Global Pulse

分类： business

  • Australian sharemarket posts consecutive record high as tech, iron ore miners lead

    Australian sharemarket posts consecutive record high as tech, iron ore miners lead

    Australia’s financial markets have achieved a significant milestone, with the S&P/ASX200 index closing at consecutive record highs for the first time in six months. The benchmark index surged 0.5 percent on Thursday to reach 9,175.3 points, building on Wednesday’s previous record close and positioning February for its strongest monthly performance since May.

    The remarkable rally has been predominantly driven by substantial gains across multiple sectors. Technology stocks experienced a significant uplift, mirroring the robust performance of Wall Street’s tech sector. This momentum was further reinforced by impressive showings in healthcare and resources industries, with seven out of eleven market sectors finishing positively.

    Market analysts attribute this sustained growth to an exceptional February earnings season. IG analyst Tony Sycamore noted, ‘The ASX200 has extended its rampaging run higher today, adding 74 points to a fresh intraday record of 9,202.9 before trimming gains.’ He emphasized that heavyweight miners, banks, energy, and consumer staples stocks have delivered solid results that substantially boosted the index.

    Leading the charge, BHP Group climbed 2.2 percent to establish a new record high of $57.75, while Rio Tinto advanced 3.7 percent. Lithium producers demonstrated particularly strong performance, with Pilbara Minerals surging 8.2 percent.

    The healthcare sector emerged as another standout performer. Ramsay Health Care witnessed a remarkable 10.3 percent share price increase following the announcement of its half-year results, which revealed a 9.7 percent revenue growth and 8.1 percent rise in underlying net profit. Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals also posted substantial gains of 9.8 percent and 10.9 percent respectively.

    Despite the overall market optimism, some companies experienced setbacks. Mid-cap resources firms faced challenges, with Worley shares declining 10.2 percent due to investor concerns over operating costs. Lithium miner Liontown Resources fell 8.6 percent, while Yancoal dropped 8.4 percent. Qantas shares reversed early gains to finish 9.2 percent lower.

    The market now anticipates Friday’s financial results from major retailers including Coles, TPG, and Star Entertainment, which will provide further indication of the market’s trajectory.

  • Monash IVF posts profit slump, revenue free fall after major scandals

    Monash IVF posts profit slump, revenue free fall after major scandals

    Australian fertility provider Monash IVF Group has reported a significant financial downturn in its half-year results, with underlying profit after tax plummeting 34% to $10.4 million. The company attributes this decline to multiple factors, including market share losses and the financial impact of recent clinical controversies.

    The financial report, released Thursday, reveals the fertility giant lost 2.5% of the Australian market share during the second half of 2025, dropping from 21.5% to 19% across all states except South Australia and the Northern Territory. Company documents acknowledge that ‘negative media impact on market share [was] most pronounced in jurisdictions with Monash IVF branding.’

    This market erosion follows several high-profile incidents that damaged the company’s reputation. In April, the company apologized after a patient unknowingly gave birth to a stranger’s baby. Two months later, another incident emerged where Monash IVF incorrectly transferred the wrong embryo into a Melbourne patient.

    Additionally, the company faced legal consequences for previous practices, agreeing to a $56 million settlement in August 2024 following a class action lawsuit. The litigation alleged the company destroyed embryos due to an inaccurate genetic screening program.

    While the class action payout was accounted for previously, the company’s net finance costs increased by $1.1 million in the first half of this financial year, primarily due to borrowing required to cover the settlement.

    Despite these challenges, Monash IVF reported that specialist staff have remained loyal to the organization. The company highlighted this retention as evidence of their team’s ‘commitment and alignment to Monash IVF’ despite the difficulties of the past year.

    The financial results showed total revenue decreased 1.8% to $137.9 million, which the company attributed to ‘industry softness and domestic IVF market share loss,’ partially offset by price growth and international operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

    Newly appointed CEO and Managing Director Victoria Atkinson struck an optimistic tone in her statement: ‘I am pleased to commence as CEO and Managing Director of Monash IVF Group at an important time for the Company. Monash IVF has a strong clinical heritage, a dedicated team of specialists and embryologists, and a trusted national footprint.’

