Unlock a 400% return on investment by exploring this unique business idea! Plus, discover the latest updates from powerhouse brands like Starbucks and

Newsletter Sep 26, 2024 Welcome to your September 26 newsletter! In today's edition, we present some unique business ideas and side hustles, including one that promises an impressive 400% return on investment! Here's a hint: it involves a classic toy! Additionally, catch up on the latest news from your favorite brands, such as Starbucks and Twitch, and much more: In the Fast Lane of Business... > Investors are increasingly monitoring congressional trades, particularly those by high-profile members like Nancy Pelosi, whose stock portfolio has seen over 700% returns since 2014. Pelosi's husband, Paul, handles the trades, but she has faced criticism for allegedly sharing confidential information, though she denies any wrongdoing. Despite calls to ban Congressional trading to prevent insider trading, Pelosi has continued making significant trades, such as buying Nvidia shares before major market events and selling Visa shares just before a DOJ lawsuit caused the stock to drop. Visa, now facing antitrust charges, denies wrongdoing, but the situation has reignited debates over the ethics of Congressional stock trading. > Twitch, the video-streaming company owned by Amazon, will not be following Amazon's new return-to-office (RTO) mandate, which requires corporate employees to work in the office five days a week starting in January. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy cited a lack of office space as the reason for this exemption, highlighting the challenges of enforcing a uniform RTO policy across Amazon's vast business empire. This decision has stirred concerns about potential resentment among employees, as other Amazon subsidiaries like Audible and One Medical are set to implement the RTO mandate at different times. The exemption also underscores Twitch's unique position within Amazon, reflecting its distinct operational needs and past instances where Clancy has diverged from Amazon's broader leadership decisions. > Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol expressed commitment to bargaining in good faith with the union representing many of its baristas, emphasizing respect for workers' rights to unionize. In response to a letter from Starbucks Workers United, Niccol assured constructive engagement as the two sides work on a labor deal focusing on issues like fair scheduling, living wages, and equity. Starbucks baristas began unionizing three years ago, leading to legal battles, but recent mediation has set the stage for cooperative negotiations. Niccol, new to Starbucks, previously dealt with unionization issues at Chipotle, where only one location successfully unionized during his tenure.   Unique Business Idea For You Turn your old legos into treasure! Shane O'Farrell, a 35-year-old from New Jersey, turned his childhood love for Lego into a lucrative side hustle, making nearly half a million dollars in just two years by buying and reselling rare Lego sets. He discovered the potential for profit when he saw his nostalgic Fort Legoredo set selling for much more than its original price, sparking his entry into the Lego resale market. O'Farrell now advises aspiring investors to focus on limited-edition and soon-to-be-retired Lego sets, which often yield the highest returns. While Lego flipping can be profitable, it requires patience, strategy, and an understanding of market trends. Side Hustle You'd Be Crazy Not to Try Pet sitting Do you love animals? Be a pet sitter! Kevin Liu, a 28-year-old from Texas, turned to pet sitting through the Rover app after being laid off from his tech job during the pandemic. By adjusting his pricing and strategy, Liu made pet sitting a profitable side hustle, earning $26,110 in 2022 and now charging $170 per day, often catering to clients who plan their holidays around his availability. Despite returning to full-time work in tech, he continues pet sitting for the passive income and enjoys staying in high-end homes while caring for pets. Pet sitting offers flexibility and can be lucrative, with the potential to earn over $16 per hour, making it an attractive option for those seeking additional income. Personal Finance News to Boost Your Bank Account > The Federal Reserve's recent rate cut has led to lower interest rates on various lending products, including credit cards and mortgages, potentially offering financial relief to many Americans. American Express and US Bank have already reduced APRs on some credit cards, while mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest since February 2023. Although the immediate savings for credit card users are minimal, further rate cuts expected in 2024 and 2025 could significantly lower borrowing costs for those looking to purchase homes or cars. However, savers may see a slight decrease in interest rates on savings accounts and CDs as a result. Know how to improve your credit score here.  > Despite Nike's struggles with declining market share and profit margins, billionaire investors like Bill Ackman and Ken Griffin purchased millions of Nike shares in Q2, showing confidence in the company's potential turnaround. Nike's stock rose 6.8% on September 20 following the announcement that Elliott Hill, a 32-year veteran of the company, would replace John Donahoe as CEO, a move that analysts believe could revitalize the brand's innovation and industry relationships. Hill's leadership is expected to refocus on product development and restoring ties with key vendors, but he faces the challenge of regaining market share and investor trust. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett has avoided investing in Nike despite its historical success, citing concerns over the company's complex business and competitive risks. > With the Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts, future returns on savings, certificates of deposit, and money market funds are expected to decline. Despite this, financial experts emphasize the importance of keeping emergency funds liquid and accessible, recommending high-yield savings accounts or money market funds for this purpose. Advisors typically suggest maintaining three to six months' worth of cash reserves, though the amount may vary based on individual circumstances. It's advised to avoid investing emergency funds in the stock market, as doing so could put your safety net at risk, especially during market downturns. In partnership with Nordic Knots. Put a Nordic touch in your interiorr deesign with Nordic Knots Need an AI tool to support your operations? Electe, an AI-powered SaaS platform that quickly grew from a startup to a disruptive force in the industry offers solutions for the modern organization. © 2024 IBT Media 40 Bank St, Canary Wharf, London, E145NR