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Steel IPO wave: 10 firms eye Rs 7,000 crore fundraise over next 10 months

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Steel IPO wave: 10 firms eye Rs 7,000 crore fundraise over next 10 months
Mumbai: India’s steel sector is poised for a fresh burst of primary market activity, with at least 10 steel producers and steel-related companies preparing to raise ₹5,000-7,000 crore in total through initial public offerings over the next eight to 10 months.

Steel Infra Solutions Company Ltd, German Green Steel & Power Ltd, Rajputana Stainless Ltd, Bombay Coated Steel Ltd, A-One Steels India Ltd, Jindal Supreme (India) Ltd, Madhur Iron & Steel Ltd, and Synergy Advanced Metals Ltd are among those who have filed draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs), while a few others are in advanced stages of preparation, according to investment bankers.

The steel industry’s rush to tap the capital markets comes amid improving demand visibility and supportive policy measures.

“India’s steel demand is expected to grow due to infrastructure push for roads, railways, ports, recovery in the steel sector, the PLI scheme for manufacturing, and the government’s continued focus on capex,” said Uday Patil, executive director at PL Capital Markets.

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Cos of Steel Join the IPO League to Raise ₹7,000 cr this FiscalAgencies

building capacity Industry rushes to tap capital mkts on better demand visibility and policy support

He added that about 25-30% of steel demand is linked to government projects and that safeguard and anti-dumping duties on select imports have helped domestic producers compete on a more level-playing field.


Local companies are targeting significant capacity expansions under the government’s long-term steel policy, aiming to capture the next leg of growth. Mid-sized processors and specialty steel makers, particularly those in coated steel, stainless products, and specialty alloys, are seeing improved order visibility from infrastructure, renewables, railways, metro projects, auto and engineering sectors.
“There is a clear capacity build-out cycle underway among mid-tier players who want to capture domestic demand growth and reduce import dependence in certain product categories,” said Deep Shah, senior manager at Unistone Capital, an investment banking firm. IPO proceeds are expected to be deployed towards greenfield lines, galvanising units, colour-coating facilities and stainless capacity additions. Besides expansion, companies are also looking to strengthen financial profiles, Shah said. After a prolonged deleveraging phase over the past decade, many steel companies are using favourable equity market conditions to further clean up their balance sheets. Lower leverage can improve return ratios, reduce interest burden, enhance credit ratings, and support future borrowing at better terms.

Given the working capital-intensive nature of the steel trade, a portion of the IPO proceeds is also likely to be earmarked for liquidity support to meet capacity expansions.

Bankers also flagged sectorspecific risks such as volatility in steel prices, swings in coking coal costs, import competition, global demand slowdown, and currency movements affecting exports. Margin sustainability will be closely monitored, particularly if raw material costs remain elevated. Yet market participants argue that the narrative around steel is gradually evolving. “India’s steel industry is not viewed purely as a commodity story but as a structural growth play backed by consumption from infrastructure, renewables, railways and urban development.” said Amogh Giridhar, associate partner at Prequate Advisory, adding that investors are becoming comfortable underwriting cyclical businesses where there is evidence of prudent leverage and disciplined capex plans.

However, bankers believe the real test in public markets would always be balance sheet quality and capital allocation discipline for a historically — volatile industry. “Those with clear integration strategies and export competitiveness, coupled with strong domestic consumption may be able to command premium valuations despite the cyclical backdrop,” said Giridhar.

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Stock picking key as markets navigate AI uncertainty: Amit Khurana

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Stock picking key as markets navigate AI uncertainty: Amit Khurana
India Inc’s third-quarter earnings season has delivered a broadly steady performance, with early signs that operating pressures are easing after several quarters of margin stress. Market participants say improving earnings visibility could lend support to valuations, though caution persists given valuation dispersion and ongoing uncertainty around the artificial intelligence cycle.

Sharing his view on the quarter in an interview to ET Now, Amit Khurana from Dolat Capital said earnings largely held up against expectations and operating performance appears to be stabilising. He noted, “There were broadly three key trends that we observed for the current quarter. One, earnings held on pretty well in terms of the estimates versus actual delivery… Second, the operating performance has started finding bottoms… And finally, we are trending now towards mid-teens aggregate earnings… So, positive take on the earnings and as we go along the next few quarters this will only rebound further and give the much needed confidence and support to the valuations.”

On stock-specific developments, he said the ₹2,000-crore capex plan by Hindustan Unilever signals confidence in long-term demand, particularly in premium segments. “Capex from FMCG companies… reflects the structural demand that they are seeing over the next few years… HUL expansion especially given the size seems pretty meaningful and we stay positive on that… India is premiumizing fast and franchises which are able to position their products accordingly will probably have a market share sustenance or gains,” he said.

Khurana cautioned against reading too much into intermittent foreign inflows, saying concerns around India’s positioning in the AI wave and valuations remain. “AI wave everybody seems to be talking about it… But to your point on the FII buying… I am not very enthused with a few days of buying… And second, the valuations while they have turned relatively better are not outright cheap even now… one needs to be stock specific,” he said.

