Global Pulse

分类： business

  • ‘Rising tensions’: Australia’s sharemarket falls from eleven week high after ‘trade bazooka’ fears

    ‘Rising tensions’: Australia’s sharemarket falls from eleven week high after ‘trade bazooka’ fears

    The Australian equity market experienced a pronounced downturn during Tuesday’s trading session, primarily driven by escalating geopolitical friction between the United States and European nations. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index declined by 58.60 points, representing a 0.66 percent decrease to close at 8,815.90, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 56.30 points (0.61 percent) to settle at 9,138.60.

    Market analysts attributed the bearish sentiment to renewed transatlantic trade tensions following former President Trump’s tariff threats against several European countries. The confrontation centers on the United States’ strategic interest in acquiring Greenland, with the administration threatening 10 percent tariffs against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain. European authorities have responded with countermeasures potentially affecting €100 billion ($174 billion) in U.S. goods.

    Financial and materials sectors led the decline, with all four major banking institutions recording losses. Commonwealth Bank shares decreased by 1.81 percent to $150.48, Westpac dropped 0.98 percent to $38.59, NAB fell 0.85 percent to $41.86, and ANZ finished 1.15 percent lower at $36.94.

    The resources sector faced significant pressure despite BHP reporting substantial commodity price improvements, including a 32 percent annual increase in copper prices and a 4 percent rise in iron ore. BHP shares declined 1.99 percent to $47.78 following revelations that the first phase of its Jansen potash project would exceed initial estimates by over $1 billion, reaching $US8.4 billion. Rio Tinto decreased 2.04 percent to $146.34, while Fortescue slid 0.58 percent to $22.26.

    Market performance showed sector divergence, with seven of eleven industry sectors finishing lower. Utilities and technology stocks provided some offsetting gains, led by Origin Energy’s 2.62 percent surge to $11.34 after announcing an extension of operations at Australia’s largest coal-fired power plant until 2029.

    Individual company performances varied considerably. ARB Corporation shares plummeted 12.04 percent to $28.42 following unaudited sales revenue of $358 million for the first half-year, approximately 1 percent below previous corresponding periods. Conversely, Bellevue Gold rallied 5.01 percent to $1.78 after reporting strong sales metrics, and Hub24 shares advanced 3.1 percent to $101.21 following record net inflows of $5.6 billion.

    The Australian dollar demonstrated resilience amid market volatility, strengthening against the U.S. dollar to trade at 67.29 US cents.

  • Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Australian supermarket giant Coles has announced an unprecedented lineup of experimental hot cross bun flavors for the 2026 Easter season, featuring unconventional creations that challenge traditional holiday baking conventions. The limited-edition collection includes a Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño variety, a matcha and raspberry fusion, an Arnott’s mint slice interpretation, and a sticky date innovation.

    The most avant-garde offering, the cheesy jalapeño hot cross bun, incorporates authentic cheese, specially crafted Doritos-style seasoning, jalapeño pieces, and tomato granules to create a savory nacho-inspired experience. Meanwhile, the matcha and raspberry variant combines earthy green tea powder with white chocolate chunks and raspberry-flavored fudge pieces for an East-meets-West flavor profile.

    The Arnott’s mint slice recreation features rich chocolate dough embedded with chocolate chunks and peppermint-flavored fudge pieces, meticulously designed to capture the essence of the iconic Australian biscuit. The sticky date version offers a contemporary twist on the classic dessert, featuring chewy date pieces and caramel-flavored chips throughout the spiced dough.

    These gourmet innovations will be available from February through the Easter period across all Coles physical stores and online platforms, priced at $5.50 for four-bun packages. According to Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager for Commercial, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, the development team invested over twelve months perfecting these creations, describing them as a blend of traditional favorites with ‘daring new innovations.’

    For consumers preferring conventional options, Coles will continue offering classic fruit, apple and cinnamon, fruit-free, and chocolate varieties. The supermarket chain emphasizes that this expanded range demonstrates their commitment to catering to diverse Australian tastes during the Easter celebration period.

  • Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Financial markets across Asia experienced broad declines on Tuesday as investor sentiment deteriorated following geopolitical tensions and domestic political developments. The downward trend emerged during a quiet session for U.S. markets, which remained closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

    The Japanese market faced particular pressure as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announcement of a snap February 8th election triggered significant volatility in government bonds. Yields on Japan’s 40-year government bonds surged to a record 4%, while other long-term debt instruments reached multi-decade highs. This selloff reflected market concerns that Takaichi might leverage her strong approval ratings to implement increased government spending measures, potentially straining Japan’s national finances.

    Meanwhile, transatlantic trade relations faced renewed strain after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland. The proposed tariffs, reportedly linked to European opposition regarding American control of Greenland, drew immediate criticism from affected countries who condemned the move as damaging to transatlantic relations.

    Regional market performance varied with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declining 1.1% to 52,988.24, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.3% to 4,101.62. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged down marginally to 26,552.57. South Korea’s Kospi bucked the trend with a 0.3% gain to 4,921.42, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.6% to 8,818.10.

    European markets had set a negative tone on Monday, with Germany’s DAX losing 1.3% and France’s CAC 40 falling 1.9%. U.S. stock futures indicated continued weakness, with S&P 500 futures down 1% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declining 0.9% in early Tuesday trading.

    Investors awaited key economic developments including upcoming corporate earnings reports and critical inflation data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The Fed’s next meeting in two weeks is expected to maintain current interest rates as policymakers balance slowing employment indicators against persistent inflation above their 2% target.

  • Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    In a significant turnaround for Australia’s retail jewelry sector, collapsed retailer Secrets Shhh has been acquired by high-end UAE jewelry group Amaar Jewels LLC. The acquisition comes just months after the Australian company and its seven subsidiaries entered administration in December, preserving employment for more than 100 staff members and securing the future of the brand.

    FTI Consulting senior managing director Kelly Trenfield confirmed the completion of binding documentation for the sale, noting that the majority of retail stores will transfer to the new ownership. “This transaction represents a significant milestone in securing the ongoing operation of the Secrets Shhh brand and provides a strong foundation for its continued presence and growth across the Australian retail market,” Trenfield stated.

    Secrets Shhh had built its reputation on providing affordable, sustainable alternatives to traditional mined diamonds, specializing in laboratory-grown and simulated diamond jewelry. The company’s collapse in December had raised concerns about the viability of ethical jewelry retail in the Australian market.

    The UAE-based purchaser, Amaar Jewels, has outlined ambitious plans for the Australian brand. The new ownership intends to build upon Secrets Shhh’s existing foundations by expanding product ranges through new collections and designs. Additionally, Amaar Jewels plans to enhance the retail experience and eventually expand the brand into international markets, leveraging global experience and supply-chain capabilities.

    FTI Consulting acknowledged the cooperation of employees, landlords, suppliers, and other stakeholders throughout the administration and sale process. The successful acquisition demonstrates continued international interest in Australian retail assets, particularly those with established brand recognition and ethical sourcing credentials.

  • Gen-Z is set to dominate 80% of the luxury market by 2030

    Gen-Z is set to dominate 80% of the luxury market by 2030

    A seismic shift is underway in the global luxury market as Generation Z emerges as the dominant consumer force, projected to command 80% of market share by 2030. This demographic transformation is fundamentally reshaping the very definition of luxury, moving beyond traditional status symbols toward values-driven consumption centered on sustainability, ethical production, and personal expression.

    According to recent market analysis from Mintel’s ‘Key Consumer Trends Shaping the Future of Luxury Retail’ report, younger consumers are prioritizing quality, uniqueness, and emotional connection over mere price and prestige. This paradigm shift is particularly evident in fashion-forward markets like the UAE, where luxury remains deeply embedded in cultural celebrations while simultaneously evolving to meet new generational expectations.

    Ahmad Ammar, co-founder and designer at AAVVA, observes that “Gen-Z clients still love luxury, but they want it to feel more personal and less forced. They’re drawn to strong craftsmanship and detailed pieces, but with a modern attitude: cleaner lines, greater comfort, and greater confidence in how they wear it.” This preference for customization and co-creation reflects a broader trend toward individualized expression through luxury goods.

