Blog Layout

Philanthropy

ARI Group • Nov 10, 2023

Easier to give away money than earn it, isn't it? If this is a cause that speaks to you, use a tax credit if you are in a developed market or returning a favor here are quick key points to address through the due diligence process:


Program Efficiency Ratio: This shows the percentage of total expenses that go directly to program services as opposed to administrative or fundraising costs. The typical benchmark is an 80/20 split between program and administrative expenses. This can vary based on the organization's size, mission, and operational model with sufficient funds are directed towards their core mission. Some prominent non-profits have 90% expense ratio the opposite of what it should be.

Fundraising Efficiency: This ratio assesses the cost of raising funds. It's calculated by dividing fundraising expenses by the total income generated from fundraising. A lower ratio indicates more efficiency.

Cost per Unit of Service: This metric calculates the cost involved in delivering a specific unit of service. It helps in understanding the direct financial impact of the services provided.

 

We don’t give much relevance the reliance ratio which measures the percentage of total income that comes from various sources like donations, grants, and earned income. The known rule of thumb is no income source should exceed 75% to ensure diversification and reduce risk per say. This should be contextually interpreted as risk perception is relative. Limited access to diverse funding sources, a higher reliance on a single source might be also create direct impact.


Realizations over dinner


As my teenage son, still grappling with the financial concepts of depreciation versus compounding, weighs the merits of investing in shares of Cava against the allure of the latest fancy sneakers, it serves as a humble reminder of the complex decisions that shape economies. This microcosm of choice reflects on Davos takeways, Global Events, and the capital markets eying China’s fiscal stimulus actions…


China's Fiscal Policy Over Decades


Policymakers in Beijing, have deployed about 2 trillion yuan ($278 billion) from the reserves of state-owned enterprises. This move aims to reinforce the stock market through the Hong Kong exchange link—a savvy use of international financial avenues to fortify domestic confidence. Furthermore, at least 300 billion yuan ($42 billion) from local funds is allocated to invest in mainland shares, a move designed to directly nurture the economic landscape. Collectively, this represents a substantial 2-3% of China's projected 2023 GDP, which stands at an imposing $17.5 trillion. To provide approximately $3 trillion contraction in market value witnessed over the past three years.


From the 1980s Onward


The 1980s marked the beginning of China's shift from a centrally planned economy to a market-driven one, with GDP burgeoning from $191.149 billion to $390.28 billion. This period of transformation was underscored by a series of reforms that decentralized economic control, spurred infrastructure investment, and invigorated rural development. It laid the cornerstone for a vibrant and diversified economic base that would define China's fiscal identity.


The 1990s witnessed China's real estate sector expansion, escalating from contributing 4-5% of the GDP in the late '90s to over 10% by the 2010s. This growth was facilitated by the 1994 tax-sharing system and a tactical response to the Asian Financial Crisis with a fiscal stimulus of approximately 2.6% of GDP. China's WTO accession and the booming of its export sector, growing from $18 billion in 1980 to an astronomical $2.5 trillion by the late 2010s. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis prompted a 4 trillion yuan stimulus package, equivalent to around 12.5% of GDP, which significantly underpinned growth in infrastructure and real estate.


The 2010s were characterized by a strategic pivot towards reducing overcapacity and managing debt, with a notable investment of over 33 billion yuan in EV subsidies between 2009 and 2017. This decade saw a concerted push towards a knowledge-driven economy, with technology and service sectors prominence.


The COVID-19 pandemic's fiscal response was marked by a 2.5 trillion-yuan stimulus package, emphasizing the importance of economic support for businesses and healthcare infrastructure. This was succeeded by continued fiscal support and infrastructure investment in 2021 or support for the US and Global Growth.


The fiscal narrative of 2022 and 2023 is sculpted by sustainable and digital economy investments, with increased fiscal incentives for high-tech sectors and substantial investments in high-tech aerospace credits. The introduction of reduced VAT for small taxpayers and a $72 billion EV tax credit in 2023. The silver economy, experience and travel incentives are on the agenda. These are the tip of the iceberg but just like SEO, we don’t see what the backlinks are. It is somehow puzzling to witness the power of capital markets, that the second biggest economy only represents single digit percent share of global traditional MSCI benchmarks.

