Asian markets soar as China shortens the COVID-19 quarantine period for international visitors

inbound passengers waiting to be taken to quarantine-designated destinations

In a significant relaxation of one of the tightest COVID-19 limitations, China has cut the length of the quarantine period for incoming tourists by half.

The period of quarantine in centralized facilities has been shortened from 14 to seven days, and the subsequent period of at-home health monitoring has been shortened from seven to three days.

The most recent health authority recommendations also relaxed quarantine rules for persons who are near those who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the three-week quarantine period that had been in effect throughout the epidemic, according to the authorities, has been reduced to ten days.

Tourism updates

This month, the Chinese aviation authority said that it has been in contact with a few nations to gradually raise the number of flights in the second half of 2022.

The Disneyland theme park, which had been closed for more than three months, would reopen on 30 June at the Shanghai Disney Resort. Experts in the industry predict that this year’s summer travel season will be buzzier than previous year’s due to the increased confidence being generated by the circumstances aimed at reducing the risk of outbreaks.

woman and daughter poses at Shanghai Disneyland

Image Credits: latimes.com

An uptick in Asian markets

On 28 June, most Asian markets recovered some of their earlier losses, and oil maintained its current uptrend after China shortened the visitor quarantine period, stoking hopes for a lifeline to the faltering economy.

The Hang Seng Index reversed losses and increased by around 0.4 percent, and the CSI300 Index increased by about 0.7 percent, leading to gains in the stock markets in China and Hong Kong. Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai turned up after spending the morning of 28 June in red, and there were also increases in Manila and Bangkok.

Inflation and interest rates will probably take a good turn

Some observers continue to be somewhat cheerful as the second half of the year draws near, even though the inflation and interest rate situation is still a concern, made worse by the conflict in Ukraine.

Although the first half of 2022 is the worst since 1970, a market expert pointed out that history shows that when the first half of the year is down at least 15 percent, the second half of the year is usually always up, with an average yield of 24 percent.

Another person said that dealers had already taken into account a considerable portion of the anticipated economic deterioration. It is possible for inflation concerns to be reduced gradually and for a “U-shaped” recovery to be driven by a slowdown rather than a recession.

And if there’s a tip for investors, that would be for individuals to concentrate on low-cost, defensive investments while addressing any risks in the midst of it all.

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Here’s how positive thinking can change your life

inspiration quote

We’ve all heard the saying “positive thinking breeds positive results”. But what does that mean for your life, and how can you go about implementing it?

In this post, we will explore the benefits of positive thinking and discuss how to start thinking more positively. We hope that after reading this article, you will be inspired to take charge of your life and start seeing real results in every area.

What is positive thinking?

Positive thinking is the practice of looking at the bright side of any situation. When you do that, you focus on the good aspects of a situation and look for ways to improve it. This can be difficult when things are going bad, but it’s important to have hope for the future.

Positive thinking can change your life in several ways. It can help you stay motivated, optimistic, and satisfied. It can also assist you in attaining your goals, boosting your immune system, sweetening your current relationships, and enhancing new ones.

How to start thinking more positively?

Just like anything else, positive thinking requires practice. Start by making a conscious effort to think positively about yourself and your abilities. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Take time each day to reflect on your good qualities and write them down if it helps.

When negative thoughts start to creep in, remind yourself that these are just thoughts and not reality. Envision a joyful, more fruitful future for yourself, and focus on the steps you need to take to get there. If all else fails, try surrounding yourself with positive people who will support and encourage you along the way.

What are the benefits of positive thinking?
a group of friends at the cafe

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you think positively, your brain releases neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which make you a little more upbeat and smiley. Positive thinking has also been linked with better physical health. When you focus on the positives, your body releases lesser stress hormones. This leads to reduced inflammation, which can cause all sorts of health problems.

In addition, positive thinking can change your life for the better. It can help you attract better job connections, achieve your long-term goals, and be more successful overall. Simply put, positive thinking is a superpower that can help you overcome any mental obstacle. It’s free too, so why not give it a try?

How can I help others think more positively?

