The Global Peace Index (GPI), developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace in 2007, characterizes the peacefulness of many countries around the world. With its help, the level of violence within states and the degree of their aggressiveness in foreign policy are measured annually. Here are the top 10 most peaceful countries of 2018.

The index is calculated on the basis of 23 indicators grouped into three criteria: the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, societal safety and security, and the degree of militarization.
It is established that the lower the GPI value, the more peaceful is considered a country. At the same time, the authors of the study do not call for making judgments against a particular state emphasizing that the GPI is for reference only: it is important to help humanity cope with the challenges that await it in the future.

9 place - Ireland
Global Peace Index: 1.393
In Ireland, the military is used mainly in UN peacekeeping missions and for defensive purposes. The crime rate in the country decreases annually, and internal social tensions weaken. Visitors are captivated by the amazing atmosphere of the Emerald Isle: its numerous historical monuments, green fields, and hospitable people.

9 place – Japan
Global Peace Index: 1.391
Japan provides its own security only with the help of the Self-Defense Forces which are funded in the amount of 1 percent of the country's GDP. The country does not have a professional army at all. Violent crimes and murders happen very rarely here. The peacekeeping activities of Japan in society are noteworthy.
The technological development of the country, the world's third economic leader, is at a very high level. The transport system is also well developed.

8 place – Singapore
Global Peace Index: 1.382
Since 1965 (since independence), the city-state of Singapore has established itself as one of the most active participants in the global community constantly cooperating with the United Nations and participating in the activities of organizations such as APEC and the WTO. In addition, it is one of the richest countries in the world.

7 place – Czech Republic
Global Peace Index: 1.381
The landlocked Czech Republic is nonetheless one of the most visited countries in Europe. Moreover, mass migration has seriously impacted this small European country making it very diverse in terms of national composition.
Thanks to effective emergency services, violence or looting is extremely rare here. Foreigners feel safe here, including in transport, as well as in numerous restaurants and bars.

6 place – Canada
Global Peace Index: 1,372
In Canada, the safety of citizens is one of the main elements of prosperity, so the crime rate is maintained low here. Only 1.15 percent of GDP is spent on the Canadian Forces funding.
Canada has one of the best education systems in the world, and over 50 percent of people have a higher education. Most of them are completely satisfied with their lives. There virtually no unemployed people.

5 place – Denmark
Global Peace Index: 1.353
Denmark is known for its progressive health care system, high literacy rates, and gender equality. The country's armed forces are fully focused on protecting its sovereignty and maintaining peace.
The rate of corruption in the country is the lowest in Europe, and the standard of living is higher than in many developed countries of the world. A sustainable economy, coupled with a high level of social welfare, has a beneficial effect on the Danish national identity.
The effectiveness of state policy can be traced in many areas, especially in the field of ecology and environmental management.

4 place – Portugal
Global Peace Index: 1.318
Portugal has preserved much of its great past and is now attracting not only by the richest historical and cultural heritage but also by an atmosphere of solitude and security amidst stunning geographic diversity.
Despite the location on the outskirts of Europe, it is a prosperous country with one of the largest GDP growths among OECD countries.

3 place – Austria
Global Peace Index: 1.274
The natural beauty of Austria is world-famous, but the country is also one of the most peace-loving ones on the planet, participating in international peacekeeping missions. The armed forces are mainly aimed at protecting the country, and only a small part of them is present in Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In terms of GDP per capita, Austria is one of the richest countries in the world. The high standard of living of the overwhelming majority of Austrians is not conducive to committing crimes. However, local environmental laws are extremely strict with violators.

1 place – Iceland
Global Peace Index: 1,096
Iceland, receiving the lowest GPI value by 2018, is currently the most friendly and calm country in the world which is confirmed by the high level of democracy and gender equality.
The literacy rate in Iceland reaches a whopping 99 percent largely because that education in the country is absolutely free. In addition, the country is leading in the number of books published and read. The Armed Forces of Iceland, a member of NATO, numbering just over 200 people, are not a regular army. They only control the airspace and territorial waters of the country.

Russia
The Russian Federation in the ranking of the most peaceful countries of 2018 holds the 154 place - lower than all countries of the former Soviet Union, overtaking only the CAR, Congo, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Financial crises, which occur in Russia quite often, do not contribute to the peace level of the country.

2 place – New Zealand
Global Peace Index: 1,192
Despite the fact that New Zealand, because of its geographical remoteness, has long remained out of sight of European civilization, in the last 700 years of its existence, it has reached the advanced level of social progress. The forces of self-defense in New Zealand solve a difficult task - the internal defense of the island state, while the defense budget only spends 1.13 percent of the country's GDP.
Thanks to a strong and independent judiciary and incorruptible police, there are few prisons in New Zealand. It also has friendly relations with neighboring countries. Those who decide to cross the Pacific Ocean and live in this country on one of its islands are provided with first-class education and a progressive health care system.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1983354.html

The Global Peace Index (GPI), developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace in 2007, characterizes the peacefulness of many countries around the world. With its help, the level of violence within states and the degree of their aggressiveness in foreign policy are measured annually. Here are the top 10 most peaceful countries of 2018.

