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The Bank of Canada predictably announced a few weeks ago that its key interest rate remains unchanged. Two points were emphasized: it’s likely that the next rate move will be up, and this increase won’t happen in 2013.
The Bank also released its quarterly Monetary Policy Report, providing an outlook of the Canadian and world economies. Here are the report’s key features for Canadian agriculture.
Let’s start globally. China is an important player in the agricultural market because of its population and the relationship between income growth and food demand. That relationship is not wavering, but we need to continue monitoring Chinese growth. Their gross domestic product is expected to still grow, but slightly slower over the next two years, falling to a 7.6 per cent annual rate by 2014. However, this is hardly poor growth.
China’s challenge is to sustain strong growth even as the source of that growth shifts from investments in housing and infrastructure toward consumer spending. The size of China’s labour force is expected to decline soon, and that could cut the country’s future growth rates.
The good news is that demographic changes will force the Chinese to focus on increasing efficiency as labour becomes scarcer. Fewer workers will mean upward pressures on wages, and this is expected to continue shifting diets towards more animal proteins. At the same time, potentially slower growth could further push commodity prices closer to historical averages.
On our side of the world, the U.S. economy is expected to continue improving. With some fiscal uncertainty behind them, American businesses and consumers can now plan better for the future.
While tax increases and spending cuts do lower GDP, they are forecast to be offset by rising home prices and increased consumer spending. This could be positive for Canada’s food processing sector if it creates higher demand for processed foods and upward pressure on wages in the United States. The latter makes Canadian firms relatively more competitive.
The Bank of Canada believes economic conditions in Europe remain the largest risk to the Canadian economy. Austerity is not working for Europeans, as the unemployment rate currently stands at close to 11 per cent in France and 26 per cent in Spain. But European austerity benefits Canadian agriculture by minimizing the impact of the crisis on other parts of the world that are driving agricultural markets. That said, if a major EU country defaulted on its debt obligations, it would slow the world economy. The expected decline of European GDP does not bode well for exports to that region — unless a free trade deal is signed in the near future.
With our open economy, global conditions impact Canadian business profits. Business investment, although currently subdued, is expected to make up a nearly 30 per cent of growth in the Canadian economy over the next three years. The growth in household debt is slowing down and could roughly be in line with the pace of growth in disposable income by the year’s end — a welcome development for the Canadian economy.
Given low inflationary pressures and a sluggish labour market, the key interest rate of the Bank of Canada is expected to remain low into 2014. The current low interest rate environment has been a driver of increases in farmland values across the country. There are usually two concerns about low rates: that they’ll rise and that they won’t! Low rates can provide an incentive to increase risk-taking behaviour. Alternatively, sharply rising rates can expose inefficiencies in some businesses and put them in a difficult spot.
A gradual increase in interest rates that starts in a year or so, combined with commodity prices slowly declining closer to their historical levels could be conducive to a softening of farmland values — that is, the pace of future annual increases in land prices will likely be lower than it has been over the last few years. It would be prudent to plan for budgets that can accommodate higher rates and lower crop receipts.
Multiple factors influence economic growth. The key message is that even as a major player like China slows, stronger global economic growth over the next two years paints a positive outlook for the demand of agricultural products and therefore, Canadian farm income. In the short term, livestock and crop producers need to monitor weather conditions and acreage forecasts in major crop-producing regions. The next United States Department of Agriculture world agricultural supply and demand estimate will provide a picture of available supplies as well as a first look into the production plans of U.S. crop producers.
Read J.P. Gervais in FCC Express – Canada’s agriculture e-newsletter. Sign up and stay in the know with industry news, videos and podcasts at www.fcc.ca/express.


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The funding is likely to be an extension of the $1-billion financing round announced by One97 Communications, the parent of Paytm, in November last year, according to a report in The Economic Times. That round is being led by US-based global asset manager T Rowe Price, along with the participation of existing investors Ant Financial, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Discovery Capital.
“The talks with Microsoft began last year when Paytm was in the middle of raising funds. While Microsoft could not participate in the funding then, it is likely to pump in cash now,” the report said quoting a source. The deal, if goes through, will give Paytm access to Microsoft’s connectivity, computing, and storage solutions.
Meanwhile, the Series F round in November had valued Paytm at about $16 billion. Of the total $1 billion, however, Paytm has secured only about $720 million so far, the report said citing regulatory filings.
Alibaba’s affiliate Ant Financial, the largest investor in Paytm, will now have to seek approval for the proposed investment as India’s has decided to screen foreign direct investments from neighbouring countries, including China. The new rules are aimed at preventing opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Alibaba Group, through Ant Financial and directly, owned 38 per cent of the company prior to the $1-billion funding round. Japanese conglomerate SoftBank owns just about 20 per cent in One97 Communications.
Paytm has been in the market since early 2019 to raise funds. The Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led company had raised $300 million from Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway in September 2018.

domain: news


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Financial services group HSBC has recently revealed that it had for the first time utilized blockchain technology to complete a speedy commercial trade finance transaction that normally takes around a week using normal paper-based processing mediums.
The transaction was the first time that a blockchain, the technology which powers cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, has been used for a commercial trade finance settlement.
As reported by CNBC, HSBC had issued a letter of credit for U.S. food and agriculture firm Cargill. The settlement covers the movement of bulk soybeans to Malaysia from Argentina, with the letter of credit for this issued by ING, a Netherlands based financier.
HSBC said that it is excited about the development as the user case for blockchain gets traction and support from both private and public sector officials in major markets such as the United States and China.
“The need for paper reconciliation is removed because all parties are linked to the platform and updates are instantaneous. The quick turnaround could mean unlocking liquidity for businesses,” HSBC’s head of growth and innovation was quoted saying in a statement.
The blockchain is expected to improve efficiencies, improve transparency and cut on paper trails, thereby reducing lead times for processes such as a letter of credit issuance. Letters of credit are a form of guarantee by a bank that payment for a transaction will be received.
The blockchain is heavily decentralized, with various parties to a transaction linked by computers accessing the same network, giving a ledger look which could be useful in the banking sector, say experts.
Reports say HSBC utilized the Corda blockchain platform developed by R3. The company runs one of the world’s most popular blockchain banking consortiums.
The user case for blockchain in finance and banking has been strengthened by Poland, which has now moved to store banking records on a blockchain application. On Monday, technology company, Billon said it would implement “blockchain for storage and secure access to sensitive customer information” for the banking industry in the country.


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A Dollar Tree store in Queens has been temporarily closed after a group in the neighborhood raised concerns over what they called a "rat infestation."
Conditions at the store, on Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park, were called "unacceptable" by the neighborhood's block association President.
"All open bags of food, and kids running around, the chips and the pretzels were all open so the kids are going through the bags," said Sam Esposito of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association.
Esposito shared photos with FOX 5 NY that show tattered bags of food still out for sale on store shelves, including bags that appeared to be ripped open by rats.
A photo of goods inside a Dollar Tree store in Ozone Park reportedly infested with rats. (Credit: Sam Esposito)
Esposito said that, when he brought up the issue with store management, the manager said the issue "wasn't her problem," and refused to close the store.
The closing of the store has a major impact on the community, as it is the only store within roughly a half-mile radius that accepts EBT.
The Block Association made three demands to the Dollar Store chain about the location: That all perishable items be removed from the shelves, that the store be cleaned thoroughly and that shelving that is stained or damaged be replaced.
Dollar Tree's corporate office expects to reopen the store sometime next week after putting extra measures in place to "ensure all safety, sanitation health standards are met and the community's concerns are addressed."


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Taylor Swift has finally arrived!!
The Style songstress showed up in a snake-print, silver mini dress featuring ruffles, sassy side cutouts, and a low back.
Sigh. Are U feeling it??
[Image via AP Images.]
The singer slash actress decided to wear a beach-y sheer skirt over black panties, which she styled with a woven-ish midsection and a white bandeau over her voluptuous rack. And from the hint of perky nip that was showing through the top, we assume she wore the look with no bra!
We're not entirely sure what she was going for here…it just seemed like a handful of random pieces haphazardly thrown together. And yet somehow, she sort of pulled it off??
That's Nicki for ya!
P.S. CLICK HERE for an opportunity to win a set of Nicki's Minajesty products!
[Image via Pacific Coast News.]


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The jury award includes $550 million in compensatory damages and $4.14 billion in punitive damages.
The women and their families allege J&J knew its talc contained asbestos since the 1970s.
Most of the women in St Louis trial used baby powder, but others used Shower-to-Shower, another of Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products.
"For over 40 years, Johnson & Johnson has covered up the evidence of asbestos in their products", the plaintiffs' lawyer Mark Lanier said in a statement. "That may be a harbinger of things to come and there are many more ovarian cancer cases than asbestos cases tied to the powder".
J&J faces lawsuits from customers who say they were harmed by both its talc and transvaginal mesh products.
"The multiple errors present in this trial were worse than those in the prior trials which have been reversed", Goodrich said, adding that every verdict against the company in the particular court that has gone through the appeals process has been reversed. It's the largest verdict against the company that has sold Baby Powder and Shower to Shower brand talcum powder for decades.
As per the report, the company released a statement saying it is confident that its products do not contain asbestos and hence does not contribute to ovarian cancer in any way. Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied that its products can be linked to the cancer. Two of those plaintiffs' verdicts, one for $72 million and the other for $55 million, have been erased on appeal on jurisdictional grounds.
The talc wasn't harmless, plaintiff Toni Roberts, 61, said in an interview after the verdict. The watchdog did not find asbestos contamination.
Companies also have been using asbestos-free talc in its products since 1970.
The company now faces about 9,000 talc-cancer cases in state and federal court, according to published reports, with the bulk of state court cases in Missouri, New Jersey, and California, according to J&J's May 2018 quarterly report. Five plaintiffs were from Missouri, with others from states that include Arizona, New York, North Dakota, California, Georgia, the Carolinas and Texas. The risky strategy allows earlier plaintiffs to send signals about legal tactics and their award amounts to women who bring cases later. Plus, many appeals courts cut back punitive damages awards on appeal.
Of the 22 women in the St. Louis trial, 17 were from outside Missouri, a state generally regarded as friendly towards plaintiffs.