One of the best ways to help others is to be a positive role model. When you’re constantly looking on the bright side and your actions reflect that, it’s contagious and others will be more likely to adopt a positive mindset as well.

You can also encourage others by sharing your personal stories about how you overcame negativity and embraced the power of positive thinking. This can help others see that change is possible and that they have the power to command their circumstances.

Last but not least, always be there to uphold and encourage others, even when they don’t believe in themselves. Just by being present and showing your support, you can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

People who think positively are generally cheerfuller than those who don’t. They find it easier to maintain healthy relationships and have more successful careers. Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you ignore problems or deny the negative aspects of life – it just means that you focus on the good things instead. If you’re not a naturally positive person, don’t worry. You can learn to think positively by changing your thoughts and attitudes, and by practicing mindfulness.

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When is it a Good Idea to Take a Personal Loan in Singapore?

Are you caught in a sudden financial situation? To alleviate the severity of your problem, you can consider taking a personal loan.

Personal loan allows you to borrow money to pay for personal expenses, which you must repay over time. Things can quickly turn into a nightmare when you do not have the capacity to pay it back. This leads us to these questions: Is a personal loan nonideal? When is bad and when is it helpful?

How It Works

A personal loan is an installment loan that gives a fixed amount of money to the borrower. Its most appealing feature is its ability to provide funds for any purpose. You are not limited by one purpose alone.

When it comes to repayment, you can expect that the interest rate will be fixed. This repayment plan ensures that you get a relatively lower or more affordable interest rate compared to the interest rates offered by credit cards.

When Is It Harmful?

A personal loan can turn into a borrower’s nightmare when the funds are used for the wrong reasons. It is important to think about the consequences of borrowing instead of only focusing on addressing the unpleasant financial situation.

For instance, basic needs are supposed to be covered by your monthly income. You should not use a personal loan to cover your basic needs because these are recurring expenses. Imagine what will happen if you use your personal loan to finance your weekly grocery trips!

When Is It Helpful?

1. When you borrow money for a meaningful purpose such as medical emergencies or major occasions

Despite being a joyous occasion, weddings are expensive. From your wedding dress to your venue, an average wedding in Singapore can cost about S$30,000. With a personal loan, you will get to ease your cashflow by spreading out the payment at a friendlier pace.

2. When you have a strategic plan to pay the loan back

As a borrower, it is your responsibility to plan how you can pay back the amount. If you already know how you are going to spend the money, you should also know how you will be able to repay it. Moreover, it is important to only borrow what you need!

3. When you have the discipline to pay your loan/s on time

Commit to repaying your loan on time. Most personal loans become a burden for the borrowers when they fail to pay their due dates on time. Negligence can lead to penalties, making your personal loan seem unbearable.

4. When you want to consolidate your debts

Do you have multiple loans at high interest rates? If so, it is a practical idea to consolidate these outstanding balances into a personal loan with a lower interest rate. Doing this will enable you to choose your repayment terms and ensure that you can afford the monthly installments.

5. When you want to take the less complicated borrower’s route

Personal loans are less complicated to avail compared to other loans. In fact, many banks and financial institutions in Singapore allow you to apply for it online.

6. When you want to boost your credit score

You can get a small personal loan to improve your poor credit score. Just make it a habit to pay the installments on time and commit to your repayment plan! This works because your payment records will show lenders how trustworthy and reliable you are.

CONCLUSION

Personal loan allows you to borrow money to pay for personal expenses, which you must repay over time. It can either be harmful or helpful, depending on how you use it.

On one hand, personal loans can be used as tools for the right circumstances such as paying for your wedding day. On the other hand, personal loans can be harmful when you do not have a strategic repayment plan or when you use it for the wrong reasons. Weigh your options before committing to a personal loan.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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The best ways to stay motivated during your job search

job searching online

When it feels like you’ve been applying to jobs for months without any success, it’s easy to become discouraged and lose motivation.

But don’t give up! There are plenty of things you can do to stay motivated during your job search. Allow us to share some of our best tips.

Keep a sense of humor

A sense of humor can be your best friend during a job search. When you’re faced with rejection after rejection, it can be tough to keep your spirits up. But if you can find humor in your situation, you will be a lot better off.