    Atkinson identified her immediate focus would be on ‘clinical and operational excellence, supporting our clinicians and ensuring consistent, high quality patient experience across the network,’ while remaining ‘committed to executing our strategy and delivering sustainable value for shareholders.’

    Since its establishment in 1991, Monash IVF has facilitated the birth of 71,296 babies, though recent events have clearly impacted both its clinical reputation and financial performance.

  • The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

    The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

    In an industry dominated by disposable plastics, Wisconsin-based Twig’s Beverage maintains a century-old packaging tradition that has all but vanished from the American marketplace. While approximately 127 billion plastic bottles are purchased annually across the United States, this family-operated enterprise continues to sell its signature Sun Drop citrus soda in returnable glass bottles through a deposit system that dates back to pre-1960s America.

    Founded in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, Twig’s operates as an independent bottler within Shawano County despite Sun Drop being owned by beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper. The company’s distinctive approach involves charging customers a $20 deposit per case of 24 bottles, refundable when containers are returned to either retail locations or directly to the Twig’s factory. Remarkably, some bottles still in circulation bear manufacturing dates from the 1960s, demonstrating the durability of this sustainable packaging solution.

    Beyond its environmental distinction, Twig’s maintains historical production methods by using real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup—a formulation choice that has become increasingly rare in the soft drink industry. The company additionally produces its own line of fruit sodas in flavors ranging from root beer to black cherry, which it now aims to distribute across the Midwest through an expanding network of distributors.

    Now in its third generation of family leadership under Ben Hartwig and his siblings, Twig’s has become woven into the cultural fabric of Shawano—a community of 9,000 that hosts annual Sun Drop Dayz celebrations. The company maintains an on-site museum and offers production tours, highlighting its handcrafted manufacturing process.

    Despite challenges including fluctuating sugar prices and competition from major brands, Twig’s has achieved approximately $6.5 million in annual revenue while employing 20 local staff. The American Beverage Association notes that such family-owned enterprises represent a significant segment of the industry, with many maintaining generational traditions despite market consolidation.

    Hartwig attributes the company’s 75-year longevity to community loyalty and family dedication, expressing hope that future generations will continue both the returnable bottle system and the company’s commitment to traditional soda craftsmanship.

  • ‘We don’t know where we are going’: Asian businesses brace for more Trump tariff turmoil

    ‘We don’t know where we are going’: Asian businesses brace for more Trump tariff turmoil

    A landmark US Supreme Court decision striking down the legal foundation of former President Donald Trump’s tariff regime has generated widespread uncertainty across Asian export economies, potentially strengthening China’s manufacturing position despite original intentions to reduce dependence on it.

    The court’s ruling invalidated billions in levies imposed under emergency powers legislation, prompting Trump to immediately sign an executive order instituting a new 10% global tariff using alternative legal authority. Within days, administration officials suggested rates might increase to 15%, creating confusion about final tariff levels and implementation timelines.

    Asian manufacturers and exporters report operational paralysis as uncertainty outweighs the actual tariff rates themselves. Singapore-based wellness brand Haldy, which produces turmeric mints in China, abandoned its US market entry plans after extensive preparations. Founder Push Sharma noted, ‘We had completed trademark registrations, groundwork, and distributor discussions when everything suddenly felt drastic enough to defer our plans.’

    The persistent ambiguity has forced fundamental strategic shifts across supply chains. Thai garment exporter Lanna Clothing’s general manager Tomi Mäkelä reported clients renegotiating or canceling orders amid the uncertainty. ‘I can’t eat the cost forever, so I need to increase prices,’ Mäkelä stated, capturing the dilemma facing manufacturers.

    Singapore Business Federation CEO Kok Ping Soon observed, ‘Businesses can plan for known cost increases, but they struggle when the target keeps moving. Some are holding back on major investment and routing decisions as a result.’

