Latest news with #Visa
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
The New Map of Indian Luxury: Powered by Visa, Driven by Aspirations
Step into a rooftop café in Indore or cruise through Coimbatore's villa-lined enclaves, and you'll notice a quiet transformation taking place. Affluence in India is no longer tethered to its traditional metro strongholds. Visa's recent whitepaper, Bridging the Gap: Payments in India Beyond Metros, brings this evolution into sharp focus. Credit card spending in non-metro cities has surged 4X between 2019 and 2024—outpacing metro growth and signaling a rising tide of premium consumption. Visa Infinite caters to the new affluent class by offering personalised services and seamless experiences. In fact, users in Tier 2 and 3 cities are now spending over ₹ 2 lakh per card annually—more than three times the metro average. This isn't just economic expansion—it's a recalibration of where, and how, luxury is defined in India. Today, the new luxury story is being written in non-metro India — by a generation that's ambitious, digitally fluent, and seeking more than just status. They're after curated privileges, intuitive access, and security. And Visa is empowering them with personalized offerings that match their pace and priorities —not just by offering access, but by elevating each experience. Visa Infinite: Luxury Tailored for India's New Affluent As affluence grows beyond metros, consumer expectations are evolving. Today's premium customer is not only looking for elevated products but also for experiences that are seamless, secure, and deeply personal. For this rising class of affluent Indians, Visa Infinite is more than a payment card—it's a gateway to a lifestyle where convenience meets exclusivity. Visa Infinite brings together a global ecosystem of premium services designed for those who value thoughtful luxury and effortless living. Whether it's 24/7 concierge services or Visa's Meet and Greet service—offering travelers a smooth, queue-free airport journey from arrival to boarding—Visa Infinite is built to anticipate and respond to the needs of high-frequency travelers. Cardholders can access curated menus and exclusive dining privileges through the Dine with Visa program, which offers gastronomic experiences at select fine-dining restaurants. Those looking to unwind enjoy extended-stay offers and bespoke hospitality experiences across multiple ITC Hotels properties and ELIVAAS-managed premium stays, ensuring every stay feels like a retreat designed just for them. Security That Matches the Stakes Unrestricted access only matters when backed by uncompromising trust. As high-value transactions grow—across luxury travel, fine dining, and premium retail—the need for invisible, intelligent security has never been greater. Visa's cybersecurity infrastructure works quietly behind the scenes, protecting every transaction without disrupting the experience. From tokenized payments mandated by the Reserve Bank of India, which mask sensitive data, to AI-powered tools that detect and stop fraud in milliseconds, Visa's layers of security are engineered to match the expectations of a high-trust environment. Over the last five years, Visa has invested more than $12 billion in technology to ensure payments remain not just fast and convenient, but safe and resilient. This includes the formalisation of a dedicated Scam Disruption Practice, which alone helped prevent over $350 million in losses globally last year. That's in addition to the $40 billion in fraud attempts blocked by Visa's Payment Ecosystem Risk and Control framework. A Global Network That Moves With You Spending by India's upwardly mobile consumers now extends far beyond national borders. At the recent Coldplay concert in the UAE, in-person spending by Indian Visa cardholders jumped by 70%—a clear signal that global experiences are no longer rare indulgences; they're a growing part of India's luxury vocabulary. Visa's network spans more than 200 countries and territories, and its four-decade presence in India allows it to tailor global innovation for local relevance. From contactless payments to co-branded cards crafted for the Indian premium consumer, Visa continues to fuel this outward lifestyle with seamless, secure, and scalable experiences. The Real Luxury? Choice In this new landscape, luxury is no longer about accumulation — it's about freedom and access. Whether that means a Visa Infinite cardholder enjoying bespoke concierge support and global privileges, or a Visa Signature user unlocking domestic travel benefits, extended warranties, and exclusive offers — the idea is simple: luxury should meet you where you are and grow with you. According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025, India is home to 85,698 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), making it the fourth-largest HNWI population globally— and this number is only expected to grow. But the real momentum lies in the rise of aspirational affluents from cities once considered peripheral. They're no longer waiting for luxury to find them—they're defining it on their own terms. And Visa, with its global expertise and local understanding, is enabling them to do just that — one seamless, secure, and elevated experience at a time. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Our 8% Dividend Playbook For The $36-Trillion Debt Panic
