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Gas Prices Soar, Market Loses Over $300 Billion

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Sydney

SYDNEY — Australia is absorbing significant economic losses from the ongoing US-Iran war, with petrol prices hitting record highs near A$2.20 per litre, inflation forecasts revised upward by as much as 1.25 percentage points and more than A$300 billion wiped from the share market since fighting erupted in late February 2026, even as the nation’s role as an energy exporter provides some offsetting gains in commodity revenues.

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The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28, has disrupted roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies through repeated threats to and partial closures of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have swung wildly, spiking above US$110-120 per barrel at peaks before settling around US$100 or higher in recent days — a roughly 50% jump from pre-war levels near US$70-75.

For Australia, which imports about 90% of its refined transport fuels while exporting crude oil, condensate and LNG, the net effect has been painful for households and businesses despite benefits to resource companies. Petrol prices have climbed 20-70 cents per litre in many areas since the war started, with wholesale diesel reaching A$2.45 per litre in some reports. Motorists and farmers are feeling the pinch, prompting panic buying at service stations and warnings of potential shortages if disruptions persist beyond mid-April.

Treasury analysis released in mid-March projected that if oil averages US$100 per barrel in the first half of 2026 before easing, headline inflation would peak 0.75 percentage points higher than previously expected, while gross domestic product would be about 0.2% lower. In a worse-case scenario with prices hitting US$120 and taking three years to normalize, inflation could rise an extra 1.25 points and GDP take a 0.6% hit by 2027 — equivalent to roughly A$18 billion in lost output.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has signaled it is “very alert” to the risks, with Governor Michele Bullock noting potential second-round effects on inflation expectations. Higher fuel costs feed directly into the consumer price index, where automotive fuel carries significant weight, and indirectly raise prices for goods transported by road, air or sea, as well as energy-intensive products like fertiliser and plastics.

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The stock market has borne a visible cost. The S&P/ASX 200 has fallen more than 9% from its early March peak, shedding over A$300 billion in value as investors priced in slower global growth, higher interest rates and uncertainty. Mining and energy stocks have shown mixed performance: some like Woodside and Santos benefited from elevated commodity prices, but broader sentiment dragged the index toward correction territory.

Exporters face additional headaches. War-risk insurance premiums have surged for shipping through or near affected areas, complicating deliveries to the Gulf and Europe. Air freight costs have risen, and some routes have been lengthened to avoid risky airspace. Consumer confidence has also dipped, potentially curbing spending and weighing on retail and tourism sectors.

Australia’s low fuel stockpiles — around 36 days for petrol, 32 for diesel and 29 for jet fuel as of early March — have amplified vulnerability. The government temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards to boost local production by an extra 100 million litres per month and has coordinated with suppliers in Singapore, a key source of refined fuels. Energy Minister Chris Bowen authorized these measures to ease short-term pressure, but officials warn that physical shortages from Asian refineries cutting output could arrive after a supply-chain lag.

Farmers in regional areas are particularly exposed, with diesel shortages threatening autumn planting and higher input costs squeezing margins. Transport operators and airlines, including Qantas, have flagged fare increases or operational adjustments due to elevated jet fuel prices.

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On the positive side, higher global energy prices have lifted Australia’s terms of trade. LNG and coal export revenues are rising, boosting corporate profits in the resources sector and supporting government tax receipts. Some analysts note this could partially offset the drag on household disposable income, where the average family may face an extra A$14 per week or A$730 annually in fuel costs.

Still, most economists view the overall impact as negative in the near term. Westpac and CommBank modelling suggest retail petrol could average around A$2.02 per litre and diesel A$2.50 if prices hold, with underlying inflation remaining sticky above the RBA’s target into 2027 and GDP growth shaved by 0.1-0.5 percentage points depending on duration.

The war has also prompted strategic responses. Australia has deployed military assets to the Middle East to support operations, including evacuation and potential escort duties, while participating in international efforts to secure shipping lanes. Critics argue deeper involvement risks complicating trade ties with China, a major buyer of Australian commodities and source of some fuel imports.