A pair of dumbbells and a stack of weight plates on the ground.
04 May, 2024
Explore the power of GLP-1s in transforming weight loss and health trends, driving growth in the wellness sector.
Scrabble tiles that say hear the joy in life
04 May, 2024
Check out how curated gifts can alleviate pandemic shopping fatigue and make your gifting easier and more meaningful.
An old computer is stacked on top of another computer
03 May, 2024
In the fast-evolving world of memory technology, High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) stands out as a crucial innovation, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI's computational demands rapidly surpass what traditional memory systems can handle, HBM3, the most sophisticated version of this technology, emerges as a vital enhancement. As AI continues to advance, conventional memory systems frequently fail to meet the high demands of complex AI models, hitting a bottleneck known as the "memory wall." This bottleneck, characterized by inadequate speed and bandwidth, severely limits large-scale data processing. HBM3 directly addresses this limitation. HBM3 is a type of high-performance memory that's specifically designed for AI and machine learning applications. It's a stacked memory technology that combines multiple layers of memory dies, interconnected with high-speed links, to provide unprecedented bandwidth and low latency. In simple terms, HBM3 is like a super-efficient, high-speed highway for data, enabling AI models to access and process vast amounts of information at incredible velocities. So, why is HBM3 so crucial for AI models? The answer lies in the unique demands of AI workloads. Traditional computing architectures struggle to keep up with the massive amounts of data and complex computations required for AI processing. HBM3 addresses these challenges in several ways: Faster Training Times: HBM3's high bandwidth and low latency enable AI models to learn and adapt at incredible speeds, reducing training times from days to hours. Improved Accuracy: By providing faster access to vast amounts of data, HBM3 enables AI models to make more accurate predictions and decisions. Increased Scalability: HBM3's stacked architecture allows for more memory to be packed into a smaller space, making it ideal for large-scale AI deployments. Industry leaders like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are driving the development of HBM3, which is critical not just for meeting the current demands of the AI sector but also for paving the way for future technological innovations. The progression of HBM technology is key to enhancing AI capabilities and fostering innovation within the semiconductor industry. HBM3 DRAM is a game-changer. With its unparalleled bandwidth and efficiency, HBM3 is poised to revolutionize the AI landscape. As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, the demand for faster and more efficient processing will only continue to grow. And that's where HBM3 comes in – enabling AI systems to operate at unprecedented speeds and scales. HBM3 isn't just a incremental upgrade, it's a fundamental shift in how we approach data processing. With its ability to tackle complex workloads and massive datasets, HBM3 is opening new possibilities for AI applications that were previously unimaginable. And as researchers and developers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking memory technologies emerge.
03 May, 2024
In the dynamic world of online search, Google's long-standing dominance is being challenged. Innovative AI-driven platforms are not just tweaking the traditional search model; they are fundamentally altering expectations around user privacy, ad prevalence, and the overall search experience. This shift has significant implications for the online search industry as we witness a potential redefinition of market leadership. Google faces the quintessential Innovator's Dilemma: the need to innovate while protecting its existing market share and revenue model, predominantly driven by advertising. This challenge is intensified by the arrival of AI-powered search engines like Perplexity.ai, which prioritize user privacy and offer a refined, ad-light search experience that appeals to privacy-conscious users. Perplexity.ai leverages advanced AI technologies, which include large language models like OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic’s Claude, to provide search results with deep contextual understanding. This capability allows it to deliver precise, personalized search outcomes by directly integrating diverse sources, including images and videos, thus significantly enhancing the user experience beyond traditional search queries. Operating under a freemium model, Perplexity.ai offers essential services for free while its "Pro" version provides advanced features such as enhanced AI models and capabilities to upload and analyze local files. This freemium model strategy caters to a spectrum of users from casual searchers to professionals needing detailed, domain-specific information. Perplexity.ai's value proposition starkly contrasts with Google's by focusing on transparent source citation and real-time information retrieval. This approach addresses user concerns about the objectivity and privacy issues often associated with Google's ad-centric model. Furthermore, Perplexity.ai's "Focus" mode allows users to tailor searches to specific domains, enhancing the relevance and precision of the information retrieved. The unfolding dynamics in the search engine market reveal several critical trends. The rise of platforms like Perplexity.ai underscores a robust appetite for innovation in search technologies, primarily driven by the advent of large language models. This trend represents a deep-rooted change in user expectations and market demands, more than just a fleeting shift. As these AI-driven platforms continue to gain traction and demonstrate user adoption, we can expect a potential shift in capital allocation. This shift would favor these innovative newcomers over established giants like Google, provided they maintain their growth trajectory. The response from Google to these emerging challengers will be pivotal. With its vast resources and expertise, Google has the potential to either integrate more AI, as it is doing with its Gemini product, into its search processes or diversify to protect and possibly expand its existing model. This strategic decision is crucial, as it must be finely balanced to avoid alienating its extensive user base while effectively countering the offerings of agile competitors like Perplexity.ai. The broader implications for technology is profound, as AI becomes increasingly central to enhancing user experiences, companies that adeptly integrate these technologies into their service offerings are likely to succeed. The intensifying competition among AI-driven search engines fosters innovation within the a sector where Google has been a stagnant leader. This scenario signals a shift towards prioritizing technologies that align more closely with user expectations for privacy, accuracy, and user-centric features. The ascent of platforms like Perplexity.ai highlights a significant shift in the search engine landscape, reshaping how we interact with information and technology. These changes offer a compelling glimpse into the future of tech, where innovation, user privacy, and enhanced search experiences become the keystones of investment and development strategies. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and opportunities, signaling a pivotal era for the tech sector as we navigate the intricacies of the arrival of AI.
Two horses are running in a field in a black and white photo.
14 Feb, 2024
Check out the best ways how the conflitct between Russia-Ukraine is accelerating Western efforts in localizing semiconductor production.
By ARI Group 10 Nov, 2023
Easier to give away money than earn it, isn't it? If this is a cause that speaks to you, use a tax credit if you are in a developed market or returning a favor here are quick key points to address through the due diligence process: Program Efficiency Ratio: This shows the percentage of total expenses that go directly to program services as opposed to administrative or fundraising costs. The typical benchmark is an 80/20 split between program and administrative expenses. This can vary based on the organization's size, mission, and operational model with sufficient funds are directed towards their core mission. Some prominent non-profits have 90% expense ratio the opposite of what it should be. Fundraising Efficiency: This ratio assesses the cost of raising funds. It's calculated by dividing fundraising expenses by the total income generated from fundraising. A lower ratio indicates more efficiency. Cost per Unit of Service: This metric calculates the cost involved in delivering a specific unit of service. It helps in understanding the direct financial impact of the services provided. We don’t give much relevance the reliance ratio which measures the percentage of total income that comes from various sources like donations, grants, and earned income. The known rule of thumb is no income source should exceed 75% to ensure diversification and reduce risk per say. This should be contextually interpreted as risk perception is relative. Limited access to diverse funding sources, a higher reliance on a single source might be also create direct impact. Realizations over dinner As my teenage son, still grappling with the financial concepts of depreciation versus compounding, weighs the merits of investing in shares of Cava against the allure of the latest fancy sneakers, it serves as a humble reminder of the complex decisions that shape economies. This microcosm of choice reflects on Davos takeways, Global Events, and the capital markets eying China’s fiscal stimulus actions… China's Fiscal Policy Over Decades Policymakers in Beijing, have deployed about 2 trillion yuan ($278 billion) from the reserves of state-owned enterprises. This move aims to reinforce the stock market through the Hong Kong exchange link—a savvy use of international financial avenues to fortify domestic confidence. Furthermore, at least 300 billion yuan ($42 billion) from local funds is allocated to invest in mainland shares, a move designed to directly nurture the economic landscape. Collectively, this represents a substantial 2-3% of China's projected 2023 GDP, which stands at an imposing $17.5 trillion. To provide approximately $3 trillion contraction in market value witnessed over the past three years. From the 1980s Onward The 1980s marked the beginning of China's shift from a centrally planned economy to a market-driven one, with GDP burgeoning from $191.149 billion to $390.28 billion. This period of transformation was underscored by a series of reforms that decentralized economic control, spurred infrastructure investment, and invigorated rural development. It laid the cornerstone for a vibrant and diversified economic base that would define China's fiscal identity. The 1990s witnessed China's real estate sector expansion, escalating from contributing 4-5% of the GDP in the late '90s to over 10% by the 2010s. This growth was facilitated by the 1994 tax-sharing system and a tactical response to the Asian Financial Crisis with a fiscal stimulus of approximately 2.6% of GDP. China's WTO accession and the booming of its export sector, growing from $18 billion in 1980 to an astronomical $2.5 trillion by the late 2010s. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis prompted a 4 trillion yuan stimulus package, equivalent to around 12.5% of GDP, which significantly underpinned growth in infrastructure and real estate. The 2010s were characterized by a strategic pivot towards reducing overcapacity and managing debt, with a notable investment of over 33 billion yuan in EV subsidies between 2009 and 2017. This decade saw a concerted push towards a knowledge-driven economy, with technology and service sectors prominence. The COVID-19 pandemic's fiscal response was marked by a 2.5 trillion-yuan stimulus package, emphasizing the importance of economic support for businesses and healthcare infrastructure. This was succeeded by continued fiscal support and infrastructure investment in 2021 or support for the US and Global Growth. The fiscal narrative of 2022 and 2023 is sculpted by sustainable and digital economy investments, with increased fiscal incentives for high-tech sectors and substantial investments in high-tech aerospace credits. The introduction of reduced VAT for small taxpayers and a $72 billion EV tax credit in 2023. The silver economy, experience and travel incentives are on the agenda. These are the tip of the iceberg but just like SEO, we don’t see what the backlinks are. It is somehow puzzling to witness the power of capital markets, that the second biggest economy only represents single digit percent share of global traditional MSCI benchmarks.
A white golf ball with the number 1 on it
By ARI Group 12 Jul, 2023
Read this page to get to know how golf strategies can inspire better behaviour and decision-making in institutional investment.
Share by: