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Case-Hardening Steel 822M17: Properties, Usage, and More

Case-hardening steel 822M17, also known by its European designation 17Cr3, is a low-carbon alloy steel primarily used in applications requiring a tough core with a hard, wear-resistant surface. This type of steel undergoes a specific heat treatment process called case-hardening, which creates a hard outer layer while maintaining a ductile and tough core. This combination of properties makes 822M17 an ideal material for various engineering and industrial applications. In this overview, we’ll delve into the properties, usage, and specific characteristics of 822M17 steel.

Properties of 822M17 Steel

The chemical composition of case-hardening steel 822M17 is carefully balanced to achieve its unique properties. The primary components include:

  • Carbon (C):14-0.19%
  • Manganese (Mn):7-0.9%
  • Chromium (Cr):9-1.2%
  • Silicon (Si):17-0.37%
  • Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.30%
  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.035%
  • Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.035%

The low carbon content ensures the steel remains ductile and tough, while the addition of chromium enhances its hardenability and resistance to wear and corrosion.

Mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of 822M17 steel can vary significantly depending on the heat treatment and case-hardening process applied. In its normalized state, typical mechanical properties include:

  • Tensile Strength: 600-750 MPa
  • Yield Strength: 350-500 MPa
  • Elongation: 12-16%
  • Hardness: 180-230 HB

After the case-hardening process, the surface hardness can reach values up to 60 HRC (Rockwell Hardness), while the core retains its ductility and toughness.

Heat treatment

Heat treatment plays a crucial role in developing the desired properties of 822M17 steel. The typical heat treatment process involves:

  1. Normalizing: Heating the steel to approximately 870-900°C and then air cooling to refine the grain structure and enhance machinability.
  2. Case Hardening: Carburizing or carbonitriding the surface at 850-950°C to introduce carbon and/or nitrogen into the surface layer, followed by quenching to form a hard martensitic layer.
  3. Tempering: Reheating the steel to 150-200°C to reduce residual stresses and improve toughness without significantly lowering the surface hardness.

These heat treatment steps are crucial for achieving the optimal balance between surface hardness and core toughness.

Usage of 822M17 Steel

Below, we presented some usage of 822M17 Steel in various industries.

Automotive industry

One of the primary applications of 822M17 steel is in the automotive industry, where components are subjected to high wear and stress conditions. Common automotive parts made from 822M17 include:

Gears: The high surface hardness and tough core make this steel ideal for gears, which must withstand significant friction and impact.

Camshafts and Crankshafts: These components require a hard surface to resist wear and a tough core to absorb shock loads, making 822M17 a suitable choice.

Transmission Components: Shafts, couplings, and other transmission parts benefit from the case-hardened properties of this steel, ensuring long service life and reliability.

Machinery and tooling

In the realm of industrial machinery and tooling, 822M17 steel is valued for its durability and wear resistance. Common applications include:

Bearing Races: The hard outer layer provides excellent wear resistance, while the tough core ensures the bearings can handle high loads without fracturing.

Tool Holders and Chucks: These components must grip tools securely while enduring repeated impact and wear, making 822M17 an ideal material.

Sprockets and Chains: The steel’s properties help maintain the integrity and performance of these components under harsh operating conditions.

Construction and heavy equipment

The construction industry also benefits from the use of 822M17 steel in various components that require a combination of wear resistance and toughness. Examples include:

Bushings and Pins: Used in heavy machinery and equipment, these parts must withstand significant abrasion and impact, conditions under which 822M17 excels.

Hydraulic Components: Pistons and cylinders made from this steel offer enhanced longevity and performance due to their superior wear resistance.

What are the advantages of Using 822M17 Steel?

1. Enhanced wear resistance

The primary advantage of 822M17 steel is its exceptional wear resistance, achieved through the case-hardening process. This makes it suitable for components that experience constant friction and wear, extending their operational life and reducing maintenance costs.

2. Superior toughness

While the surface of 822M17 steel becomes extremely hard, the core remains tough and ductile. This combination prevents catastrophic failures and ensures components can absorb shocks and impacts without fracturing.

