August 2018 - SSL Invest

Sygnus Increases IPO To Satisfy Oversubscription

August 7, 2018

Sygnus Credit Investment Limited (SCI) whose initial public offering closed on May 16th 2018, has increased its Initial public offer from USD$10 Million to over USD$ 20 million, coming in at about 190 million shares.

Moreover, according to SCI’s whose Prospectus explicitly reserved the right to do so in any event, stated “the company reserves the full, unqualified and absolute right to increase the number of Shares in the IPO to satisfy all or part of the applications in excess of the 90,909,091 Shares, which are comprised in the IPO.”

Furthermore, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Investment Banking at Sygnus Capital Berisford Grey further affirmed this stating “Our decision to upsize to US$20 million is based strictly on our assessment of our pipeline and the growing demand for private credit investment by medium-sized firms across various sectors.”

SCI whose reason for listing is to be a household name and leader in the non-traditional financing niche, providing more avenues for medium-size businesses for growth. In addition, with this IPO SCI seeks to raise additional capital in Jamaica to boost its US$31.4 million deals, in which US$3.2 million has been approved, US$12.3 million has been mandated and US$15.9 million are at various stages of prospecting.

Sygnus Credit Investments Limited (SCI) is an international business company established under the International Business Companies Act, 1999 (as amended) of Saint Lucia.
SCI is a speciality private credit investment company, dedicated to providing non-traditional financing to medium-sized firms across the wider Caribbean region.

The credit SCI delivers is usually more customised and flexible than traditional sources. As a result, the company offers an alternative channel through which medium-sized firms, which are typically overlooked by conventional forms of financing, can access capital to drive their expansion and growth.

If you liked this article and want to read other great stories, try our Archives. Also if you are new to investing you can try our Investment Basics Blog.

If you want to start investing with SSL but don’t have the time to monitor the market or to conduct the trades yourself then you can choose one of SSL’s managed Financial Planning products. We offer a variety of products for every type of investor and if you are interested in managing online trades yourself and having complete control over your investment portfolio then you can try SSL’s Brokerage account.

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Watch the Ways You Use A Loan!

August 7, 2018August 7, 2018

In finance, a loan is the lending of money from one individual, entity or organization to another entity, organization and individual. It is otherwise classified as debt owed. Most times, the principal borrowed is repaid with a set interest rate for the lender to benefit while engaging in the loan agreement.

If someone acquires a loan through an institution, the interest rate is charged on the principal and has a specific payment date that is usually in equal increments.

The truth is that no one really likes owing anyone or any bank, but sometimes it is necessary. Arbitrarily taking a loan out for parties or clothes is definitely not wise, however, not much persons have the money upfront to pay for a house, car, to repay student loans or even pay for an emergency health issue.

As someone’s monthly income grows, so too their expenses, which is natural. Things you may not have been able to do when you were earning JMD$50,000.00 a month you are now able to do with JMD$100,000. The issue lies wherever you become unrealistic or greedy which can lead to living above your means.

However, there is nothing wrong with yearning for or living a lavish lifestyle; however taking a loan to do so isn’t the way.

Here at SSL we do not bash loans as this is a medium in which people can build their credit, however we do not encourage foolish borrowing. Just like our recent launch of the Everything Fresh IPO, it was a great opportunity for persons to make some money on their principal. Who wants to miss an opportunity as such?

Everyone has to start somewhere in life, but not everyone was born in a wealthy family where funds are readily available for investment. It is key to weigh your options and make the right decision when it comes on to your finances as it can be to your demise.

Borrow only what is needed, find out information from different institutions and choose the best option that suits your needs with the lowest possible interest rate and consolidate your loans if you can.

Lowering your monthly payment for many loans by transferring all loans for many agencies to one, can allow for increased disposable income on a monthly or yearly basis. Additionally, you can even invest in securities that give growth on your principal or income that you can have access to your own funds instead of taking a loan.