Longer-term risks include sustained pressure on the Australian dollar, which has weakened amid risk-off sentiment, and potential RBA rate hikes that could further dampen growth. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has described the economic consequences as “very substantial,” noting they will shape the May budget. Calls have grown for a windfall profits tax on fossil fuel exporters to help ease cost-of-living pressures.

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The situation remains fluid. Oil prices have shown extreme volatility, plunging on de-escalation hopes only to rebound on renewed threats. International efforts, including IEA-coordinated stockpile releases and diplomatic talks involving multiple nations, aim to stabilize flows, but analysts warn a prolonged Hormuz disruption could push prices toward US$150 or higher in extreme scenarios.

For ordinary Australians, the pain is already real at the pump and in broader price pressures. Businesses are absorbing or passing on costs, while policymakers balance short-term relief with longer-term energy security reforms. Australia’s paradox — a major energy exporter with thin domestic fuel reserves — has rarely been more exposed.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, the full bill remains uncertain. Treasury and bank forecasts will likely be updated as events unfold, but early indications point to a meaningful hit to living standards and growth, tempered only partially by resource sector windfalls. Economists stress that a swift resolution would limit damage, while prolongation risks scarring the economy for years.

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Earnings call transcript: Arko Petroleum Q1 2026 growth amid fuel volatility

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Earnings call transcript: Arko Petroleum Q1 2026 growth amid fuel volatility

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Micron Looks Surprisingly Cheap For An AI Leader

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Micron Looks Surprisingly Cheap For An AI Leader

Micron Looks Surprisingly Cheap For An AI Leader

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United Natural Foods stock hits 52-week high at $52.79

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United Natural Foods stock hits 52-week high at $52.79

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M&S acquires Asos distribution centre to create 600 jobs as it bids to double online sales

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The 437,000 sq ft Staffordshire warehouse was mothballed by Asos in 2023

ASOS has officially opened a new £90m fulfilment centre in Lichfield

The ASOS fulfilment centre in Lichfield has a new owner

Marks & Spencer has struck a deal to acquire a warehouse from Asos in Staffordshire, a move set to generate 600 new jobs and bolster its ambitions to double online sales.

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M&S confirmed the 437,000 square foot facility in Lichfield will rank among its largest distribution centres upon opening in 2027.

The warehouse was mothballed by Asos in 2023 as part of a restructuring drive aimed at reducing stock levels and costs while improving profitability.

It had employed a few hundred workers at the time, though Asos said when it announced the move that those staff were not directly employed by the group.

M&S said the site will expand capacity and enable faster order processing, supporting the retailer’s long-term ambition to double the scale of its online fashion, home and beauty operation.

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“The new site will support the strategy to deliver more of M&S fashion faster than ever before, enabling customers to order later in the day and with more sizes and styles available,” the retailer said.

John Lyttle, managing director for fashion, home and beauty, said: “As we transform M&S fashion, home and beauty, our ambition is to double online sales.

“To achieve this and serve our customers faster, more efficiently and with better availability, our 24/7 distribution network needs more capacity.”

He added that the acquisition would advance its transformation agenda at considerably less expense than constructing a new site from the ground up. Asos confirmed it will pocket a minimum of £66 million from the warehouse sale while cutting approximately £6 million in annual running costs, including rent.

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The transaction is set to generate a one-off profit uplift of around £85 million upon completion, which is anticipated before the end of August.

Asos shares surged 12% in morning trading on Monday following the announcement of the sale.

The retailer stated that its remaining facilities in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and Berlin will “provide sufficient capacity to support future growth”.

Asos chief executive Jose Antonio Ramos said: “The disposal of our Lichfield fulfilment centre represents a further step in strengthening Asos’s balance sheet and improving our capital efficiency.

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“This transaction enables us to unlock value from one of our non-core assets while reducing our ongoing cost base, consistent with the actions we have taken over the past three years to simplify the business and enhance financial resilience.”

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Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NYSE:CMCL) 2026-05-11

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

This article was written by

Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team

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The best in HR and people development in Wales revealed

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The winners of the 2026 of HR in Wales Award have been revealed

The best in HR and people development in Wales has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The outstanding contributions of six organisations and four individuals were acknowledged at the 2026 HR in Wales Awards with winners including S4C, St John Ambulance Cymru, Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative, Cardiff Community Housing Association and Creditsafe Business Solutions.