    The sustainability imperative is driving remarkable growth in circular fashion economies. The GCC secondhand apparel market, expected to reach $1.3 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at an 11.6% compound annual growth rate through 2035, reaching $4 billion. Government-led initiatives like Dubai Sustainable Fashion Days are accelerating mainstream adoption across socioeconomic segments.

    Beyond fashion, the redefinition of luxury extends into lifestyle choices. Dubai-based life coach Rebecca Silver notes that “Gen-Z is moving away from material acquisition towards quality of life, vitality, and well-being. Rather than spending on traditional status symbols, many are choosing to invest in health treatments, therapies and restorative experiences.”

    This values-driven approach prioritizes ingredient transparency, sustainable sourcing, and work-life balance over conventional markers of success. As Egyptian student Fatma Tamer, 22, explains: “Luxury is having a sense of control, satisfaction, and peace with where you are. It is about quality over labels and valuing what genuinely adds meaning to your life.”

    The luxury industry faces unprecedented pressure to adapt as emotion, ethics, and experience increasingly define consumer preferences, pushing brands to evolve faster than ever to meet the demands of this new generation of conscious consumers.

  • Australia’s largest coal power station Eraring to remain open for two more years

    Australia’s largest coal power station Eraring to remain open for two more years

    In a significant energy policy shift, Australia’s largest coal-fired power station will continue operations for an additional two years beyond its scheduled retirement date. Origin Energy announced Tuesday that its Eraring facility in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley will remain operational until August 2029 rather than closing in 2027 as previously planned.

    The decision follows extensive market analysis revealing insufficient renewable energy infrastructure development to compensate for the plant’s retirement. Origin CEO Frank Calabria emphasized that while substantial progress continues on renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure, extending Eraring’s operational timeline remains essential for maintaining grid reliability and stable power supply during the transition period.

    This extension addresses repeated warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator regarding potential electricity shortfalls and system instability in New South Wales if the 2,880-megawatt facility were decommissioned prematurely. The plant originally faced closure in 2025 before receiving its first extension to 2027.

    NSW Climate Change and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe endorsed the decision, noting it would help stabilize energy prices while the state continues its renewable energy expansion. Since the last election, NSW has increased operational renewable capacity by nearly 70% – equivalent to Eraring’s total output.

    Origin maintains this temporary extension won’t affect its emissions reduction targets, including net-zero by 2050. The company plans to replace the retired plant with a major battery storage project, with construction anticipated to commence in 2031.

  • IMF sees steady global growth in 2026 as AI boom offsets trade headwinds

    IMF sees steady global growth in 2026 as AI boom offsets trade headwinds

    The International Monetary Fund has delivered an optimistic revision to its global economic outlook, projecting sustained growth through 2026 driven by artificial intelligence investments and evolving trade dynamics. In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF forecasts global GDP expansion of 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, representing upward adjustments of 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points respectively from October’s projections.

    According to IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the global economy demonstrates remarkable resilience despite previous trade disruptions. ‘The global economy is shaking off the trade and tariff disruptions of 2025 and is coming out ahead of what we were expecting before it all started,’ Gourinchas told reporters.

    The United States leads this upgraded outlook with 2026 growth projected at 2.4%, boosted by massive AI infrastructure investments including data centers, advanced chips, and power systems. Spain similarly benefits from technology investments, receiving a 0.3 percentage point upgrade to 2.3% growth for 2026.

    Trade dynamics have shifted significantly since the peak of tariff tensions in April 2025. Businesses have adapted through supply chain rerouting, while trade agreements have reduced effective U.S. tariff rates from approximately 25% to 18.5%. China’s growth forecast for 2026 was upgraded to 4.5%, reflecting both tariff reductions and successful export diversification to Southeast Asian and European markets.

    The AI boom presents a dual-edged scenario: while driving current growth through investment and wealth effects, it carries inflation risks if development continues at its breakneck pace. Conversely, if anticipated productivity gains fail to materialize, market corrections could dampen economic momentum.