The index is calculated on the basis of 23 indicators grouped into three criteria: the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, societal safety and security, and the degree of militarization.
It is established that the lower the GPI value, the more peaceful is considered a country. At the same time, the authors of the study do not call for making judgments against a particular state emphasizing that the GPI is for reference only: it is important to help humanity cope with the challenges that await it in the future.

9 place - Ireland
Global Peace Index: 1.393
In Ireland, the military is used mainly in UN peacekeeping missions and for defensive purposes. The crime rate in the country decreases annually, and internal social tensions weaken. Visitors are captivated by the amazing atmosphere of the Emerald Isle: its numerous historical monuments, green fields, and hospitable people.

9 place – Japan
Global Peace Index: 1.391
Japan provides its own security only with the help of the Self-Defense Forces which are funded in the amount of 1 percent of the country's GDP. The country does not have a professional army at all. Violent crimes and murders happen very rarely here. The peacekeeping activities of Japan in society are noteworthy.
The technological development of the country, the world's third economic leader, is at a very high level. The transport system is also well developed.

8 place – Singapore
Global Peace Index: 1.382
Since 1965 (since independence), the city-state of Singapore has established itself as one of the most active participants in the global community constantly cooperating with the United Nations and participating in the activities of organizations such as APEC and the WTO. In addition, it is one of the richest countries in the world.

7 place – Czech Republic
Global Peace Index: 1.381
The landlocked Czech Republic is nonetheless one of the most visited countries in Europe. Moreover, mass migration has seriously impacted this small European country making it very diverse in terms of national composition.
Thanks to effective emergency services, violence or looting is extremely rare here. Foreigners feel safe here, including in transport, as well as in numerous restaurants and bars.

6 place – Canada
Global Peace Index: 1,372
In Canada, the safety of citizens is one of the main elements of prosperity, so the crime rate is maintained low here. Only 1.15 percent of GDP is spent on the Canadian Forces funding.
Canada has one of the best education systems in the world, and over 50 percent of people have a higher education. Most of them are completely satisfied with their lives. There virtually no unemployed people.

5 place – Denmark
Global Peace Index: 1.353
Denmark is known for its progressive health care system, high literacy rates, and gender equality. The country's armed forces are fully focused on protecting its sovereignty and maintaining peace.
The rate of corruption in the country is the lowest in Europe, and the standard of living is higher than in many developed countries of the world. A sustainable economy, coupled with a high level of social welfare, has a beneficial effect on the Danish national identity.
The effectiveness of state policy can be traced in many areas, especially in the field of ecology and environmental management.

4 place – Portugal
Global Peace Index: 1.318
Portugal has preserved much of its great past and is now attracting not only by the richest historical and cultural heritage but also by an atmosphere of solitude and security amidst stunning geographic diversity.
Despite the location on the outskirts of Europe, it is a prosperous country with one of the largest GDP growths among OECD countries.

3 place – Austria
Global Peace Index: 1.274
The natural beauty of Austria is world-famous, but the country is also one of the most peace-loving ones on the planet, participating in international peacekeeping missions. The armed forces are mainly aimed at protecting the country, and only a small part of them is present in Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In terms of GDP per capita, Austria is one of the richest countries in the world. The high standard of living of the overwhelming majority of Austrians is not conducive to committing crimes. However, local environmental laws are extremely strict with violators.

1 place – Iceland
Global Peace Index: 1,096
Iceland, receiving the lowest GPI value by 2018, is currently the most friendly and calm country in the world which is confirmed by the high level of democracy and gender equality.
The literacy rate in Iceland reaches a whopping 99 percent largely because that education in the country is absolutely free. In addition, the country is leading in the number of books published and read. The Armed Forces of Iceland, a member of NATO, numbering just over 200 people, are not a regular army. They only control the airspace and territorial waters of the country.

Russia
The Russian Federation in the ranking of the most peaceful countries of 2018 holds the 154 place - lower than all countries of the former Soviet Union, overtaking only the CAR, Congo, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Financial crises, which occur in Russia quite often, do not contribute to the peace level of the country.

2 place – New Zealand
Global Peace Index: 1,192
Despite the fact that New Zealand, because of its geographical remoteness, has long remained out of sight of European civilization, in the last 700 years of its existence, it has reached the advanced level of social progress. The forces of self-defense in New Zealand solve a difficult task - the internal defense of the island state, while the defense budget only spends 1.13 percent of the country's GDP.
Thanks to a strong and independent judiciary and incorruptible police, there are few prisons in New Zealand. It also has friendly relations with neighboring countries. Those who decide to cross the Pacific Ocean and live in this country on one of its islands are provided with first-class education and a progressive health care system.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1983354.html

Germany is often referred to as a growth locomotive for the rest of the eurozone. Booming, advanced, strong – these are the adjectives that can describe the German economy. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Thus, a mere tumble or an uptick in the country’s economic growth is instantly mirrored in the performance of the whole euro area.

