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Legislation-mars

Dollar Stability Amid US Growth Data and Oil Supply Concerns

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Market‌ Update: Dollar Strength, Oil Price ⁢Rise, and Economic Data

The‌ US dollar experienced significant gains this week, poised for its largest weekly increase in two months.⁢ This surge followed positive ⁤economic data released on Thursday, ⁢including stronger-than-expected figures for US economic growth, ⁣unemployment claims, durable goods orders, and wholesale inventories. The‍ dollar index (USD), which tracks the greenbackS performance against a‌ basket of six currencies,⁣ reflected this strength.

Market sensitivity,initially concerned about bilateral trade agreements reached wiht the Trump administration,has been tempered as these ⁤agreements ⁤haven’t proven as ‌disruptive as initially‍ anticipated.

Focus is⁢ now ⁤shifting to upcoming US economic data, ⁢specifically‌ the release of consumer‍ spending ‌figures and inflation data measured by the Personal consumer Expenses Price Index (PCE)⁤ later on Friday. Investors are seeking further clues regarding the ⁢potential need for additional interest rate ‍cuts by the Federal Reserve. A Reuters poll predicts the PCE will show a 0.3% month-over-month increase and a ‌2.7% year-over-year‌ increase for August.

According to the CME Fedwatch tool, the ⁤probability of the federal Reserve‍ holding rates steady next ⁢month has risen to 14.5%, up⁣ from 8.1% ‍the ⁢previous day. ⁢ Expectations for total⁤ rate cuts⁤ by the end‌ of the year have also decreased, falling below 40 basis points.

The Department of Commerce reported a revised Gross⁢ domestic Product (GDP) increase of 3.8% for the period between April and June, exceeding the initially ‌reported 3.3%. This upward revision surpassed economists’ expectations.

oil Market

oil prices are also on the rise,tracking towards⁣ a weekly increase of over⁤ 4%.⁣ This⁢ increase is largely attributed⁢ to disruptions in Russian energy infrastructure,leading Moscow to halt fuel exports.

Brent crude futures (LCOc1) were trading at $69.55 a ⁤barrel, up $0.13 (0.2%), while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude (CLc1) reached $65.14 a ⁣barrel, a ⁣gain of⁤ $0.16 (0.3%).

PVM analyst ‌Tamas⁢ varga noted that‍ the escalating geopolitical risk premium, fueled by intensified Ukrainian drone attacks, ‍has materialized into a⁣ genuine ‍supply shortage, notably impacting Europe’s distillate deficit. Both Brent and WTI are on track for their largest weekly⁣ gains as mid-June.

Russia‍ announced a partial ban ⁤on diesel exports until the end of the year,‌ expanding its existing ban on ‌gasoline exports. This decision follows a⁤ decline in refining‍ capacity,‌ which has led to fuel shortages in several Russian regions.

NATO’s warning regarding potential ⁤responses to further airspace violations has heightened ⁢tensions related to the war ⁣in Ukraine and raised the⁢ possibility of additional sanctions targeting the ‌Russian oil industry, according to ANZ ‌analyst daniel Hynes.

Positively, oil flow from‌ the iraqi ‍Kurdistan region to Turkey is expected to ⁢resume on Saturday, as confirmed by two officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Petroleum.

However,the strong US GDP⁤ growth of 3.8% annualized ⁢in the ‌last quarter is expected to partially limit oil price gains.

September 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Dollar Drops to $3,800: Fed Rate Cut Expectations Drive Market Volatility

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 17, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Dollar Weakens as Markets Anticipate Potential Fed ⁢Rate Cuts

The Colombian ‌peso strengthened⁤ against the dollar yesterday, closing at $3,898.04 – an ‌$8.2‍ decrease compared to the official⁣ exchange rate (TRM) of $3,906.24. Throughout the day, the dollar traded between a low of $3,881 ⁣and a high of $3,914.50, with a total of 1,400 transactions amounting to US$982 million. This represents the lowest closing ‍value since June 1st,2024,when the dollar closed at ⁣$3,860.92.

This movement is linked to global trends, ‍as the dollar experienced a broad decline on Monday amid expectations that the Federal Reserve may begin lowering interest rates at its upcoming meeting. Former President donald Trump publicly urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to implement a “major” rate cut, citing concerns about the real estate market.

Market analysts predict a 25 basis point reduction in interest rates at the Federal Open Market Committee⁤ meeting scheduled for September 16th and 17th, with a roughly 5% probability of a more ample⁤ 50 basis point cut,‌ according to the CME Fedwatch tool.

