Different sorts of animal racing have been an active part of the world of sports for quite some time. Often attacked by animal rights activists and defended by fans of the discipline, such activities are also obviously popular among bettors.

While horse racing takes first place for being famous and having more participants, there are other sports as well.

This article aims to describe the history of ostrich racing briefly yet demonstratively. Being a popular sport in South Africa, the U.S., and some other countries, the roots of such a tradition go back a long way.

And while betting on ostrich races exists, we won’t cover it in detail in our article. If you’re looking for wagering tips, look at other sources. For example, BetsBest.ke offers enough information to help one succeed in betting.

What Is Ostrich Racing?

Ostriches are flightless birds native to Africa. These animals can reach high speeds when running, sometimes up to 70 km/h. That means that before the creation of cars, they were among the ways to move quite fast. While they aren’t the means of transportation, mainly due to the impracticality and difficulty of riding, their racing is a popular attraction for people in some parts of the world.

When Did It Become a Thing?

In the US, ostrich racing started growing in popularity by the end of the 1800s. For example, in Chandler, Arizona, the birds were brought by the city founder, Dr. Alexander J. Chandler, in the 1880s. He started an ostrich farm there, although riding became the town’s attraction several decades later.

That town isn’t the only one in the States to have ostrich racing features in its festivals, but the modern tradition usually traces South Africa. In its Western Cape region, to be precise. And even that’s not where ostrich riding appeared for the first time. The oldest known evidence leads us to a Sumerian city, Kish, 3000 years ago, and it’s far from the only ancient place where people ride ostriches. But South Africa seems to be where it gained popularity and spread to other countries. 

Modern Ostrich Racing

Ostrich racing has become a popular attraction, and while it’s now not at its highest point, it’s still common in many places where it was a tradition. For example, in Chandler, Arizona, as mentioned in the article, ostrich racing is present. The town even holds an annual ostrich festival. It’s relatively new, having been held for just over 30 years, but it’s based on the town’s rich history of farming these animals.

Various ostrich riding attractions exist in other parts of the US, as well as in other countries, such as Vietnam, South Africa, and even the United Kingdom. For example, Jacksonville, Florida, is another place where one can ride ostriches, and the tradition lives on after a hundred years. Unsurprisingly, the activity gets a lot of criticism from animal rights groups, although some establishments exist that work on improving ostriches’ well-being, as well as the salary of workers.

What’s more interesting is that the sport isn’t as popular in Australia as one would have thought. Despite being a common animal in the country,  multiple attempts to introduce the sport into the country were met with different levels of success. Still, it didn’t become a popular attraction like it did in South Africa or the U.S. for some reason.

Conclusion

Ostrich racing is a discipline that has managed to remain prevalent throughout all of the years. The sport is enjoyable for bettors, starting as a tradition and continuing as an attraction.

In this article, we looked at this activity, its history and origins, and how it works. Ostrich racing still lives on as a continuation of tradition in South Africa and some towns in the United States. Still, its popularity has declined, and animal abuse allegations affect it. The activity is also dangerous for riders, involving a significant level of skill and coordination.

The term “Mrs. Watanabe”, synonymous with the fascinating yet often overlooked force symbolized by Watanabe in the FX market, tells a remarkable story.

This phenomenon, deeply rooted in Japan’s unique economic history, narrates how individual retail investors, particularly Japanese housewives, have managed to make a significant impact on worldwide financial markets.

Mrs. Watanabe and the World of Financial Markets

In Japan, a country known for its low interest rates, the typical Japanese housewife, dubbed ‘Mrs. Watanabe’, began engaging in forex trading as a means to increase household income. These women, adept at managing household money, found an opportunity in foreign exchange markets. Their foray into currency trading was not merely a pastime but a serious investment strategy, leveraging the interest rate differential between Japan and other countries.

The table above illustrates the typical scenario where Mrs. Watanabe would invest in higher yielding currencies, often considering those identified as high growth currency, leveraging Japan’s low interest rate environment. By borrowing yen at low interest rates and buying yen back at opportune times, while investing in currencies from countries with higher interest rates, these investors aimed to profit from the interest rate differential.

This strategy, while profitable in certain market conditions, also exposed Mrs. Watanabe to significant FX volatility and short term market fluctuations. These factors required a keen understanding of risk management, which many Japanese housewives honed over time.

The Role of Forex Trading in Mrs. Watanabe’s Strategy

Forex trading became a crucial element in Mrs. Watanabe’s investment strategy. As individual investors, they capitalized on the volatility of the forex markets to generate profit. The Japanese yen, often seen as a safe haven in times of global market uncertainty, played a key role in their trading activities.

Their involvement in currency markets wasn’t just a minor blip but had a significant impact. The collective actions of these individual investors could influence the strength of the yen and, by extension, impact international markets.

Understanding the Impact of Interest Rates on Mrs. Watanabe’s Investments

Interest rates are a central factor in the financial decisions of Mrs. Watanabe. The persistent low interest rate environment in Japan, a result of the nation’s ‘lost decade’, pushed these investors to look beyond their borders. Seeking higher returns, they turned their attention to foreign currencies offering a higher interest rate.

This interest rate differential not only provided an avenue for profit but also introduced a layer of complexity to their investment strategy. It required a sophisticated approach to risk management, considering factors like transaction fees and inherent risks of investing in foreign currencies, especially with borrowed money.