In fact, Germany has been having more falls than rises lately. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ index, the key gauge of the economic health, has been declining for four months in a row. The continuous slide has pushed the common growth rate down. What is more, the dive is worrisome and undermines the ECB outlook for a forthcoming recovery. In April, Germany’s PMI stood flat at 44.5 points. The index below 50 indicates contraction. Consequently, the German government revised downwards its economic forecast. Though it is premature to state that the economic slowdown is inevitable, a decline in the business activity is exerting a negative impact on the single European currency.

It would be an exaggeration to say that the euro is suffering a massive selloff, but the ongoing economic sluggishness puts it under pressure. Seemingly, the EU economy is in trouble indeed, though the ECB officials predicted that the growth would gain momentum in the second half of 2019.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41277

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1983033.html

According to experts, there are several economies with high competitiveness in the world. Specialists analyzed the economic growth of the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) and came to the conclusion that among them are many competitive economies. We offer to get acquainted with the leaders of this rating.

South Korea
The first place among the most competitive economies of Asia goes to South Korea. It is an economically developed country with a high level of per capita income. The basis of the South Korean economy is the production of consumer goods, such as electronics, textiles, automobiles, etc. Much attention is paid to shipbuilding and steel production. The products of these industries are exported. The largest investors in the South Korean economy are the US, Japan, and the UK.

Taiwan
The second place in this ranking is held by Taiwan. The country has a dynamic capitalist economy, where the level of government control over investments and foreign trade is gradually decreasing. At the same time, privatization of some large banks and state-owned industrial enterprises is underway. Labor-intensive industries are transferred abroad and replaced by high-tech industries. Taiwan maintains close investment relationships with China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Hong Kong
The fourth place among the countries with high economic competitiveness is occupied by Hong Kong. The economy of the territory is based on a free market, low taxation and non-interference of the state. Hong Kong is considered an offshore territory, customs fees for imports are not charged. There is no value added tax or its equivalent in the country. In terms of GDP per capita and gross urban product, Hong Kong is the richest city in China.

Japan
The fifth place in this ranking is taken by Japan. The Japanese economy is considered one of the most developed in the world. In terms of GDP, it ranks fourth in the world after China, the United States, and India. The country has large production facilities. Several leading manufacturers of motor vehicles, electronics, machine tools, steel, ships, chemicals, textiles, and food products are based here. The service sector accounts for three-quarters of the gross domestic product of Japan.

Israel
The sixth place in the list of the most competitive Asian economies is awarded to Israel. The economy of this country is technologically developed, and the state actively participates in various sectors. Raw materials, weapons and production, rough diamonds, fuel, grain, and consumer goods are imported into Israel. The active development of advanced technologies in software, telecommunications, and natural sciences make the country an analog of Silicon Valley in the United States.

Australia
The green continent took the seventh place in this list. In the Australian economy, the service sector dominates covering about 68 percent of GDP. The mining sector accounts for 10 percent of GDP. The country's economic growth directly depends on the mining and agricultural sectors. Australia, rich in natural resources, is one of the leading exporters of agricultural products and minerals: iron ore and gold, as well as energy in the form of liquefied natural gas and coal.

New Zealand
The eighth place among the most competitive Asian economies goes to New Zealand. It is an economically developed country with a market economy. It is based on agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and food industry. The state economy is export-focused. The main trading partners are Australia, the US, Japan, and China.

Mainland China
The ninth place in the list of the most competitive economies in Asia is held by China. In 2018, the Chinese economy occupied the first place in the world in terms of GDP calculated on the basis of purchasing power parity. At present, the country is the first global industrial superpower in terms of industrial production. It does not lag behind the rest of the world in the space and nuclear industries as well.

UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) takes the last place in the top 10 countries with high economic competitiveness. The basis of the country's economy is re-export, trade, extraction and export of crude oil and gas. The volume of production of oil reaches 2.2 million barrels per day. Oil provided the rapid growth of the UAE’s economy in just a few decades. The state is actively attracting extensive foreign investment. Port Rashid and Port Jebel Ali in Dubai are considered one of the best container ports in the world. Their capacity is over 3 million container units per year.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982822.html

Pundits of economics are nostalgic about the booming years in the eurozone in the recent past. However, the robust economic growth was followed by a protracted slowdown. Some pessimistic analysts even discovered signs of a looming crisis.

One thing is obvious: the most advanced economies in the eurozone will not be able to perform at full steam as they did in 2017. The question is still open when the eurozone will revive its steady GDP rates. “I am not surprised that growth is coming down because in 2017 the growth rate in the euro area was almost twice the potential growth rate, that could not continue very long,” Chief Executive Officer of the European Financial Stability Facility Klaus Regling told in an interview to CNBC. “The output gap — the amount by which the actual output of an economy falls short of its potential output — is now closed,” he added. He expected such developments. “The IMF revised down the growth figure for the euro area to 1.3%. There was some temporary effect, particularly in Germany in the second half of the last year which has a negative overhang in 2019,” the head of the bailout fund noted.