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Samantha has become a hot topic for everyone. So much is being said about her personal life but Samantha is unaffected by all those reports.
She has taken a few steps ahead and has bagged an international deal. Sam will be promoting the biggest brand Louis Vuitton who is known for luxury bags mostly.
Sam’s latest shoot holding an expensive bag in a hot manner has gone viral. The news is that she has been paid big bucks to do this Ad. For now, her toned body is making waves.
Articles that might interest you:
- Mahesh Babu and NTR to shoot for Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu
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- Full list of SIIMA 2021 Awards; Maharshi leads the show
- Prabhas puts a smile on the face of cancer patient
- Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan wraps up shoot; Eyes summer release
- Official: Ram Charan is Disney+Hotstar’s brand ambassador; Here’s a crazy promo


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Recharge Texas, a group that I’ve often disagreed with in the past, released a new report discussing how PUC complaints have declined year over year from their peak in 2010. Of course, TCAP was also quick to point out that the amount of complaints is still exceptionally higher than they were during the regulated era. Their original press release can be found here, while an additional article citing some of that information and appeared in the Fort-Worth Star Telegram can be found here.
Of course, Recharge Texas took a similar stance last summer when they attempted to analyze and interpret the amount of customer complaints as a sign as extreme dissatisfaction with the electricity market in general. However, I disagreed, feeling that a sign of people participating in the Texas electricity market and voicing their dissatisfaction is a good thing, and the sign of a healthy and functioning market. Unlike their last article, at least in this article Recharge Texas passingly admits that the rise of the Internet and the ease with which customers can now file complaints has almost certainly encouraged customers to take a hand in the electricity market. Of course they don’t believe that it accounts for the level of increase from regulated to deregulated markets. This time around Recharge Texas also recognizes the massive population increase in Texas (almost 20% from just 2005 alone), although they again downplay that role in the increased number of complaints over the regulated era. I’m of the opinion that neither of those things should be downplayed at all, and are major factors in the total number of complaints.
The Recharge Texas report still completely failed to recognize the fact that having market choice alone would be a major reason for an increase in complaints alone. After all, why would people take time to complain before when there was only one game in town and they didn’t have a choice no matter how unhappy they might have been?
Recharge Texas’s analysis of course directly contradicts this summer’s latest results from the J.D. Power & Associates survey, which had staggeringly positive results for deregulated electricity. First, the survey indicated that the customer satisfaction in Texas was the highest it has ever been since the first survey was released in 2008. Additionally, the survey revealed that customers in deregulated areas of Texas had a higher satisfaction level of more than 30 points over the areas of Texas that are still regulated. And finally, the study revealed that the customer satisfaction of areas with electric choice was higher than the national average against every other state. So not only are Texans happier with their deregulated electricity service than the rest of the country, the Texans with retail choice are happier than the Texans without retail choice. I’d say that debunks the notion that high PUC complaints are indicative of widespread satisfaction with deregulated electricity.
That doesn’t mean the report was completely without merit. The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram article focused on potential changes to continue to improve things for the customer and make the retail electricity market more transparent, which can only be a good thing for customers. Both articles are worth giving a read, I’d just advise people keep an open mind while absorbing the information.


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Novelis opens new $35 million facility to speed development of aluminum solutions
Novelis Inc. has celebrated the opening of its Customer Solution Center (CSC) for automotive in Novi, Michigan, a suburb of Metro Detroit. The $35 million facility is part of Novelis' global network of CSCs, which are designed to speed the development of aluminum solutions through collaborations. Through the centres, Novelis partners with automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to maximize lightweight, high-strength aluminum in the next generation of vehicle design. In addition to the facility in Novi, Novelis operates automotive CSCs in Stuttgart, Germany, and Shanghai, China.
"Novelis' network of Customer Solution Centers is a centrepiece of our purpose, which is shaping a sustainable world together," says Philippe Meyer, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Novelis Inc.
The company's 100 employees in Novi represent expertise in research and technology, technical development, and commercial support. The centre's high-tech equipment ranges from a hot stamping press to computer-aided design (CAD) software to visualization technologies that model vehicle safety scenarios. These capabilities enable Novelis to develop new aluminum solutions and demonstrate their benefits for current and future vehicle applications. Manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers are using the centre to see these benefits firsthand, which include lighter designs, greener lifecycles, and simpler, more cost-effective solutions.
"Today marks an important milestone for our dedicated and talented team of automotive aluminum experts in Novi," says Olga Alavanou, vice president of automotive at Novelis North America. "This facility perfectly represents who we are, and we are thrilled to use it to partner with our customers every step of the way as they design exciting, next generation vehicles."
Since launching the Customer Solution Centers in 2018, Novelis has made several advancements in automotive innovation. Examples include an aluminum-intensive battery enclosure solution for electric vehicles; heat-treatable alloys that are designed to compete with hot-formed steel solutions; and research proving the benefits of aluminum use in doors and closures, one of the fastest growing aluminum applications in new vehicles. In addition, Novelis has worked to increase the amount of recycled aluminum in automotive alloys and expanded closed-loop recycling systems, which take back aluminum scrap generated during the stamping process and recycle it back into the same product.
"In an era of increasing complexity in the global automotive marketplace, these centres confirm that Novelis is prepared to partner with our customers across the world," says Jamie Zinser, vice president of global automotive at Novelis. "Whether it is aluminum door research in Novi or electrification advancements in Shanghai, Novelis aims to innovate alongside our customers every step of the way."
Novelis welcomed nearly 200 attendees to its ribbon-cutting celebration, including suppliers, local leaders from the City of Novi and Oakland County and representatives from State Senator Jim Runestad and U.S. Senator Gary Peters.


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KYOCERA Corporation Names Hideo Tanimoto as New President
06 March 2017
Veteran of company’s core fine ceramic components business unit to assume role April 1; current president Goro Yamaguchi to become chairman.
Kyoto, Japan/Neuss, Germany, March 06, 2017. Kyocera Corporation announced that Mr. Hideo Tanimoto will be promoted to president, effective April 1, following a unanimous vote of its board of directors held today. Tanimoto, currently director and managing executive officer, will become Kyocera’s president, representative director and executive officer — taking over from Mr. Goro Yamaguchi, who will become chairman and representative director.
During his 35 years with the company, Tanimoto has been instrumental in developing innovative new materials and manufacturing processes as an engineer in the fine ceramic components business. He was appointed general manager of the company’s Corporate Fine Ceramics Group in 2014 and joined the board of directors in 2016.
“Today, Kyocera supplies a diverse range of products, from semiconductor components and electronic devices to solar modules, document equipment and mobile phones,” said current president Yamaguchi. “At our core is the fine ceramic components business, which has continued to grow in step since the company’s founding in 1959.
Tanimoto will bring best practices from that pioneering division and implement fresh ideas to help maximise profits for all Kyocera business units.” Tanimoto stated that he aims to maximise group synergies by strengthening horizontal linkages among the Kyocera Group’s diverse business segments to further expand sales while nurturing Kyocera’s corporate culture. Personal priorities, he added, include never forgetting his gratitude toward others and always remaining humble.
For more information, please see:
For more information on Kyocera: http://global.kyocera.com
Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Kyocera Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of fine ceramic components for the technology industry. The strategically important divisions in the Kyocera Group, which is comprised of 235 subsidiaries (as of March 31, 2016), are information and communications technologies, products which increase quality of life, and environmentally friendly products. The technology group is also one of the oldest producers of solar energy systems worldwide, with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.
The company is ranked #531 on Forbes magazine’s 2016 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
With a global workforce of over 69,000 employees, Kyocera posted net sales of approximately €11.59 billion in fiscal year 2015/2016. The products marketed by the company in Europe include printers, digital copying systems, microelectronic components, and fine ceramic products. The Kyocera Group has two independent companies in the Federal Republic of Germany: Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH in Neuss and Esslingen and Kyocera Document Solutions in Meerbusch.
The company also takes an active interest in cultural affairs. The Kyoto Prize, a prominent international award, is presented each year by the Inamori Foundation — established by Kyocera founder Dr. Kazuo Inamori — to individuals and groups worldwide who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of humankind (converted at approximately €360,000 per prize category).


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You can read MAGIC 2019 press review HERE
You can read MAGIC 2018 press review HERE
You can read MAGIC 2017 press review HERE
You can read MAGIC 2016 press review HERE
L'iscrizione alla manifestazioneLes inscriptions pour MAGIC 2022 vont ouvrir prochainement.
What an honor for Shibuya Productions to celebrate the 8th anniversary of our event the Monaco Anime Game International Conferences (MAGIC) on February 25 and 26, 2023.
Who could have believed, that a Gala Dinner, which was initially organized to celebrate the creation of the company, was going to transform into an inevitable yearly pop culture event in the Principality of Monaco.
Who would have thought that after only 4 years, MAGIC will be exported to Japan, in Kyoto, Japanese culture’s heart.