How Japanese Household Investors Reshape Global Financial Dynamics

Mrs. Watanabe, as a collective term for Japanese housewives engaging in forex trading, represents a unique phenomenon in global finance. Their rise as a force in the financial markets highlights the interconnectedness of the world economy. Japan’s domestic economic policy, particularly its low interest rates, had far-reaching effects, influencing currency markets and investment trends globally.

The influence of Mrs. Watanabe extends beyond Japan, demonstrating how individual retail investors can shape global market dynamics. Their presence in the forex market, influencing global markets, is a testament to the power of individual investors in a world often dominated by large institutional players.

The Evolution of Trading Strategies Among Japanese Housewives

Over the years, Mrs. Watanabe’s approach to trading has evolved. Initially focusing on profiting from interest rate differentials, these savvy investors have adapted to changing market conditions. Their ability to navigate the complex world of forex trading, while managing the risks associated with significant FX volatility, speaks to their resilience and adaptability.

• Adapting to Market Changes: Including the adoption of day trading techniques, Mrs. Watanabe has shown a remarkable ability to adjust strategies in response to global financial shifts.
• Risk Management: A crucial aspect of their trading, balancing potential profits with the risks of currency fluctuations.
• Diversification: Broadening investment portfolios beyond just forex to include other financial markets.

The evolution of their trading strategies underscores the dynamic nature of the forex market and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

Mrs. Watanabe and the Future of Forex Trading

Looking ahead, the role of Japanese retail investors in forex trading and the broader economic landscape is likely to remain significant. As global finance becomes increasingly accessible and interconnected, the influence of individual investors, exemplified by these diligent Japanese housewives, will continue to be felt.

Their story is not just about investment and profit; it’s about empowerment, financial literacy, and the democratization of global finance. Mrs. Watanabe’s journey in the world of forex trading serves as an inspiring example for individual investors everywhere.

In conclusion, Mrs. Watanabe’s impact on the forex market is a testament to the power of individual retail investors. Their story reflects the broader trends in global finance, where technology, accessibility, and education have enabled a wider range of participants to play a crucial role in the dynamics of the financial world. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from Mrs. Watanabe will undoubtedly continue to influence the strategies and approaches of investors worldwide.

Securing a comfortable and carefree retirement is often high on the objectives we strive for, save, and invest. Retirement signifies a time to put aside professional obligations and enjoy some leisure. However, this phase of life can be quite distressing if not properly planned for. 

Despite the availability of numerous resources, tools, and discussions, transitioning smoothly from everyday work life to a serene retirement can still be fraught with errors, especially for those who are unprepared. 

For these ‘unprepared retirees’, reaching this intimidating phase only to realize their lack of preparedness can be a harsh reality check. They discover the hard way that post-work life comes with its own set of challenges. Here are hard-earned lessons from retirees and advice on better retirement preparation.

Decide on Your Investments for Your Post-work Years

For the majority of investors, the ultimate long-term objective is retirement. Even those nearing retirement may have a longer investment timeframe than anticipated, as their savings will need to sustain them through a potential retirement period of 30 years or more. As such, it’s vital for investors to thoughtfully evaluate their asset distribution.

Generally, all investors should retain some exposure to the enduring growth potential that stocks present in their retirement portfolios. Check out the Learn About Gold website to learn about ESOPs and how they play a crucial role in mitigating the greater volatility of investments. As one nears and transitions into retirement, the distribution of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes within your investment portfolio will likely require adjustments.

Avoid Concentrating All Your Resources in One Place

Expand your sources of income and experiment with new opportunities and ideas, which can help you increase your wealth. In these uncertain times, relying solely on one income stream is risky, so starting early is crucial and establishing multiple income channels for security is crucial. 

While having diverse income streams is beneficial, overdoing it may be counterproductive. Aim to diversify but maintain a manageable number of income streams to avoid the hassle of tracking too many at once.

Make Contributions to Your 401(k) Account

If your employer provides a conventional 401(k) scheme and you qualify for it, you may have the chance to contribute money that hasn’t been taxed yet, which could be a substantial benefit. Suppose you’re in the 12% tax bracket and intend to contribute $100 each pay cycle. 

Since these contributions are deducted from your salary before federal income taxes are computed, your net income will only decrease by $88 (plus whatever state and local income tax and Social Security and Medicare tax apply). This means you can invest much of your income without significantly affecting your monthly budget.

Establish Automated Transfers

You can establish this arrangement between your current account and your pension fund to ensure you always remember to save. Configure it so that on a consistent day each month (perhaps on your payday), the money you’ve designated for the future is transferred from your bank account into your investment portfolio. Adopting this method eliminates the possibility of inadvertently spending these funds.

Track Progress

A plan is only comprehensive when its progress is regularly tracked and any discovered inconsistencies are rectified. This makes it imperative to periodically evaluate your retirement strategy, allowing for necessary alterations in expenses, savings, and investments.

One crucial thing to remember is the fluidity of one’s financial situation over time. As one ages, there may be a shift towards better-paying occupations or increased business profits. Consequently, the potential to save and invest more also escalates.

Endnote

Planning for retirement isn’t trivial, often demanding several decades of judicious saving to amass enough funds for one’s retirement years. However, it’s always the right time to start these preparations. To enjoy a serene and comfortable life after retirement, individuals should aim to build a diversified portfolio, while keeping a careful equilibrium between their lifestyle needs and anticipated returns.