Held at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff and hosted by former Welsh rugby international Alex Cuthbert, the awards were launched in 2025 by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, to recognise the crucial role of the people profession in the workplace. This year’s awards saw another record number of entries from organisations across Wales.

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READ MORE: Scarlets Rugby extends sponsorship tie-up with food wholesaler Castell HowellREAD MORE: One of Cardiff’s best known buildings under new ownership in multi-million-pound deal

Ms Richards said: “We’re proud to have been able to celebrate the remarkable contributions of leading industry talent for a second year running. It was fantastic to see so many strong entries for this year’s HR in Wales Awards, the winners really are a testament to all the transformative work being done in Wales, despite ongoing economic uncertainty and budget pressures.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who joined us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of those who have been practicing great HR in Welsh workplaces. Congratulations to all winners and entrants.”

Among the four individuals recognised at the awards were Sadie Govier of Cardiff Airport and Nadine Beaton of S4C, winning in the rising star of the profession and excellence in HR Leadership categories respectively.

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Rosie Sweetman from Cardiff-based Sweetmans and Partners, was also recognised in the individual impact category for her intelligent and adaptable approach to group coaching for her work with Williams Medial Supplies.

The special recognition for outstanding contribution to the people profession this year was awarded to Anne Middleton, HR manager at Atradius, in recognition of the vast contribution she has made to the profession across Wales and beyond over the last 35 years. Her achievements include playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Welsh financial services graduate programme and leading the HR function for a global workforce of nearly 4,000 people.

Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative took home the accolade for employee engagement, with judges noting that its meaningful and impactful approach and efforts to recognise achievements at all levels made the business stand out.

Cardiff-based Creditsafe Business Solutions was awarded in the wellbeing category, while Cardiff Community Housing Association was recognised for equality, diversity and inclusion.

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Welsh language broadcaster S4C won the award for transformation and Cchange with the judges applauding the organisation’s genuine cultural improvements which they say have helped staff to act with pride, clarity and autonomy.

Manufacturing firm, Siderise, which is based in Maesteg, was recognised for learning and development while St John Ambulance Cymru took home the award for the talent management category, with the judges impressed by its human-first approach to recruitment.

Ms Beaton of S4C said: “The win for the transformation and change category is a reflection of the hard work of the whole organisation and its commitment to cultural change. We couldn’t be prouder. It’s a pleasure to lead such an exceptional people and culture team. I try and make it my job to employ people who are better than me and it must be working.”

The winners of The 2026 HR in Wales Awards are:

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Category

Winner

Employee Engagement

Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Cardiff Community Housing Association

Individual Impact

Rosie Sweetman, Sweetmans and Partners

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Learning and Development

Siderise

Talent Management

St John Ambulance Cymru

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Transformation and Change

S4C

Wellbeing

Creditsafe Business Solutions

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Rising Star of the Profession

Sadie Govier, Cardiff Airport

Excellence in HR Leadership

Nadine Beaton, S4C

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Outstanding Contribution to the People Profession

Anne Middleton, Atradius

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Nirvana Systems: Building Long-Term Client Trust Through Education and Transparency

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Nirvana Systems: Building Long-Term Client Trust Through Education and Transparency

Trust is one of the most valuable currencies in financial technology, especially in a field as complex as algorithmic trading. For more than three decades, Nirvana Systems has built its reputation by approaching trading technology as a long-term discipline rather than a short-term opportunity. Founded with the mission of helping individual investors access institutional-grade tools, the company has focused on turning market complexity into structured, rules-based decision-making through technology such as its OmniFunds platform.

Rather than promoting speed or speculation, Nirvana Systems has centered its client relationships on education, transparency, and realistic expectations. Its philosophy is rooted in the belief that successful trading is less about chasing the next opportunity and more about creating repeatable systems that reduce emotional decision-making. That approach has helped position the company as a client-focused provider of trading solutions designed for both experienced investors and those new to automated strategies.