"We will not see in the next two, three years the growth rates of 2017. It's quite OK to say that the best is over, but it doesn't mean that there is a crisis," the expert commented on lackluster fundamentals in the eurozone.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41254

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982489.html

Pundits of economics are nostalgic about the booming years in the eurozone in the recent past. However, the robust economic growth was followed by a protracted slowdown. Some pessimistic analysts even discovered signs of a looming crisis.

One thing is obvious: the most advanced economies in the eurozone will not be able to perform at full steam as they did in 2017. The question is still open when the eurozone will revive its steady GDP rates. “I am not surprised that growth is coming down because in 2017 the growth rate in the euro area was almost twice the potential growth rate, that could not continue very long,” Chief Executive Officer of the European Financial Stability Facility Klaus Regling told in an interview to CNBC. “The output gap — the amount by which the actual output of an economy falls short of its potential output — is now closed,” he added. He expected such developments. “The IMF revised down the growth figure for the euro area to 1.3%. There was some temporary effect, particularly in Germany in the second half of the last year which has a negative overhang in 2019,” the head of the bailout fund noted.

"We will not see in the next two, three years the growth rates of 2017. It's quite OK to say that the best is over, but it doesn't mean that there is a crisis," the expert commented on lackluster fundamentals in the eurozone.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41254

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982489.html

Pundits of economics are nostalgic about the booming years in the eurozone in the recent past. However, the robust economic growth was followed by a protracted slowdown. Some pessimistic analysts even discovered signs of a looming crisis.

One thing is obvious: the most advanced economies in the eurozone will not be able to perform at full steam as they did in 2017. The question is still open when the eurozone will revive its steady GDP rates. “I am not surprised that growth is coming down because in 2017 the growth rate in the euro area was almost twice the potential growth rate, that could not continue very long,” Chief Executive Officer of the European Financial Stability Facility Klaus Regling told in an interview to CNBC. “The output gap — the amount by which the actual output of an economy falls short of its potential output — is now closed,” he added. He expected such developments. “The IMF revised down the growth figure for the euro area to 1.3%. There was some temporary effect, particularly in Germany in the second half of the last year which has a negative overhang in 2019,” the head of the bailout fund noted.

"We will not see in the next two, three years the growth rates of 2017. It's quite OK to say that the best is over, but it doesn't mean that there is a crisis," the expert commented on lackluster fundamentals in the eurozone.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41254

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982489.html

The cryptocurrency market is a young industry that constantly faces new challenges. Sometimes state regulators outlaw cryptocurrency exchanges, and sometimes hackers steal millions of digital currency. Below, we will highlight the main methods of cybercrime attacks and ways to protect against them.

The experts of the Hacker Noob portal identified three main categories of malicious attacks:
1. Attacks on blockchains, exchanges and ICO;
2. Distribution of spyware software for hidden mining;
3. Direct attacks on users' wallets.
At the same time, cybercriminals mainly rely on human inattention - the main vulnerability in the system, which is good news. By observing security measures, you can save your digital money.

Google Play Store and App Store
Most often, hackers attack the Android phones, because this OS does not use two-factor authentication technology (giving access to the private information only after entering password, login and additional information).
The attackers add applications to the Google Play Store under the guise of well-known cryptocurrency resources that, when launched, request personal data and send it to hackers. Once criminals placed an application on Google Play on behalf of the Poloniex cryptocurrency exchange and over 5.5 thousand users suffered from this trap before it was deleted.
The Apple Store has stricter store policies that provide iOS users with better protection.
Therefore, do not install applications on your smartphone unnecessarily; check the official website of the cryptocurrency platform for links to the application. Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication technology.

Plug-ins and add-ons
Often, attackers install spyware under the guise of "innocent" plug-ins and browser add-ons. Such additions can read all your actions during operations on cryptocurrency sites.
You should install a separate browser for trading, as a last resort, use the incognito mode. The safest thing is a separate computer (hard disk with the operating system) or a smartphone for trading.

SMS authentication
When using SMS authorization, you must disable call forwarding to protect access to your personal data.
It is better not to use two-factor authentication via SMS (when the password is sent on the phone), but to use special programs. Cybersecurity experts are sure that intercepting SMS with a password sent via SS7 is not difficult, as well as intercepting an incoming call due to the high vulnerability of cellular networks.

Public Wi-Fi
Never use Wi-Fi in public places for cryptocurrency operations. Otherwise, you can be a victim of a KRACK attack, when the device reconnects to the hacker Wi-Fi network, and attackers gain access to your personal data.
In addition, the firmware of the home router should be updated; manufacturers regularly issue security updates to their devices for better data protection.