    Regionally, the euro zone expects 1.3% growth in 2026, boosted by German public spending and strong performances in Spain and Ireland. Japan benefits from fiscal stimulus, while Brazil represents a notable exception with reduced growth projections due to tighter monetary policy combating inflation.

    Globally, inflation continues its downward trajectory from 4.1% in 2025 to a projected 3.4% in 2027, creating conditions for more accommodative monetary policies that should further support economic expansion.

  • Adnoc Gas signs $3 billion, 10-year LNG deal with Hindustan Petroleum

    Adnoc Gas signs $3 billion, 10-year LNG deal with Hindustan Petroleum

    In a significant development for global energy markets, Adnoc Gas has finalized a monumental ten-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), valued between $2.5 to $3 billion. The landmark deal was formalized during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s diplomatic visit to India, where he conferred with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the growing strategic energy partnership between the two nations.

    The contract execution ceremony featured Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director, exchanging documents with HPCL Chairman Vikas Kaushal. This agreement transforms a previously signed Heads of Agreement into a comprehensive long-term supply arrangement that will see Adnoc Gas export 0.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG to India through its Das Island liquefaction facility, one of the world’s longest-operating LNG plants with a production capacity of 6 mtpa.

    Fatema Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Adnoc Gas, emphasized the agreement’s significance: “This long-term supply arrangement reflects the robust energy partnership between our nations and demonstrates our commitment to meeting global LNG demand while supporting India’s objective to increase natural gas to 15% of its energy portfolio by 2030.”

    The strategic pact elevates India to become the UAE’s largest LNG customer, with Adnoc Gas now contracted to supply 3.2 million tonnes per annum to Indian energy companies by 2029. This represents approximately 20% of the 15.6 MTPA that Adnoc Gas will operate. The agreement reinforces the company’s expanding footprint in Asia’s rapidly growing energy markets, bringing its total contract value to over $20 billion.

    This arrangement represents Adnoc Gas’s continued market diversification strategy, marking the latest in a series of long-term LNG contracts secured over the past three years, ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 mtpa with durations extending to 14 years. The Das Island facility, with its proven track record of delivering more than 3,500 LNG cargoes globally, provides the operational reliability crucial for meeting India’s growing energy demands.

  • UAE boosts digital trade as mBridge volumes top $55b

    UAE boosts digital trade as mBridge volumes top $55b

    The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its position at the forefront of digital trade innovation as transaction volumes on the mBridge platform exceed $55 billion. This groundbreaking multi-central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative is fundamentally transforming international payment systems by enabling real-time settlements using sovereign digital currencies.

    Developed through collaboration between central banks across Asia and the Middle East, mBridge represents a paradigm shift in cross-border financial transactions. The platform connects the People’s Bank of China, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Bank of Thailand, Central Bank of the UAE, and Saudi Central Bank, with participation from over 20 commercial banking institutions. This coalition bypasses traditional correspondent banking networks, creating a more efficient settlement infrastructure.

    Atlantic Council data reveals that mBridge has already processed more than 4,000 cross-border transactions, with settlements occurring in seconds and at minimal transaction costs. Notably, approximately 95% of the total settled value has been conducted using China’s digital yuan, demonstrating both the scale of early adoption and the growing preference for digital currencies in wholesale payments.

    The UAE’s strategic engagement with mBridge extends beyond technological advancement. In November 2025, the nation formally launched its live operations with a cross-border payment to China, executed by Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This milestone followed an earlier landmark transaction in January 2024, when Sheikh Mansour initiated the first Digital Dirham transfer to China, sending Dh50 million via the platform.

    The Central Bank of the UAE anticipates steady growth in mBridge usage as more financial institutions join and payment corridors expand. The platform serves as a cornerstone of the bank’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme, which aims to modernize payment systems, enhance financial inclusion, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness as a regional clearing hub.

    Unlike conventional transfers that rely on SWIFT messaging and correspondent banks, mBridge enables direct bank-to-bank transactions using tokenized central bank money. This architecture eliminates multiple intermediaries, reduces settlement risk, and compresses processing times from days to seconds. Embedded smart contracts automate compliance checks, foreign exchange conversion, and settlement finality.