Laugh at yourself, laugh at the situation, and most importantly, laugh with your friends and family. They will help you keep your chin up and your attitude positive. And don’t forget to enjoy the little things in life – they’re what make the tough times bearable.

Find a support network

One of the best ways to stay motivated during your job search is to find a support network. This could be a group of buddies who will listen to you and offer encouragement, or a professional network like LinkedIn.

Online networks can be especially helpful because they allow you to connect with people from all over the world. You can get advice, find job postings, and share your experiences with others who are going through the same thing. The best thing about online networks is that you can access them anytime, day or night.

Stay positive and be persistent
a young woman using her laptop

Image Credits: ledgeviewpartners.com

It can be tough to stay positive during your job search, but it’s so important to keep your head up. If you get discouraged, it will be that much harder to push through and find a job you love. Remember that the job search is a process, and it takes time.

And if we may add, one of the best ways to stay motivated is to keep your end goal in mind. What do you want in a job? What are your top priorities? Picture yourself in your dream job and let that vision keep you going.

Celebrate each tiny accomplishment

No matter how small your accomplishment may seem, it’s important to celebrate it. Each step you take brings you closer to your goal, so make sure to take the time to reflect on your success and pat yourself on the back. It can be tough to stay motivated during a long job search, but keeping your eyes on the prize is key.

And, trust us, there’s nothing more rewarding than finally landing that dream job. In the meantime, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and reward yourself for all your hard work. Whether it is taking a yoga class, buying yourself a slice of cake, or enjoying a weekend getaway with loved ones, make sure to indulge in something that makes you happy.

Set smaller goals to keep you moving forward

Lastly, it’s important to set smaller goals for yourself during your job search. This will help you stay pumped and continue pushing forward.

Some goals you could set are:

  • Applying to at least five jobs a week
  • Checking your email and job applications daily
  • Attending at least one networking event per week
  • Researching at least two new companies in a week

Job searching can be frustrating and demoralizing when you’re continuously rejected. It’s easy to feel like you’re not making any progress or that you’re the only one who is struggling. But remember, you are not alone. There are ways to stay motivated during your job search, and we’ve listed a few of our favorites in this post.

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The surprising health benefits of drinking red wine

toasting to red wine

We all know that red wine has health benefits, but what many of us don’t know is just how good it is for us.

These benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease, helping to maintain a healthy weight, and even protecting our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

So, if you’re looking for an excuse to drink more red wine, look no further! In this post, we will go over some health benefits of red wine and how much you need to drink to reap the rewards.

Rich in resveratrol

One of the key ingredients in red wine is resveratrol. It’s found in the skin of red grapes and is responsible for many of the health benefits of red wine. Resveratrol has been linked to lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help to prevent damage to blood vessels and boost your immune system.

Contains antioxidants

Red wine is also full of other antioxidants which neutralize harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells. These antioxidants are essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease. Specifically, some of the antioxidants found in red wine include tannins and flavonoids which work together to protect the body against a wide variety of health problems, including diabetes.

Lower risk of cognitive decline

an Asian elderly woman

A published study found that those who drink moderate amounts of red wine (defined as one 150 ml glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men) are at a lower risk for developing cognitive decline as they age. While further research is always needed as science advances and the human body changes by the day, this is just another reason to add red wine to your daily routine!

May help prevent certain cancers

Red wine is well-known for its brain-healthy benefits, but it may also help prevent certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that red wine can help suppress the growth of cancer cells and may even kill them. While studies are still ongoing, this is great news for those who enjoy a glass of red wine every now and then.

To get the most cancer-fighting benefits, try to stick to the recommended amount of red wine (about one to two glasses per day as mentioned earlier). Not a fan of red wine? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to get your daily dose of antioxidants. Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to start, and you can also take antioxidant supplements to make sure you’re getting enough.

Although red wine has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent years, there are some impressive health benefits from drinking it. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping prevent certain cancers, red wine does have something good to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for a drink that can do your body good, go ahead and pour yourself a glass of red wine tonight!

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