Common Misconceptions About Algorithmic Trading

Algorithmic trading often attracts attention for the wrong reasons. Popular discussions tend to focus on fast profits, constant market action, or the idea that automation can eliminate uncertainty. These assumptions create unrealistic expectations for traders entering the space for the first time.

In reality, algorithmic trading is not about prediction. It is about probability management. Even the most sophisticated systems experience drawdowns, periods of underperformance, and changing market conditions. No strategy performs the same way in every environment, and historical success does not guarantee future outcomes.

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One of the most common misconceptions is that automation means a trader no longer needs discipline. In practice, automated systems require a different kind of responsibility. Users must understand risk limits, market conditions, and the operational side of execution, from broker synchronization to system monitoring.

Nirvana Systems has long challenged the “set it and forget it” mindset. Its approach encourages clients to view losses as operational costs rather than failures and to understand that disciplined execution matters more than emotional reactions. This shift in mindset is foundational to building sustainable trading habits and avoiding the common traps that lead many retail traders to abandon systems too early.

How Nirvana Systems Prioritizes Transparency From Day One

For Nirvana Systems, transparency begins before a client ever uses the platform. The company places strong emphasis on showing prospective users the full picture, including the less comfortable realities of trading.

Performance reporting within OmniFunds is designed to make drawdowns visible rather than hidden. Users can review maximum drawdown scenarios, recovery periods, and historical volatility before making decisions. This helps replace unrealistic optimism with practical understanding. Instead of asking how quickly profits can be generated, clients are encouraged to ask whether they are prepared for normal periods of decline.

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The company also separates backtesting from forward-testing in a clear and meaningful way. Historical results are presented as proof of logic, not proof of future performance. By prioritizing out-of-sample data and live validation, Nirvana Systems reinforces an important principle: past performance can inform strategy, but it cannot remove uncertainty.

This kind of trading transparency is central to client trust. It reduces the appeal of “black box” systems and replaces blind confidence with informed participation. Clients are not expected to simply follow signals. They are expected to understand the framework behind them.

Nirvana Systems and the OmniFunds Onboarding Experience

Strong onboarding is often overlooked in financial technology, but it is one of the most important factors in long-term client retention. Nirvana Systems treats onboarding as a professional transition rather than a software installation.

New OmniFunds users receive direct setup assistance to ensure the platform is correctly integrated with their brokerage environment. This process reduces technical friction and helps clients start with the right operational structure from day one. Instead of a “sink or swim” experience, the company focuses on making the bridge between automation and capital secure and understandable.

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The platform itself is built with accessibility in mind. OmniFunds’s architecture is designed to reduce the technical barriers that often prevent retail traders from using advanced tools. Complex elements such as market state detection, optimization logic, and strategy deployment are already embedded, allowing clients to benefit from professional-grade systems without needing to build them from scratch.

Equally important is the educational layer. Training is focused on understanding why the system behaves the way it does. Clients learn why the platform may shift to cash during volatility, how position sizing protects against oversized losses, and why disciplined inactivity can be more valuable than unnecessary trading.

This educational emphasis transforms onboarding into a foundation for long-term trading discipline rather than a simple product introduction.

How Nirvana Systems Supports Long-Term Client Success

Trading education does not end after implementation. Long-term success depends on consistent reinforcement, and Nirvana Systems has built its support model around ongoing guidance rather than one-time instruction.

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Clients have access to technical support through dedicated channels, including direct assistance for software questions and operational troubleshooting. This ensures that issues are addressed quickly and that clients remain connected to the platform rather than frustrated by preventable obstacles.

The company also provides continuous educational resources, including tutorials, research updates, and product enhancements as its systems evolve. Because markets change and technology advances, client-focused trading solutions must remain dynamic. A static platform quickly becomes outdated, while a continuously supported ecosystem helps traders adapt.

Many long-term users describe the value of Nirvana Systems not simply as software, but as a professional relationship. The emphasis on human support, clear communication, and personalized onboarding creates trust that extends beyond the platform itself. Clients are not left to interpret complex systems alone. They have a team and a structure designed to keep them aligned with the process.

This relationship-based model helps explain why many clients stay with the company for years rather than treating trading software as a temporary tool.