The words "Government Debt" with hundred dollar bills in the background. 'Those are some crazy numbers.' An old friend had messaged me, and that line caught my attention. As it turned out, he had 36 trillion numbers in mind: the national debt, in other words. That is a pretty striking figure, and it's fair to ask how the country's debt could go from a trillion dollars back in 1981 to 36 times that today. 'Very irresponsible, imo,' my friend wrote. This sounds like a reasonable response, and many people think this way. But the problem here, from an investment perspective, is that most people look at the debt on its own, without considering the many other factors we're going to delve into today. My quick take: The rising US government debt load is not a good reason to avoid stocks, or, in our case, the 8%+ yielding closed-end funds (CEFs) that hold our favorite stocks. I'm talking about funds holding strong blue chips that form the backbone of the country's economy, like Visa (V), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and NVIDIA (NVDA). Beyond Alarmist Debt Headlines Now it is absolutely true that too much debt is unsustainable, and the US government isn't accountable for this debt—we taxpayers are. But there's more to the story than this. In 2017, total government debt hit $20 trillion. That, by the way, was the last time I wrote in-depth on this topic. I still feel the same way I did then: that the US government is actually financially healthier than the average American. That's because then, as now, people tended to look at the debt in isolation (a common mistake!). But the US government has plenty of tools it can use—and trends working in its favor—that make it easier to manage its debt than many people think. Let's start with a key number: the amount of revenue the government collects in a year through taxes and other fees. Today, as in 2017, about 18% of US GDP goes to the federal government. That's $5.2 trillion, at the current size of the US economy. Looked at another way, if Uncle Sam were to divert all of that revenue to paying off the debt (which is impossible, obviously, but stick with me for a second), he'd do so in about six-and-a-half years. Here's the key point, though: That six-and-a-half years is only slightly higher than the six years it would've taken in 2017. And let's not forget that we had a pandemic in there, which caused a big spike in public debt. So, viewed that way, government debt has remained about as manageable as it was eight years ago, and it would likely be more manageable if COVID hadn't come along. Now let's go one step further and stack up debt and GDP growth: Debt/GDP Chart Both federal debt and GDP were growing at almost the same rate before the pandemic, which, as we just discussed, caused a bump in debt. And, of course, GDP took a hit then, too, with the economy in lockdown. As a result, GDP has grown about 55% in the last eight years or so, while total debt has grown about 80%. Obviously, this means America's debt-to-income ratio is worse than it was before the pandemic. But that's not because of a structural issue. We can point at the pandemic as the main cause here, in this case. Still, a one-time hit could be trouble in the long run, right? Sure, but look at this chart. Debt/GDP 2017 The extra government debt due to the COVID-19 crisis looks bad because the numbers are huge, but if we compare it to the bump, and continued accelerated rise, in indebtedness sparked by the 2008/2009 financial crisis, the 2020 debt increase is rather small, as you can see below. Debt Crisis Before 2008, the ratio of US public debt to GDP was around 35%, and in less than five years, it doubled to 70%, where it remained until the pandemic, after which it went above 100% before falling to 96%, where it is now. On a relative basis, the jump in 2008 was clearly worse than in 2020. Yet America survived just fine. So there's no reason to worry, unless and until this chart changes direction. Labor Productivity Above is the real story: labor productivity. It's risen by a third since 2007, meaning Americans now produce about $1.33 in value for every dollar they produced back in 2007. And note how that's been a pretty stable line upwards? America keeps producing more effectively and efficiently: This is progress, growth and prosperity. And now we have AI, which is likely to give productivity another boost. This also explains why the S&P 500 has delivered 10.4% annualized returns over the last two decades, in line with the 10.3% annualized returns it's