global Energy Monitor, assessed possible locations for the facility and reviewed satellite imagery to determine whether recent construction activity was linked to the project.

Images of major infrastructure projects included at the top of the story, in the order in which they appear: China News Service/Getty Images; CFOTO/Sipa USA; Xinhua/Shutterstock; CFOTO/Sipa USA; Reuters; Xinhua/Shutterstock; CFOTO/Sipa USA; CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA/Shutterstock. Videos from ski resorts in Xinjiang were sourced from China’s Xiaohongshu social media platform.

Foreclosure inventory rises in 1Q to six-year high


The U.S. foreclosure inventory as of the end of the first quarter was at its highest level in six years, with over three quarters of the nation’s metro areas reporting higher rates, Cotality’s latest Loan Performance Indicators report disclosed.

Processing Content

The foreclosure inventory rate rose for the first time in 15 months, with both quarterly and annual increases of 0.1 percentage points to 0.4% as of March 31.

Foreclosure activity has increased on an annual basis for 14 consecutive months as of May, a recent Attom Data Solutions report noted.

Currently, 3% of all mortgages are in some stage of delinquency, a gain of 0.2 percentage points year-over-year. But it was down from 3.2% in the report for year-end 2025.

The growth in the foreclosure inventory “reflects a gradual transition from the historically low levels seen through 2024, as more loans move through later stages of delinquency,” said Molly Boesel, senior principal economist, in a press release.

The 77% of cities reporting foreclosure rate increases shows this is a broad-based trend rather than being isolated to a few markets, Boesel continued. Furthermore, it is markedly higher than in the December report, when Cotality found just under half of metros had increases in their foreclosure rate.

“In many areas, particularly across parts of Florida and Texas, the rise in foreclosure activity aligns with earlier increases in serious delinquencies, suggesting that once borrowers fall behind, it is becoming more difficult to recover,” Boesel said.

Early stage delinquencies, defined at between 30 and 59 days late, totaled 1.5% for the period, down from 1.6% in December but up from 1.4% compared with March 2025.

What Cotality defined as the adverse delinquency period, between 60 and 89 days past the scheduled payment due date was 0.4%, unchanged from one year prior, but down from 0.5% in the December report.

But loans over 90 days late, those viewed as serious delinquencies, broke through the 0.9% to 1.1% range these occupied since June 2024. The rate in the March report of 1.2% compared with 1.1% in December and 1% in March 2025.

“While overall mortgage performance remains relatively stable, the growing number of metros with rising foreclosure rates points to emerging pressure in pockets of the housing market that warrants close monitoring,” Boesel said.

In a mid-May discussion with National Mortgage News editors and reporters, Cotality Chief Economist Selma Hepp pointed to a likely underlying cause for the rise in foreclosures.

“What I really think inventory may be coming from more meaningfully is investors, and not just mega investors, like small and medium sized investors as well,” Hepp said.

She noted that during the pandemic, second home purchase activity boomed.

Since then, the holding costs for these owners have gone up in terms of property taxes and insurance. “It’s not as cheap to hold on to properties as it was,” Hepp said.

This shift affected those who bought second homes or as an investment short-term rentals. “That’s where we are seeing pockets of inventory come up,” she continued.

Cotality found in the March report 40 states reported annual increases in the delinquency rate.

Mississippi and Georgia had the largest gains at approximately 50 basis points over March 2025. The 5.7% rate for Mississippi tied neighboring Louisiana as the states with the highest share. Louisiana reported a 0.2 percentage point annual increase.

Alabama was next at 4.2%, followed by Georgia at 4.1%.



Apple AirTag: 1st Gen for $14.72, 2nd Gen 5 for $100


Apple AirTag Sale

This article contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

VIP Outlet via eBay has the Apple AirTag (1st Gen) on sale for $14.72 with promo code TAKE8OFFSALE. Shipping is free.

Sam’s Club has 5-Pack Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) for $99.98. Shipping is free for Plus members.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you take action (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking a link, I may earn some beer 🍺🍺🍺 money, which I promise to drink responsibly. When applicable, you should always go through shopping portals to earn cashback. But when that’s not an option, your support for the site is always greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

Downtown Music Publishing strikes deal to represent Biz Markie catalog and name, image & likeness rights


Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has signed a deal to represent the catalog of hip hop pioneer Biz Markie.