Come into SSL today and speak to one of our Financial Advisors so that they can help you make better financial decisions and help you to achieve your financial freedom. We do make investing easy!

If you liked this article and want to read other great stories, try our Archives. Also if you are new to investing you can try our Investment Basics Blog.

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New YouTube Algorithm Angers Users

August 7, 2018

Without getting the opinions of YouTubers, popular video app YouTube, began testing an algorithm which changed the chronological order in which videos appear in user subscription feeds. This is done on the reasoning that users are shown videos they would most likely watch instead of scrolling or searching for those videos. Before, once a user subscribes to a channel, the video would appear in the sub box and the user is able to browse through the videos and see every video offered by that particular channel so they can choose which one to watch.

Many persons would think that having a personalized feed would be better but history has shown it is not. Look at every social media network that tried the approach and the responses they received from users. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram has tried personalizing news feeds before and the backlash they received was negative.

YouTube users are livid. Many creators have since complained that because of the optimization, they have received fewer views, less traffic and less revenue. Subscription feeds allow youtubers to connect directly with their subscribers and ensures they see when new videos are posted. This will make it difficult for creators to stay relevant on a platform that is constantly changing.

YouTube has since responded to say the ‘personalized’ feed is optional and only appears for a few people. They went on to further state that so far people with personalized feeds are watching videos for longer. The company’s focus has now shifted from the number of views on a video to how long someone watches the video. YouTube says it will allow its users to decide whether they prefer to view subscription feeds chronologically or by preference.

If you liked this article and want to read other great stories, try our Archives. Also if you are new to investing you can try our Investment Basics Blog.

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Building Credit Without A Credit Card

August 7, 2018

You have probably come across the age-old question, “how do you build credit without the use of a credit card?”

Building credit as soon as you’re an adult is vital in avoiding financial snags as you move through everyday life. Using credit cards responsibly is one of the more popular ways to begin building credit. However, if you’re against credit cards or prefer not to get one, knowing how to create credit without a credit card is a necessary skill.

Building credit without a credit card is possible, it requires a different approach.

Note that not having a credit card could hold your credit score back; this shows institutions you can be responsible for both credit cards and instalment loans. Not having credit card experience on your credit history won’t cause you to have a poor credit score, but institutions may be hesitant to offer you the best rates/options.

The alternative to using credit cards to build your credit score is to use a loan. Your loan payment history must show up on your credit report to help you build your credit score. Some loans are more difficult to get than others, so it helps to know your options.

Start Repaying Your Student Loans

The Student Loans Bureau typically grants up to a certain amount as long as you’re enrolled at an eligible institution. You can start repaying your student loans while you’re in college to begin building your credit score. Waiting until you’ve graduated is also an option. Either way, be sure you pay on time each month to build your credit score without a credit card.

Repay a Mortgage or Car Loan

Since both mortgages and car loans report to credit bureaus, either of these will help you build your credit score. The tricky part is getting approved for either of these without an established credit history. With a steady income and proper down payment, you may be able to get approved. For mortgages, you may be able to get approved for a loan backed by the National Housing Trust and a bank, if you have made NHT contributions and made on-time rental and bill payments.

What has a tremendous impact on your credit score is cosigning for a family or friend. The downside is that cosigning is generally a bad idea. You could be held liable if the person you co signed for defaults on their loan payments. In the days of microloans, getting a loan is relatively easy, so if someone can’t get a loan by themselves, take this as a warning. Also, late payments affect the co signer’s credit just as much as they affect yours.

Pay Your Rent on Time

Your rental payments may help you build a credit history if your landlord reports payments through Rent Board. Although only a portion of landlord’s report this data.

What to Watch Out For

Beware of advance fee loans and other loan scams that prey on people with no credit or bad credit. These loans typically guarantee approval and ask for some upfront payment.

If you liked this article and want to read other great stories, try our Archives. Also if you are new to investing you can try our Investment Basics Blog.

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