Clone sites (phishing)
Phishing is a cloning of an existing site for some purpose, most often to steal the login and access password. Therefore, carefully check the address of the site before entering data.
When visiting cryptocurrency resources, be sure to use the HTTPS protocol. In addition, in the Chrome browser, you can install the Password Protector application, which signals when a password is entered on clone sites.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982449.html

The cryptocurrency market is a young industry that constantly faces new challenges. Sometimes state regulators outlaw cryptocurrency exchanges, and sometimes hackers steal millions of digital currency. Below, we will highlight the main methods of cybercrime attacks and ways to protect against them.

The experts of the Hacker Noob portal identified three main categories of malicious attacks:
1. Attacks on blockchains, exchanges and ICO;
2. Distribution of spyware software for hidden mining;
3. Direct attacks on users' wallets.
At the same time, cybercriminals mainly rely on human inattention - the main vulnerability in the system, which is good news. By observing security measures, you can save your digital money.

Google Play Store and App Store
Most often, hackers attack the Android phones, because this OS does not use two-factor authentication technology (giving access to the private information only after entering password, login and additional information).
The attackers add applications to the Google Play Store under the guise of well-known cryptocurrency resources that, when launched, request personal data and send it to hackers. Once criminals placed an application on Google Play on behalf of the Poloniex cryptocurrency exchange and over 5.5 thousand users suffered from this trap before it was deleted.
The Apple Store has stricter store policies that provide iOS users with better protection.
Therefore, do not install applications on your smartphone unnecessarily; check the official website of the cryptocurrency platform for links to the application. Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication technology.

Plug-ins and add-ons
Often, attackers install spyware under the guise of "innocent" plug-ins and browser add-ons. Such additions can read all your actions during operations on cryptocurrency sites.
You should install a separate browser for trading, as a last resort, use the incognito mode. The safest thing is a separate computer (hard disk with the operating system) or a smartphone for trading.

SMS authentication
When using SMS authorization, you must disable call forwarding to protect access to your personal data.
It is better not to use two-factor authentication via SMS (when the password is sent on the phone), but to use special programs. Cybersecurity experts are sure that intercepting SMS with a password sent via SS7 is not difficult, as well as intercepting an incoming call due to the high vulnerability of cellular networks.

Public Wi-Fi
Never use Wi-Fi in public places for cryptocurrency operations. Otherwise, you can be a victim of a KRACK attack, when the device reconnects to the hacker Wi-Fi network, and attackers gain access to your personal data.
In addition, the firmware of the home router should be updated; manufacturers regularly issue security updates to their devices for better data protection.

Clone sites (phishing)
Phishing is a cloning of an existing site for some purpose, most often to steal the login and access password. Therefore, carefully check the address of the site before entering data.
When visiting cryptocurrency resources, be sure to use the HTTPS protocol. In addition, in the Chrome browser, you can install the Password Protector application, which signals when a password is entered on clone sites.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982449.html

The cryptocurrency market is a young industry that constantly faces new challenges. Sometimes state regulators outlaw cryptocurrency exchanges, and sometimes hackers steal millions of digital currency. Below, we will highlight the main methods of cybercrime attacks and ways to protect against them.

The experts of the Hacker Noob portal identified three main categories of malicious attacks:
1. Attacks on blockchains, exchanges and ICO;
2. Distribution of spyware software for hidden mining;
3. Direct attacks on users' wallets.
At the same time, cybercriminals mainly rely on human inattention - the main vulnerability in the system, which is good news. By observing security measures, you can save your digital money.

Google Play Store and App Store
Most often, hackers attack the Android phones, because this OS does not use two-factor authentication technology (giving access to the private information only after entering password, login and additional information).
The attackers add applications to the Google Play Store under the guise of well-known cryptocurrency resources that, when launched, request personal data and send it to hackers. Once criminals placed an application on Google Play on behalf of the Poloniex cryptocurrency exchange and over 5.5 thousand users suffered from this trap before it was deleted.
The Apple Store has stricter store policies that provide iOS users with better protection.
Therefore, do not install applications on your smartphone unnecessarily; check the official website of the cryptocurrency platform for links to the application. Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication technology.

Plug-ins and add-ons
Often, attackers install spyware under the guise of "innocent" plug-ins and browser add-ons. Such additions can read all your actions during operations on cryptocurrency sites.
You should install a separate browser for trading, as a last resort, use the incognito mode. The safest thing is a separate computer (hard disk with the operating system) or a smartphone for trading.

SMS authentication
When using SMS authorization, you must disable call forwarding to protect access to your personal data.
It is better not to use two-factor authentication via SMS (when the password is sent on the phone), but to use special programs. Cybersecurity experts are sure that intercepting SMS with a password sent via SS7 is not difficult, as well as intercepting an incoming call due to the high vulnerability of cellular networks.