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He added that domestic consumption continues to be a preferred theme, with a bottom-up approach guiding stock selection. He highlighted Marico as a preferred name, saying, “We have been pro-domestic consumption… We also are beginning to like staples… we have liked Marico… This is a market wherein you will have to do a real hard work of identifying the names… domestic consumption has been our favourite.”


On infrastructure, including developments around NCC Limited, Khurana said the sector has corrected due to slower order flows but fundamentals remain intact. “Infra stocks have taken a big beating… probably because of the slowdown of the NHAI order book… our channel checks are suggesting that this should eventually play out… Specific to NCC, we need to wait for the specific details,” he said.
Discussing the IT sector and developments at Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, he said investors are awaiting clarity on disruption timelines and growth visibility. “The market will look for very strong evidence on two counts… how far is this disruption going to continue… and secondly, is the kind of opportunities which will come… In the interim… they will broadly be in the range,” he said.

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Should Investors Centralize Indonesia Operations Within a Holding Company?

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Should Investors Centralize Indonesia Operations Within a Holding Company?

Consolidation with a holding company enhances control, tax planning, and efficiency, but sector restrictions and dividend taxes influence foreign ownership limits and repatriation strategies in Indonesia.

Capital Requirements for Consolidation

Consolidation becomes essential when expansion increases a company’s exposure across multiple entities. In Indonesia, a PT PMA typically requires a minimum investment of IDR 10 billion (US$637,000) per business classification. Establishing three subsidiaries in different sectors would demand at least IDR 30 billion (US$1.91 million) in committed capital before operational expenses are considered. This substantial funding highlights the need for careful planning in capital allocation and investment management to support growth and diversification efforts.

Impact of Holding Companies on Tax and Profit Management

Introducing a holding company alters the landscape of equity distribution and profit accumulation. The holding can be either Indonesian or offshore, influencing tax residency, treaty benefits, and dividend routing. The optimal choice depends on the investor’s long-term capital strategy, especially regarding cross-border profit repatriation. Jurisdiction selection is critical, as it directly affects net returns, with tax treaties playing a vital role in reducing withholding taxes on dividends.

Ownership, Control, and Sector Regulations

Ownership placement significantly impacts tax obligations and control rights. Indonesia’s Positive Investment List restricts foreign ownership in specific sectors, meaning a holding company cannot bypass sector-specific limits. Additionally, dividends paid abroad typically face a 20% withholding tax unless reduced by tax treaties. Planning for dividend flows exceeding this threshold makes treaty positioning and jurisdiction choice economically crucial to optimize after-tax returns.

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Oak Garden Apartments, 400 Garden Lane on Raising Housing Standards

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Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane is a community-focused housing complex based in Chickasaw, Alabama.

Since acquiring the property in 2019, the leadership team has taken a long-term approach to ownership. Their work centers on raising standards in rental housing through steady investment and consistent management.

When they purchased the apartment complex, they saw both potential and responsibility. Significant capital was invested to modernize interiors and improve shared spaces. Mature trees and lush grounds were preserved. Outdoor areas were made more usable. The goal was clear from the beginning.

“We purchased this property with a long-term view,” they explain. “Our goal was simple. Make it a great community to raise a family.”

Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane offers spacious interiors, a pet-friendly setting, on-site laundry, a dog park, picnic area, and 24-hour maintenance. Yet leadership believes amenities alone do not define quality housing.

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“Anyone can list features,” they say. “What matters is how the place feels day to day.”

Their philosophy focuses on improving community standards across resident relations, maintenance, and quality living spaces. They see property management as stewardship rather than simple oversight.

“You are not just managing buildings,” they note. “You are managing people’s homes.”

Through discipline and consistent attention to detail, Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane has positioned itself as a steady leader in community-based housing in the Chickasaw area.

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A Conversation with Oak Garden Apartments

Q: Take us back to 2019. What led to the purchase of Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane?

A: In 2019, we saw an opportunity in Chickasaw. The property had solid foundations. It also had room to improve. We believed in the location and in the long-term potential. We did not see it as a short project. We saw it as a responsibility.

Q: What was your immediate priority after the purchase?

A: Investment. We put significant capital into the property. We focused on modernising the interiors and improving the grounds. We wanted residents to feel the change. Not just see it.

“Improvements to the property send a message that we are here for the community,” we often say. “We wanted residents to notice the difference.”

Q: Why focus so heavily on standards?

A: Standards shape daily life. When maintenance slips, small issues grow. When communication fails, trust breaks down. We define our mission as improving community standards across resident relations, maintenance, and quality living spaces.

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“We hold ourselves accountable,” we say. “If something needs attention, we address it.”

Q: What makes Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane distinct in your view?