“What we see is simply a lack of generalized conviction, with operators relatively content⁣ to remain on the‌ sidelines until the outcome of the FOMC ⁢meeting on Wednesday is known,” noted Michael Brown, a market analyst at Pepperstone in London.He added⁤ that trading positions are likely to remain stable in the short term, possibly increasing activity after the FedS proclamation.

The DXY dollar index, which tracks the dollar’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, fell 0.4% to a near one-week low‍ of 97.273. The dollar also weakened against the Japanese Yen, dropping 0.2% to 147.335 ⁤yen, while ⁤the euro gained 0.3% to US$1.1771.

Despite recent stabilization, many ‍currency market participants believe the dollar remains on a downward trend.Investors will be closely‌ scrutinizing the Fed’s economic projections and Chairman Powell’s commentary to assess the potential scale and timing of future interest rate adjustments.

Goldman Sachs analysts anticipate the Fed’s statement will‍ acknowledge a softening labor market, but do not foresee a shift in monetary policy or an indication of a rate cut in October.

Beyond ⁣the US, investors are also monitoring interest rate decisions from central banks in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway this‌ week. The Bank of england and the Bank of Japan are⁣ widely expected to hold rates steady. Focus is especially on the Bank of England’s plans regarding⁢ the ⁤pace of ⁤reducing its government bond⁢ holdings, and on ‍signals from the Bank of Japan that coudl indicate a ⁢potential rate hike‌ later this year.

September 17, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Apple’s Upcoming iPhone 17 Launch: New Designs, AI Focus, and Expanded Ecosystem

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 6, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Apple’s Upcoming Product Updates: A Summary

Here’s a breakdown of‌ the upcoming Apple product updates, based ⁣on the provided text:

1.Apple Watch Series 11:

Design: ⁣ Not expected to be a radical redesign. Apple will likely retain the current appearance.
Improvements: Brighter screen,improved color mixing (addressing issues ‍from the Jet Black Series ‍10),and continued ⁤strap availability. Apple Watch SE: ⁢ Will receive updates with⁤ newer screens and⁢ a faster chip. Positioned‌ as a more affordable‌ option, ‌especially for young children, competing with Fitbit.

2. Health Improvements:

Hypertension ⁤detection is in development but facing regulatory‌ and engineering hurdles.
Health+: A new paid health service ⁢with an AI-powered health agent is planned for next⁢ year.

3.‌ AirPods ⁤Pro⁣ 3 (This Month):

First update‌ in three⁤ years. Potential Features: ‍ Heart rate monitor (tested), smaller charging ‌cases with⁤ a new pairing mechanism.
Software: Live conversation translation feature based on Apple Intelligence (iOS 26 & iPadOS 26).

4. Other Upcoming‌ Products:

AirTag 2: Updated wireless chip and improved ⁤location capabilities for better precision and range.
iPad ⁢Pro: New model with the M5 chip. Design changes are ⁣minimal after the M4 update,but will include a second front camera for better video conferencing regardless of orientation.
Vision Pro: First‌ hardware update:
⁤
Chip upgrade (M4 or M5).
⁣
New “spatial black” color option.
⁤
Cheaper, lighter model⁢ and smart glasses planned for the next two years.
Apple TV: Updated⁢ decoder with:
‌ ‍ New processor for Apple Intelligence⁢ compatibility (including renewed Siri).
‌
New generation wireless⁤ chip.
HomePod Mini: Updates include:
⁣ ‍
Chip compatible with Siri and Apple Intelligence.
‍Updated wireless chip.
⁤
New ultra-wideband chip.
⁣‍ Improved audio quality. Potential new colors (including red).

Key Themes:

AI Integration: Apple Intelligence is a major focus, with many updates geared towards compatibility⁢ with ⁣its new features.
Health Focus: Continued development of⁢ health-related features and a new Health+ service.
Incremental Updates: Many products are receiving evolutionary updates rather than complete overhauls.
* Expanding Ecosystem: Apple is reinforcing its portfolio across various product lines (watches, AirPods, ⁤HomePod, etc.).

September 6, 2025 0 comments

Health

Real Organizational Wellbeing: Strategy & Leadership

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 25, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Beyond Fruit Baskets: why Workplace Wellbeing Must Become a Core business ‍Strategy

Table of Contents

Beyond Fruit Baskets: why Workplace Wellbeing Must Become a Core business ‍Strategy

Teh superficial gestures of⁢ workplace wellbeing are no longer ‌enough.In an era defined by uncertainty,⁣ burnout, and evolving ‍job expectations, a holistic and strategically integrated approach to employee wellbeing is ‍not just desirable-it’s essential for organizational survival and success.

the Illusion of Wellbeing: When Concern Becomes Counterproductive

For years, manny companies have dabbled in wellbeing initiatives – fruit on Fridays, occasional yoga ‍classes, motivational posters adorning hallways. while well-intentioned,these ‌isolated actions fall far short of⁣ fostering a genuine and ⁤sustainable wellbeing environment,especially when leadership ‌doesn’t truly‍ embrace the concept. They become, in⁣ essence, cosmetic ‍- a superficial layer masking deeper systemic issues.

