5 Reasons Why Asphalt Paving is a Sustainable Choice for Road Construction

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective | 5 Reasons Why Asphalt Paving is a Sustainable Choice for Road ConstructionAsphalt is a non-toxic material that does not leach chemicals into the groundwater and water bodies from which we get our drinking water. It also does not pollute the air with global warming gases (GHG), such as CO2, CH4, nitrous oxide, or waste materials, such as petroleum-based solvents or hazardous debris.

Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt paving requires less energy to produce and construct than other pavements. It uses recycled materials, emits fewer greenhouse gases, and conserves natural resources.

The asphalt binder used in a typical mix is a blend of complex hydrocarbons derived mainly from petroleum. Acquiring, transporting, and refining these hydrocarbons generates emissions of greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds. Heating the mixture of aggregates and the asphalt binder during paving causes additional emissions.

When an asphalt road reaches the end of its life, it can be rehabilitated using a process known as rubblization. This process recycles the worn-out asphalt, reusing it to build a new road base, saving the energy and natural resources required to haul away and replace the old concrete pavement.

Durable

Asphalt is a durable choice for pavement construction because it holds up well over time. This helps to minimize the need for costly repairs or reconstruction.

Smooth roads are safer to drive on and make for a great ride. They also add to an area’s visual appeal, and a clean, paved surface shows that someone cares about a community.

Compared to concrete, asphalt uses less energy to produce. This helps to limit fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also easier and faster to maintain asphalt roads. For example, asphalt paving can be done at night to avoid causing traffic delays during the day. Moreover, asphalt roads are better at absorbing sound and can reduce highway noise by seven decibels. This significantly cuts down on the need for expensive and unsightly sound barriers.

Versatile

Asphalt is a versatile choice for road construction because it can be tailored to specific traffic loads and climatic conditions. For example, it can be formulated to withstand rutting in the summer and freeze/thaw cycles in the winter.

Furthermore, asphalt pavements can be laid down relatively quickly compared to concrete pavement surfaces, as it doesn’t require curing time. This helps reduce the energy required for laying down and repairing a road.

Using asphalt pavements can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these gases have global warming properties, including carbon dioxide, commonly produced by humans and can affect productivity, sleep, infectious disease, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Asphalt pavements can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by properly designing roads and maintaining them and reducing vehicle congestion.


Easy to Maintain

Asphalt is easy to maintain and will last a long time when properly maintained. It is easily repaired, allowing for a quick return to use, and it looks great with regular seal coating.

Asphalt pavements are made from a mixture of aggregate, binder, and fillers. The aggregates are processed mineral materials, including rock, sand, and gravel. The binder is a black sticky petroleum byproduct called bitumen. Fillers are used to add strength and durability.

Asphalt is more environmentally friendly than concrete because it produces less energy. This is because it is melted at a lower temperature, and because of this, the production of asphalt requires less energy. This means fewer greenhouse gases are produced. The same goes for its maintenance, as it is much easier to repair cracks and potholes in asphalt than in concrete.

Recyclable

Asphalt is a recyclable material that can be reheated and reused for road construction. It also helps reduce the quarrying, mining, and oil consumption of making new asphalt, saving energy, machinery, transportation, and labor costs. This reduces the need to use non-renewable resources, protecting natural areas and resources like aggregate and asphalt.

Installing asphalt paving takes 20% less energy than other paving materials. This is great news for our environment, as it reduces GHG emissions contributing to climate change and lowers vehicle noise pollution.

Another earth-friendly aspect of asphalt paving is its ability to absorb noise. This reduces traffic noise and noise pollution, which can disrupt sleep and productivity.

Do Australian Brokers Use Forex Robots?

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StrategyDriven StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article |Forex Robots|Do Australian Brokers Use Forex Robots?Yes, Australian brokers do use forex robots. These automated trading systems are designed to minimise the time and effort taken to analyse data from the global financial markets, enabling traders to make more informed decisions while trading.