    Logistics providers face unprecedented complexity. DHL Global Forwarding Asia-Pacific CEO Niki Frank noted, ‘It is too early to assess how potential refunds may be processed. We are monitoring legal developments to ensure customers can exercise their rights.’ Rival FedEx has filed litigation seeking full refunds of tariffs paid under the invalidated regime.

    Paradoxically, the tariff chaos may reinforce China’s manufacturing dominance rather than diminish it. China’s unparalleled scale, efficiency, and cost advantages remain compelling despite tariff pressures. As Sharma noted, ‘It’s very hard to keep China out of play. If it’s made in China, there’s a 25% tariff.’

    With Trump scheduled to visit China in March and potentially negotiate new agreements, businesses anticipate further policy shifts. Verisk Maplecroft Asia research head Reema Bhattacharya warned that while the immediate tariff burden has eased, ‘the legal pivot increases the risk of more targeted trade tools down the line.’

    As Asian exporters diversify toward Canadian, Australian, European, and Middle Eastern markets, the only certainty appears to be continued uncertainty, with China maintaining its central position in global manufacturing networks despite geopolitical tensions.

  • Shanghai eases residency requirements for homebuyers

    Shanghai eases residency requirements for homebuyers

    In a significant policy shift aimed at revitalizing its real estate sector, Shanghai has announced comprehensive reforms to its property purchasing regulations. The new measures, effective February 26, 2026, substantially reduce residency requirements for non-local homebuyers seeking properties within the city’s Outer Ring Road.

    Under the revised framework, non-local families and individual buyers without Shanghai household registration (hukou) now qualify for residential purchases after just one year of tax payments in the municipality—a considerable reduction from previous requirements. Those maintaining three years of tax contributions gain eligibility for additional property acquisitions.

    The policy package further eliminates income tax prerequisites for long-term residents, permitting families and single adults holding Shanghai residence permits for five or more years to purchase one housing unit regardless of income tax status.

    Beyond residency adjustments, the seven-point initiative includes lowered thresholds for housing provident fund loan applications and modifications to property tax exemption criteria. These coordinated measures aim to address diverse housing needs while stimulating market activity.

    Jointly issued by multiple municipal authorities including the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service, these reforms represent a strategic effort to balance housing supply with evolving demand patterns. The policy framework explicitly targets the promotion of stable, healthy real estate market development while accommodating legitimate residential requirements.

  • Virgin Australia to expand Pets in Cabin scheme ahead of 1000th furry passenger

    Virgin Australia to expand Pets in Cabin scheme ahead of 1000th furry passenger

    Virgin Australia is significantly expanding its groundbreaking Pets in Cabin initiative, announcing plans to extend the service to additional airports following overwhelming public response. The program, which launched as an Australian aviation first in October 2023, enables travelers to bring small cats and dogs into the aircraft cabin on designated domestic routes.

    The expansion will incorporate flights servicing Adelaide, South Australia and Launceston, Tasmania, pending final regulatory approval from airport authorities. Service on these new routes is anticipated to commence shortly after the Easter holiday period. The initiative currently operates exclusively between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

    Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue revealed the program’s remarkable success, noting it will soon welcome its 1,000th animal passenger. “The response to our Australian-first Pets in Cabin offering has far surpassed our expectations,” Minogue stated. “For many Australians, pets are family, and being able to travel together removes a major barrier to taking a holiday or visiting loved ones.”

    The service operates under stringent safety and comfort protocols. Each participating flight accommodates a maximum of four pets, all of which must remain securely housed in approved carriers throughout the journey. Combined weight of the animal and its carrier must not exceed 8 kilograms, ensuring compatibility with cabin storage requirements.

    This expansion reflects the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel services and addresses increasing consumer demand for transportation options that accommodate companion animals. The airline’s decision to broaden the program demonstrates its commitment to evolving customer needs within the competitive domestic aviation market.

  • DoorDash exits 4 markets, including Japan, to focus on growth elsewhere

    DoorDash exits 4 markets, including Japan, to focus on growth elsewhere

    DoorDash Inc. announced on Wednesday its strategic decision to cease operations across four international markets: Qatar, Singapore, Japan, and Uzbekistan. This move follows an extensive multi-month evaluation of market-specific conditions and competitive landscapes.