3. Versatility in applications

The balance of properties in 822M17 steel makes it versatile for a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to industrial machinery and construction equipment. Its adaptability to different working conditions and requirements is a significant advantage.

4. Cost-Effective Performance

Compared to high-alloy steels and other materials that might offer similar properties, 822M17 steel is relatively cost-effective. Its availability and ease of machining make it a practical choice for manufacturers seeking high performance without excessive costs.

Summing up

Case-hardening steel 822M17, with its unique combination of a hard, wear-resistant surface and a tough, ductile core, is an essential material in many industries. Its applications in the automotive sector, industrial machinery, and construction equipment highlight its versatility and reliability. The properties of 822M17, including its chemical composition, mechanical characteristics, and heat treatment processes, make it a valuable choice for components requiring durability and performance under challenging conditions. As industries continue to demand materials that balance strength, wear resistance, and toughness, 822M17 steel remains a fundamental solution in the engineering and manufacturing landscape.

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Exuding Professionalism for the Sake of Your Brand

As anyone in charge of a business can tell you, good branding is very important in regards to the overall success of your company. However, the number of factors in your business that can ultimately have a large impact on your professional appearance and your brand might surprise you. One such example of this is the professionality of your business, and how your efforts to maintain a professional image can positively impact your branding.

However, with so many areas of your business to keep track of, you might not always know how to show your professionalism or lose track of some areas altogether.

Your Social Media Interactions

Social media marketing is an incredibly valuable tool for any business. For those just starting out, it provides you with a way to conduct your marketing through channels that are low-cost and wide-reaching. For those who are more established and do have the means to market through other methods, social media continues to provide a solid foundation that can draw new customers to you via your increased online presence.

However, while a positive of these platforms is that you have a sphere in which to openly interact with your audiences, you want these interactions to reflect as positively on you as possible, regardless of the direction that they take – as they’ll be visible for a wide range of people to see and can be easily shared throughout the internet.

Business Branding

Your Place of Business

The actual physical size of your business is something that you might neglect when your focus is on the continued success of your operations but maintaining the quality of this aspect can reflect positively on your brand. This is the location that your audiences will associate with you and showing that you care about it enough to ensure it continues to look as good as it can, should show people that you care deeply about all aspects of your business.

This might mean that you go about installing a suitably professional sign to elegantly convey all the necessary information, it might mean that you keep on top of the upkeep, or it might mean that you visit outlets like Mosquito Loitering Solutions in order to prevent acts such as loitering from negatively impacting the image of your brand.

Your Interactions with Employees

However, your attempts to perfect your image of professionalism can run deeper than just how you interact with your customers. Maintaining a high-quality relationship with your employees is also important, as this will not only mean that your operations will continue to run as smoothly and productively as possible thanks to the trusting dynamic that you’ve carefully curated, but it will prevent your brand from being harmed by a high staff turnover. Not only will a high staff turnover impact productivity due to the more experienced staff members frequently leaving, but it will also impact your reputation and potentially prevent prospective applicants from wanting to work with you.

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Attractive Design and Good Durability of Wood Fired Hot Tubs and Hot Tub

Hot bath is good way to relax. Some people choose to find place where they can have hot bath. There can be many choices as the destination. However, you can also have your own hot tub in your house. You do not need to find any place or even rent the hot tub. You can get your own, even the outdoor hot tub. Wood fired hot tubs can provide you with the best product for it. You can purchase the tub and later you will be able to enjoy your own quality time. Of course, it is possible to use it with your family and friends.

Great Material for Long-lasting Durability of Wood Fired Hot Tubs and Hot Tub

When you want to purchase hot tub, you may need time to consider. It will be useful for you and your family, but it still may make you spend money for it. When you are not able to get the good product, it will only become big problem. In other word, it becomes failure in your plan. In this case, the hot tub that you are going to purchase will not disappoint you. When you look for good durability, you will get it and even the hot tub will able to last for years without any serious issues.

