White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan

White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan was an eye-opening experience for me. This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment.

One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape.

The book also delves into the history of the Irish slave trade, where thousands of Irish people were sold into slavery in the Caribbean. I was horrified to learn about the conditions on board the slave ships, where white slaves were packed tightly together and subjected to disease, hunger, and physical abuse.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 5. It's a well-researched and engaging read that highlights a lesser-known aspect of history. Overall, "White Cargo" is a must-read for anyone interested in history, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Here is my note at Goodreads:

White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment. One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape. The book is well-researched and engaging.

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Import Latest NAV of Mutual Funds from AMFIndia.com into Google Sheets

Mutual funds are a popular investment vehicle and staying updated with the latest Net Asset Values (NAVs) is crucial for investors to make informed decisions. One of the most efficient ways to track these values is by importing them directly into Google Sheets, which allows for real-time updates and easy analysis. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of importing the latest NAV of mutual funds from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFIndia.com) and displaying them in Google Sheets to use the data for various calculations. 

Mutual Funds latest NAV report

One thing I want you to be aware of is that the real-time NAV of your chosen mutual fund is also available in Google Sheets using the GOOGLEFINANCE formula which I have explained in detail in the post How to get stock prices from Google Finance in Google Sheets. Here, the difference is that while the GOOGLEFINANCE formula returns the price of a specific fund, the method which I explain here imports the full list of available funds and their NAVs in your spreadsheet which you can play with later.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of going through this article, I have provided a link to a sample Google Sheets file which you can save for yourself and start using.

Why Use Google Sheets for Tracking NAVs?

Google Sheets offers several advantages for tracking mutual fund NAVs:

1. Real-time Updates: Google Sheets can automatically update data, ensuring you always have the latest information.
2. Accessibility: Being a cloud-based platform, you can access your data from anywhere.
3. Ease of Use: Google Sheets' user-friendly interface and powerful functions make data manipulation and analysis straightforward.
4. Collaboration: Multiple users can view and edit the sheet simultaneously, making it ideal for collaborative work.

Open-Ended and Close-Ended Mutual Funds

Before we get into the detailed steps of how to accomplish the task we have in hand, here a small description of "open-ended" and "close-ended" mutual funds in India. I will leave you with only definitions here as there are many resources online with more details of the same. The AMFIndia website provides data for both types of mutual funds.

Open-ended mutual funds do not have a fixed maturity period. They allow investors to enter (buy units) and exit (redeem units) at any time at the fund’s prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).

Close-ended mutual funds have a fixed maturity period. Investors can buy units only during the initial offering period (New Fund Offer or NFO) and can redeem them only at maturity. These funds are listed on stock exchanges, where they can be traded like stocks.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Accessing AMFIndia.com

Firstly, you need to understand where and how to access the mutual fund NAV data on the AMFIndia website. AMFIndia.com typically provides NAV data in a downloadable format directly from the web site

1. Visit the AMFIndia Website (amfindia.com) using your favorite web browser and find the Download NAV link at the bottom of the page
   
   

   

   AMFIndia Website homepage

   
   
   
2. The NAV data for "open-ended" and "close-ended" mutual funds are available as separate links like indicated with red boxes in the screenshot below. The data inside the links are structured in the same format as a flat file with semi-colon separated values
   
   

   

   Latest NAV links

   
   
   
3. The link to open-ended mutual fund schemes typically looks like https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVOpen.txt and a sample content is shown in the image below
   
   

   

   Open-ended schemes data

   
   
   
4. The link to close-ended mutual fund schemes typically looks like https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVClose.txt and a sample content is shown in the image below
   
   

   

   Close-ended schemes data

   
   
   
5. As of this writing, access to the AMFI data is available free of cost to all

Step 2: Importing the Data into Google Sheets

To automate fetching the latest NAV data, we will use Google Sheets’ IMPORTDATA formula which can be used to seamlessly import and parse properly structured .csv (comma-separated value) or .tsv (tab-separated value) data from a URL. Here in our case, the data is not comma separated and there are some additional complexities which we will address later. For now, our objective is to get the full data inserted into our spreadsheet. For the sake of simplicity, here I will demonstrate with only the open-ended mutual fund data. The close-ended data URL can be imported and parsed following the same guidelines.

1. Go to Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet
2. In a cell, like B2, enter the URL for the open-ended schemes' data https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVOpen.txt
   
   
   
   
   
3. Next, in the cell from where you want the data import to begin, like A3, use the IMPORTDATA formula. This will import all content from the link into the spreadsheet
   
   
   
   
   
4. Next you can parse and display the data into structured cells in the sheet

Step 3: Parsing the Data in Google Sheets

At this point, your spreadsheet should be filled with data which you imported in the previous step, but you will observe that the data is like a big blob of text which got downloaded and is of not much use unless you can parse and split it into specific columns. It gets a little bit tricky after this which is what we will get into here. Here is a screenshot of how your spreadsheet looks like right now - observe that there are some virtual headers and the bulk of the content is related to one mutual fund scheme per line, with the data values separated with semicolons.