The technology is becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to its ability to provide traders with a comprehensive overview of their investments and help them identify potential opportunities without investing hours in analysis. This article will explore how forex robots work, their benefits and risks for trading on the foreign exchange market.

How forex robots work

Forex robots are computer programs that use algorithms based on mathematical formulas and historical data sets to open and close positions in the foreign exchange market. They are designed to handle transactions quickly and accurately, helping traders manage their investments. The robots also use technical indicators such as moving averages, support and resistance levels or pivot points to decide when to open and close trades.

Setup

The first step to using a forex robot is to set up the program with your trading platform, link it to data feeds, input parameters such as risk tolerance, and set money management rules. Once the program is configured, it can begin autonomously operating following its instruction.

Trade execution

Once the parameters have been set, the robot will execute trades based on market conditions. The software may enter and exit positions automatically or provide trade signals that traders can follow manually or automatically according to their preferences.

Optimisation

Forex robots are constantly being improved as new algorithms are developed, and information becomes available, allowing traders to optimise their robots’ performance and better manage their investments.

Benefits of using forex robots

Investors can benefit from several advantages when trading with a forex broker using forex robots. These allow investors to save time, reduce risk and improve their overall trading performance by automating trading decisions.

Increased Speed

One of the main advantages of using a forex robot is increased speed, as it can quickly execute trades and provide trade signals without needing manual input from traders. It allows investors to take advantage of market opportunities more quickly than they would otherwise be able to do manually.

Reduced Risk

Another benefit of using a forex robot is that it can help reduce risk by executing trades in a predetermined manner. The software also enables traders to control their risk through money management rules such as stop-losses, enabling them to manage their investments more effectively.


Automation

The most significant benefit of forex robots is that they automate the trading process, which eliminates the need for traders to spend time analysing the markets, allowing them to focus on other tasks or enjoy free time while their investments are managed autonomously.

Improved accuracy

Forex robots use algorithms and mathematical formulas to analyse data from the financial markets, which can increase accuracy when making decisions. It can help minimise losses and maximise profits for investors.

Flexibility

Robots are designed with parameters that brokers can adjust according to changing market conditions or individual preferences, allowing traders to tailor their strategies and adjust their investments as needed.
Risks of using forex robots

Despite the potential benefits, there are some risks that investors should be aware of before investing in a broker with forex robots. These include potential losses due to a lack of expertise, unexpected market conditions and incorrect settings.

Losses due to lack of expertise

One risk associated with trading with a forex robot is that it can generate significant losses if there isn’t sufficient knowledge or expertise in the foreign exchange markets. It could occur if the programmer needs to consider important factors such as economic or political news. In this case, traders may need to adjust their strategies manually or seek expert advice.

Unexpected market conditions

Some robots may be unable to cope with unexpected market conditions, such as sudden news announcements or changes in volatility. It could lead to significant losses for traders who need to monitor their investments more closely.

Incorrect settings

Another risk is that the robot’s parameters may be set incorrectly and lead to a trading strategy unsuitable for the current market conditions. Traders should ensure they understand how the robot works and adjust its settings periodically to minimise potential losses.

Top Rated Investments with Precious Metals

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective | Top Rated Investments with Precious MetalsWhether you’re looking for the best gold ETFs or looking to invest in gold and silver, there are many different choices available. Here are a few of the top rated investments with precious metals that you can consider.

Types of Precious Metal Investing

Investing in precious metals can be a lucrative way to protect your wealth and diversify your investment portfolio. However, this asset class comes with its own set of risks and opportunities. Before deciding on a strategy, you’ll want to identify your goals, risk profile, and potential returns.

For example, investors can use physical precious metals as a hedge against currency devaluation or inflation. These assets can also be used as a store of value and a potential hedge against geopolitical risks.