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By Michael Lodge, The Business Advisor, Greenville, SC www.lodge-co.com: During the pandemic Joe Biden sent you a lot of stimulus and unemployment money and you got greedy. You were encouraged by banks to go into debt. You took out car loans on over priced cars, with huge markups, with high interest rates that you could not afford.
19 - 29 year old consumers are now 90 plus days late in paying their car loans. They are now in default and walking away. Cars are now at auction with prices still too high.
Banks who were this greedy and stupid have hurt consumers. The consumer was also stupid for taking on cars and loan debt they could not afford. Now they are in a position where can't can't refinance it, they are upside down. They can't buy a lower cost car, their credit score is screwed up. They don't have money to put down on a different car, they have used up all of their cash.
There will be no soft landing for consumer auto debt, just a big thump. And quite frankly, both consumers and banks will suffer as more and more cars become repossessed by the banks. Banks are now trying to get rid of their defaulted inventory of cars. These late payments will build and it will have to addressed in the financial reports submitted by banks. It has to be addressed, it is a big red flag.
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Michael Lodge is a Nationally Certified Professional Mediator specializing in business disputes, as well as family conflicts. He has written three books and hosts an international podcast on IHeartRadio and other podcast media stations.


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Puregold profits up 75.9% in 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Aggressive store expansion and new acquisitions in 2012 allowed retail firm Puregold Price Club Inc.'s net income to soar by 75.9%.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Tuesday, February 19, Lucio Co-led Puregold reported a P2.72 billion net income in 2012 from P1.55 billion in 2011.
The strategy for the year was also reflected in consolidated net sales, which grew 47.4% to P57.47 billion in 2012. Sales turnover at the stores increased by 27.1%.
The 6 S&R warehouse clubs and 19 Parco supermarkets that Puregold acquired in June 2012 contributed 13.9% to the consolidated net sales in 2012.
In 2012, Puregold also acquired Company E Corp., which owns Eunilaine foodmarts and 11 Grocer E supermarkets across Luzon.
Puregold expects the Company E acquisition to grow its customer base in areas such as Marikina, Quezon City and Rizal.
By end-2012, Puregold had 171 stores, including 131 Puregold stores, 19 Parco supermarkets, 6 S&R warehouses, 4 Eunilaine foodmarts and 11 Grocer E supermarkets.
Puregold announced plans to open 25 more stores this 2013. - Rappler.com


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November 22, 2000
Full-fledged Linux VAR supplier emerges
Author: JT Smith
32bitsonline reports that Ebiz takes advantage of Caldera's acquisition of SCO to acquire one othe largest private VAR resellers of UNIX computer products. EBiz's hopes corporate extend its reach away from the low end and into the high margin segment.


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US President Donald Trump said on Dec. 31 that the Phase 1 deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15 at the White House. Trump also said he would sign the deal with high-level representatives of China, and that he would later travel to Beijing to begin talks on the next phase.
The Phase 1 deal reached last month is expected to cut tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of US farm, energy and manufactured goods while addressing some disputes over intellectual property.
But no version of the text has been made public, and Chinese officials have yet to publicly commit to key points such as increasing imports of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years.
The United States launched a trade war against Beijing a year and half ago over allegations of unfair trade practices, such as theft of US intellectual property and subsidies that unfairly benefit Chinese state-owned companies.


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|JUNE 3, 2020|
- ZIM starts new 'speedy' S China-LA service to cater for e-commerce
- HMM Oslo heads for Europe with a full load of 19,504 containers
- Pandemic to cause 'unprecedented decline' in container traffic: Clarksons
- DSME enhances status as leading smart ship builder, delivering largest box ship
- US Q1 containerised agricultural exports up 13pc
- Cargo operations continue as LATAM files for bankruptcy protection
- Forwarders look to other modes to ease China air cargo congestion
- Cargo-partner launches new Liege hub to cope with air cargo growth
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- FIATA & FFFAI assert global recognition to freight forwarding as essential service
- DGFT notifies extension of validity of scrips provided under export incentive schemes till September 30
- Restrictions on export of paracetamol API lifted
- DPT Chairman reviews situation & issues directions to HoDs to take preventive measures against cyclone
- DPT procedure for levy of penal berth hire charges
- Import-laden containers moved from JN Port Terminals to Container Freight Stations (CFSs) and cleared by importers from March 23 to June 1, 2020
- JNPT outlines steps to mitigate cyclone impact
- Volume matrix of import-laden containers shifted from Mundra Port Terminals to CFSs & import delivery from CFSs during March 23 to June 1, 2020
- KSR Freight Forwarders operates its maiden freighter
- Exports expected to be better in May than April & contraction in June seen much lower
- PM confident of India getting back on growth track soon
- Tea production seen falling in 2020
|JUNE 3, 2020|
- New train connects Vienna and Poland
- Hugh Flynn to retire after 22 years
- Cargo thefts on the rebound
- "MSC Sixin" arrives in Barcelona
- First nine Mason mega rail tracks opened
- JAL's budget subsidiary launches as cargo-only carrier
- Shipping expert joins Commonwealth board of governors
- New facility in Jaroslavl
- CMT invests in Ridgewood JV
- Fully automated shunting locomotive under trial
- Where B737 are still popular
- UTC Overseas appoints Jo Ann Zelaya
- "Curiosity of the Day"
- ZIM's new dedicated e-commerce product
- Fleet expanded - despite Corona crisis
- Much space for large merchandise
- Against the pandemic and for plane spotters
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- DSV Panalpina ends freighter contract with Atlas, with more staff set to go
- Taxis or tech? The dilemma for its parent as Uber Freight keeps burning cash
- BIFA bites back at 'rubbish' prophecies of forwarders' death-by-tech
- Zim targets e-commerce traffic with launch of transpacific express service
- Scrapyards set for new wave of box ship demolition as idle fleet grows
- Still no sign of relief for Bangladesh apparel industry as more factories close
- Platts monthly commentary: As demand begins to revive, fears of a new Asia-Europe rates war mount
- M&A radar: Hapag-Lloyd - Nothing to see here?
- On the wires: Global express/small parcels growth - all that glisters is not gold
- Supply chain radar: Sailing with ZIM wherever the wind blows
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- DNV GL launches new certification in infection prevention for the maritime industry
While DNV GL may be best known as a maritime classification society, it provides certification services across a broad range of industries, notably including healthcare. Now it is drawing on its healthcare
- First fully electric inland vessels to sail with new energy system this year
Wärtsilä has joined a key partners to form Zero Emission Services B.V. (ZES), a Netherlands-headquartered enterprise aimed at making European inland waterway shipping more sustainable. The other founders of ZES are ING
- Treasury designates four tanker companies for breaching Venezuela sanctions
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four companies for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. Additionally, OFAC identified four vessels as
- VIDEO: Greenbrier delivers 204,000 barrel ATB barge to OSG
Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (NYSE: OSG) reports that it has received delivery of the OSG 204, a 204,000 barrel capacity ATB tank barge from Greenbrier Marine a division of the Greenbrier Companies
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- Skuld sells Lloyd's syndicate to run-off specialist
Move marks the final chapter in P&I attempts to get into the Lloyd's hull market, which has seen two International...
- Four Greek-linked tankers blacklisted by US for Venezuela voyages
The Trump administration continues to clamp down on shipping companies dealing with Venezuela. Four Greek-managed tankers flying Panama, Marshall Islands...
- CMA CGM chief sets 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality
French carrier aims to use 10% alternative fuels by 2023 and be carbon neutral by 2050 as it sets out...
- Clock ticking for Europe to find a new regulatory framework for container shipping
The EU's decision to renew consortia rules for another four years, and whether preparations should start for a different kind...
- From the News Desk: Shipping's decarbonisation efforts are worryingly askew
Decarbonisation remains the biggest challenge facing the maritime industry but there are well-founded concerns that not enough shipowners are taking...
- Standard set for smart containers to exchange information
The first of three Internet of Things standards has been released to aid container connectivity
- Seadrill posts $1.6bn loss, will drop New York listing
The rig operator will remain on the Oslo Stock Exchange. It suffered a $1.2bn impairment and 19% fall in revenue...
- Surge in Asia LNG derivative trades
The pricing agency responsible for Asia's LNG benchmark price assessments has launched a new tool amid dramatically higher derivative trading...
- Standard cuts management contract with Charles Taylor
'We believe that this new model will strengthen the club's governance to their long-term benefit' - Standard chief Jeremy Grose
- Ports urged to accelerate pace of digitalisation
Shipping organisations produce call to action for renewed focus on ship-port-hinterland interactions
- Zim launches express transpacific service aimed at eCommerce deliveries
The coronavirus outbreak has led to increasing cargo from eCommerce deliveries
- Daily Briefing
Free to read: Container vessel orders fall to lowest in a decade | Carriers take tentative steps to increase capacity...
- Looming winter of discontent for LNG
Demand is likely to only inch up this winter in the northern hemisphere before another dismal summer next year, Wood...
- Hapag-Lloyd delays bunkering plans due to coronavirus disruption
Moves come as the coronavirus backdrop has disrupted the global supply chain and world trade, thereby forcing container shipping lines...
- Cosco Shipping reshuffles senior management
Wang's predecessor Sun Jiakang has retired from the company
- Transportation Infrastructure Partners acquires US terminal
CMT's deepwater port, storage facilities, access to major rail and highway routes, and highly efficient operations combine to provide the...
- Braskem America plans export facility in South Carolina
Braskem America chief executive Mark Nikolich highlighted the site's 'excellent access' to national rail and highway networks, saying it 'significantly...
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- 3PL Transplace jumps into parcel market
- Maritime consortium pushes for quicker adoption of digital port systems
- New auto part distribution center to fuel Mobile imports
- Zim returns to West Coast with expedited service
- Air freight rates fall on easing capacity-demand imbalance
- THE Alliance to announce Q3 blanks this week
- Breakbulk carrier G2 Ocean expands use of e-bills
- Alibaba offers logistics, finance services to B2B platform
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- Tanker shares slide after downgrade, rate decline
- Castor Maritime posts loss amid higher costs
- DNV GL shielded from pandemic as digitalisation accelerates by 'half a decade'
- UBS: Cruise sector will take four years to return to 2019 riches
- US puts Greek tankers on Venezuela sanctions list
- Overseas Shipholding Group sees major shareholder depart
- Carnival's P&O Cruises extends fleet layup to October
- EEX takes top slot in freight derivatives battle
- Insurance broker SSL Endeavour rebrands as Oneglobal and targets growth
- Zim instates fast liner service on the transpacific
- DryShips shareholders take their last shot, restating numbers that echo beyond the courthouse
- Private equity players swoop on family-owned Perseveranza fleet
- Torm: 'Small fish' shipping sector has a problem with institutional investors
- Secondhand liquidity 'evaporates' but Torm will sell again
- Clarksons broker charged over lockdown breach at Singapore bar
- New investor Navig8 watchful as Barclays builds stake in Awilco LNG
- Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation to merge with Shanghai Tanker
- Dry bulk shortsea rates plummet as European demand slumps
- Monjasa sells Danish terminal after redeploying tanker
- Qatar keeps options open in huge South Korean yard LNG slot deal
- Skuld sells Lloyd's of London syndicate to RiverStone
- Pandemic problems push shipping coalition towards smarter ports plea
- 'Gone for the summer': Fearnley Securities downgrades tanker sector
- Peter Lye: counterparty risk more important than ever in dry bulk
- TMS Cardiff Gas LNG carrier offered for sale in valuation test
- Solstad finance chief decamps to Fredriksen's DESS after sealing refinancing
- Standard Club draws a line under Lloyd's of London losses
- O'Neil says coronavirus crisis solidarity can lead to bigger and better things
- Suicide led Columbia to bring in professional psychologists to help crew
- Seadrill pulls New York listing as loss hits $1.56bn
- Stricken Cosco VLCC arrives at Durban after engine trouble drama
- InfraStrata unveils options for UK's first FSRU-based LNG terminal
- Iran takes its fight to the US with tanker flotilla to Venezuela
- Manager tells crew of arrested suezmax to be 'patient' over wage delays during crisis
- Dubai Navigation puts three LR2 aframaxes up for sale
- APL England master faces potential fines of over $200,000
- Baltic Exchange index production escapes virus disruption
- Singapore 'open ports' initiative sees membership double
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- US sanctions target Greek tankers loaded with Venezuelan crude
Trump administration seeks to squeeze crude exports from Venezuela.
- Marine industries' contribution to US economy swells
'Blue economy' provides about $373 billion of nation's gross domestic product
- No letup in volatility for air cargo market
The airfreight market is a volatile conundrum. Overall, demand is down. But with few planes flying these days and everyone wanting a face mask, good...
- Freight forwarder reports 28% growth in spite of pandemic
International Freight forwarder Eternity México's revenue rose 28% during the first quarter thanks to its digital freight tracking platform, officials said.
- Airlines fight to exit 'intensive care'
June is supposed to be the heavy travel season, but instead of operating full planes, airlines are busy trying to save their financial lives.
- DCSA provides education on 'smart containers'
Digital Container Shipping Association establishes internet of things standards for connectivity
|JUNE 2, 2020|
- Crude prices creep higher on OPEC+ extension optimism
Russia has indicated it supports at least extending the reductions by one month through July.
- Mercuria CEO sees oil price upside over $40/b if OPEC+ extends cuts
Potential faster-than-expected rebound in demand could play key role.
- Brazil's Petrobras may limit crude oil exports to rebuild stocks: CEO
Move to rein in sales came despite record-setting shipments in the first five months of 2020.
- Bunkering body eyes spread of bunker licensing systems at hubs
Advocates of the system say it provides a more consistent standard of service.
- Glander International Bunkering expands North America reach with CANDEN merger
The new office, located in Montreal, will be Glander's second location in North America.
- Singapore's first LNG bunkering vessel launched in China
The 7,500 cu m vessel was launched at the Keppel Nantong shipyard in China.
- External: Global Risk Management