Last week, I observed a troubling pattern: the departure of several employees at a company, followed by ⁢an automatic and unceremonious redistribution ⁣of ‌their workload onto already-overburdened colleagues. The response ⁢to widespread expressions of exhaustion? A dismissive I know, me too… but touch.

That seemingly innocuous phrase encapsulates a profound indifference. It’s⁤ a⁣ tacit acknowledgement of suffering coupled with a complete lack of intention to address it. It communicates, ‍bluntly, I understand you’re struggling, but I don’t care.

Repeated exposure to such responses cultivates emotional exhaustion, demotivation, and ultimately, burnout. When suffering‌ is normalized and ⁤disguised ⁢as commitment, we erode our humanity-and together, our talent⁤ pool.

Cosmetic wellbeing focuses on form over substance, aiming to *appear* concerned without actually transforming the work experience or addressing‌ the conditions impacting mental health, motivation, or a sense of belonging. When a company talks about care while employees endure exhausting schedules, toxic leadership, a lack of recognition, or⁢ limited growth opportunities, the effect is⁢ profoundly counterproductive, breeding distrust, frustration,‌ and increased employee turnover.

Building a Foundation⁣ for⁣ Genuine‍ Wellbeing

Real wellbeing isn’t improvised; it’s ‍deliberately designed,‍ actively managed, and consistently measured. ‍It requires a systemic ‌vision that recognizes employees⁣ as whole human beings, not just cogs in a machine. several key pillars⁤ support this⁤ approach:

Decent and Healthy ⁢Working Conditions: This encompasses balanced ‌workloads, fair‌ assignments, adequate breaks, and safe physical environments.
Emotionally Safe Culture: Creating spaces where individuals can speak openly,‌ disagree respectfully, and ask for help without fear ‌of ⁤retribution is paramount.
Conscious and Empathetic⁣ Leadership: Leaders must actively⁤ listen, recognize contributions, prioritize employee⁢ care, and invest in team ‍advancement. Leaders are the lifeblood‌ of the company, the conduits through which a culture of wellbeing flows.
Purpose and Meaning at Work: ⁢ Connecting daily tasks to a larger purpose-something ⁤employees genuinely⁣ care about-transcends mere financial compensation.

The ROI of Wellbeing: productivity, Profit, and People

The benefits of prioritizing genuine wellbeing extend far ⁣beyond employee happiness. Research from ‍Gallup,Deloitte,and the Harvard Business Review consistently demonstrates that organizations⁤ with robust wellbeing cultures experience:

Increased productivity
Lower employee turnover
Improved work climate
Enhanced⁣ financial results

Moreover,prioritizing wellbeing fosters talent ‍loyalty,reduces absenteeism,strengthens corporate reputation,and fuels innovation. It’s not about eliminating perks like fruit or yoga; it’s about recognizing that those are supplemental to a essential shift ⁣in how we value and support our employees.

Investing in ‍People:‍ The Future of Work

The time for superficial wellbeing initiatives is over. Organizations must move beyond⁢ symbolic gestures‍ and ⁤embrace‍ a comprehensive, strategic ⁢approach that prioritizes the holistic wellbeing of their employees. This isn’t simply a matter of ethical ‌responsibility; it’s a critical business imperative.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Business

Pension Funds Gain Majority Stake in Argos and Sura Groups

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

In a important business adn stock market maneuver, the Argos Group and sura Group have finalized a new shareholding composition, with pension funds now holding the majority stake in both conglomerates. Analysts have largely viewed this restructuring as a positive progress.

Yovanny Conde, co-founder of Finxard, explained, “The shareholding structure of Grupo Argos and Grupo Sura was reorganized, becoming much clearer. Now, AFPs are the main shareholders of each company.”

Within the Argos Group, the top shareholders are Protection (10.84%), Porvenir (9.12%), and the Ishares MSCI Colcap stock fund (6.07%). amalfi Sas (5.71%) and Colfondos (3.24%) complete the top five.

The Sura Group‘s shareholder structure is led by Protection (11.5%), ISHARES MSCI COLCAP (6.2%), and Porvenir (6%). The Grupo Argos Foundation (3.4%) and Colfondos (3%) round out the top five.