There are two main ways to invest in precious metals: physical bullion and exchange traded funds. Bullion is typically bought and sold differently than ETFs. ETFs provide investors with exposure to metals, but not to the actual metal itself.

Another option is investing in numismatic coins. These unique coins are often rare and have unique characteristics. They have a higher investment power and are often sold for a small price. They are also easy to purchase and add a fun element to investing.

Investors can also invest in precious metals by purchasing shares of mining companies. These companies trade on the stock market and are leveraged to the price of the underlying metals. When the price of a precious metal increases, a mining company can become profitable.

There are also precious metals royalty companies. These companies hold a large portfolio of future streams. These companies are riskier because they are younger and have a larger share of the potential streams. However, these companies also have a high potential for upside.

For many investors, investing in gold and silver is a way to protect against inflation and stock market volatility. However, gold and silver mutual funds tend to gain popularity in uncertain economic times.

Physical Gold and Silver

Investing in physical gold and silver is a good way to add security to your investment strategy. Both can be a hedge against inflation. They can also help protect your portfolio when stocks fall.

If you want to be a wise investor, make sure to understand the various aspects of investing in these precious metals. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your investment, the cost of storage, and the required return to break even.

The first thing to know about physical gold and silver is that they can be purchased in many different ways. You can buy them as bars, coins, or through a third-party depository. You can also find a dealer online. However, you need to take a look at all of the costs associated with each option.

In the US, there is a strong demand for physical gold. Many of the major brokerage firms also buy and sell precious metals.

There are also a number of exchange-traded funds available that allow investors to get exposure to silver and gold. These ETFs charge an expense ratio, but provide investors with an easy way to access the metals without the hassle of physical storage. However, some ETFs don’t offer the same returns as physical metals.

The price of gold and silver fluctuates as a result of market conditions, economic factors, and inflation. This can be a good thing for short-term traders. However, it can also be a bad thing for long-term investors.

The best way to get exposure to the metals is to buy them through a reputable dealer. The right dealer will offer you a number of different options, such as a buy-and-store program. However, it’s important to choose a dealer that has a proven track record and that offers you great customer service.


Gold and Silver IRAs

Investing in precious metals is a smart way to diversify your retirement savings. However, a gold IRA is not for everyone. The key is to find a company that fits your needs and budget by reviewing a list of the top companies like the one here.

A gold IRA company can help you find the best gold for your needs. Many companies offer a wide variety of IRS-approved coins and bullion. If you have questions, call a representative. They will be able to explain your options to you.

Gold IRA companies should have competitive pricing. You should also check out their customer reviews and testimonials. It is important to choose a company that has a solid reputation and a good track record. It is also important to find out about the fees associated with IRA investments.

A gold IRA can provide protection against inflation and market volatility. However, it is important to keep in mind that the investment does not pay dividends. Also, withdrawals may be subject to tax penalties.

Gold IRAs are becoming popular among retirees and younger investors. Most investors roll over a portion of their retirement account to a gold IRA. Ideally, your investment should be less than 5% of your total retirement account. You should also consider a broader wealth-management strategy.

The best gold IRA companies are ones that offer responsive customer service and educational resources. In addition, you should make sure the company you choose has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They should also have glowing client testimonials.

Gold IRA Advisors offers a variety of web conferences that will teach you about investing in gold. They also have a free investment guide that will help you get started. You can also speak with an advisor to find out what is best for you.

Precious Metal ETFs

Investing in precious metals is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. This can help reduce your losses in the event of a market crash. These investments are also a good hedge against inflation. However, before investing in precious metals, there are a few things to keep in mind.

These investments are not guaranteed to increase in value. This is because precious metals are not backed by any entity. They also tend to be volatile. They are susceptible to investor sentiment and can swing a lot. They are also not income-producing assets.

Precious metals can be used as a currency or a store of value. They also have practical uses in technology. Many wealthy investors allocate a percentage of their investment portfolio to precious metals. These metals can be sold for profit when prices rise.