Public Wi-Fi
Never use Wi-Fi in public places for cryptocurrency operations. Otherwise, you can be a victim of a KRACK attack, when the device reconnects to the hacker Wi-Fi network, and attackers gain access to your personal data.
In addition, the firmware of the home router should be updated; manufacturers regularly issue security updates to their devices for better data protection.

Clone sites (phishing)
Phishing is a cloning of an existing site for some purpose, most often to steal the login and access password. Therefore, carefully check the address of the site before entering data.
When visiting cryptocurrency resources, be sure to use the HTTPS protocol. In addition, in the Chrome browser, you can install the Password Protector application, which signals when a password is entered on clone sites.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982449.html

According to US President Donald Trump, the actions of the Federal Reserve System provoked a slowdown by an impressive 30% in the US stock market. The head of the White House urged the regulator to ease monetary policy and take additional steps to pump money into the country's economy.

The American leader stated that the Fed’s erroneous actions had nicked the US stock market gains by 5,000 to 10,000 points and GDP growth to 3% instead of an increase of over 4%. He expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with the measures taken by the regulator.

“Quantitative tightening was a killer,” D. Trump said stressing that the Fed should have done the exact opposite. Besides, the American president recalled the Fed's monthly withdrawal in 2018 of up to $50 billion of the bonds it had acquired during the global financial crisis of 2008.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41236

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1982111.html

In the world of cryptocurrency, there are digital assets, the cost of which is very low. According to experts, sometimes it does not exceed $0.05. However, these virtual means of payment have enormous potential that has not yet been reaziled. The information on the five assets with such properties can be found below

IOST (IOST)
The developers of this digital asset seek to solve the problems of network scalability, that is, to achieve network capacity, sufficient for mass use. At the moment, they are engaged in the creation of the software to support the new so-called Proof of Believability(PoB) consensus algorithm.

DigiByte (DGB)
This project has a high level of security and a significant degree of decentralization. DGB focuses on a high speed processing oftransactions that exceeds the speed of the Bitcoin network. The DGB network also offers a thousand times more coins than the network of the number one cryptocurrency.

FundRequest (FND)
This virtual asset is characterized by open source. The FundRequest project involves the development and improvement of the blockchain network. Working with this project, you will be able to generate income, including through the use of open source.

Zilliqa (ZIL)
The developers of this virtual currency sought to create and improvethe global blockchain system with high capacity. Currently, the project is being actively developed.

Vechain Thor (VET)
According to experts, a distinctive feature of this project is that users are able to create decentralized applications on top of the blockchain network. In addition, VET offers a new mobile wallet with diverse functions, including the autonomous storage of secret keys.Large investment fund Vechain assists in developing the Vechain Thor platform. Thanks to its long presence in the market, the company has been able to attract quite a lot of partners.

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1981813.html

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. reported that net earnings went down 20 percent in Q1 of 2019 to $2.182 billion or $5.71 per share. Analysts noted that the indicator was lower than $2.737 billion or $6.95 per share recorded in the same period of 2018.

Net revenues of the bank for the reporting period decreased by 13 percent to $8.807 billion from $10.08 billion. Experts stated Goldman Sachs’ total income topped expectations. They forecasted net revenues at $8.93 billion or $4.89 per share.

Net revenues of the company in Institutional Client Services dropped 18 percent to $3.61 billion. According to the outlook, the indicator was expected at $3.69 billion. Bank's income from operations in fixed income, currency, and commodity markets (FICC) fell 11 percent to $1.84 billion in 1Q of 2019. Experts also noted a decline in revenues from operations with shares by 24 percent to $1.77 billion.

In the first quarter of this year, Goldman Sachs’ net revenues in Investment Banking remained unchanged at $1.81 billion. Net revenues in Financial Advisory grew by 51 percent to $887 million reflecting an increase in completed mergers and acquisitions deals.

Analysts recorded a tumble in net revenues in Investment and Lending sector by 14 percent to $1.84 billion, lower than $1.87 billion forecasted earlier. Since the beginning of this year, the market value of Goldman Sachs went up by 24.4 percent reaching $76.2 billion, while The Dow Jones Industrial Average index skyrocketed by 13.2 percent in the first quarter.

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A loan is a convenient but dangerous thing. On the one hand, you can immediately get the needed amount of money for a large purchase or investment; on the other hand, you start depending on monthly payments. And, of course, you always have to give more than you got, even taking into account inflation. In our article we offer several ways to repay a loan faster.

There are many reasons to pay off a loan as soon as possible. Firstly, it saves money, and secondly, it gives a pleasant sense of security that allows you to make bolder financial decisions: you can change your job, invest in an interesting startup, and finally, take a break and go on vacation for a few months.

10% Rule
It is beneficial for banks to extend your loan for as long as possible, because they earn more on interest.
In this case, you can simply reduce the payment period if you pay each month 10% more than the prescribed amount. For example, instead of 10,000 thousand you can pay 11,000. Most likely, such an overpayment will not greatly affect your budget, but as a result it will allow you to repay a loan several months earlier reducing the amount of interest payments the bank expected.
If you have multiple loans, start applying the 10% rule for the smallest of them. For example, firstly, you can pay off your credit card debt, then a car loan, and finally a mortgage.