The deal, announced on Thursday (May 28), covers publishing administration and sync licensing, alongside representation of the late artist’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.

Biz Markie, born Marcel Hall, died in 2021. His catalog and associated rights are managed under the direction of his widow, Tara Hall, executor of the estate.

Recorded music assets are managed through Revilo Records, with distribution and catalog services provided in partnership with Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Group.

Publishing interests are represented through Surrey Lane Publishing and administered by Downtown Music Publishing.

The Biz Markie Experience oversees name, image, and likeness, intellectual property, and experiential initiatives, with administration also handled by DMP.

“Biz Markie was a truly original producer, performer, and cultural force,” said Jedd Katrancha, Chief Creative Officer, Downtown Music Publishing.

“We’re honored to be entrusted with preserving and amplifying his legacy.”

Biz Markie is best known for the 1989 single Just a Friend, a record that was initially underestimated before becoming one of the most enduring songs in popular music.

“Biz Markie was a truly original producer, performer, and cultural force.”

Jedd Katrancha, Downtown Music Publishing

The announcement arrives on the 40th anniversary of Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz, the 1986 release that introduced Biz Markie and his style.

According to Downtown, Biz Markie released five studio albums alongside compilations and singles, and his music has been sampled more than 1,500 times, from Wu-Tang Clan to the Rolling Stones. The company says he collaborated with Jay-Z, Nas, the Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Will Smith, and Slick Rick, among others.

“There’s a longer story behind this, but one day I asked Biz, ‘Who do you think I am to you?’ His reply runs through my mind every day,” said Tara Hall, widow of Marcel Hall and executor of the estate.

“Biz answered, ‘You are my future.’ Going through his music, photographs, and videos from the beginning of his career has been incredibly meaningful.

“As we approach the 40th anniversary of Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz, I’m excited to share these pieces of his story and celebrate the creativity and spirit that made Biz who he was.

“In many ways, I’m creating a blueprint for how to honor a legend while finding new ways for his work to live on for future generations. Biz preserved his legacy, and now it’s my job to protect it.”

DMP also represents the catalogs of John Lennon & Yoko Ono, George Gershwin, and Louis Armstrong, and others.

“In many ways, I’m creating a blueprint for how to honor a legend while finding new ways for his work to live on for future generations. Biz preserved his legacy, and now it’s my job to protect it.”

Tara Hall, MANAGER AND executor of the estate

The deal lands during a period of change for Downtown, whose parent company was acquired by Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music Group in February in a $775 million transaction.

That deal closed after the European Commission cleared it, subject to UMG‘s commitment to divest Downtown‘s Curve royalty accounting business.


Last month, the company’s CD Baby division launched a full-service artist program for 10 independent acts in 2026.

Downtown says it serves business clients, creators and artists in 145 countries across its Publishing, Distribution and Artist & Label Services, and CD Baby divisions.

The company sold its owned catalog of 145,000 copyrights to Concord in 2021 for around $400 million, repositioning itself as a services company that administers rights rather than owning them.Music Business Worldwide

How To Invest In Crypto Complete Beginner's Guide



Get $200 in Free Crypto when you sign up and trade here 👉
Check Out Our Beginners Guide Here 👉
Download Full Resources Mentioned in Video Here 👉

Join Kaizen Here 👉

Sign Up For My Weekly Crypto Newsletter Here 👉

🔐 Get 83% Off + 3 Months Free VPN Deal here:

Video Outline
0:00 Intro
01:27 What You’ll learn
03:23 Chapter 1: Introduction
07:24 Chapter 2: Cryptocurrency Basics
30:45 Chapter 3: Crypto Types & Terminology
37:30 Chapter 4: Wallets vs Exchanges – Which is best?
48:56 Chapter 5: Coinbase Tutorial
56:06 Chapter 6: How to Research Cryptocurrencies
1:04:20 Chapter 7: Building Your Crypto Portfolio
1:08:48 Chapter 8: Crypto Taxes
1:12:11 Chapter 9: Best Crypto Tips
1:16:46 Chapter 10: What’s Next?
1:19:21 Chapter 11: Beginner Resources for Crypto Investing

🤝 For Potential Partnerships:
If you’re a company or brand interested in partnering with me, fill out our inquiry page here:

Social Media:
⮕ 🖤 Follow Me on Twitter:
⮕ 🖤 Follow Me on IG:
⮕ 🖤 Website:


Advertiser Disclosure:
This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Offers are current only as the time of the video publishing date and may have changed by the time you watch it.