On close observation of the first line, you will notice that it is a description of the columns for each line:

Scheme Code;ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth;ISIN Div Reinvestment;Scheme Name;Net Asset Value;Date

We will use this description to do some simple calculations and parse the date into spreadsheet columns.

Now, look at cell A9 which contains the text: 119551;INF209KA12Z1;INF209KA13Z9;Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking & PSU Debt Fund - DIRECT - IDCW;103.9547;31-May-2024

Our objective is to parse and map this text to the header descriptions which we saw above, like this:

Scheme Code: 119551

ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth: INF209KA12Z1

ISIN Div Reinvestment: INF209KA13Z9

Scheme Name: Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking & PSU Debt Fund - DIRECT - IDCW

Net Asset Value: 103.9547

Date: 31-May-2024

In cell C9 enter the following formula to extract the Scheme Code:

=IF(ISERROR(LEFT(CONCAT(A9,B9),SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9))-1)),"",LEFT(CONCAT(A9,B9),SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9))-1))

For our convenience, in cell D9, we will calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from. So, in cell D9 enter the following formula:

=IF(C9="","",LEN(C9)+1)

Use this same method cyclically to get the other field values into further cells.

In cell E9, use the following formula to extract the value for ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth:

=IF(C9="",A9,MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),D9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),D9+1)-D9-1))

In cell F9, again calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",D9+LEN(E9)+1)

In cell G9, use the following formula to extract the value for ISIN Div Reinvestment:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),F9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),F9+1)-F9-1))

In cell H9, again calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",F9+LEN(G9)+1)

In cell I9, use the following formula to extract the value for Scheme Name:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),H9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),H9+1)-H9-1))

In cell J9, calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",H9+LEN(I9)+1)

In cell K9, use the following formula to extract the value for NAV:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),J9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),J9+1)-J9-1))

In cell L9, calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",J9+LEN(K9)+1)

In cell K9, use the following formula to extract the value for the date:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),L9+1,LEN(CONCAT(A9,B9))-L9))

At this point you should see all the fields for the first scheme parsed neatly into columns. Use you favorite method to fill the rows below to parse all rows. The data will automatically get updated whenever you reopen the spreadsheet.

Additional Tips for Formatting Data

Now that you have the basic structure ready, you can name your header columns like you wish. To make your data more readable, you can apply formatting options:

Headers: Bold the header row.

Column Widths: Adjust the column widths to fit the content.

Conditional Formatting: Use conditional formatting to highlight important values.

Hide Columns: Hide the columns that you don't want to see, for example the columns where you calculated the offsets.

Here is how I made my final version look:

Application

You can apply this data in various creative ways, like the bumping the NAVs of your purchases against the current NAV and finding out your profitability using advanced formulas like VLOOKUP.

Conclusion

Tracking the latest NAV of mutual funds is essential for investors, and Google Sheets provides an excellent platform for doing so. By importing data from AMFIndia.com, you can ensure that you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

You can grab a copy of the spreadsheet from this link. 

With this guide, you should be well-equipped to set up your own system for importing and displaying mutual fund NAVs in Google Sheets. Happy investing!

Troubleshooting Tips 

Web access Issues: Ensure that the website data endpoint is accessible. Check for any authentication requirements. At the time of this writing the data is available free and requires no additional authentication.

Data Formatting: If the imported data doesn't look right, double-check the structure of the data and adjust your formulas accordingly.

By following these steps, you'll have a powerful tool to keep track of mutual fund NAVs, helping you stay on top of your investments with ease.

About AMFIndia

Association of Mutual Funds in India, abbreviated as AMFI, is the association of all the asset management companies of SEBI registered mutual funds in India. [Wikipedia]

Note: This is not a financial advice, and I am not a financial advisor. Mutual funds appearing in the illustrations in this article is for representational purposes only and are not recommendations.

Replace characters in folder names using Windows PowerShell

This article describes a method to rename folders by replacing a character with another. In this use case we have a folder full of subfolders which are named in a particular pattern with a date followed by the description of the folder. The words in the folder names are separated by the hyphen ("-') character.  Our objective is to keep the date part intact while replacing all the hyphens after the data with whitespace characters.

The before and after state of the folder names are illustrated in the screenshot below.

Renamed folders with hyphens replaced with whitespace characters

For this example, we consider that our bunch of folders are in a local drive path named "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006".

