Money

Five essential communication skills for business success in 2024

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2024

Ahron Young

In the ever-evolving business landscape of 2024, effective communication remains a cornerstone of success.

As technologies and work environments continue to transform, the way we communicate must also adapt. Here are five top tips to enhance your communication skills in the modern business world.

1. Master the Art of Virtual Communication

– Embrace Technology: With remote work and global teams becoming more prevalent, mastering virtual communication tools is essential. Familiarize yourself with various platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Understand their features, from screen sharing to virtual backgrounds, to ensure seamless communication.
– Virtual Etiquette: Be mindful of virtual meeting etiquette. This includes being punctual, muting when not speaking, and being aware of your on-screen presence.

2. Cultivate Active Listening

– Engage Fully: In conversations, focus entirely on the speaker. Avoid distractions, maintain eye contact, and nod to show understanding.
– Reflect and Clarify: After the speaker finishes, summarize their main points and ask clarifying questions. This shows you are engaged and value their input.

3. Develop Clear and Concise Messaging

– Be Direct: In a world overloaded with information, clarity is key. Get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary jargon.
– Use the ‘Less is More’ Approach: Convey your message in as few words as possible. This makes your communication more impactful and easier to understand.

4. Enhance Emotional Intelligence

– Read the Room: Be aware of non-verbal cues and the emotional tone of your conversation. This sensitivity can guide how you respond and communicate.
– Empathy: Strive to understand and respect the perspectives of others. This builds trust and improves collaboration.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

– Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your communication style and actively work on areas for improvement.
– Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest communication trends and tools. Being adaptable in your communication approach is crucial in a rapidly changing business environment.

As we navigate the complexities of business in 2024, refining our communication skills is more important than ever. By embracing these tips, you can enhance your effectiveness as a communicator, bolstering your professional relationships and paving the way for success in your career.

Remember, these tips are just a starting point. Continuous improvement and adaptation to new communication methods and technologies are key in staying ahead in the business world.

Money

Gold plunges as investors react to Middle East ceasefire

Gold prices fall over 2% to below $4,000, as investors shift from safe-haven assets after Gaza ceasefire news.

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Gold prices fall over 2% to below $4,000, as investors shift from safe-haven assets after Gaza ceasefire news.

Gold prices have fallen sharply, dropping over two per cent to below $4,000 per ounce, as investors took profits following the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The deal between Israel and Hamas triggered a shift away from safe-haven assets, with silver and platinum also sliding.

The U.S. dollar strengthened as markets responded to the news, making precious metals more expensive for foreign buyers. Analysts say the pullback is likely temporary, with long-term demand for gold and silver expected to remain strong amid global instability and rising debt levels.

Market experts warn that volatility will continue as geopolitical tensions persist, even as short-term optimism grows around the Middle East peace process.

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Money

Gold and silver prices drop after Gaza ceasefire

Gold dips below $4,000/oz amid profit-taking and Gaza ceasefire; silver also softens from record highs

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2025

Ahron Young

Gold dips below $4,000/oz amid profit-taking and Gaza ceasefire; silver also softens from record highs

In Short:
– Gold prices fell over 2% to below $4,000 per ounce due to a stronger dollar and profit-taking.
– Silver eased to $48.93 per ounce, influenced by market activity and ongoing high demand despite supply issues.

Gold prices fell over 2% on Thursday, dropping below $4,000 per ounce. The decline followed a strong rise earlier in the year and was influenced by a stronger dollar and profit-taking after a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.Spot gold decreased to $3,959.48 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery settled at $3,972.6.

Silver also experienced a slight decline, easing from its record high to $48.93 per ounce. The dollar index increased, making gold more expensive for overseas buyers.

Traders noted increased activity in the market as profit-taking coincided with reduced tensions in a historically volatile region.

An independent metals trader stated that while gold and silver may need to consolidate further, the underlying demand drivers remain intact.

Market Overview

Gold surpassed $4,000 per ounce on Wednesday, reaching $4,059.05, boosted by geopolitical tensions and strong demand from central banks. The asset has gained about 52% this year, reflecting a significant increase due to various economic factors. The U.S. central bank’s decision to cut rates in September also contributed to the rally, with expectations for future cuts in the coming months.

Silver’s price increase of 69% this year is tied closely to similar economic trends impacting gold. Notably, liquidity issues in the silver market are being exacerbated by strong demand and tight supply conditions. Other precious metals, such as platinum and palladium, also saw declines during this period.

Money

North Korean hackers steal $2 billion in crypto

North Korean hackers steal over $2 billion in cryptocurrency, marking the largest annual total in history

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2025

Ahron Young

North Korean hackers steal over $2 billion in cryptocurrency, marking the largest annual total in history

In Short:
– North Korean hackers stole over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, nearly tripling last year’s total.
– A shift to social engineering tactics has led to increased targeting of high-net-worth individuals for cyber attacks.

North Korean hackers have reportedly stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency assets in 2025, setting a record with three months still left in the year.

Data from blockchain analytics firm Elliptic indicates that this amount nearly triples the total stolen last year, accounting for approximately 13% of North Korea’s estimated GDP and raising the regime’s total crypto theft to over $6 billion since 2017.

A significant portion of the 2025 theft is attributed to the February hack of cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, which amounted to $1.46 billion.

The FBI has linked this breach to state-sponsored North Korean hackers, who exploited weaknesses in Bybit’s wallet management system. More than 30 additional cyber attacks have also been associated with North Korea this year, including notable breaches at LND.fi and WOO X.

Shift In Tactics

A shift in methodology among North Korean hackers has been observed, as they now focus on social engineering rather than technical exploits. According to Elliptic, the primary vulnerability lies with individuals rather than technology.

High-net-worth individuals and corporate executives are increasingly targeted due to their relatively weaker security measures.

The hackers utilise deceptive tactics, including phishing schemes and fake job offers, to access private cryptocurrency wallets. Intelligence reports suggest that the stolen funds are used to finance North Korea’s nuclear programmes.

The regime has also improved its money laundering techniques by employing various cryptocurrencies and mixing methods to obscure fund origins. Blockchain analysts are actively tracking these stolen assets, with notable progress achieved in identifying recoverable funds.