This video was sponsored by Coinbase.

Disclaimer: Please note, that the information provided in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are extremely risky and highly speculative, involving significant potential for loss due to market volatility. Do NOT invest more than you are able to lose. I am not a financial advisor, and my views should not be taken as financial guidance. Always do your own research and consult with a professional before making any investment decisions. Remember, your investments are solely your responsibility, and I will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from your decisions based on this content.

source

Insiders Are Buying This Nvidia-Backed $15 Stock Hand Over Fist. Should You?


Long known for mobile brick phones and traditional telecom infrastructure, Nokia (NOK 3.14%) is quietly in the middle of an exciting transformation. Back in October, Nvidia (NVDA 1.45%) made a $1 billion strategic investment in Nokia, marking a major turning point as the telecom provider pushed into artificial intelligence (AI).

Since Nvidia’s investment, Nokia’s stock has climbed from roughly $6 to just below $15, reflecting growing investor excitement around the company’s AI ambitions. Adding to this momentum is a flurry of insider purchases.

NOK data by YCharts.

Let’s explore how Nokia is transforming its telecom roots into an AI-focused ecosystem, and assess whether early results are compelling enough to support following the company’s insiders and buying the stock.

How are Nokia and Nvidia working together?

Nvidia’s investment in Nokia focuses on developing AI-RAN technology and on the telecom industry’s shift from 5G to AI-native 6G networks. Nvidia is embedding its graphics processing units (GPUs) and Arc-Pro computing platform into Nokia’s radio access network software. This integration allows mobile operators to run intelligent, real-time AI at the network edge rather than outsourcing to centralized data centers.

Nvidia logo on a black sign outside of the company's headquarters.

Image source: Nvidia.

How is Nokia becoming an AI business?

Rather than pivoting away from its telecom roots, Nokia is embedding AI capabilities on top of them, turning decades of connectivity expertise into a competitive advantage in the AI infrastructure landscape. Essentially, Nokia is repurposing its core telecom assets — radio access networks, optical transport systems, and Internet Protocol (IP) routing — into the foundation of an AI-centric ecosystem.

The shift is savvy, as it prioritizes several high-growth areas within the AI infrastructure realm, including data center networking equipment, high-bandwidth optical systems for training and inference clusters, and intelligent mobile distribution that embeds AI capabilities directly at the edge.

The company’s optical networking portfolio has been strengthened by its Infinera acquisition in February 2025, positioning Nokia as an essential infrastructure provider for handling massive data flows required by AI workloads. In turn, Infinera has helped Nokia evolve its transport and routing solutions to deliver scalable, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for hyperscale data centers.

In addition, Nokia is advancing cloud-native architectures and automation tools that allow broadband networks to become more autonomous and intelligent.

Nokia Stock Quote

Today’s Change

(-3.14%) $-0.48

Current Price

$14.80

Insiders are buying Nokia stock amid the current surge

During the first quarter, Nokia posted net sales of EUR 4.5 billion ($5.23 billion), representing 2% growth year over year. While this looks mundane on the surface, the real star of the company’s Q1 earnings was the newly formed AI business.

Revenue from AI and cloud customers grew 49% and now accounts for 8% of total sales. The company also secured EUR 1 billion ($1.16 billion) in new AI-related orders, particularly in optical networking, which itself grew 20%. While it’s still early, these figures suggest that Nokia can convert its legacy telecom infrastructure into tangible AI traction rather than simply riding market hype.

This company’s positive momentum has coincided with notable insider buying over the past couple of months. Below is a list of significant recent purchases made by Nokia’s C-suite:

  • Justin Hotard (Nokia CEO): Purchased 84,404 shares in late April 2026 at an average cost of EUR 9.15 ($10.64) per share.
  • Timo Ihamuotila (board member): Purchased 50,000 shares at an average price of EUR 9.10 ($10.58).
  • Konstanty Owczarek (chief corporate development officer): Purchased 70,000 shares between average prices of EUR 15.34 ($17.84) and EUR 15.99 ($18.59).

Broadly speaking, when multiple insiders purchase shares during a strong price run, it could be a signal that they believe the current valuation remains attractive relative to the company’s long-term opportunity.