It can happen because the manufacturer really chooses the best material. It is not only for its exterior, but also it is for the interior of the hot tub. For the exterior, there is raw spruce wood. This is type of the wood with great durability. Since it is for the outdoor hot tub, it is necessary to use durable material that will be able to handle the threats of weather. The spruce wood is great choice. As for the inner part of the tub, it uses fiberglass. It has soft surface with sturdy construction. It is comfortable but it last long. In addition, the tub will be able to deliver the heat perfectly. Moreover, it is very easy to clean. That is why it can last long.

Good Choice of Material to Make the Hot Tub Attractive

Strength of material is the key when you want to get long-lasting hot tub. However, it is an outdoor hot tub so it should also be attractive that will leave good impression on anyone who sees the tub. In this case, once again the raw spruce material becomes the star. The manufacturer leaves its natural texture and color. It is to give good look on the tub, and it will blend well with the outdoor. This seems simple, but the wooden material always looks great when it talks about natural construction and design.

The tub also gets the attention. The tub may look simply, but its clean and smooth surface has its own attractiveness. Everyone who sees it may feel invited to sink into it. In this case, the manufacturer provides access where you are able to choose the color of the tub. There are some options, and you can pick based on your personal preference. Next, it has integrated log burner, so it keeps hidden and make the design look clean and simple.

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How To Create the Ultimate Boho Bedroom

With the RV industry booming, van life trending, and nature as most people’s favorite destinations, it’s no wonder that boho fashion and design styles are where it’s at this season. The global pandemic has meant not only getting out into nature for exploration, but that people are changing lifestyles in general.

Between buying new homes to moving into alternative living situations and changing jobs and careers, many people are looking to revamp their style in ways that reflect their new versions of themselves. If you’re considering a design overall and want to give your favorite room a touch of boho, read on for ways to create the ultimate boho bedroom.

Considering Budget

One of the best things about going for a boho theme is that the boho design style is built on the themes of free-spiritedness and nature. For this reason, mixing and matching repurposed and discount finds is a great way to build any boho room on a budget. Big on texture and comfort, the boho style means you’ll want a bedroom with plenty of artistic pieces, places to lounge and sit, and hints of nature.

A great way to build that perfect reading nook, yoga corner, or resting area in your bedroom is to pick up an ottoman. Ottoman World compares budget-friendly ottoman beds and could be a fantastic resource for an ottoman to design your nook around. Adding bookshelves for your favorites, succulents, and even your aquarium with throw rugs and a faux fur blanket could be a great way to set the mood in a designated resting spot in your room.

When collecting pieces for your boho room, consider thrift shops, repurposing furniture, and asking friends and family for mismatched pieces they may have in their attics and basements. A few layers of nature-toned spray paint and you can pull your eclectic collection together in no time for very little cost.

Nodding at Nature

There’s no doubt that most people who are attracted to boho style enjoy bringing natural elements into their homes. Whether you are one to buy live plants and create a window greenhouse or prefer trending faux succulents for those dressers, shelves, and even hanging hooks, bringing in plants is a way to set off the theme for any boho room.

If you have the option, build your boho room in a room with great windows and lighting. This will help to guarantee your live plants get the sun they need to flourish.

Texture and Maximalism

A big part of boho style is maximalism and vibrant fabrics and textures. Macrome wall hangings, plush bedding, and throw pillows can help to bring your room from drab to boho chic in no time. Consider adding fabric and textures to items creatively. For example, reupholstering that bland desk chair with brightly colored flowers fabric is one way to make it pop.

As you go about getting a general color palette and theme for your boho room, remember that no two boho spaces are ever the same. A design style that should be reflective of your own personality, a Google search for boho design trends will point you in the right direction but should never limit your imagination.

In the end, boho is about texture, comfort, nature, creativity, and a free-spirited way of moving through the world. As you choose those nature-themed fabrics, use alternative decorative containers as planters, pick up some trendy succulents, and deck out your windowsills with rag curtains, know that you’re far from alone in creating a space that reflects your appreciation for all things colorful, creative, wild and free. When you’re done fixing up that repurposed headboard or painting those dresser drawers, be sure to get out into nature. There’s a world out there to explore and draw more inspiration from.

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What credit score represents in the USA?

