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Blackstone has been exercising its right to block investor withdrawals from BREIT since November last year after requests exceeded a preset 5% of the net asset value of the fund. BREIT fulfilled withdrawal requests of $666 million in March, representing only 15% of the $4.5 billion in total redemption requests for the month, the firm said in a letter to investors. Total redemption requests for March were 15% higher than the approximately $3.9 billion demanded by investors in February but 16% lower than the $5.3 billion Blackstone received in January. The level of withdrawal requests is expected to normalize over time as Blackstone works through its backlog, Blackstone President Jonathan Gray said during an analyst earnings call in January. Blackstone shares were down 3.7% to $84.6 per share, in line with the broader market, which was also trading lower.

☆ Here's what went wrong with Virgin Orbit
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Michael Sheetz | In Michaeljsheetz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The deal, facilitated by a so-called blank check company, gave Virgin Orbit a valuation of nearly $4 billion. That debt gives the flashy British billionaire first priority of Virgin Orbit assets in the event of the now-impending bankruptcy. And Chief Strategy Officer Jim Simpson had also spent more than eight years in Boeing's satellite division before joining Virgin Orbit. That frustration continued after the pause, with employees confused by the lack of specifics about which investors were speaking to Virgin Orbit leadership. Virgin Orbit

Macro and trend-following hedge funds dropped 3.2% this month through March 29, while algorithmic commodity trading advisor funds (CTAs) dove 6.8%. Hedge fund strategies based around macroeconomic ideas like those run by Rokos, DG Parters and EDL Capital fund posted negative performances in March, sources and bank data said. Trend-following hedge funds, which trade on systematically programmed ideas, also posted big losses. The bank decided not to change clients' borrowing limits, but it has increased diligence oversight on the hedge fund exposure, including new clients, the broker said. Trend-following funds tend to bail quickly on trades that stop working, said a pension fund director who invests in hedge funds.

☆ 6 reasons why you should have more than one credit card in your wallet
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Andrew Kunesh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

So, let’s run through a few of the reasons why you should have more than one credit card in your wallet. Here’s a look at my credit card stack and the earning rate for purchases I make with each card. You can make a no annual fee credit card stack, tooOf course, my credit card stack isn’t for everyone. Look through our guides to the best credit cards and best no annual fee credit cards for inspiration on building your own credit card stack. Possibly improve your credit scoreHaving multiple credit card could improve your credit if used responsibly.

☆ India's April-September borrowing slightly above market expectations
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Nikunj Ohri | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The planned April-September borrowing constitutes about 57.6% of the total 15.43 trillion rupees planned for the current fiscal year, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. Borrowing in the first six months is slightly above market expectations of about 55% of this year's target. The government said the borrowing will be done through bonds of three, five, seven, 10, 14, 30 and 40 years tenure. It plans to borrow between 310 billion and 390 billion rupees a week in the first half of the fiscal year. The government plans net borrowing of 1.42 trillion rupees in the quarter ending June 30, compared with 2.40 trillion rupees in the same period last year.

☆ The banking crisis is doing Fed's work and creating a window for stocks to rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Jim Cramer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +19 min

Work from home has in part jacked up food prices, and the increase is about 14% above just last year. The only bank that looks like Silicon Valley Bank is First Republic Bank (FRC) because it, too, has suffered huge deposit withdrawals. Nike (NKE)said China orders were good, so did Club stock Starbucks (SBUX). As counterintuitive as it is, the banking row will give the 4.8% fed funds rate a chance to cool consumer spending. This gives stocks a window to advance until we begin earnings season with what will no doubt be a cautious banking sector.

The turmoil inflicted on financial markets has sent cautious investors running away from volatile markets and toward more liquid alternatives. These funds invest in short-term securities like government bonds, certificates of deposit — or fixed-term savings accounts — and commercial debt. But money markets aren't without risks of their own, especially when they experience a large wave of investors all at once. What's happening: Since the Fed began to raise interest rates a year ago, the amount of money in money market funds has increased by roughly $400 billion. Money market funds are deeply interconnected with the wider financial system, and often face the same risks as banks.

