Gardening isn't just about growing plants; it's a wonderful way to cultivate wellness, both physically and mentally. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. If you've never gardened before, don't worry here are three tips to get you started: 

• Pay Attention to Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for most plants, especially vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Before you decide where to plant, take note of how sunlight moves through your yard. Aim for a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure your plants thrive.

• Start with Quality Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Invest in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. If you're planting directly in the ground, mix it into the existing soil, or use specially formulated soil for raised beds. This ensures your plants have the right environment to grow strong.

• Try Container Gardening

Short on space? Consider container gardening. Many plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, grow well in pots. Choose containers that are appropriately sized for your plants and fill them with a potting mix that maintains moisture balance to prevent over- or under-watering.

Finsum: Gardening can bring a wealth of benefits from your life, from fresh produce in your daily cooking to a healthy outdoor experience. 

Emerging-market stocks fell as new signs of economic trouble in China emerged, with trading volumes low due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index slid 0.3%, driven by declines in Chinese giants like Alibaba and Tencent, despite gains in Taiwan Semiconductor. 

The drop followed data showing that Chinese factory activity contracted for the fourth month in a row, casting doubt on the country’s growth prospects for the year. Meanwhile, currency markets are bracing for potential U.S. interest rate cuts, with upcoming economic reports likely to shape the outlook. 

The Brazilian real weakened despite central bank interventions, amid rising fiscal concerns and political uncertainty in Latin America. In a related move, Hungary issued yen-denominated bonds, nearing its cap on foreign currency debt issuance.

Finsum: It will be critical to monitor exchange rates as the US begins letting rates fall, this could have a big impact on Ems

Investors are preparing for significant shifts as U.S. elections and potential rate cuts approach in late 2024. While many have established their core holdings, adding targeted investments could help capture emerging market opportunities. 

Dividend-focused strategies offer both additional income and insights into a company's growth outlook; robust dividends may signal confidence, while lower payouts could suggest caution. The T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF (TDVG), for example, invests in stocks with strong financials and dividend growth potential, leveraging active management to achieve higher returns. 

Over the past year, TDVG has returned 17% and averages 13% annually since its 2020 inception, using a strategy that evaluates balance sheets, cash flow, and competitive positioning. 

Finsum: Investors looking to pick up equity exposure and income this fall should be eyeing up dividend ETFs.