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Many City analysts are convinced the auction for Wm Low is far from over. The shares closed the week at 323p, 18p above Sainsbury's cash bid of 305p.
Tony MacNeary, food retailing analyst with NatWest Securities, believes Tesco may bid between 330p and 350p. He also believes that Sainsbury may decide to top even that with a knock-out bid of up to 380p a share.
Wm Low, which operates 57 stores, 45 of them north of the border, is seen as a crucial springboard for both supermarket groups' plans to expand in Scotland.
Until recently, both have preferred to expand through building supermarkets rather than through acquisition. But planning consent has become much harder to obtain.
The historical success rate on planning appeals of between 60 and 65 per cent has plunged to less than 15 per cent so far this year.
It appears to be a two-horse race. Despite speculation that other bidders would join the fray, including Dairy Farms of Hong Kong, Rewe of Germany or even US discounters keen to obtain a foothold in the UK market, it is understood that no other buyer has requested financial details from Wm Low.
Argyll Group, owner of Safeway, is already strong in Scotland and has said it is not interested.
Sainsbury, meanwhile, is taking a relaxed approach. The chairman, David Sainsbury, has just left for a continental holiday.Reuse content


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Finch were delighted to sponsor the ‘International Company of the Year (£50m + turnover)’ award at Insider’s prestigious North West International Trade Awards which took place at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester last week.
The awards celebrate North West companies who are successfully trading in international markets.
Outstanding re-commerce company MusicMagpie scooped the award in our category.
MusicMagpie was founded in a garage in 2007 and has since grown into a global re-commerce business specialising in the re-sale of mobile phones and other leading consumer electronics via its own website, www.musicmagpie.co.uk and other worldwide distribution channels.
The event was compered by sports journalist and TV presenter Manish Bhasin and featured a very entertaining keynote address from Paul Baker of Carrs Foods.
Finch Director Neal Lumb commented, “The quality of all the entrants in this year’s awards was simply outstanding and picking the winners was a very difficult task. The awards also proved to be a great showcase for our global capabilities and we were delighted with our partnership with Insider Media.”


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Matilda Bay’s Redback, one of Australia’s most iconic craft beers, has been reimagined in time for summer.
The latest beer and beverage releases from Australian and New Zealand breweries announced in October 2021.
Matilda Bay’s Alpha Pale Ale, which hasn’t been brewed in large amounts since 2018, is about to make a comeback.
In the wake of the big news last week, this week we go back to drink from the well where the beer renaissance began as we speak with Matilda Bay and Little Creatures co-founder Phil Sexton.
One of the beers that kick-started Australia’s craft movement three decades ago, Matilda Bay’s Redback, is returning on-tap to its place of origin, Western Australia with a new recipe.
Phil Sexton and the team at Matilda Bay in the Yarra Valley have revamped classics including Redback, Alpha Pale Ale and Dogbolter as well as launching its first new beer.
On this weeks podcast we talk Fat Yaks, Big Helga’s and Barking Ducks as we speak with Jamie Fox who was CUB’s Marketing Manager for craft a decade ago.
The new Matilda Bay pub in Victoria’s Yarra Valley will officially open its doors to the public on Boxing Day
Pete and Matt discuss the news of the week as several beers receive ABAC’s judgement and one of Colorado’s oldest breweries downsizes.
Nearly thirty years after leaving the brewery he founded, Phil Sexton is returning to take control of the Matilda Bay brand


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What you need to know
- Apple Music is promoting its Nature Awaits playlist to celebrate the 103rd birthday of the National Park Service.
- The playlist includes The Beatles, Frank Ocean, and Fleet Foxes.
- Apple has launched other initiatives to celebrate the birthday of the NPS.
With the National Park Service's 103rd birthday in just a few days, Apple has been voicing its support with several new initiatives, including an Apple Pay donation program. Apple Music (opens in new tab) is also joining the celebration by promoting its Nature Awaits playlist.
The playlist features a variety of big artists, including The Beatles, Frank Ocean and Fleet Foxes; it's an eclectic mix that should help you connect with the Great Outdoors.
The playlist's editors' notes shed light on why it created Nature Awaits:
With summer quickly coming to an end, now's as good a time as any to get outside. Whether you're walking alongside the beach or going for a stroll at a nearby park, Apple Music's Nature Awaits playlist is the perfect companion. "Here comes the sun, and I say / It's all right."
You can listen to Nature Awaits on Apple Music right here (opens in new tab).
Get the best of iMore in in your inbox, every day!
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This week Apple let down its anti-bitcoin guard and 50 Cent dropped a new album with some exciting news. Check out these and other top news stories in this week's roundup.
Apple updates its policy on virtual currencies: Apple released an update to its App Store Review Guidelines. The updated purchases and currencies section now reads:
"Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions."
Apple has had a long history of restrictive policies dating back to 2012 when it first removed the Blockchain and BitPak wallet apps. Apple garnered the ire of the bitcoin community again when it removed Coinbase in November 2013 and Blockchain in February 2014.
eBay CEO hints of future plans to integrate bitcoin: eBay CEO John Donahoe has once again strongly indicated that he sees bitcoin integration as a possibility for his companies eBay and Paypal. In addition to last month's statement when he said Paypal was "actively considering" bitcoin integration, he appeared on CNBC and said, "[...] at PayPal, we're going to have to integrate digital currencies into our wallet."
2014 bitcoin VC investments surpass 2013 total: Bitcoin VC investments this year are already 30% higher than 2013's total investment. So far this year, bitcoin startups have raised $113.2m, which is $27m more than last year.
Rapper 50 Cent accepting bitcoin for new album: Hip-hop artist 50 Cent is the latest musician to embrace bitcoin. The rapper is accepting the digital currency as a payment for his latest album 'Animal Ambition' this week, after the artist's Shopify store teamed up with BitPay to accept the currency.
Thanks to 50 Cent, I have got my tunes sorted. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead!
The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups.
PayPalVenture CapitaleBayAppleRoundupsBitcoin News Roundup
Brazil Moves to Probe Banks After Crypto Exchanges Denied Services
Brazil's antitrust watchdog is investigating whether the major banks in the country worked together to close off access to cryptocurrency services.
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (
Japan Lost $540 Million to Crypto Hacks in First Half of 2018
After news broke yesterday of yet another hack of a cryptocurrency exchange in Japan, the country's police authority has released figures revealing the rise in such attacks this year.
Coinbase Refutes Claims in New York Attorney General's Exchange Report
A recent report published by the New York Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which claimed several cryptocurrency exchanges it investigated are vulnerable to market manipulation, has drawn backlash
Singapore Central Banker: No Tokens We've Reviewed Need Securities Rules
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the city-state's de-facto central bank, believes that no tokens it has seen need to be regulated under its securities laws.
During a fireside chat at Coi
Messaging Giant LINE Unveils Ambitious Plan for Crypto Token Ecosystem
LINE, the messaging app giant from Japan, has unveiled plans that will see it launch an ambitious, token-powered ecosystem by the end of 2018.
Aimed at capitalizing on the company's big user base –
Crypto Advocate Cody Wilson Charged With Child Sexual Assault
Cody Wilson, founder of the 3-D printed gun company Defense Distributed and cryptocurrency advocate, has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor.
According to an affidavit obtained by CoinDes
Crypto Exchange Zaif Hacked In $60 Million, 6,000 Bitcoin Theft
Yet another Japan-based cryptocurrency exchange has been hacked with a loss of total 6.7 billion yen, or $60 million worth of cryptocurrency, including 6,000 bitcoin.
The exchange, called Zaif, ope
Coinbase Hires Fannie Mae Executive as Chief Legal Officer
Crypto exchange Coinbase has hired a new chief legal officer in its ongoing push to grow its leadership team.
Brian Brooks, a former executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretar


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Sunport’s new look is on the way.
Major construction on the Albuquerque International Sunport’s $87 million renovation project, “Dream of Flight,” started earlier this month. Jaynes Corp. is the contractor on the project after its bid was selected in early spring last year, beating out Bradbury Stamm. The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2024, and expected to support about 500 construction jobs.
A third of the cost is going toward infrastructure improvements. But the airport is also getting a facelift, with such aesthetic improvements as new carpet, LED lighting and new furniture with charging ports. According to Manny Manriquez, innovation and commercial development manager at the Sunport, some of these elements have not been updated since the ’90s.
“It is a 100% refresh of the program,” Manriquez said, although he noted that the airport will retain its “iconic look and feel.”
Among the planned changes is moving TSA and increasing its footprint by 50%. The airport is beefing up its post-security concessions and retail offerings, building a food hall after security. Once the renovation is complete, there will only be two pre-security retail and concessions spots.
The new program will include approximately 16 spaces for concessions and 10 spaces for retail. By the end of March, Sunport will send out an RFP looking for potential vendors — with local businesses as a priority.
“We really … are seeking to showcase the flavors of New Mexico and have a lot of local businesses have a presence here,” Manriquez said.
The renovations will bring the number of retail and concessions operators back up to pre-pandemic numbers. The four current retail and concessions operators’ contracts will expire and they will have to submit an RFP, like all other businesses.
There will be rolling concessions and retail closures starting in late summer/early fall of 2024.
To drum up interest from small and local businesses, the Sunport is hosting a series of information meetings for potential vendors. On Thursday, it hosted host a webinar about the airport’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, which encourages small and minority-owned businesses in the state to participate at Sunport.
The airport will also host a matchmaking event in February for small businesses to partner with larger, more experienced concessions’ operators, either as a joint venture or by licensing their products out.
“We really would like to see a high degree of participation by small and local businesses in New Mexico,” Manriquez said.
Manriquez said the airport will also be looking for local artists to create public art installations.
FBT Architects is the architect on the project and CallisonRTKL is the designer.
Jaynes Corp. is the construction manager at risk and will manage the project from start to finish. After a 2017 renovation of the airport cost more and lasted longer than expected, Sunport entered into a different type of contract for this round of improvements, which set a maximum cost of just over $87 million and a defined timeline. Rather than all the risk being placed on Sunport, it is shared between the contractor and the airport.
“They share the risk with us, rather than a ‘design, bid, build model’ where, you know, if it’s late, it’s late, and it’s on the owner of the project,” Manriquez said. “… So it’s a lot more of a collaborative model and it’s one that really spreads the risk out among all the parties.”
Sunport will continue to run flights at full capacity for the duration of the renovations, using city gates if necessary to move certain airlines operations while work on their gates is underway.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to refresh this program,” Manriquez said.


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Low-income and fee-driven consumers are a challenge for retail financial institutions. They are the most needy yet least profitable segment to serve. With pressure on profits coming from multiple directions, there is — quite literally — very little margin for error.
An in-depth report from Raddon Research Insights takes a fresh look at how banks and credit unions can serve what they call the “Mass Market” without going into the red.
Raddon breaks down the retail banking market into six segments, defining the Mass Market as those U.S. households earning less than $50,000 annually. This cluster represents roughly half the total consumer banking market, a figure that mirrors the U.S. Census Bureau’s median household income of $51,250.
In their analysis, Raddon divides the Mass Market into two segments:
- Fee Driven – Households earning less than $50,000 per year and with a head of household younger than 45
- Low Income Depositor – Households earning less than $50,000 per year and having a head of household who is at least 45 years old
Traditionally, retail banking providers have relied on fee income — particularly overdraft fee income — to provide the revenue necessary to serve the Mass Market. Historically speaking, this segment has accounted for 62% of the overdraft fee income generated by banks and credit unions. For many financial institutions, overdrafts have been the difference between a profit or loss in the Mass Market category.
But Congress and regulatory agencies have been looking at ways to choke overdrafts, leaving financial institutions with two choices: either throw their hands up and stop serving these consumers, or find ways to improve the profitability of this segment. And as is the case with any conversation about profit margins, the issue boils down to costs vs. revenues. How can banks and credit unions reduce the disproportionately high operating costs to serve Mass Market consumers? And how can they replace the lost overdraft revenues that are so desperately missed?
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, check out these four anticipated financial marketing trends to focus on for maximizing ROI in 2024.
Explore the transformative role of AI in the financial sector, uncovering insights on security, efficiency, and innovation for a future-proof financial landscape.
1. Encourage ATM Deposits
Because Mass Market consumers are heavy branch users, serving them is an expensive affair. According to Raddon, Mass Market consumers make up only 20% of the deposits and 26% of the loans at a typical institution, but they account for a staggering 51% of the branch transactions. Nearly half of these consumers (46%) visit a branch at least once a month to deposit checks with a teller, but only 29% ever use an ATM to make deposits even though seven out of ten of them are regular ATM users. Raddon recommends banks and credit unions look at account holders’ transaction records to identify those who need education and incentives to use ATMs for deposits.
2. Promote Mobile Deposit Capture
Raddon has found that consumers who use mobile deposit are 12 percentage points less likely to use branches. You don’t need to be a CFO or VP of Branch Operations to know that a 12-point differential is enough to make a sizeable dent in your cost structure. To make Mass Market consumers more profitable, find ways — like mobile deposits — to keep them out of your branches. Even if you can’t shutter a branch location entirely, your payroll costs will go down.
3. Interactive Teller Machines
If you can’t keep Mass Market consumers out of your branches, then you can at least help them use branches more efficiently. After all, the largest expense for most traditional financial institutions is attributable to employee compensation and benefits — primarily branch-based employees. Raddon says you can cut these expenses by reducing teller staff and replacing them with interactive teller machines (ITMs), which provide the same functionality at a fraction of the cost.
4. Cross-Sell Home Loans
Among all consumers looking to purchase a home, 36% are in Raddon’s Fee Driven category, who predominantly younger consumers. In fact, 30% of Fee Driven consumers say they are in the market for a home, and Fee Driven households represent more than half (52%) of the first-time home-buying market. Unfortunately only about a quarter of them have the traditional 20% needed to make a down payment, but that doesn’t stop them from dreaming about a new home — four out of five are at least someone interested in a first-time homebuyer’s program.
Raddon recommends giving younger borrowers the opportunity to purchase a home by building a program that addresses these topics.
5. Improve Cross-Selling Success and Add More Products Per Household
Raddon says financial institutions have opportunities to increase their revenue from Mass Market households by deepening their relationships and increasing the number of products sold to these consumers.
According to Raddon’s data, both smaller institutions own a large chunk of the Mass Market’s deposits, but struggle on the lending side. Community banks have 52% of their Mass Market customers’ deposits, but only 17% of their total loans — and that doesn’t include mortgages. Similarly, credit unions hold about 43% of their Mass Market members’ deposits, but only have 39% of their total loans. Raddon says both community banks and credit unions have more opportunity, particularly among Fee Driven households.
Raddon says the top-performing institutions successfully cross-sell their products and services to 16.3% of their customer base every six months, whereas the average institution hovers around 12.6%. But the impact of that difference is massive. That improvement in cross-selling increased their share of loans by six percentage points, which, in turn resulted in a significant increase in loan volume.
6. Increase Mobile Banking Adoption
Using transaction histories, Raddon says financial institutions should be able to easily identify those account holders who have are not using mobile banking but who are paying for a monthly cell phone plan and target them with educational materials. This outreach campaign can include information about convenient, time-saving services like mobile deposit capture and possible incentives that encourage both the adoption and usage of the institution’s mobile app.
Keep in mind: if someone has a mobile phone today but isn’t using your mobile app already, they are very likely to be among the cohort of consumers who have significant security and/or privacy concerns about mobile banking. Therefore, you should incorporate security messaging and privacy reassurances into your Mass Market mobile marketing campaign.
7. Switch to Universal Bankers
According to Raddon’s research, only 12% of consumers visit a branch to open an account or get a loan. The other 88% of the time, they are there to conduct a transaction or perform some other non-revenue generating task. Therefore Raddon says it is incumbent on financial institutions to convert those transaction-oriented and service-oriented visits into cross-selling opportunities. Inasmuch, Raddon says staffing should be optimized so that all branch staff are capable of completing sales functions rather than splitting staff between sales and transaction-focused personnel.