The term credit score has been commonly used for several years, although in reality, the meaning is still unclear to many people.

When we are about to apply for a loan, we may hear about the credit score. It is a term that is gradually becoming commonplace. If you’ve ever heard of this or maybe other terms about companies, there are probably a few questions that haven’t always been easy to answer.

Where does the credit score come from?

But let’s start from the beginning and see what a credit file of any subject contains.

It contains, among other things, the details of your credit transactions: good things, such as all regularly repaid loans, and less good things, such as any default, late payment, court orders, protests, and damages.

How is the credit score used?

With us, your credit score helps us determine the interest rate and the appropriateness of the amount you request.

When you apply for a loan, you may not know your score, but some details can help you understand any rejection and also justify any approval.

Your credit file helps us paint a picture of who you are beyond the number you match. By looking at past and present credit history and analyzing how you managed that loan, combined with several other elements, we can evaluate how you might manage a loan in the future. Can your credit score improve over time?

This is one of the reasons why credit scores can improve over time. A longer history contains more information because you are more likely to have credit-related life events, such as buying a home or owning other assets on your behalf. By analyzing these events, we can evaluate how you handled this story. “Financial” even through the ups and downs of life, such as job changes, marriage, divorce, or children.

Why do financial companies need to know your credit score?

Companies with which you enter into a financial relationship identify your credit score to help you develop a clearer picture of your credit history, then analysts will delve into the significance of that score by eventually requesting additional details about your history. as well as the documents required to apply. However, it is important to dispel a misunderstanding: it is not only important how much you earn, but also how you manage that income, which creditors will take into account. The financial responsibility of each of us is not directly proportional to our income! Here is an example of a credit score and how it works

  •  800 – 850            781 – 850            

Excellent credit score (A). You need to qualify for the best interest rates and loan terms.

  • 740 – 799             720 – 780

Very good credit score (B). There will be no problem in getting a loan at the best interest rate and conditions.

  • 670 – 739             658 – 719

Good credit score (C). You need to qualify for most loans with good rates and interest rates.

  • 580 – 669             601 – 657

Fair credit score (D). You will have difficulty getting a loan or a credit card.

  • 300 – 579             300 – 600

Poor credit score (F). It is doubtful that you will qualify for a credit or credit card.

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The chemical-free way to clean your fridge

Cleaning out your fridge occasionally will do wonders to preserve the freshness and natural smell of your perishables. With time, the meat section might start emanating smells, the vegetable part of the fridge might pick up some of the scents and let’s not even consider the possibility of unnoticed spills. Preferably done once every couple of months, deep cleaning your fridge will do wonders for the longevity of your food and its ability to keep an authentic aroma. Find out the best organic methods of doing so, from the foremost experts in deep cleaning from Glasgow.

Glasgow

Vinegar

Vinegar is the magic ingredient in all DIY home-cleaner recipes. Its highly oxidizing properties allow you to wipe away the most stubborn stains while leaving no chemical residue that could prove unhealthy eventually. According to the cleaners in Glasgow, two parts water and one part vinegar, with a few drops of lemon will not only leave your fridge free of stains but also make it smell wonderful.

This simple mixture should be enough to get rid of most stains, but for deep-set spots, your best bet would be using pure vinegar. The best part? Vinegar is also going to get rid of any bacteria or viruses that may have accidentally found their way into your fridge.

House cleaning

Scour & scrub

This mix of baking soda and dish soap will be perfect for scrubbing away any caked-on sauces or other thick liquids that have since solidified. This pasty substance is ideal for getting rid of such stains quickly and efficiently. Use it over problem areas and watch the issues vanish into the soft white mix.

Rinse with water and repeat until you’re fully satisfied with your fridge. House cleaning has never been so simple!

Lemons are your best friend

When cleaning your fridge, know that lemons are one of the best tools you’ll have at your disposal. They’re great for scrubbing off stains in a fully organic manner. According to the cleaning companies in Glasgow, there’s a right way to do it, too.