    The San Francisco-based food delivery giant stated that this consolidation will enable the company to concentrate its investment resources on territories where it can achieve sustainable scaling and establish long-term market dominance. Miki Kuusi, Head of DoorDash International, emphasized that the company’s immediate priority is ensuring a structured transition process for affected employees and partner networks.

    DoorDash entered several of these markets considerably later than established competitors. Its 2021 launch in Japan placed it five years behind rival Uber Eats, while its acquired subsidiary Deliveroo (purchased in 2023) only commenced Qatar operations in 2022—nearly a decade after regional leader Talabat began serving the Qatari market.

    The company faces intensely competitive environments in these exiting markets, including opposition from GrabFood and Foodpanda in Singapore, and Russia’s Yandex Eats in Uzbekistan.

    Despite these operational withdrawals, DoorDash confirmed that the closures will not affect its existing financial guidance. Investor response appeared positive, with company shares rising approximately 5% during midday trading following the announcement.

    While DoorDash maintains market leadership in the United States, it continues to pursue international expansion through strategic acquisitions, including the 2021 purchase of Finland’s Wolt Enterprises Oy which facilitated its European market entry.

  • Etihad Rail reveals new details on passenger service built for ‘everyday journeys’

    Etihad Rail reveals new details on passenger service built for ‘everyday journeys’

    The United Arab Emirates’ national railway operator, Etihad Rail, has disclosed comprehensive details regarding its forthcoming passenger service, strategically engineered to transform daily commuting experiences across the nation. During a recent announcement, officials emphasized that the project is transitioning from infrastructure development to operational design, with a pronounced focus on serving routine travel needs.

    Etihad Rail’s service promises to redefine productivity during transit by offering guaranteed seating, rigorously maintained schedules, and a tranquil onboard environment. According to Deputy CEO Azza AlSuwaidi, the network’s fundamental design principle centers on reliability—enabling passengers to reclaim valuable time otherwise lost in traffic congestion. Business travelers will benefit from dedicated amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and spacious modern interiors, facilitating uninterrupted work sessions between the UAE’s major economic hubs.

    For family travel, the railway introduces customized seating configurations that allow parents and children to sit together comfortably. Enhanced luggage storage solutions will accommodate weekend trips and extended visits to relatives. The service aims to foster family bonding by transforming travel time into quality interaction time, particularly resonant during the UAE’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

    Culturally, the passenger rail system embodies Emirati identity through station architecture and service delivery, reflecting national values of safety and quality. This approach seeks to instill national pride and ownership among citizens and residents alike.

    Upon full operational capacity, Etihad Rail will interconnect 11 key urban centers and regions including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sharjah’s University City, and Fujairah’s Al Hilal district. The project’s operational phase is being developed through a landmark joint venture with international transport specialist Keolis, signed in October 2025.

  • Gucci criticised for ‘AI slop’ images ahead of major fashion show

    Gucci criticised for ‘AI slop’ images ahead of major fashion show

    Italian luxury fashion house Gucci has ignited significant controversy by deploying artificial intelligence to create promotional imagery for its upcoming Milan Fashion Week presentation. The AI-generated visuals, prominently featured across social media platforms, have drawn sharp criticism from users questioning the alignment between this technological approach and the brand’s celebrated commitment to ‘creativity and Italian craftsmanship.’

    One particularly discussed image features a glamorous older Italian woman adorned in classic 1976 Gucci attire, which prompted sarcastic commentary about the company’s apparent inability to source authentic human models. While clearly labeled as ‘created with AI,’ detractors have categorized these visuals as representative of ‘AI slop’—a term describing the flood of often low-quality synthetic content proliferating across digital platforms.

    The controversy emerges as Creative Director Demna Gvasalia prepares to unveil his latest vision on Friday’s runway. This incident marks neither Gucci’s inaugural venture into AI integration nor the industry’s broader exploration of generative technology. The Kering-owned brand previously commissioned digital artists to produce AI-generated content auctioned as NFTs through Christie’s, and released an AI-generated video last December depicting photographers literally falling over themselves to capture a model.