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Audi beefs up lineup in China to lure younger buyers
Audi is aggressively expanding its lineup in China to exploit growing demand among newly prosperous young Chinese for crossovers and compact luxury vehicles.
Despite a recent slowdown of industry sales in China -- and tough price competition in the luxury segment -- Audi's global sales chief, Peter Schwarzenbauer, says he is sticking with his plan to double production capacity in China to 700,000 units by 2015.
To sell all those vehicles, he also plans to expand Audi's dealer network from 237 stores in 2011 to 300 by year end and to 400 in 2013. About half of those new stores will be in Tier 1 cities along the coast. The rest will be in newly prosperous inland cities.
"In China, there are 300 cities with more than a million residents and we are present in only 187 cities," Schwarzenbauer says. "So we are still scratching the surface."
By 2015, Schwarzenbauer expects China to overtake the United States as the world's largest premium market. Audi is China's largest luxury brand on the strength of its long-wheelbase A4 and A6 models.
But the company's product mix is starting to shift now that compact vehicles are becoming a hot growth segment in China's luxury market.
To exploit this trend, Audi is building an assembly plant in Foshan to produce the A3. That plant will open in 2013.
"We are convinced that the compact segment will be extremely big," Schwarzenbauer says. "It will be mostly younger buyers, and mostly entrepreneurs and well-paid employees. The Chinese luxury market is becoming more like North America and Europe."
Audi also is shifting its marketing message in China to performance, as more Audi owners drive their own vehicles to work. About 70 percent of Audi owners drive their vehicles, while 30 percent are chauffeured.
Audi, Mercedes and BMW have aimed their stretched luxury sedans at car buyers who like to be chauffeured. But now, luxury owners are getting more interested in Audi's high-performance S and RS models, Schwarzenbauer says.
At the Beijing auto show, Audi catered to performance-minded consumers by showcasing the Audi RS Q3.
"We are starting to hear from consumers who are asking about our S and RS models," Schwarzenbauer says. "We are looking into this. We could come in with more RS versions in the future."
You can reach David Sedgwick at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Beyond things like monitoring your heart health and spurring you to exercise more, future iPhone and Apple Watch models might literally save your life one day in an even more dramatic and urgent way. That’s thanks to the fact the company has been granted a patent for sensors that could detect the presence of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and which could be included in future phones and watches, among other products from the company.
Via PatentlyApple, which spotted the published patent application, we learn that these sensors from Apple could someday be deployed in smart home and Internet of Things devices as well.
The site goes on to use the presence of carbon monoxide to show off these sensors’ potential applications. CO is a poisonous gas that kills many people every year, PA notes, without them ever being aware of its presence, as the gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible.
“Having a miniature gas sensor built into an iPhone or Apple Watch will be able to notify a user that they could possibly be in a dangerous environment at home, at work or in the public,” Patently Apple explains. “Apple’s solution is producing robust miniature gas sensors that include advantageous features such as improved stability, enhanced poisoning resistance, and reduced signal interference.”
It’s hard not to think that this is the kind of life-saving technology Apple CEO Tim Cook had in mind when he made headlines earlier this month for speculating that the iPhone maker’s future work related to personal health care will be its “greatest contribution to mankind.”
The technology Apple is envisioning here, again via PA, would enable the removal of poisonous and “interfering species” from an incoming gas stream while at the same time helping the sensor get better at poison-resistance. It’s worth bringing up the example of carbon monoxide again here, because that’s a gas where there’s generally no way for you to know that it’s present without help from technology of some kind — and, what’s more, exposure to high levels of the gas can potentially kill you within minutes.
Apple filed this patent back in 2018, and while it’s certainly interesting to see that the company is thinking along these lines, as always remember that patents in and of themselves aren’t guarantees that a particular product or technology will ever see the light of day.


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Tracking the progress of electric vehicles remains an obsession of ours, and occasionally we like to look overseas to see what works (and what doesn’t) in other green car markets. In June, we looked at how EV sales in the European Union surpassed the U.S. market for the first time and provided evidence that a better plug-in selection caused the shift.
As more plug-in hybrids become available in the U.S., there is reason to believe those numbers will even out in the coming years. But sales volume is only part of the story. IHS Automotive released data on 2015 electric vehicle sales that revealed which countries are leading in market share as well as total volume by registrations. (The data also revealed Tesla was the U.S. sales leader.)
Here are the seven top countries in EV registrations through the first quarter of 2015, according to IHS Automotive (per Autoblog). Included in each entry is the country’s place in terms of plug-in market share.
Germany, home to BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes headquarters, would see to have a home-field advantage when it comes to electric vehicles, but the sales data has the country out of the top five in market share (0.3%). In terms of overall volume, Germany placed seventh in the world with 4,520 plug-in EVs registered in the first quarter of 2015. The Tesla Model S was the country’s top seller in June, according to the EV Sales blog.
Europe leaped past the U.S. in electric car sales in 2015 on the back of its strong plug-in hybrid sales. In the Netherlands, the Golf GTE (a PHEV unavailable in the U.S.) is leading the pack so far this year with the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid close behind. Through the first quarter, the Dutch registered 5,760 EVs, sixth overall in the world. Going by its 3.1% market share for electric cars, the Netherlands is the No. 2 market on earth.
Japan, home to the world’s best-selling EV (Nissan Leaf) for several years running, has the fifth-highest total for 2015 at 7,750 registrations. With fuel cell vehicles gaining momentum in Japan and Honda joining Toyota without a pure EV, the numbers are respectable, especially when looking at the country’s o.6% market share, fourth around the globe. Japan held down this place even with a 20% drop in registrations year-over-year, IHS Automotive data showed.
In terms of market share, no country can compare with Norway, where one in three vehicles (33.1%) registered is plug-in electric. Because of the country’s small population and relative sales volume, Norway ended up fourth overall with 8,112 registrations through the first quarter of 2015, up 40% over last year. If there were one country’s model to follow as far as EV adoption goes, it would be Norway’s. The Volkswagen e-Golf is the country’s EV sales leader.
3. United Kingdom
The UK is Outlander PHEV country, with the hybrid utility vehicle topping the sales charts by a wide margin — more evidence how much of a hit it would be in the U.S. All told, United Kingdom drivers registered 8,684 EVs in the first quarter of 2015, which was a jump of nearly 400% over the previous year. In terms of market share, gasoline cars still dominate the UK, which doesn’t rank in the top five by this statistic.
China’s aggressive green car policies have been working even if the EV market (0.1%) holds hardly any share in the country’s overall registrations. That problem notwithstanding. there were 12,555 plug-in registrations in China in the first quarter of 2015, representing a 744% increase over the previous year. For most automakers (Tesla included), this market is the next big prize on the global stage.
1. United States
The U.S. EV and plug-in hybrid market remained the world’s biggest by country with 14,832 registrations through March 2015, IHS Automotive data showed. While that number was flat year-over-year, the U.S. is inching toward a decent electric market share, currently third overall at 0.8%. In these parts, the big news was that Tesla overtook the Nisan Leaf as the country’s best-selling vehicle with a plug. U.S. buyers, unlike their European counterparts, prefer pure EVs to plug-in hybrids.
Source: IHS Automotive via Autoblog
Follow Eric on Twitter @EricSchaalNY


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If Q3 2019 quick-service restaurant (QSR) earnings are any indication, restaurants’ rush to digital and mobile ordering is benefiting many — but not all — restaurants. What’s the latest news in the quick-service world?
Dunkin’ just announced the addition of on-the-go mobile guest ordering. The new feature allows any customer — not just Perks members — to place a mobile order via the Dunkin’ app. The company processed more than 18 million on-the-go mobile orders in Q3, which is a 25 percent increase over the prior year.
Chipotle also announced good news, reporting that Q3 digital sales were up 87.9 percent year-over-year, accounting for 18.3 percent of sales in the period. The company attributed this success to testing drive-thrus for digital order pick-up in 20 locations. These “Chipotlanes” will roll out to more than 40 restaurants through 2020.
McDonald’s, on the other hand, missed Q3 earnings estimates. The chain has been growing its delivery program as well, as it looks to reach $4 billion in worldwide delivery sales this year. McDonald’s now has delivery partnerships with Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
The latest Mobile Order-Ahead Tracker, PYMNTS explores the latest developments in the world of digital ordering, bolstered by an examination of the top performing QSRs.
Digital Ordering Trends
Last week, Chick-fil-A announced the launch of dine-in mobile ordering, allowing diners to order ahead before arriving to eat at one the fast-food chain’s locations. Customers can access dine-in mobile ordering through the Chick-fil-A app. After selecting “mobile order,” the dine-in option will be listed alongside the carry-out and drive-through options.
Mobile order-ahead was once solely the domain of QSRs and coffee chains, but now the playing field is getting crowded. Disney is offering mobile concession ordering at its amusement parks, several universities are introducing similar options at their on-campus dining halls and the services are gaining ground at sports venues, too.
In an interview with PYMNTS, Dustin Hemesath, co-founder and national sales manager of FanFood, explained how the company’s mobile app brings food ordering to venues with concession stands.
The share of consumers who are unwilling to wait longer than 10 minutes for food ordered via mobile app is 90 percent, and according to How We Will Pay 2019, any app is welcome that can save consumers time, especially by not making them wait in a line.
In the study, nearly three-fourths (72.7 percent) indicated interest in new ways of shopping. Why? First and foremost to save money (84.9 percent) but also to reduce frustration related to standing in lines (83.4 percent).
All of this jibes with FanFood’s Hemesath, who estimates that 40 percent of people last year abandoned their orders in the concession line.
According to the PYMNTS Commerce Connected Playbook, mobile usage in-car is already common, especially at QSRs: One quarter (25 percent) of drivers are already on their phones when pulling into drive-thru lanes.
Ordering food while driving is one of the most common connected activities per PYMNTS’ Digital Drive report. More than one-third (35.3 percent) of commuters had ordered food and picked it up at a drive-thru in the past week, while a slightly lower number (33.4 percent) had ordered and picked up coffee the same way.
Top Mobile Order-Ahead Providers
Companies included in PYMNTS’ Tracker Scorecard are the top restaurants providing mobile order-ahead as an integrated offering within their operations. Providers have been scored and ranked based on three primary mobile order-ahead criteria: ordering channels, loyalty integrations and app usage.
In the October edition of the Mobile Order-Ahead Tracker, top marks went to Starbucks with a score of 96 out of 100. Domino’s (94) and Chick-fil-A (90) rounded out the top three. McDonald’s ranked seventh with a score of 79, while Chipotle, coming on strong in Q3 2019, did not make the top 10 with a score of 44.
Examining Starbucks at No. 1, the mobile app allows users to order drinks and food in advance and pay for them via the app. Starbucks also has a wildly popular rewards program. In March, the company reported membership grew 14 percent year-over-year before, bringing the total to 16.3 million active members, who comprise roughly 40 percent of the coffee chain’s transactions.
The Domino’s Pizza app enables customers to order and pay in English and Spanish and earn rewards for purchasing. Domino’s has the multi-channel offerings down. It also connects with Ford Sync to track orders, and customers can place them on the go with Apple Watch or Pebble smartwatch. And iPhone users can also access a voice-ordering assistant.