First, warm up the lemon, cut it in half, remove the seeds and use both sides to clean off any stains. It will be faster than using a regular old kitchen sponge and leave your fridge smelling wonderful in the process. Following these steps guarantees that you get the most juice and oil emanating from the lemon, so there’s even minimal waste!

Tomato juice

One remarkably interesting trick for you to try if you’ve got stubborn smells in your fridge that won’t go away is to approach the problem from a different angle. As you may have heard, tomato juice is a great part to use when getting rid of skunk smell. Given its strong anti-odour properties, putting a hearty amount over a rag and wiping the surface will be enough to get rid of stronger smells. This domestic solution is fully organic and will leave your fridge with a great natural smell.

Don’t forget about your refrigerator!

The refrigerator is one of the most important parts of your fridge, as that’s where things are stored for the longest time. According to domestic cleaning experts from Glasgow, it’s vital to fully clean it out and make sure everything is in order.

To do so, use a large amount of salt diluted in water and let it rest in the refrigerator after you’re done cleaning it and are airing it out, so to speak. Salt is great for removing microorganisms, having the same property as vinegar, having a cleaning effect on your refrigerator.

We hope this article helped you get started on the way to a new, more organically organized fridge for you and your family!

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Importance of online review to a business

Today any business that needs to keep its reputation must consider online reviews as a crucial aspect. With the internet becoming a household convenience, online reviews have changed the face of online marketing. It has enabled businesses to have positive and active participation and offer clients a chance to understand the business services provided. The new form of communication and marketing created by online reviews has made it possible to bridge the gap between clients’ viral feedback and simple-word-of mouth. Online reviews have also helped businesses find some of the best suppliers. Online reviews offer multiple advantages to a business, From getting reliable payment methods such as WorldRemit to increasing brand awareness and ultimately increasing profits. This article explores these advantages.

1.    Increase sales

People tend to trust a company’s services or products by reading online reviews, just as if a family or friend has offered them a recommendation. Research has shown that a majority of consumers must, while choosing a product, consider online reviews. Positive reviews are thus critical if a business is to thrive.

2.    Increases local search rankings

Reviews are critical as far as organic search rankings are concerned. By having client reviews, the credibility of your company will be boosted. With new reviews added, this adds exclusive content to your site, and with greater unique and relevant content, your site will be better ranked in search engines, which increases traffic.

3.    Gives room for suggestion and constructive criticism.

Customer reviews may suggest improvements or raise concerns about your business. This will be an excellent opportunity to know the burning clients’ problems,  resolve them, and improve your business practices. Those clients who raise their concerns in online reviews would potentially offer the complaint to other people who could be potential clients even in real-life interactions. Thus, it is essential that when a complaint is raised, you ensure that you have addressed it and then respond publicly, typically so that those who would visit the page afterward can see that the complaint was addressed. Some clients provide many positive suggestions on new products that should be offered or suggestions on doing things better. This is an excellent source of business ideas.

UK ReviewsBird

4.    They help link with their clients

To ensure that the business stands out against competitors, you must find interesting ways to link with your clients. Sites such as UK ReviewsBird give an avenue for this. When a client leaves a review, you can take a minute or two and answer, thanking them for offering their time. While other people visit the site and read the reviews and the response you’ve offered, this will build trustworthiness. An example is when a client leaves a comment concerning a particular issue they came across, you can respond with a solution to the problem they raise, optimistically turning the bad comment into a positive one. The power of positive online reviews is especially crucial for small businesses, which will help persuade clients to buy their products or services.

5.    Add marketing opportunities

Customer reviews certainly offer multiple advantages that marketing campaigns won’t provide. Online reviews are micro-marketing campaigns that provide your prospective clients a positive benefit. By already having online reviews, this will inspire new clients to leave their feedback and voice their opinion, thus increasing your businesses’ crowd behavior.

6.    Increases conversion

Before spending on a service or product, people tend to seek more and more information. Thus the more the number of reviews that your service or product has, the more people will be attracted and the higher the conversion rate. For example, if your product has multiple five-star reviews, this will remove any suspicion or fishy feeling that a client may have; thus, they will ultimately buy the product. With increased reviews, clients tend to see the product as popular, significantly increasing the conversion rate. Just makes sure that though there may be some negative reviews on your site, they don’t overwhelm the positive one, and in this way, the conversion rate will increase, eventually turning into profits for your business.