Open the Windows PowerShell and change directory to "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006". Next run the following script at the prompt. Remember to set the value of $directoryPath below to the appropriate path according to your situation:

# Set the directory path where you want to rename folders

$directoryPath = "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006"

# Get a list of all folders in the specified directory

$folders = Get-ChildItem -Path $directoryPath -Directory

# Loop through each folder

foreach ($folder in $folders) {

    # Check if folder name is longer than 10 characters and contains '-'

    # character at position 11

    if ($folder.Name.Length -ge 11 -and $folder.Name.Substring(10, 1) `

    -eq "-") {

        # Construct the new folder name by replacing '-' with a blank

        # space starting at character number 11

        $newName = $folder.Name.Substring(0, 10) + `

        ($folder.Name.Substring(10) -replace '-', ' ')

       

        # Get the full path of the old and new folder names

        $oldPath = Join-Path -Path $directoryPath -ChildPath $folder.Name

        $newPath = Join-Path -Path $directoryPath -ChildPath $newName

       

        # Rename the folder

        Rename-Item -Path $oldPath -NewName $newName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

        Write-Host "Renamed folder: $($folder.Name) to $($newName)"

    }

}

On successful execution of this script, you should see an output like this.

Renamed folder: 2019-01-16-Travel-to-France to 2019-01-16 Travel to France

Renamed folder: 2019-03-07-Meijer to 2019-03-07 Meijer

Renamed folder: 2019-05-04-National-Train-Day to 2019-05-04 National Train Day

Renamed folder: 2019-05-18-Woodland-Park to 2019-05-18 Woodland Park

Renamed folder: 2019-05-26-Maumee-Bay-State-Park to 2019-05-26 Maumee Bay State Park

Renamed folder: 2019-07-05-African-Safari-Wildlife-Park to 2019-07-05 African Safari Wildlife Park

Now you are done.

Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson by Ian Halperin

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in music history. Even in death, his legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Ian Halperin's book, "Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson," delves into the intricate details of the superstar's life, shedding light on the controversies, struggles, and triumphs that defined his last years.

At the heart of Halperin's narrative lies an exploration of Jackson's personal and professional life. The book paints a complex portrait of a man who, despite his unparalleled success, grappled with intense scrutiny and relentless media attention. From his meteoric rise to stardom with the Jackson 5 to his iconic solo career, every aspect of Jackson's journey is meticulously examined.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Unmasked" is its exploration of Jackson's relationships. Halperin offers insight into the singer's tumultuous marriages, friendships, and familial bonds, highlighting the profound impact they had on his life and career. Through interviews and research, the author uncovers the dynamics behind Jackson's closest connections, revealing both the joys and challenges that accompanied them.

Moreover, "Unmasked" delves into the controversies that plagued Jackson in his later years. From allegations of child molestation to financial troubles, Halperin confronts the difficult questions surrounding the superstar's legacy. While acknowledging Jackson's undeniable talent and contributions to music, the book does not shy away from addressing the darker aspects of his life, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the legend.

Throughout the book, Halperin offers valuable insights into Jackson's psyche, shedding light on the psychological and emotional factors that shaped his behavior. By examining Jackson's upbringing, experiences, and influences, the author paints a nuanced portrait of a deeply complex individual struggling to reconcile fame, fortune, and personal demons.

One of the most poignant themes explored in "Unmasked" is Jackson's quest for acceptance and validation. Despite his immense success, Jackson grappled with feelings of loneliness and isolation, seeking refuge in his music and creative pursuits. Through Halperin's narrative, readers gain a deeper understanding of the pressures and expectations that weighed heavily on the superstar, driving him to seek solace in unconventional ways.

Ultimately, "Unmasked" offers readers a thought-provoking glimpse into the final years of Michael Jackson's life. By presenting a comprehensive overview of the superstar's journey, Halperin invites readers to reevaluate their perceptions and assumptions about one of the most iconic figures in music history. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression, challenging you to consider the complexities of fame, fortune, and the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the man behind the music. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Ian Halperin offers readers a front-row seat to the trials and tribulations of a musical legend, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of pop culture history.

Here is my note at Goodreads:

Unmasked: The Final Years Of Michael Jackson by Ian Halperin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book provides a detailed examination of the later years of the iconic pop star's life. Drawing on interviews, research, and firsthand accounts, the book delves into Jackson's personal and professional struggles, including his health issues, legal battles, and financial challenges. Halperin explores various controversies surrounding Jackson, shedding light on his relationships, lifestyle, and legacy. The narrative offers readers an in-depth perspective on the complexities of Jackson's life, presenting a balanced portrayal of the superstar's final years without necessarily taking a definitive stance on his actions or character.

View all my reviews