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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg graced the stage today at F8, the social network’s revived developer conference that’s been on hold for the past two years.
Kicking things off, Zuckerberg announced a two-year stable core API guarantee, and a guarantee to fix any bugs within 48 hours.
Facebook users can now easily customize every single app permission. “This is going to make people more comfortable with signing into your apps,” says Zuckerberg, who openly spoke about privacy issues that plagued apps in the past.
While the social network hasn’t hid from the fact it wants users to be more public, it’s heard feedback loud and clear. Soon, users will be able to login to apps or sites anonymously via a “Log in anonymously” button instead of using their personal account.
Parse is a growing tool that makes it easy for developers to focus on what matters, their app, and help it grow across the Facebook platform. It’s split into three services: Parse Core, Parse Push and Parse Analytics.
140,000 developers are already using Parse across over 260,000 apps, and access is now unlimited. There are also two new Analytics dashboards, Growth and Retention, and Parse Local Datastore allows developers to have their apps work offline.
Here’s some other new developer features announced at F8:
- Applinks automatically syncs Facebook data between multiple apps at once
- Send to mobile function opens apps directly on your device
- The “like” button now works on mobile devices, and is rolling out over the next few weeks
- Apps can integrate sharing to Messenger, letting users share directly with their friends
- FBStart is all about helping startups, and includes access to over $30,000 in free tools
On the advertising front, Facebook announced its highly anticipated ad network called Audience Network, which directly takes on such giants as Google.
“One thing you didn’t hear from us today is some exciting new direction or product. Today is all about listening to you, and deepening how we support you.”
Facebook F8 has already been made official for 2015, and Mark Zuckerberg says it can be expected around the same time of year.


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The Asia Pacific pay TV sector is due to grow its subscriber numbers by 12.8% between 2017 and 2023, bucking downward trends in much of the rest of the world, according to Digital TV Research.
This marks an increase of some 77.7 million subscribers, with China and India remaining the top one and two countries respectively in 2023, followed by Japan and then South Korea.
“China and India together will account for 81% of the region’s 686 million pay TV subscribers by 2023,” said Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research.
“China will add 33 million subscribers between 2017 and 2023 and India will increase its total by 28 million. However, six of the 22 countries covered in this report will lose subscribers between 2017 and 2023. Taiwan will be the biggest loser – with subscribers down by 10.3%.”
Overall, IPTV is expected to account for an extra 67 million pay TV subscribers across the region, while pay satellite will climb by 26 million. Cable pay TV numbers are tipped to fall as a gain of 37 million digital cable subscribers fails to offset a decline of 52 million analogue cable subscribers.
Pay TV revenues across the region will grow by US$2.73 billion over the forecast period, according to Digital TV Research.
India is expected to contribute US$1.6 billion in additional revenues, China an extra US$924 million and Indonesia an extra US$472 million. However, pay TV revenues are predicted to fall in six countries between 2017 and 2023 – including Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.
By 2023, pay TV revenues are expected to reach US$37.89 billion – two thirds of which will be accounted for by China, India and Japan.
Extreme International launches network of OTT channels digitaltveurope.com/2022/01/20/ext… https://t.co/Y4A5kMkO9u
20 January 2022 @ 19:00:01 UTC
Five million Brits spending more than seven hours a day streaming video digitaltveurope.com/2022/01/20/fiv… https://t.co/9TKXq6Kfg7
20 January 2022 @ 18:00:01 UTC


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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling almost 505,000 2011-16 Dodge Chargers, including about 442,000 in the United States, because the vehicle might fall off the jack when a tire is being changed, according to a report by the automaker posted on Saturday on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The problem is that the part of the vehicle’s body that rests on the jack could bend, allowing the vehicle to slide off, the report said.
Fiat Chrysler will supply owners with two wheel chocks, which will be installed with the vehicle’s spare tire, and draw attention to a page in the owner’s manual on how the chocks should be placed at the front and back of one tire to keep the vehicle from rolling. The automaker is aware of three minor injuries, a spokesman, Eric Mayne, said in an email.
In addition to the vehicles being recalled in the United States, about 19,000 are being recalled in Canada, almost 5,000 in Mexico and almost 39,000 outside North America.
In a separate action, also posted Saturday on the safety agency’s website, Graco Children’s Products said it was recalling about 15,000 child safety seats. In its report, Graco said the Extend2Fit Convertible models had incorrect instructions that could result in the child sitting in the wrong position — like being reclined instead of upright. “That could affect the safety of the child in an accident,” Graco said in the report.
Fiat Chrysler described its recall as voluntary, but once an automaker is aware of a safety problem, it must inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within five days of its plan for a recall or face civil fines.


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In the world of conferencing options, there is one player seeming to make bigger waves than most. After having won the recent TechCrunch Disrupt NY event earlier this year, and still remaining in private beta, this week’s featured account boasts “tens of thousands” active users averaging more than 31 minutes per call. That is longer than FreeConferenceCall.com, folks. Just sayin’.
We’re all big fans of Kickstarter around here, and are intrigued to discover a similar themed service out there with a special affinity toward helping mobile applications get funding and development through crowdfunding and pre-order campaigns, as well as facilitating the legal aspects of buying and selling already completed apps.
In today’s posting, we will not only share this week’s featured #FollowFriday account, @path_to, but will also take our readers in for a closer look at twenty five of the two hundred thirty eight accounts @path_to is currently following … a mirror, if you will, into the soul(-cial media) behind a better, smarter looking personal profile.


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Everyone's talking about the first Apple over-ear headphones, the so-called AirPods Studio, but it looks like the iPhone 12 launch on October 13 could also see in a new pair of Powerbeats Pro true wireless earbuds.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have been rumored for a while, and Apple has just removed the Beats landing page (opens in new tab) from its website ahead of the iPhone event.
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 release date, news, and rumors
- New iPhone 12: what we know so far
- iPhone 12: 10 big changes Apple is set to make to the iPhone
The iPhone 12 launch event is scheduled to start at 10am PT, 1pm ET or 6pm BST. That's 4am AEDT in Australia on October 14, and we've got a full guide covering how to watch the iPhone 12 launch live.
No pictures, please
An October 13 release date for the second-gen Powerbeats Pro makes sense based on the FFC filing that first alerted us to the earbuds' possible existence back in March.
The FCC ID BCGA2453 filing describes ‘totally wireless high-performance earphones’ and corresponds to Apple’s model numbers A2453 and A2454 – though whether those two different model numbers corresponds to two new versions of the Powerbeats Pro remains to be seen.
Most interestingly, Apple requested that the FCC withhold external photographs, internal photographs, test setup photographs, and the user manual for the new Powerbeats until October 12, 2020 – that's today.
So, it's possible that we could get our first glimpse of the Powerbeats Pro 2 very soon indeed – and it's looking increasingly likely that they'll be announced at the iPhone 12 launch event.
Unfortunately, the FCC filing doesn't give away much in terms of specs, other than the wireless frequency the true wireless earbuds will operate on (2.402-2.48 GHz) and some really technical information about the kind of wireless transmitter it will have inside.
It's entirely possible that this filing represents a minor tweak to the original Powerbeats Pro, rather than a truly new model – perhaps in a similar vein to the AirPods (2019), which replaced the 2016 AirPods.
The original Powerbeats Pro are among the best running headphones you can buy, with a secure ear hook design, powerful bass, and a comfy fit.
Saying that, there are plenty of upgrades we'd like to see, including AirPods Pro-style noise cancellation, support for Spatial Audio, a higher IP water-resistance rating, and the ability to customize the sound of the wireless earbuds through an in-app equalizer.
Hopefully, we won't have too long to wait to find out – and if Apple also announces the AirPods Studio at tomorrow's event, the world of personal audio is in for a huge shake up.