7.    Improve off-site ranking

By having online reviews on an external website, your businesses’ credibility is boosted. The local search algorithms of Google comprise data from authority third-party platforms and directories. Buy having your site reviewed in these third-party sites. Typically, its visibility will increase, translating to overall better sales and profitability.

In conclusion, with the changing trends in technology, traditional advertising methods are being overtaken by online reviews. It is with no doubt that online reviews offer businesses various advantages.

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Why Silver?

Silver

A lot has been said about precious metals over the last couple of months. Silver has become a prominent subject in discussions over what is the best thing to invest in. Silver occupies a small segment of the precious metals market. It might not have the same desire as gold but for other reasons, people have been buying silver as an alternative investment.

  1. It can act as real money

Even though silver is not regarded as money, it is regarded as a form of money because of the intrinsic value it carries. Unlike the real Australian dollar, silver isn’t just created out of nothing. It would take a lot for silver to completely lose its value. Unlike stocks and bonds, when you have physical silver in the form of coins, rounds, or bars you don’t need a third party to make good on some promise for you to liquidate and realize the full value of your investment.

In fact, silver has long been used as coinage more than gold has. When you own silver, you own a commodity with a long history of monetary value.

  1. It is Cheap

Silver costs 1/80th what gold costs. On the 11th of September 2020, the silver price AUD was 36.66 AUD while gold was 2,663.47 AUD. That is how affordable silver is compared to gold. However just because it is cheaper does not make it less important and precious metal dealers actually love buying silver bullion and coins, especially now.

  1. It is practical

Silver bullion might be cheaper than gold, but it is more practical when you need to sell. With gold bullion, you have to be extra careful when carrying it around, you can’t afford to accidentally drop it.  It might make you nervous to carry something that valuable to you, but you would have to physically take it to a dealer when you want to sell.

Silver also works out fine when you all need to sell to meet a smaller financial need. Silver can be sold anywhere in the world and for these reasons, every investor should have some silver for small financial emergencies. When selling silver, you should take note of the spot silver price AUD. This price can often be found on financial websites and precious metal dealer sites.

  1. Silver does better than gold In Bull Markets

The silver market is small, which means whenever there is a slight increase in the amount of money moving in and out of the market, the effect on the price can be big. The volatility of the silver market means that it falls a great deal more than gold in a bear market but rises higher and faster than gold in a bull market.

  1. The Industrial Use of gold is growing

The Industrial use of silver is growing. Silver is used in everything from electronics to medical equipment.  Silver is virtually everywhere it can be found on solar panels and in medicine. According to the Silver Institute, the use of Silver in Photovoltaic cells used in the making of solar panels grew by 7% in 2019.

Cellphones contain silver and with the use of cellphones increasing in the billions, the demand for silver will grow too.

Unlike gold, silver used in industrial applications is often consumed during fabrication. Most precious metal buyers buy silver bullion and not so much scrap silver like used or broken jewelry. A lot of people think recycling silver is not economical.

This article was brought to you by:

Brisbane Gold Buyers

Shop 1/663 Ipswich rd

Annerley, QLD 4103

https://www.brisbanegoldbuyers.com.au/

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Stay Updated on The Latest News of NASDAQ AIA

Asia-focused NASDAQ: AIA at https://www.webull.com/quote/nasdaq-aia Group Ltd 1299.HK announced on Friday for the first time since its in 2010 in Hong Kong a 27 percent fall in new company valuation trimester-by-trial, which was influenced by the pandemic caused by COVID-19 in its major markets. While AIA and a number of other global life insurance companies have been hurt by the lockouts, their earned income has continued to fall due to lower interest rates and a market trend. The new business value of the insurer, which measures anticipated new premium profits and represents a key indicator of future growth, fell from $1.17 billion a year earlier to 841 million dollars in the first quarter.