The best way to invest in precious metals is to buy a basket of precious metals ETFs. This can give you exposure to all four of the main precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

These ETFs provide diversification in one investment fund. The expense ratio of GraniteShares Gold Trust fund is 0.17%, making it the lowest in the industry. The fund also tracks the spot price of gold. The iShares Silver Trust provides daily exposure to silver bullion, making it convenient to invest. The fund has $12.7 billion in assets.

While the price of silver may be more volatile than gold, it retains value over time. It is also an industrial metal. As more solar panels are installed, the demand for this metal could increase.

The price of silver can be a good hedge against inflation. However, while gold can help protect you from inflation, it can also be a good hedge against currency devaluation.

Gold Mutual Funds

Investing in precious metals is a very popular investment opportunity. However, these investments have their own unique risks.

Precious metals and minerals industries can be impacted by global economic and financial developments, political events, trade imbalances, and central bank movements. These developments and events can result in price changes. Therefore, gold and silver mutual funds are not always a reliable investment option. However, these funds can diversify a portfolio and lower the risk of catastrophic losses.

The Gold Miners Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in gold mining companies. It also invests in international gold holdings. However, a portion of the assets may be allocated to a single issuer.

The Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund focuses on income generation and capital appreciation. It also invests in stocks of companies that produce gold and other precious metals.

The Fidelity Select Gold fund invests at least 25% of its assets in gold equities. It also invests in gold bullion ETFs.

Other precious metals mutual funds have stocks in platinum and silver. Platinum is a popular investment option. However, platinum and silver mutual funds are not as popular as gold funds.

These funds are a great option for investors seeking a safe investment option. Buying gold or silver can be a great addition to a portfolio, especially in a down market. However, it is important to keep in mind that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Before making an investment, it is important to understand the risks involved. Some of these risks include currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, and capital loss from currency fluctuations. International investing also involves risks from differences in accounting principles and political uncertainty.

Changes That Will Have A Huge Impact On Your Business

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StrategyDriven StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article |Impact on your business|Changes That Will Have A Huge Impact On Your BusinessSmall things or changes can sometimes make a big difference in your business life. The benefits of using them are that they won’t take up too much of your time or money, you can start using them right away, and you can see the results the next day.

You want your business to do well. You also want to be a successful business owner and have a lot more time for yourself and your family. Getting all of these things done is not an easy task. But if you are an entrepreneur with a strong will and smart steps for making small changes, you can really make a big difference in your life. Here are some small changes you can start making right away and feel the real benefits of within your business.

Be Positive

Nobody wants to be negative or to be involved with negativity in any way. That is a fact. So, why would you want to spread negativity within and outside your company when you already know it is bad for you? Even when you are full of bad energy, you must remain as upbeat as possible. Only in this manner can you turn your negativity into mutual positivity in the far healthier working atmosphere that leads to success.

Be Clear And Concise

Can you make something if the person who tells you what to make is hard to understand? Probably you can’t. Do you, as a customer, buy products or services from a salesperson who doesn’t know how to explain the value of what you’re buying and help you understand it better? Most likely, you won’t buy from someone like that. So, when you work with other people, try to be as clear and concise as possible in everything you do.

This is a good practice to get into in life generally. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a client, employee, friend, family member, or someone you’ve only just met – the clearer you can be in all things, the more you’ll achieve.


Don’t Ignore Problems

If a business doesn’t have any problems, it doesn’t have a market. A business owner without problems is a non-business owner with nothing to do. You need to realize that the problems in your business are what will kill it. If there are no problems, there are no ways to get better. Without problems, there wouldn’t be any new ideas. But also, if the problems aren’t solved, there won’t be any improvements or new ideas.

Because of this, you can’t just let the problems go. You have to solve them if you want to keep making improvements and coming up with new ideas for your business. That’s your entrepreneurial job.