It’s crucial to note that these initial compositions reflect the moderate funds managed by each AFP. However, Conde cautioned that legal restrictions prevent these companies from holding more than a 10% stake in any single company.

“As the sum of the funds administered by some AFPs exceeds that limit, they will be obliged to reduce their participation,” Conde stated. “Although this situation has no precedent, it is likely that both the AFPs, the Superfinanciera, and the companies involved have already contemplated this scenario and may have even defined a solution that benefits all parties.”

What’s Next After the Split?

Juan Pablo Vieira, CEO of JP Tactical Trading, commented on the post-operation strategy. Grupo Sura is expected to concentrate on its role as a financial services holding company, similar to entities like South American or Sura Asset Management.

Meanwhile, the Argos Group will maintain its focus on infrastructure, encompassing cement, energy, and concessions. “A new company called Grupo Argos Inversiones SAS was split off, to which the Nutresa and Grupo Sura Group and Grupo [Argos] were transferred. Grupo Argos shareholders also received shares in the new company in equivalent proportion,” Vieira added.

What are your thoughts on this major corporate shift? Share your insights in the comments below, and subscribe to World Today News for more in-depth financial analysis!

July 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Carulla Expansion: Grupo Success Highlights Growth and New Strategies

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 23, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Carulla Celebrates 120 Years, Highlighting Growth and Conversion

carulla, one of America’s oldest retail chains, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, marking a notable milestone in its long history. During a recent conversation,Carlos Calleja,president of Grupo Éxito,and Carlos Mario Giraldo,general manager of Grupo Éxito,reflected on the company’s advancements and transformations.

“As a company, we are full of gratitude,” Calleja stated. “what 120 years implies is arduous to measure in words. Carulla is one of the oldest retailers in America. Without suppliers, we cannot survive.”

Giraldo detailed the company’s strategic initiatives, noting the implementation of approximately 37% assorted products within Carulla stores. He also highlighted an increase of 60 more assortments and 2,500 products, strengthening the personal care and toiletries categories.

To support customer savings,Giraldo mentioned ongoing promotions,including a 30% discount on “inaccuing” products,primarily featuring popular Colombian brands,which change every two months.

Looking ahead, calleja indicated plans for expansion into more cities in the coming years, emphasizing that the company is on the right track for future growth.

Giraldo further elaborated on the strategic direction of Grupo Éxito, explaining that nearly 500 stores within the institution are undergoing a transformation.Larger format stores are being converted to the Éxito brand,while supermarkets under 2,000 square meters are migrating to the Carulla brand.

He reported that 41 stores have already been transformed, with 26 of those becoming Carulla locations. “Carulla today already has 135 warehouses, and this year seven more transformations come to Carulla, we will end with 142,” Giraldo said. “In the next three years, there are more than 100 opportunities for transformation to Carulla.”

The company also emphasized its commitment to local sourcing and employment. Ninety-three percent of the fruits and vegetables sold in Carulla stores are purchased from local producers. Additionally, 95% of its own clothing brands are manufactured in colombia, contributing to job creation.

“Today, we want to commemorate a story, but we also want to project a future: one in which Carulla remains synonymous with closeness, service, quality, and variety,” Giraldo concluded. “We will continue working to serve our clients, reaffirming our commitment to continue growing together with them, taking our value proposition forward.”

Carulla’s history dates back to 1905, making it a pioneering force in Colombian retail. The brand has consistently adapted to market changes, evolving from a small grocery store to a significant supermarket chain. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to connect with consumers and its strategic partnerships within Grupo Éxito, a major player in Latin American retail. The focus on local sourcing not only supports Colombian producers but also resonates with consumers seeking authentic, locally-sourced products, a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carulla’s 120th Anniversary

Q: What is Carulla celebrating?
A: carulla is celebrating its 120th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history as one of America’s oldest retail chains.

Q: Who are the key figures involved in the celebration?
A: Carlos Calleja,president of Grupo Éxito,and Carlos Mario Giraldo,general manager of Grupo Éxito,were key figures in the recent discussions about Carulla’s progress.

Q: What are some of the recent transformations Carulla has undergone?
A: carulla has implemented new product assortments, strengthened personal care categories, and is undergoing a store transformation strategy where smaller format stores are being rebranded as Carulla.

Q: What is Carulla’s commitment to local sourcing?
A: Carulla sources 93% of its fruits and vegetables from local producers and manufactures 95% of its own clothing brands in Colombia.

Q: What are Carulla’s future plans?
A: carulla plans to expand into more cities and aims to transform over 100 more stores to the Carulla brand in the next three years.

Share your thoughts on Carulla’s 120-year journey in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on leading retailers and industry trends.

July 23, 2025 0 comments

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