Pay several times
The basic principle is similar to the previous method: to quickly repay a loan, you need to pay more money. Only instead of 10%, you should pay additional money you got, not your salary. For example, you can use a holiday gift, bonuses or one-time earnings.
Instead of just spending extra money, it is better to pay off loans in order to get rid of monthly payments faster.

Plan your expenses
An additional income is not always a prerequisite for making unscheduled payments. Most likely, after a careful analysis of your financial situation, you will find that you can pay more if you get rid of some unnecessary spendings.
At the same time you do not have to give up essential goods but simply limit the mindless” (based on whims or emotions) purchase. It’s good to use the 24-hour rule for making decisions about any purchase.
It is recommended to keep an electronic (there are many applications) or a handwritten journal of all incomes and spendings in order to identify all non-mandatory expenses that can be avoided in favor of repaying the loan.

Save money
You shouldn't starve (only for the purposes of medical treatment) or give up medical assistance in order to free up additional funds, since in the long run this leads to irrecoverable losses. However, you should relinquish delicacies, buns and cakes in bakeries, coffee to go, entertainments, buying new fashion clothes. It will help you save a significant amount of money.
Maybe this is not very pleasant, but, firstly, most often it is even better for your health and will teach you to be more disciplined, and secondly, it is a temporary measure. You can promise yourself to regain small pleasures as soon as you get rid of all loans in order to motivate yourself more.

Additional income
If you do not want to limit yourself, then start earning more. You can master another part-time profession (design, copywriting, translation, photography, or audio and video montages) or open a small business in parallel with the main activity.
You sould use funds received from additional sources to repay loans faster. The indisputable advantage of this method is that over time this part-time job can turn into the full-time one, and you will start generating profit that you couldn’t even count on.

Refinance your loan
As the state financial regulator (the Central Bank) changes its policy (loan rate) over time, the terms of borrowing change accordingly.
Therefore, many financial institutions now have a refinancing program. Banks offer to take another loan to repay the previous one, and the conditions of a new loan are much more profitable.
Consider offers from different banks, and if you have a good credit history, you will most likely get a new loan with the best terms without any problems.

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Currently, Pioneering Spirit, a pipelay vessel, has resumed laying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. At the beginning of last month, it was suspended because of the scheduled work within another project.

The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of a twin pipeline with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The pipelay work is carried out from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The pipeline will cross territorial economic zones of countries located along the shores of the Baltic Sea including Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. All countries except Denmark gave construction permits.

By Monday, April 1, 915 kilometers of pipes have been laid along the bottom of the Baltic Sea - 37 percent of the total length of Nord Stream 2.

The project is implemented by Nord Stream 2 AG with Gazprom as a sole shareholder. Such European companies as Shell, OMV, Engie, Uniper, and Wintershall are financially involved in the construction of the gas pipeline.

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The global economy instability makes market participants to look for a traditional bank deposits replacement. In this regard, experts offer several options for investment. They are considered the most effective compared to other

Today, amid a global economic downturn, many market participants are seeking to find reliable ways to preserve their savings. Previously, a bank deposit served as an option. However, times have changed, and experts consider other alternatives more serious investments in the future. To increase your savings, you may use many financial instruments.

Corporate bonds
Corporate bonds are one of the most important financial instruments, experts say. This is one of the most popular, affordable and low-risk tools of the stock market. The entry threshold is low: for ruble bonds, the threshold is 1,000 rubles, for euro bonds it starts from 1,000 US dollars. You can earn up to 10% per annum on ruble bonds. In terms of reliability, bonds are not inferior to a bank deposit. They are suitable for novice investors. The disadvantage of bonds is that they are not insured. If the issuer goes bankrupt, all investments will be lost.

Crowdfunding
Now, crowdfunding is a very popular financial instrument. It is a collective financing of any business. Earlier, only large entrepreneurs with a capital of several million dollars participated in crowdfunding, but now the middle class with small amounts is leading in this type of investment. If you have a loan agreement (crowdlending) with a company, you can get 20-25% per annum. Many people are afraid to invest in young companies, as there is a high risk of losses. However, the number of investors in startups is growing.

Structural products
This financial product can be purchased from a bank, broker or management company. It is an investment portfolio formed from two or more financial instruments: bank deposits, real estate investments, precious metals, securities, etc. Demand for options and bonds is often the highest. Financial assets are distributed in such a way that the profitability of the risk-free part covers possible losses of another share of investments. The entry threshold here is high: for a dollar product, the minimum threshold is 5,000 or 10,000 US dollars, for a ruble one, the threshold is from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles.

Stock dividends
Stock dividends are companies’ shares that pay dividends. In rubles, income can reach 13-15% per annum, and in dollars - 2-4%. The shareholder will receive income if the company operates confidently in the market and is profitable. Shares are one of the most liquid instruments; they can be sold at any time. Experts believe that most of them are able to survive the crisis, recession and market collapse. You only need to be patient and wait for quotations to recover.