    Market analysts observe that mBridge’s expanding transaction volumes signal a broader transformation of global payment infrastructure. While the digital yuan currently dominates settlement flows, participation from the UAE and other jurisdictions is enhancing the platform’s multi-currency functionality and establishing foundations for wider CBDC-based trade settlement adoption.

    According to People’s Bank of China data, the digital yuan has processed approximately 3.4 billion domestic and cross-border transactions worth around $2.4 trillion. These figures suggest China’s CBDC is transitioning from pilot programs to practical commercial applications, with mBridge providing a crucial international settlement channel.

    The Atlantic Council reports that 136 countries are currently exploring CBDCs at various development stages. While few nations have fully launched retail digital currencies, rapid progress with wholesale platforms like mBridge is attracting significant attention from central banks seeking alternatives to legacy payment systems.

    For the UAE, mBridge participation reinforces its role as a connector between Asian and Middle Eastern financial markets. As trade flows between the UAE, China, and other Asian economies continue to grow, faster settlement times and reduced transaction costs are expected to deliver substantial benefits for exporters, importers, and financial institutions.

    Although analysts suggest mBridge is unlikely to challenge the US dollar’s dominance in global finance immediately, its increasing adoption indicates a gradual shift toward more diversified, technology-driven settlement networks that could reshape international trade dynamics in the coming decades.

  • Beyond consensus: How valuation, certification, and digitalisation are securing the KP’s future

    Beyond consensus: How valuation, certification, and digitalisation are securing the KP’s future

    The Kimberley Process (KP), the international mechanism governing the diamond trade, has concluded its landmark ‘Year of Best Practice’ following its November 2025 Plenary. Under the custodianship of the United Arab Emirates, the initiative has significantly advanced its operational framework through three core pillars: transparent valuation, global certification standards, and comprehensive digitalization. These measures are designed to combat the flow of conflict diamonds, close systemic loopholes, and ensure mineral wealth benefits producing nations and their local communities.

    A primary defense against illicit trade is robust and impartial diamond valuation. Accurate assessment strengthens the alignment between physical shipments and their accompanying KP certificates, creating a verifiable chain of custody. Conversely, arbitrary or weak valuation immediately creates vulnerabilities for exploitation. Practices like under-invoicing rough diamonds directly deprive producing countries of crucial tax and royalty revenues, undermining governance and perpetuating the very abuses the KP was established to prevent. Effective valuation must encompass full Run-of-Mine production, maintain complete independence from producer bias, and be driven by rigorous, market-based analytics connected to major trading hubs like Dubai. Platforms such as WWW International Diamond Consultants and DCi’s E Valuer provide critical independent benchmarks, while specialists like Mercury Diamond employ Transaction Based Valuation to derive rough prices from polished wholesale data, capturing true market value.

    Operational integrity is now measurable through international standards. The UAE KP office has set a global benchmark by becoming the only participant among the 86 represented countries to achieve and maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification, successfully renewing it three times over six years. This certification translates into tangible accountability, meaning all internal processes—from membership administration to data verification—are continuously managed, externally audited, and aligned with internationally recognized best practices. Achieving this required the documentation of 60 operational procedure manuals, which streamlined workflows and ensured consistent handling of every case, providing a proven model for other participants to strengthen their own governance.

    Digital transformation represents the third pillar of modernization. The development of the KP’s digital certification platform, Verifico, marks a pivotal shift from vulnerable paper-based certificates to secure digital records, potentially reinforced by blockchain or QR code technology. This move drastically reduces the risk of physical certificate fraud and enables faster, more reliable verification between border authorities. Furthermore, digitalization unlocks the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct real-time analysis of trade flows. AI can detect anomalies in volume, value, and routing, as well as weaknesses in operational controls connected to mining and manufacturing, transforming the KP from a reactive administrative body into a proactive compliance mechanism.

    With its ‘Year of Best Practice’ complete, the KP’s focus on operational excellence provides the essential administrative foundation for its long-term legitimacy and strength. As India assumes the 2026 Chairmanship and Ghana the Vice Chair, the KP is positioned to continue evolving with integrity, ensuring every diamond in the legitimate trade is defined by rigor and an unwavering commitment to a conflict-free future.