☆ Premarket stocks: Americans are going all-in on cash. That could spell more trouble
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The goal of a money market fund is to provide investors with a relatively stable investment option that offers higher returns than traditional savings. What’s happening: Since the Fed began to raise interest rates a year ago, the amount of money in money market funds has increased by roughly $400 billion. Goldman Sachs economists wrote in a note on Thursday that Americans could sell as much as $1.1 trillion in stocks this year and put that money into credit and money market assets instead. Money market funds are deeply interconnected with the wider financial system, and often face the same risks as banks. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a US government agency that insures deposits in banks and savings associations, does not insure cash invested in money market funds.

What's the difference between the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards? Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Cash BackBoA Unlimited Cash Rewards welcome bonusNew Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. How to earn cash back with the Unlimited Cash Rewards cardThe Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Bank of America Preferred Rewards tiers Preferred Rewards Gold: 25% more rewards on eligible Bank of America rewards credit card spending (earn 1.875% cash back)25% more rewards on eligible Bank of America rewards credit card spending (earn 1.875% cash back) Preferred Rewards Platinum: 50% more rewards on eligible Bank of America rewards credit card spending (earn 2.25% cash back)50% more rewards on eligible Bank of America rewards credit card spending (earn 2.25% cash back) Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors: 75% more rewards on eligible Bank of America rewards credit card spending (earn 2.625% cash back)How to use cash back from the BofA Unlimited Cash Rewards CardWith the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card, you've only got a few redemption options:Statement credits to your credit cardDeposits made directly into a Bank of America checking or savings accountCredits to a qualifying Merrill Cash Management AccountCredits to a qualifying 529 account with MerrillThere's no minimum amount for one-time redemptions as statement credits, deposits to BoA checking/savings accounts, or to qualifying Merrill Cash Management Accounts. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Benefits and FeaturesThe Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn't have a ton of extra perks, but there are a few worth noting.

☆ What happens during a ‘credit crunch’ — and how you can prepare for one
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But what is a credit crunch and how might you prepare? Loans would be tougher to getDuring a credit crunch, banks significantly tighten their lending standards. Banks may prioritize a healthier balance sheetA credit crunch seems likely given banking woes that have unfurled over the past two weeks. A severe credit crunch isn't a foregone conclusion, though. How to prepare for a credit crunchThere are some steps consumers can take now to prepare for a possible credit crunch.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Cash BackBank of America Customized Cash Rewards bonusNew Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening. How to earn cash back with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit cardThe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has major appeal for folks looking to earn cash back on multiple spending categories. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Benefits and Featuresthe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn't have many other benefits, but this is common with no-annual-fee credit cards. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Annual Fee and Other CostsThe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has a $0 annual fee. Methodology: How we reviewed the Bank of America Customized Cash RewardsIn our review process, we compared the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card to competing no-annual-fee cash back cards, especially those that allow you to customize your bonus categories.

☆ Why our brains are hard-wired for bank runs like those that toppled SVB, Signature
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Rebecca Noble | AFP | Getty ImagesCustomer fear became a self-fulfilling prophecyOur brains are hard-wired for a bank run. Last week, bank customers saw their peers run for the exits; sensing danger, that herd mentality meant they also rushed to withdraw their cash. More from Personal Finance:What small businesses should look for when choosing a bankWhat Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank failures mean for consumers and investorsWhat to know about FDIC insuranceWhy the bank run on SVB seemed 'rational' for someThere are firewalls against this kind of behavior. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, backstops bank customers' savings up to $250,000. "If you don't rationally understand the way the market interprets signals, you can make a mistake like Silicon Valley Bank," Shefrin said.

LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - Crypto investors pulled around $3 billion overall from the stablecoin USDC in three days, the company behind the token said in a blog post on Thursday, as investors rushed to redeem their holdings in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. USDC broke its dollar peg on Saturday after Circle revealed that $3.3 billion of the coin's reserves were at SVB . The rapid outflows come after U.S. banking regulators issued a fresh warning last month that crypto-related deposits in banks could be subject to liquidity risks. In the past week, investors have pulled a net $6 billion from the coin, according to CoinGecko data. "The events of the past week have impacted the liquidity operations for USDC," Circle said.

☆ How to get approved for a business credit card
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Holly Johnson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

But, how do you get approved for a business credit card? Know your credit scoreYour personal credit score will often be a factor in being approved for a business credit card. This step is important since card issuers will take your personal credit into account when approving you for a business credit card. Compare business card optionsYou can earn a variety of rewards with your business credit card, including airline miles. Fortunately, you can quickly and easily fill out a business card application just like you would if you were applying for a personal credit card.

☆ Circle says $3.3 bln USDC reserves to be fully available on Monday
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 12 (Reuters) - Cryptocurrency firm Circle said on Sunday all its depositors with the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB.O) and Signature Bank (SBNY.O) will be made whole and the $3.3 billion USDC reserve deposit held at Silicon Valley Bank will be fully available when banks open Monday. Circle said it did not have any Stablecoin USD Coin (USDC) cash reserves at Signature Bank and that the token remained redeemable at 1:1 U.S. dollar peg. Further, the crypto firm announced an automated USDC minting and redemption through Cross River Bank, effective Monday, and said its expanded relationships also include USDC redemptions via BNY Mellon (BK.N). "Circle's USDC operations will open for business, including with new automated settlement via our new partnership with Cross River Bank," Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Allaire said in a tweet. USDC lost its dollar peg and slumped to an all-time low on Saturday before recovering most of its losses when Circle assured investors it would honor the peg despite exposure to failed Silicon Valley Bank.

☆ Southwest Performance Business credit card review
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Jennifer Yellin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

Digging into the Southwest Performance Business credit cardYou can use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card to enhance your business travel experience. Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesThe Southwest Performance Business Credit Card is the most expensive card out of the five Southwest credit cards currently available, but it also provides the most benefits. Advantages of the Southwest Performance Business credit cardFrequent Southwest flyers will enjoy elite-like benefits with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance business card. Disadvantages of the Southwest Performance Business credit cardUnfortunately, you won’t get a great return on your everyday purchases with the Southwest Performance Business. Stacking up the Southwest Performance Business credit card to our benchmark cardCNN Underscored has chosen the Citi Double Cash® Card as our current “benchmark” credit card.

The Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards of March 2023In terms of versatility, cash back is the most flexible credit card reward. The Best 2% Cash Back Credit CardsBest all-around 2% cash rewards credit card Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card 4.3 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.3 out of 5 Stars Intro offer $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Best All-around 2% Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases. Wells Fargo Active Cash card reviewBest 2% Cash Back Card for Balance TransfersLong considered the best cash back credit card, the Citi® Double Cash Card still holds its own despite new offerings from other issuers. How to Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card2% cash back credit cards offer some of the simplest credit card rewards around, and they're great for people who don't want to deal with bonus categories, transferring points, or shuffling several cards to get the best return on spending.

☆ Explainer: What caused Silicon Valley Bank's failure?
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Here is the sequence of events that led to Silicon Valley Bank's failure:FEDERAL RESERVE RAISES RATESThe Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates from their record-low levels since last year in its bid to fight inflation. This weighed on technology startups - the primary clients of Silicon Valley Bank - because it made their investors more risk-averse. SOME SILICON VALLEY BANK CLIENTS FACE CASH CRUNCHAs higher interest rates caused the market for initial public offerings to shut down for many startups and made private fundraising more costly, some Silicon Valley Bank clients started pulling money out to meet their liquidity needs. This culminated in Silicon Valley Bank looking for ways this week to meet its customers' withdrawals. SILICON VALLEY BANK SELLS BOND PORTFOLIO AT A LOSSTo fund the redemptions, Silicon Valley Bank sold on Wednesday a $21 billion bond portfolio consisting mostly of U.S. Treasuries.

☆ Blackstone blocked investor withdrawals from $71 billion REIT in February
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Chibuike Oguh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, March 1 (Reuters) - Blackstone Inc (BX.N) said on Wednesday it had blocked investors from cashing out their investments at its $71 billion real estate income trust (BREIT), as the private equity firm continues to grapple with a flurry of redemption requests. BREIT said it fulfilled redemption requests of $1.4 billion in February, which represents only 35% of the approximately $3.9 billion in total withdrawal requests for the month, the firm said in a letter to investors. Total BREIT redemption requests had reached approximately $5.3 billion in January, which is 26% lower than the amount received in February, the firm said. Blackstone expects to continue dealing with investor redemptions because some BREIT investors are making larger withdrawal requests in anticipation of a reduction in its size, its President Jonathan Gray told an earnings call last month. Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Editing by Alexander SmithOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Man Group shares surge on bumper performance fees
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Nell Mackenzie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A September rout in British gilt markets drove many UK pension funds to scour for cash, after investments into liability-driven investment (LDI) funds resulted in billions of pounds worth of collateral calls. Many pension funds reached for profitable investments they had elsewhere, like hedge funds as well as investments into collateralised loan obligations. Some of the strategies from which investors withdrew money were posting double digit returns at the time, he added. He declined to say how much money he'd seen back from pension schemes this quarter. Separately, Man said its chairman John Cryan had decided to retire from the board towards the end of 2023.

☆ Man Group beats AUM expectations, posts higher performance fees
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Nell Mackenzie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The company posted full year core pretax profit of $779 million, up 18% on the previous year. It recorded a core net management fee growth of 6% collecting $779 million of core performance fees. "An increase in volatility and higher dispersion meant higher alpha generation. The firm recorded net inflows of $3.1 billion for 2022, down 77% against a year earlier, although this was 5.3% higher than the average posted by the UK hedge fund industry. Many pension funds reached for profitable investments they had elsewhere, like hedge funds as well as investments into collateralised loan obligations.

☆ Brazil's public sector gross debt down to 73.1% of GDP in January
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRASILIA, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Brazil's gross debt continued its downward trajectory in January, while the consolidated public sector recorded a strong primary surplus, showed central bank data on Tuesday. In January, the Brazilian public sector recorded a primary surplus of 99 billion reais ($19 billion), surpassing the 90 billion reais surplus expected by economists polled by Reuters. However, the figure was lower than the 101.8 billion reais surplus in the same month last year. The performance was mainly driven by the 79.4 billion reais surplus from the central government, helped by record revenues for the month. States and municipalities recorded a primary surplus of 21.8 billion reais, while state-owned companies had a deficit of 2.2 billion reais, said the central bank.

Feb 25 (Reuters) - Blackstone Inc (BX.N) Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwarzman took home about $1.26 billion in pay and dividends for 2022, a regulatory filing showed. Schwarzman received more than $1 billion in dividends from his Blackstone shares and $253.1 million in compensation, filing showed on Friday. Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) slashed compensation for CEO David Solomon by 29% to $25 million for 2022, while JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) CEO Jamie Dimon's total compensation was unchanged at $34.5 million. Schwarzman owns about 230 million shares in Blackstone according to a filing from February, and the company paid $4.40 in annual dividend, filings showed. Blackstone ended the quarter with $974.7 billion of total assets under management and declared a quarterly dividend of 91 cents per share.

☆ U.S. Bank unveils Business Altitude Connect card with a 60,000-point bonus, lounge access and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you're looking for a card to help maximize your business travel spending, here's everything you need to know. The U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® has a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in net purchases with your card within the first 180 days of account opening. The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect card features benefits and bonuses to help you make the most of your travels. That makes the 60,000 welcome bonus worth $600, which is a good offer considering the card's annual fee is $0 for the first year. The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has a welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

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