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Risk Management and Responsible Trading Practices

Responsible trading practices are often defined by what a system prevents, not just what it enables. Nirvana Systems has built much of its philosophy around capital preservation and mechanical discipline.

A core principle within OmniFunds is that cash is a position. When market conditions become hostile or volatile, the system can automatically move capital out of active exposure and into cash rather than remaining fully invested through uncertainty. This defensive framework reflects a different philosophy from platforms that prioritize constant market participation.

Risk controls are also embedded directly into execution. Position sizing, predefined stops, and automated boundaries help standardize losses and prevent emotional override. A loss is treated as part of the operational process, not a reason for panic.

This approach reinforces an important lesson for traders: discipline is often more valuable than prediction. Successful algorithmic trading depends less on finding perfect entries and more on protecting capital through difficult conditions.

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Nirvana Systems also teaches clients to understand market states rather than fear volatility. Volatility is not treated as random noise but as information that can trigger defensive action. By reviewing how OmniFunds has performed during previous unstable periods, clients learn to interpret these transitions with confidence rather than anxiety.

That education is part of responsible stewardship. Technology alone cannot create discipline. It must be paired with realistic understanding.

Customer Feedback and the Continuous Improvement Loop

One of the strongest indicators of trust is whether clients feel heard. Nirvana Systems has built a culture where customer feedback plays an active role in product refinement and client experience.

Long-term users often point to the professionalism of the support team and the visibility into trading logic as defining parts of their experience. Being able to see risk parameters and execution details creates confidence during both strong and difficult market periods.

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Clients also value the collaborative structure behind product development. Feedback from real-world users helps inform updates to research models, strategy enhancements, and platform usability improvements. This creates a sense of partnership rather than a purely transactional relationship.

The result is a stronger alignment between technology and user expectations. Instead of selling a fixed solution, Nirvana Systems treats its platform as an evolving ecosystem that grows alongside client needs and market realities.

That long-term stewardship matters. In trading, confidence is built over time, and trust often depends on consistency more than performance alone.

Why Nirvana Systems Continues to Stand Out

In a market where many trading platforms compete for attention through complexity or aggressive promises, Nirvana Systems has built authority through clarity. Its long-standing focus on education, trading transparency, and responsible execution has made OmniFunds more than an automation tool. It has become part of a broader philosophy centered on discipline, realism, and client trust.

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From onboarding to ongoing support, the company’s process reflects a belief that informed clients make stronger long-term decisions. By helping traders understand drawdowns, risk boundaries, and market state changes, Nirvana Systems reinforces a professional approach to algorithmic trading that prioritizes sustainability over excitement.

That is ultimately what separates trusted financial technology providers from short-term solutions. Nirvana Systems has positioned itself not as a source of quick answers, but as a long-term partner in structured decision-making. In an industry where credibility is earned slowly, that commitment to transparency and education remains one of its strongest advantages.

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Post rings up solid quarter with CEO change coming

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Post rings up solid quarter with CEO change coming

Food company said “portfolio performed quite well in Q2.”

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China’s marriages drop to decade low, deepening demographic concerns

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China's marriages drop to decade low, deepening demographic concerns
HONG KONG: Marriage registrations in China fell 6.2% year on year in the first quarter and are about half 2017 levels, official data show, underscoring the ‌demographic ⁠strain in ⁠a country where childbearing remains closely tied to marriage.

China recorded 1.697 million marriage registrations in the quarter, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Saturday.

The figures are the latest ⁠sign of ‌China’s deepening demographic challenges.

Also read: China’s April producer inflation at 45-month peak on energy price shock

China’s ​population ​fell for a fourth ⁠consecutive year in 2025, while its birth ​rate dropped to a record ​low, prompting warnings from demographers of further decline.

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Couples in China have traditionally had children after marriage, reflecting both cultural norms and ‌administrative rules that have in some cases linked birth registration ​or ​access to ⁠benefits to a marriage certificate.
Authorities have rolled out a range of measures to encourage marriage and childbearing, including family subsidies, childcare support and efforts to reduce childbirth-related medical costs.

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Cellular Intelligence acquires Novo Nordisk’s Parkinson’s cell therapy

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Cellular Intelligence acquires Novo Nordisk’s Parkinson’s cell therapy

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