The company responds

The insurance demand in AIA’s two main markets in Hong Kong and China was long profitable, but in recent quarters AIA has experienced markedly slow growth in Hong Kong as a result of anti-government unrest and economic recessions. A notice of earnings suggested that, despite tighter social distance requirements after late March in south-eastern Asian countries, the new rise in the value of AIA could be muted in the 2nd quarter, and then slowly decreases out. The organization said China’s incremental reopening led to an increase in its economic performance, but last year stayed below standards.

iShares Asia 50 NASDAQ: AIA jumped above the typical 200-day move of 60.71 dollars and changed hands to 60.77 dollars per share. Now, iShares Asia 50 shares trading up by about 1.4% a day. The following chart shows the one-year AIA share return compared to its average 200 days

The updates

Several hedge funds and institutional investors recently have added or decreased their AIA stakes. In the fourth quarter, Raymond James & Associates expanded their stake by 22.2% in iShares Asia 50 ETF. Now that the Raymond James & Associates has purchased a further 1,063 shares during this period, the company has 5,846 shares of stocks, which were valued at $386,000. The new stake in iShares Asia 50 ETF was acquired by Stifel Financial Corp in the fourth quarter, priced at approximately $215,000. In NASDAQ: AIA 50 ETF the Macquarie Group Ltd. raised its 4th quarter by 25.3 points. Macquarie Group Ltd. currently has 23,800 stock options worth $1,571,000, after the acquisition of an additional 4,800 options of the group.

During the first quarter, cypress Financial Services LLC boosted its stake in iShares Asia 50 ETF shares by 4.3%. Today, after buying an additional 270 share over the past year. You can check more stock news at premarket data.

Disclaimer: The analysis information is for reference only and does not constitute an investment recommendation.

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What’s a Merchant Account and Who Needs One?

If you own a digital business, you’ve likely heard the term “merchant account” a million times. Maybe you even have a few emails in your inbox promoting certain merchant account services.

The question is – do you need one?

Let’s begin with a definition.

What’s a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is a bank account that allows merchants to process electronic payments. Merchant here means a business owner. An electronic payment, meanwhile, is any payment made digitally, including those made by credit cards, debit cards, or via mobile.

How Does a Merchant Account Work?

Electronic payments are completed in two broad steps – authorization and funding (also known as settlement).

In the authorization phase, the customer initiates a payment, say by swiping their credit card. The shopping cart or POS system then requests authorization and, upon receiving the information, sends it to the credit card company. The card company then passes the information to the shopper’s bank for approval.

If the transaction is approved, the operation moves to the next phase – settlement/funding. This is where the merchant account becomes critical.

The authorized transaction is sent to a payment processor, tasked with collecting the merchant’s payment from the shopper’s bank. The bank charges the customer’s account for the transaction.

The funds are then transferred to the seller’s merchant account, less exchange fee and any other charges, and, within 48 hours, deposited into the merchant’s checking account.

You can now see where the merchant account comes in. It’s a link between the credit card processing and the merchant’s bank account, with the primary purpose of facilitating the transfer of funds from the buyers to the seller’s bank account.

Do You Need One?

Although some businesses get by without one, having a merchant account can be extremely beneficial for digital merchants.

  1. You can accept credit/debit card payments 

Cards are currently the most popular tool for making payments online, with debit cards account for 28% and credit cards 23% of all payments made in 2018. That’s a combined 51% of all payments being made via cards. Merchant accounts allow you to accept cards.

  1. Benefit from increased sales/revenue

There have been multiple studies in this area, and the findings are all the same – a merchant account considerably increases sales. In one survey sponsored by Intuit, 83% of small businesses said they experienced more sales after getting a merchant account as it allowed them to accept card payments.

  1. Enjoy improved cash flow 

Finally, the best merchant services guarantee that all payments will hit your bank account within 1-2 days. It’s a much better situation considering that invoices and checks can sometimes take as many as 30 days to get processed.

Author Bio: Payment industry guru Taylor Cole is a passionate payments expert who understands the complex world of merchant services. He also writes non-fiction, on subjects ranging from personal finance to stocks to cryptopay. He enjoys eating pie on his backyard porch, as should all right-thinking people.