delivered over the last century. And, yes, during that time, the federal debt grew, as did the US government's income, thanks to higher US productivity producing higher GDP. So if you're thinking of cutting back on your US holdings due to the debt, remember these three things: Instead, now is the time to boost our holdings in the US, and doing so through CEFs yielding 8%+ is hands-down the best way to do it. With CEFs, we get exposure to strong blue chips like the ones I mentioned earlier, often at a discount, since these funds' market prices can—and often do—trade for less than the value of their portfolios. That's our 'discount to NAV' in CEF-speak. Big dividends and big discounts from S&P 500 stocks. Try getting that from an index fund or by buying these stocks 'direct.' It's just not possible. And any fear—and hence bigger discounts—caused by overwrought debt worries just makes our opportunity even sweeter. Michael Foster is the Lead Research Analyst for Contrarian Outlook. For more great income ideas, click here for our latest report 'Indestructible Income: 5 Bargain Funds with Steady 10% Dividends.' Disclosure: none
Mint
3 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
The New Map of Indian Luxury: Powered by Visa, Driven by Aspirations
Step into a rooftop café in Indore or cruise through Coimbatore's villa-lined enclaves, and you'll notice a quiet transformation taking place. Affluence in India is no longer tethered to its traditional metro strongholds. Visa's recent whitepaper, Bridging the Gap: Payments in India Beyond Metros, brings this evolution into sharp focus. Credit card spending in non-metro cities has surged 4X between 2019 and 2024—outpacing metro growth and signaling a rising tide of premium consumption. In fact, users in Tier 2 and 3 cities are now spending over ₹ 2 lakh per card annually—more than three times the metro average. This isn't just economic expansion—it's a recalibration of where, and how, luxury is defined in India. Today, the new luxury story is being written in non-metro India — by a generation that's ambitious, digitally fluent, and seeking more than just status. They're after curated privileges, intuitive access, and security. And Visa is empowering them with personalised offerings that match their pace and priorities —not just by offering access, but by elevating each experience. Visa Infinite: Luxury Tailored for India's New Affluent As affluence grows beyond metros, consumer expectations are evolving. Today's premium customer is not only looking for elevated products but also for experiences that are seamless, secure, and deeply personal. For this rising class of affluent Indians, Visa Infinite is more than a payment card—it's a gateway to a lifestyle where convenience meets exclusivity. Visa Infinite brings together a global ecosystem of premium services designed for those who value thoughtful luxury and effortless living. Whether it's 24/7 concierge services or Visa's Meet and Greet service—offering travelers a smooth, queue-free airport journey from arrival to boarding—Visa Infinite is built to anticipate and respond to the needs of high-frequency travelers. Cardholders can access curated menus and exclusive dining privileges through the Dine with Visa program, which offers gastronomic experiences at select fine-dining restaurants. Those looking to unwind enjoy extended-stay offers and bespoke hospitality experiences across multiple ITC Hotels properties and ELIVAAS-managed premium stays, ensuring every stay feels like a retreat designed just for them. Security That Matches the Stakes Unrestricted access only matters when backed by uncompromising trust. As high-value transactions grow—across luxury travel, fine dining, and premium retail—the need for invisible, intelligent security has never been greater. Visa's cybersecurity infrastructure works quietly behind the scenes, protecting every transaction without disrupting the experience. From tokenized payments mandated by the Reserve Bank of India, which mask sensitive data, to AI-powered tools that detect and stop fraud in milliseconds, Visa's layers of security are engineered to match the expectations of a high-trust environment. Over the last five years, Visa has invested more than $12 billion in technology to ensure payments remain not just fast and convenient, but safe and resilient. This includes the formalisation of a dedicated Scam Disruption Practice, which alone helped prevent over $350 million in losses globally last year. That's in addition to the $40 billion in fraud attempts blocked by Visa's Payment Ecosystem Risk and Control framework. A Global Network That Moves With You Spending by India's upwardly mobile consumers now extends far beyond national borders. At the recent Coldplay concert in the UAE, in-person spending by Indian Visa cardholders jumped by 70%—a clear signal that global experiences are no longer rare indulgences; they're a growing part of India's luxury vocabulary. Visa's