Real estate
Real estate is the most effective investment tool. Experts advise to focus on commercial housing, for example, to have an agreement with the company that manages the apartment hotels. The yield can reach 10% per annum. For rental, it is best to use a mortgage apartment abroad, for example, in Germany. The entry threshold for this market is not too high - from 30,000 euros. You can also become a member of a real estate unit investment fund abroad, including those listed on the stock exchange (REIT).

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According to Bloomberg, France’s bank Societe Generale is going to cut about 700 jobs in Paris as well as several hundred positions in London and New York. Analysts expect the bank’s management to announce this news next week.

Bruno Benoit, head of the key fixed income and currencies trading unit, is also on the list of executive managers to leave the company. As UBS Group AG Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said, the global market situation was the worst in the first quarter of 2019 comparing to the recent months. Moreover, Societe Generale management does not anticipate any improvement in market conditions in the nearest future, experts note.

In February this year, the French financial institution revised its strategic plan for the period up to 2020. SocGen had to lower its target profit level due to a decline in revenues from trading operations amid unfavorable market conditions. The bank announced a reduction in costs of the global banking division and investor solutions by 500 million euros. This division includes investment banking, securities trading, and asset management. Currently, this unit’s staff exceeds 20 thousand employees.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41096

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According to Bloomberg, France’s bank Societe Generale is going to cut about 700 jobs in Paris as well as several hundred positions in London and New York. Analysts expect the bank’s management to announce this news next week.

Bruno Benoit, head of the key fixed income and currencies trading unit, is also on the list of executive managers to leave the company. As UBS Group AG Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said, the global market situation was the worst in the first quarter of 2019 comparing to the recent months. Moreover, Societe Generale management does not anticipate any improvement in market conditions in the nearest future, experts note.

In February this year, the French financial institution revised its strategic plan for the period up to 2020. SocGen had to lower its target profit level due to a decline in revenues from trading operations amid unfavorable market conditions. The bank announced a reduction in costs of the global banking division and investor solutions by 500 million euros. This division includes investment banking, securities trading, and asset management. Currently, this unit’s staff exceeds 20 thousand employees.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41096

https://instaforex.livejournal.com/1980589.html

According to Bloomberg, France’s bank Societe Generale is going to cut about 700 jobs in Paris as well as several hundred positions in London and New York. Analysts expect the bank’s management to announce this news next week.

Bruno Benoit, head of the key fixed income and currencies trading unit, is also on the list of executive managers to leave the company. As UBS Group AG Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said, the global market situation was the worst in the first quarter of 2019 comparing to the recent months. Moreover, Societe Generale management does not anticipate any improvement in market conditions in the nearest future, experts note.

In February this year, the French financial institution revised its strategic plan for the period up to 2020. SocGen had to lower its target profit level due to a decline in revenues from trading operations amid unfavorable market conditions. The bank announced a reduction in costs of the global banking division and investor solutions by 500 million euros. This division includes investment banking, securities trading, and asset management. Currently, this unit’s staff exceeds 20 thousand employees.

Read more: https://www.mt5.com/forex_humor/image/41096

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The Italian capital suffers from bad weather. The strongest thunderstorm with heavy rain, hail and even sleet paralyzed the city and its environs. Hundreds of cars went under the water; cultural monuments of Rome were hurt. You will find the consequences of abnormal weather in our photo gallery.

On the night of October 22, the thunderstorm with showers and hail began. Due to bad weather, six subway stations and several underground passages were closed, routes of some buses were changed, car traffic was partially blocked. The work of the subway was restored by Monday morning.

Several drivers were blocked in their cars in the flooded streets.

The sights of Rome went under the water too. The water level in the Basilica of Saint Sebastian rose almost half a meter.

Mayor of Rome Virginia Raji apologized to residents of the capital for “inconvenience” brought by the weather. In her Facebook, she said that the storm had caused severe flooding in the east of the country and knocked trees down in the southern part of the city.

By evening, a cold weather came to the city: the air temperature fell by more than 10 degrees, it started snowing and there was a hail which caused ice jams on the streets.

Such cataclysms of nature came as a surprise to the Italians, because a couple of days ago, the city had a true summer weather, and the air temperature reached 30 degrees. Meteorologists explain this abrupt change in climate by the difference in temperature between the warm Mediterranean and cold air flows from northern Europe. It is expected that bad weather will soon reach the south of the country, and the cooling will spread throughout Italy.

While the shocked citizens publish photos and videos of the consequences of bad weather in social networks, all the services of the city, from firefighters and policemen to civil defense officers, are struggling with its consequences.
This year, the bad weather now and then overtakes the Italian capital. In February 2018, snow fell in Rome for the first time in 6 years.
On the photo: the inhabitants of Rome play snowballs on St. Peter's Square in winter.

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