With that said, should investors follow suit and buy Nokia stock right now? To me, the story is compelling: Nokia possesses genuine AI momentum in an emerging frontier, the company managed to forge a high-profile partnership with Nvidia, and there appears to be aligned insider conviction. Taken together, these points indicate meaningful multiyear growth in an addressable market expected to reach $200 billion by 2030.

Investors with a long-term time horizon who have bought into the AI networking thesis may find Nokia an attractive opportunity despite the recent run-up. All told, Nokia’s transformation is real, but whether it translates into sustained market leadership will ultimately be determined by management’s consistent execution in the quarters and years ahead throughout the AI infrastructure revolution.

[AL, GA] Five Star Credit Union $200 Checking Bonus


Offer at a glance

  • Maximum bonus amount: $200
  • Availability: Alabama and Georgia, possibly Albany and Leesburg county according to the URL?
    • Alabama Counties: Barbourr, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike, Russell
    • Georgia Counties: Decatur, Grady, Early, Seminole, Miller, Glynn, Quitman, Mitchell, Webster, Stewart, Lee, Dougherty, Sumter, Terrell, Worth, Chattahoochee, Crisp, Muscogee, Tift, Turner, Harris, Talbot, Taylor, Macon, Dooly, Ben Hill, Bibb, Calhoun, Dodge, Houston, Irwin, Monroe, Telfair, Wilcox
    • Can also be an educator 
  • Direct deposit required: Yes, $750+ within 60 days 
  • Additional requirements: See below
  • Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
  • ChexSystems: No
  • Credit card funding: None, debit card is possible though
  • Monthly fees: None 
  • Early account termination fee: None listed
  • Household limit: Unknown 
  • Expiration date: None listed

The Offer

Direct link to offer

  • Five Star Credit Union is offering a $200 bonus when you complete the following requirements: 
    • Open a new checking account online with a minimum $25 opening deposit
    • Establish membership with a $5 share savings account
    • Receive at least $750 in qualifying direct deposits per month within the first 60 days of account opening
    • Complete at least 10 debit card transactions per month within the same 60-day period (transactions must post)
    • Enroll in and access online or mobile banking
    • Enroll in eStatements

The Fine Print

  • The $25 opening deposit is required to open the checking account but is not required to be maintained.
  • Qualifying direct deposits include recurring electronic deposits such as payroll, pension, or government benefits. Person-to-person transfers (e.g., Zelle®, Venmo®), transfers between accounts, and deposits made at a branch or ATM may not qualify.
  • All requirements must be completed within 60 days of account opening.
  • The $200 bonus will be deposited into the qualifying account within 30 days after all requirements have been met.
  • Account must be open and in good standing at the time of bonus payout.
  • Limit one bonus per member.
  • Offer subject to change or termination without notice.
  • Membership eligibility required.
  • All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

Free checking has no monthly fees to worry about. 

Early Account Termination Fee

I couldn’t find any mention of any EATF in the fee schedule. 

Our Verdict

Seems like it’s worth doing as the requirements are relatively easy. We have added it to our best bank bonus page. As always share your experiences in the comments below

Hat tip to reader Chan

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:

  • A Beginners Guide To Bank Account Bonuses
  • Bank Account Quick Reference Table (Spreadsheet) (very useful for sorting bonuses by different parameters)
  • PSA: Don’t Call The Bank
  • Introduction To ChexSystems
  • Banks & Credit Unions That Are ChexSystems Inquiry Sensitive
  • What Banks & Credit Unions Do/Don’t Pull ChexSystems?
  • How To Use Our Direct Deposit Page For Bank Bonuses Page
  • Common Bank Bonus Misconceptions + Why You Should Give Them A Go
  • How Many Bank Accounts Can I Safely Open Within A Year For Bank Bonus Purposes?
  • Affiliate Links & Bank Bonuses – We Won’t Be Using Them
  • Complete List Of Ways To Close Bank Accounts At Each Bank
  • Banks That Allow/Don’t Allow Out Of State Checking Applications
  • Bank Bonus Posting Times

The Ultimate “Stress Test” for the Housing Market: Do We Pass in 2026?



Every recession, crash, and major change in the real estate market has its warning signs. And while most people think these can only be seen in hindsight, we have “stress […]