Understand Metrics

You can’t expect your small business to be on the right track to success if you don’t have a plan that keeps things from getting out of hand. You need to set up systems with the right procedures to help you come up with, track, and analyze the right metrics. These measurements will tell you how successful you are as an entrepreneur or how close your business is to the goals you want to reach. They’ll tell you if you’re doing the right thing and making the right choices.

Over-Deliver To Customers

To consistently meet and exceed your clients’ expectations, you must identify the things they need from you and incorporate them into your everyday work routine. Your company exists to provide a service or product that clients will find useful. If that’s the case, it’s time to get serious about making and giving back to your customers. Over-deliver and under-promise, and you’ll be successful, with loyal customers who enjoy buying from you. You could use MSP quoting software, for example, to ensure customers get pricing when they ask for it, and you could offer follow-up calls or send out feedback forms to check that you’re doing the right thing.

Educate Your Team

You won’t get where you want to go as an entrepreneur if you try to do it alone. Having said that, even if you have a reliable staff, that is no assurance of business success. You’ll want to hire intelligent, capable people who can improve with training and the knowledge they gain on the job. Therefore, share what you’ve learned rather than hoarding your expertise. If you want to see significant improvements in your business, training them is a must.

Manage Your Time

Starting and running a successful business is not something you can do in a matter of days. There will be a lot on your plate, some of which you may not have even realized were necessary at the time. Many business owners are unable to function effectively, causing them to slide backward. Your productivity as a business owner relies heavily on how well you manage your time.

How Different Automated Processes Have Improved Business

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StrategyDriven StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article |Automated Processes|How Different Automated Processes Have Improved BusinessOn the surface, it may seem like automation in business is a bad idea. The lack of human judgment should cause all manner of errors; however, many companies are embracing this technology for several reasons.

There is a lot that you can now automate inside your own business, and there are plenty of reasons to trust these processes. With that said, let’s look are the different automatic processes that are now entrenched in modern business to find out how they have improved productivity in some way.

Automation In Manufacturing

The benefits of using automated practices in manufacturing are fairly obvious and this practice has been around for a very long time. Machines can now be programmed to work as part of a conveyor system to build your product in record time. This means that you can manufacture a lot more in a standard hour than a human workforce ever could; therefore, you make more money in the process.

Automation In Inventory Management

Operating a large business can sometimes feel overwhelming. You have so much stock to manage, and one tiny error in this management system can lead to catastrophic consequences in the future. However, you can remove human error from the inventory and warehousing processes by using Texas 3PL.

A company like SCHC can handle all your third-party logistic needs with its automatic inventory management systems. These can place stock orders based on the current market trajectory and update your records regularly, so you always have an idea about how much stock you have. This prevents stock management problems, saving you money overall.

Automation In Human Resources

Automatic processes aren’t solely reserved for the mechanical side of your business. They can also be used in employee management.

Your human resources team is responsible for monitoring the work patterns and well-being of all your employees. Unfortunately, the data management side of this profession can sometimes take precedence over the human side, which can lead to your staff producing poor results. That is why you can now adopt a human resource database to automatically update your data systems. It can send out pay, update holiday leave, and even perform feedback checks to improve your employee’s experience. This allows your HR team to continue to focus on the more important aspects of their role, safe in the knowledge that all employee data systems are being handled.

Automation In Saving You Money

As you can probably tell, all the automated processes listed above are designed to save you precious man-hours during the workday. However, there is a more important reason why you should adopt these practices, and that is because it can save your business money.

Maintaining positive profit margins is the key to success for any business, so you need to cut costs to ensure that you always end up making money. Using automated systems removes the need to pay unnecessary employees and keeps the likelihood of human errors down. These errors can prove quite costly, so make sure that you trust your new automated systems to save your business money.

Summary

Any good business will already have some of these automated processes in place. Unfortunately, technology moves so fast that it can be hard to keep up. Try to stay on the lookout for new automated systems and you can operate your business at maximum efficiency.