    Industry peers including Valentino and H&M have similarly experimented with AI tools, frequently framing these endeavors as creative exercises. However, Dr. Priscilla Chan, senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute, cautions that luxury brands risk significant reputational damage when implementing such technologies. While previous digital innovations often generated positive publicity, Dr. Chan notes AI currently carries heightened potential for negative backlash.

    Not all feedback has been critical, with some observers praising Gucci’s preservation of ‘Milano glam’ essence. Professional photographer Tati Bruening (known online as illumitati) offered nuanced perspective, suggesting limited, non-invasive AI applications—such as retouching or mood board creation—might coexist with traditional creative processes. Bruening alternatively proposed that Gucci might be intentionally provoking discourse about luxury’s definition in the AI era, potentially positioning the campaign as parody rather than pure marketing.

  • Intl arrivals, spending soar in Hainan

    Intl arrivals, spending soar in Hainan

    Hainan Province is witnessing a remarkable transformation into a global tourism and consumption hub, with recent data revealing substantial growth in international visitor numbers and duty-free spending. This surge follows the implementation of island-wide special customs operations just two months ago, demonstrating the immediate impact of China’s ambitious free trade port policies.

    During the recent Spring Festival holiday period, border inspection agencies processed over 86,000 exit and entry trips—a striking 43.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection reported significant inbound traffic from Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Singapore.

    Travel platform Qunar provided further evidence of this international tourism boom, noting that arrivals to Sanya carrying non-Chinese passports increased more than fourfold. Particularly notable were the quadrupled arrivals from Australia and Spain, while international air arrivals in Haikou doubled during the holiday period.

    This growth trajectory is largely attributed to Hainan’s expanded visa-free policies, which form a crucial component of China’s strategy to develop the island into a globally connected free trade port. The policy framework includes visa-free entry for citizens from 86 countries, supplemented by special arrangements such as 144-hour visa-free entry for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao, and 15-day visa-free entry for cruise tour groups.

    Enhanced visitor services have been implemented to support this international influx. Hainan’s three major airports now operate 24-hour multilingual inquiry hotlines, while popular attractions like Sanya’s Wuzhizhou Island feature multilingual service posts staffed by Russian and English-speaking volunteers assisting with tour routes and ticketing.

    Tourists are responding positively to these improvements. Piotrowski Robert, a Polish traveler visiting China for the first time, noted that “customs clearance was very convenient.” Yaroslava Pateychuk from Belarus highlighted both the hospitality and improved connectivity, citing new weekly direct flights between Minsk and Sanya that have significantly eased travel logistics.

    Beyond traditional beach tourism, international visitors are increasingly seeking cultural and wellness experiences. Traditional Chinese medicine health tourism has gained particular popularity among Russian visitors, with acupuncture and cupping services widely available throughout Sanya’s Dadonghai scenic area—many clinics feature Russian-language signage to accommodate this growing demographic.

    The cultural programming has also expanded significantly. The Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort in Lingshui Li autonomous county is currently hosting an international New Year carnival through March 3. According to resort chairman Liu Xiaoou, this event serves as a “window demonstration” conveying Hainan’s new image as “open, inclusive and connected to the world” in this inaugural year following the special customs operations.

    This tourism surge has directly translated into robust duty-free sales, a critical component of Hainan’s free trade port development. From February 15-18, Haikou’s offshore duty-free stores recorded total sales of 428 million yuan ($62 million), with China Duty Free Group’s Haikou International Duty-Free City alone accounting for 233 million yuan—a 24.6% year-on-year increase.

    In Sanya, daily offshore duty-free sales consistently exceeded 200 million yuan during the holiday period. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex reported customer traffic surpassing 80,000 for three consecutive days starting from Chinese New Year’s first day. Shopping at duty-free stores has become an integral part of the holiday experience, with popular brand counters experiencing wait times exceeding 30 minutes during peak hours according to Duan Nanlan, sales department director at the complex.