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Peruvian rainforest is slowly but surely depleting. The Amazon region of Peru is home to impenetrable forests and some of the most diverse indigenous communities. However, modern ways of living and consumerist demands have pushed local communities to turn to agriculture, resulting in loss of habitat and forest ecosystems. To discourage farmers from clearing forests and engaging in conventional agriculture, TechnoServe partnered with Apahuit cooperative in San Martin. Apahuit is an aggregator of organic cocoa and this partnership is expected to help local farmers turn to growing cash crops that are less harmful to the forests but also more profitable.
If you were wondering what is the connection between cocoa and Peru, don’t forget that South America is the home of chocolate. Chocolate has been consumed right across Mexico, Central America and even South America for thousands of years. Now, this bean may come to the rescue of Amazon rainforests. Cocoa can be grown in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner without harming forest ecology. This is why, encouraging farmers to grow cocoa in place of other crops can be good for both the farmers and the local ecology.
Organic cocoa is in demand across the world and it is a well known fact that organic cash crops fetch more profits in the market than conventionally grown crops. In a way, encouraging the community of San Martin to grow organic cocoa is a double edged sword to tackle deforestation and economic backwardness of indigenous people. By growing crops like cocoa, indigenous people are incentivized to stop converting forests into farmland. This is a serious issue in Peru where forests are fast depleting and ecological imbalance has already begun to take place.
If you would like to learn more about how people in the Peruvian Amazon live and would like to trek through the jungles or live with indigenous people for a few days, do contact us. We have customized programs for every kind of traveller to experience the beauty and diversity of Amazonia.


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On 20 June 2018, the European Commission announced that it adopted the regulation putting in place the EU’s rebalancing measures in response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium. The measures will immediately target a list of products worth €2.8 billion and will come into effect on Friday 22 June, when the European Union will begin collecting increased duty of 10%, 25%, 35% and 50% on selected products originating in the United States. Excerpts from the announcement:
The list of US imports that will now face an extra duty at the EU border includes steel and aluminium products, agricultural goods and a combination of various other products. By putting these duties in place the EU is exercising its rights under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.
Today’s announcement follows the notification of the full list to the WTO and its endorsement by the College of Commissioners on 6 June, following the US application of the full tariffs on EU steel and aluminium products. EU Member States have expressed their unanimous support for this approach.
The EU will rebalance bilateral trade with the US taking as a basis the value of its steel and aluminium exports affected by the US measures. Those are worth €6.4 billion. Of this amount, the EU will rebalance on €2.8 billion worth of exports immediately. The remaining rebalancing on trade valued at €3.6 billion will take place at a later stage – in three years’ time or after a positive finding in WTO dispute settlement if that should come sooner.
The EU rebalancing measures will be effective for as long as the US measures are in place, in line with the WTO Safeguards Agreement and EU legislation.
The Implementing Regulation, to be published tomorrow and entering into force on Friday, sets out the products and level of duties to be applied, both now and in the future, if necessary.
The list of products is the same as in the previous Implementing Regulation of 16 May and as notified to the WTO on 18 May.


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Just Mobile (www.just-mobile.com) is now shipping two AluCable USB-C cables: the US$19.95 USB-C 3.1 to UB adapter and the $29.95 USB-C to UBC-C cable.
“USB-C is a new hot industry standard equipped in the 12-inch MacBook launched this April, and we believe in the near future it will be accepted by all majority of PC manufacturers and become the standard to replace all existing USB connectors. In order to connect a USB-C device to existing USB-A peripherals, we created the AluCable USB-C 3.1 to USB adapter to connect to a myriad of possibilities.” says Nils Gustafsson, co-founder of Just Mobile.
The Just Mobile AluCable USB-C to A is an USB adapter to connect USB-C enabled devices – such as the new Apple MacBook to USB-A peripherals. Running the USB 3.1 standard, this 15cm-long adapter can transfer data at up to 5Gbps while charging devices with a powerful 3A current.
The AluCable USB-C cable features two reversible USB-C connectors. Designed to connect USB-C devices such as the new MacBook and its charger, this stylish cable allows speedy charging and data transfer at 5Gbps.


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This image of the International Space Station, taken just as it crossed the face of the sun, was captured by French astrophotographer Thierry Legault. Amazingly, Legault took the picture from the ground—using only a camera-telescope unit and specialised solar filters.[Wired]
The ISS As It Crosses The Face Of The Sun
Trending Stories Right Now
JB Hi-Fi has dropped a new SIM-only plan and we're extremely here for it. Big Data. Good price. Telstra coverage. Bonus gift card. Hell yes.
Samsung just announced that its latest big-arse 49-inch curved gaming monitor is heading to Australia. Not only is it an absolute unit, it's the world's first 240Hz curvy gaming boy.


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SimActive releases Correlator3D version 8.4
SimActive has released version 8.4 of its Correlator3D photogrammetry solution, the company announced on 14 January.
Version 8.4 includes significant acceleration, with speeds that are multiple times faster compared to previous releases.
Correlator3D is an end-to-end photogrammetry solution for the generation of high-quality geospatial data from satellite and aerial imagery, including UAS. It performs aerial triangulation and produces dense digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models and vectorized 3D features.
Correlator3D 8.4 allows a dynamic allocation of hardware resources, reducing potential bottlenecks from PC components. For example, solid states drives are used more efficiently by the software, as well as additional CPU cores and extra RAM.
Louis Simard, CTO at SimActive, said: ‘While we were already way ahead with our processing speeds, version 8.4 further increases our advance. Time is of the essence for our clients, and any gain gives them a definitive competitive advantage.’
More from Training
Australian Target Systems (ATS) has expanded its operations through the current decade and has been awarded a live fire contract by the Australian Government.
Norway has been a part of the UK-led Maritime Capability Coalition which has supported the development of a maritime force in the Black Sea, the creation of a Ukrainian Marine Corps, and the provision of river patrol craft to defend coastal and inland waterways.
The Leopard 2 MBT has benefited from continuous development both to meet the requirements of the German Army and export customers. The Leopard 2A5, of which Sweden has 120, was the first model to feature arrowhead-shaped armour on the front of the turret.


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Amazon shares surge as e-reader sales help drive up profits to £80m
Fire is a roaring success: Amazon shares surged almost 15 percent, increasing the company's market value by more than $10 billion (£6.2 billion)
Amazon shares have soared following news it has smashed Wall Street profit hopes, as it posted first quarter profits of £80 million ($130 million).
Booming sales of e-readers in the UK and the launch of Kindle Fire in the U.S. have helped boost profits.
Kindle e-readers were the best-selling Amazon product of the first quarter in the UK, with six Kindle eBooks, such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson featuring on the top ten list.
The new Kindle Fire, which has been developed as an answer to Apple's iPad and is not yet available in the UK, has taken over more than half of the U.S. market for Android tablet computers, and is able to stream films from the internet.
Chief financial officer Tom Szkutak said the device was helping lift revenues from digital movies and books, adding: 'Customers are buying a lot of content. You're seeing that accelerate.'
During last year's Cyber Monday, the busiest shopping day of the Christmas period, there were around 35 Kindles ordered every second in the UK, making it the best selling item in 2011.
Analysts said that sales of Kindle readers alone are not the main source of profit for the company, but that money is made from the e-books sold for the devices.
Amazon's revenues were up 34 per cent in the first three months of the year and it expects the figure for the second quarter to grow by between 20 per cent and 34 per cent.
Chief Executive's Jeff Bezos's personal stake in the company rose by almost $2.5 billion on the news
Profits were lower than last year due to expansion and investment in new products.
Analysts cheered first-quarter earnings and revenue which comfortably exceeded their forecasts.
‘It's been a couple of years since Amazon beat expectations on both the top and the bottom line,’ said Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co.
‘That's reminiscent of the Amazon from three or four years ago.’
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J. Crew Chief Executive Officer James Brett will step down effective immediately, the retailer said on Saturday in a press release.
At issue, apparently, was Brett's turnaround plan. "Returning J.Crew to its iconic status required reinventing the brand to reflect the America of today with a more expansive, more inclusive fashion concept," he said in a statement. "However, despite the recent brand relaunch already showing positive results, the Board and I were unable to bridge our beliefs on how to continue to evolve all aspects of the Company."
Brett arrived in June 2017 from West Elm to take over from longtime CEO Mickey Drexler, who remains on the board.
There was a lot on Brett's plate when he arrived at the apparel retailer a little over a year ago. For years J. Crew struggled with quality, fit and style issues that were driving away longtime fans, at the same time that its private equity owners piled on debt.
The company has been working to swiftly grow its Madewell brand, a Drexler brainchild, because it does so much better than its flagship. Sales had steadied ahead of what Brett had touted as a comeback of the J. Crew quality and style that had long held the ardor of its fans.
But it would always be difficult to orchestrate a major pivot with Drexler, who was CEO for so long and a giant in the industry, still on the board, Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business, warned last year. Whatever the reason, Brett's leave-taking now is terrible timing, with its revamp untested and debt towering over it, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail.
"The suddenness of the exit suggests there is a tussle over how to develop the brand among the various senior stakeholders," Saunders said in comments emailed to Retail Dive. "Given that J. Crew has made a net loss of $40 million so far this fiscal year, and that it has a $1.7 billion long-term debt pile, it does not have the luxury of switching lanes as it tries to find the best route to recovery."
That debt is likely crippling, according to branding strategist Brian Kelly, president of consultancy Brian Brands, who has managed several retail turnarounds over the years. "Running a brand when burdened by crushing debt eliminates any runway opportunity for successful repositioning," he told Retail Dive in an email.
All the worse if Brett losing a skirmish with the board means that the brand is returning to its old ways, Saunders warned. That includes not only the "series of fashion missteps moved the brand away from the classic, preppy basics that were once its heritage" but also the attitude of management, he said. "J. Crew's leadership were not sufficiently humble about the brand's status and were rather divorced from the realities of the retail marketplace," according to Saunders. "They seemed to cling to the notion that J. Crew was a top-notch brand that deserved to charge top-notch prices — even when customers thought otherwise."
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated J. Crew's reported financial results. J. Crew's net loss for the fiscal year to date was $40 million.


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