Market Performance: March 29, 2024.

U.S. stocks ended an abbreviated week of trade mostly higher, with the S&P 500 and Dow clinching their best gains over two consecutive quarters since 2020. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 47.29 points, or 0.1%, ending at a record 39,807.37. The S&P 500 index gained 5.86 points, or 0.1%, closing at a record 5,254.35.

The Nasdaq Composite Index finished 20.06 points lower, or 0.1%, at 16,379.46. Stocks ended the week mixed, but still posted large monthly and quarterly gains — bolstered by a resilient economy and hopes for at least a few rate cuts this year.

Equity performance in 2024 has been robust, even beyond America's largest companies. The small-cap Russell 2000 index was up 9.6% on the year through Thursday, topping the Dow's 5.6% advance and the Nasdaq's 9.1% jump.

TikTok money-making fads explained

The internet is full of business advice. Some good, some bad, and some on TikTok. The truth is, most of what is considered good advice online has had its heyday. The money has been made and that's why you're now being told about it. There are some people who genuinely do love sharing money making tips that actually work and haven't become super saturated.

Become an Amazon affiliate

This is an idea that has been touted as good for people who are 'broke and lazy', which is a red flag in itself. The concept is pretty simple. You choose a product on Amazon and apply to become an affiliate. You'll go to Pinterest and post pictures of the product and attach the Amazon link. Everyone who clicks on the post will be redirected to the Amazon listing and if they buy it, you'll receive a cut. Good or bad? This is TikTok level bad. Doing this is actually against the terms of service for both Amazon and Pinterest and will result in you getting banned on both platforms.

Sell print on-demand products via Etsy

This is 2024's variation of dropshipping. Here's how it (supposedly) works: Create a design on Canva, upload your design to Printify and put it on the product. Connect Printify with your Etsy account and list your products. When people buy your products on Etsy, Printify will handle all the manufacturing and logistics, meaning you don't have to hold the stock yourself.

Start a social media marketing agency

Most businesses lack the knowledge to succeed on social media, so more people are launching their own agencies. The idea is that you learn a skill like Facebook adverts, copywriting or content creation, and find clients on Upwork. Once you've worked with a couple of clients, hire people to do your job and earn passive income.

How Innovation Accelerators Are Shaping the Future of Business

Most startups that achieve initial seeding fail to raise a second round of capital. One solution to dramatically increase your chances of success is to enter an innovation accelerator and forge a strategic partnership with a major corporation.

Innovation accelerators exist on a quid pro quo basis.

In exchange for a small percentage of equity, they provide startup founders with a safe harbor in which to develop their new business. Innovation accelerators are structured programs, usually specializing in a particular field or sector. Entrepreneurs receive mentorship, resources and help from a powerful partner who has a direct interest in seeing them succeed.

Despite the devastating attrition rates, there's no doubt that startups are shaping the future of business and are the single most dynamic vehicle for channeling new tech innovation into the digital economy. Major companies (at least the smart ones) recognize the potential of new startups and are keen to either integrate their new technologies into their own operations or to profit from them as investors.

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

The multi-billion dollar Microsoft corporation began life in 1972 as a small high-tech startup. Today, the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is providing a unique innovation accelerator platform for a new generation of software entrepreneurs. The Microsoft Hub is highly egalitarian and focuses on initial accessibility. Anybody can apply to the Hub via an online form and expect a fast response.

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