network spans more than 200 countries and territories, and its four-decade presence in India allows it to tailor global innovation for local relevance. From contactless payments to co-branded cards crafted for the Indian premium consumer, Visa continues to fuel this outward lifestyle with seamless, secure, and scalable experiences. In this new landscape, luxury is no longer about accumulation — it's about freedom and access. Whether that means a Visa Infinite cardholder enjoying bespoke concierge support and global privileges, or a Visa Signature user unlocking domestic travel benefits, extended warranties, and exclusive offers — the idea is simple: luxury should meet you where you are and grow with you. According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025, India is home to 85,698 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), making it the fourth-largest HNWI population globally— and this number is only expected to grow. But the real momentum lies in the rise of aspirational affluents from cities once considered peripheral. They're no longer waiting for luxury to find them—they're defining it on their own terms. And Visa, with its global expertise and local understanding, is enabling them to do just that — one seamless, secure, and elevated experience at a time. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Mint.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer on Visa: 'You'd Be Nuts to Be In This Frankly'
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the 14 stocks Jim Cramer recently shared insights on. The company was mentioned during the episode when Cramer said: 'Over the past couple of weeks, Visa and MasterCard, two of my favorite companies, have pulled back sharply from their all-time highs. Wall Street's suddenly worried about the whole payments industry, might be threatened by advances in crypto, especially now that Congress looks like it'll pass its GENIUS Act, which establishes a framework for regulating Stablecoins. Visa fell over 10% from its high, set on June 11, to its low last Friday… This morning I spoke with Visa CEO, Ryan McInerney, and Ryan told me, I think, a story which made me feel like that, that you'd be nuts to be in this, frankly.' A close-up of a modern payments terminal with a pile of credit cards on the side. Visa (NYSE:V) is a payment technology company that provides transaction processing, credit, debit, and prepaid card products. The company provides offerings like cross-border payment solutions, fraud prevention tools, digital services, and payment integration for e-commerce platforms. While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
London Tribunal Rules that Visa and Mastercard's (MA) Fees Violate Competition Law
Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA) are once again under legal fire as a London tribunal ruled that their default multilateral interchange fees—charges applied to retailers each time a customer uses one of their cards—violate European competition law. These fees, set by Visa and Mastercard rather than negotiated individually, have long been criticized by retailers for being excessive and non-transparent. The latest ruling comes from the Competition Appeal Tribunal in the U.K., which sided unanimously with hundreds of merchants who brought the case after a decade-long legal battle over these charges. Confident Investing Starts Here: The law firm Scott+Scott, which represents the claimants, called the ruling a major victory. David Scott, the firm's global managing partner, said that the decision was 'a significant win for all merchants who have been paying excessive interchange fees to Visa and Mastercard.' According to the firm, this is the first time a court has found that both commercial card fees and inter-regional (cross-border) multilateral interchange fees violate competition law. The ruling confirms that Visa and Mastercard's fees unlawfully restricted competition by setting default rates that retailers had little choice but to accept. Despite the setback, both Visa and Mastercard pushed back strongly against the ruling. A Visa spokesperson said that the company 'continues to believe that interchange is a critical component to maintaining a secure digital payments ecosystem that benefits all parties, including consumers, merchants and banks.' Mastercard also criticized the decision by calling it 'deeply flawed' and stating that it would seek permission to appeal. A second phase of the litigation is still underway, which will determine whether merchants passed on the cost of these interchange fees to consumers through higher prices. That upcoming trial could influence the amount of any potential damages. Which Payment Stock Is the Better Buy? Turning to Wall Street, out of the two stocks mentioned above, analysts think that Mastercard stock has more room to run than Visa. In fact, Mastercard's price target of $639.86 per share implies 16.1% upside versus Visa's 11.8%.