A: Consistency. The community offers modern and spacious interiors. It is pet-friendly. There is on-site laundry, a dog park, picnic area, and 24-hour maintenance. But features alone are not enough.

“Anyone can list amenities,” we explain. “What matters is how the place feels when you live there.”

We focus on clean spaces, reliable service, and steady upkeep.

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Q: How important is location in your strategy?

A: Very important. The property sits near major interstates and is minutes from downtown Mobile. That balance matters. Chickasaw offers a quieter setting while staying connected to work and services.

“Comfort and convenience affect everyday life. Location supports that.”

Q: How would you describe your leadership philosophy?

A: Long-term thinking. We think in years, not months. We do not chase trends. We focus on fundamentals. Safe units. Functional layouts. Well-kept grounds.

“You are not just managing buildings,” we often remind ourselves. “You are managing people’s homes.”

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That mindset shapes how we operate every day.

Q: What lessons have you learned since 2019?

A: Patience and discipline matter. Real improvement takes time. Quick fixes do not build strong communities. Consistent effort does.

We have also learned that residents value reliability. When maintenance is responsive and communication is clear, trust grows.

Q: How do you define success in this industry?

A: Success is stability. It is a property that runs well. It is residents who feel comfortable. It is standards that are maintained year after year.

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“Our job is to raise the standard. Not just once. Every day.”

Q: Looking ahead, what remains your core focus?

A: The same as it was in 2019. Improve the property. Strengthen the community. Maintain the standard. Leadership in housing is not loud. It is consistent.

At Oak Garden Apartments 400 Garden Lane, that consistency defines our career and our approach to the industry.

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The Golden Thumb Rule | Growth at a reasonable price is my rule; overpaying can destroy returns even in bull markets: Srinivas Rao Ravuri

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The Golden Thumb Rule | Growth at a reasonable price is my rule; overpaying can destroy returns even in bull markets: Srinivas Rao Ravuri
Valuation discipline often gets overshadowed during bull markets, but for Srinivas Rao Ravuri, Chief Investment Officer at Bajaj Life Insurance, it remains non-negotiable.

In this edition of The Golden Thumb Rule, Ravuri emphasises that sustainable wealth creation is not about chasing momentum but about adhering to Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP).

He cautions that even in a rising market, overpaying for future growth can erode returns and hurt long-term compounding.

Drawing on market data from the past five years — where headline indices doubled but a large share of stocks delivered muted or negative returns — Ravuri underscores the importance of entry price, margin of safety, and disciplined asset allocation.

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He also shares practical thumb rules on acceptable PE multiples, navigating market euphoria, and striking the right balance between time in the market and valuation-driven investing. Edited Excerpts –


Kshitij Anand: If you had to define valuation discipline in one sentence, what would be your golden thumb rule for investors?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: Our golden rule is Growth at a Reasonable Price, or what we call GARP, which is what we follow at Bajaj Life. Before I dwell deeper into this, I just want to make a point. Given the markets we have seen over the last five years, the Nifty has doubled and delivered about 14% compounded returns.
Ignoring the COVID phase, from Jan 2021 to now, Nifty 500 companies have doubled. But within that, a good 40% of companies — around 200 — have delivered negative returns over these five years when the market has doubled. And about 15% of the companies have delivered very healthy returns.

So, the point I am making is that if you buy at the right price, compounding will automatically work in your favour. But if you overpay and pay today entirely for expected future growth, you can lose money even in a good market.

Kshitij Anand: Why do most investors abandon valuation discipline during bull markets, and what is the thumb rule to avoid that? There is a saying that when everyone is talking about markets and giving tips, that is the time you should actually bail out of the markets.

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: Well, we are investors and we are human beings. And we have emotions. Markets are governed by fear, greed, and, as some people say, career risk. In bull markets, we tend to see people ignoring time-tested principles of investing and valuation metrics like price-to-earnings and start focusing on narratives instead.

In fact, even professional investors go through a relative valuation phase — saying X company is trading at 60 PE and it is cheap because Y company in the same space is trading at 80 PE, so it looks better. I think that is one challenge we face. Another issue is that people believe they will ride the flavour or momentum of the season, citing examples like defence, infrastructure, and real estate. They start thinking this time is different and that these sectors will deliver returns forever. These are things we need to be mindful of.

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We are here to make money, and the first principle to keep in mind is: do not lose money.

Kshitij Anand: Coming back to your first point about the right price to buy — what is your thumb rule to decide when a stock is too expensive to buy, regardless of how strong the story is?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: Here again, I would like to use a simple price-to-earnings metric to determine whether a stock is expensive or not. For a steady-state business, I would say paying 33 times earnings is fine. What is the logic? When we say the price-to-earnings ratio is 33, we are essentially talking about a 3% earnings yield.

For a growth company — and investing in equity is about investing for growth — a 3% earnings yield plus growth is acceptable to me. Within that, for a relatively new business or a new segment where high growth is visible today, maybe you can pay up to 50 PE. Anything more than that raises questions about the margin of safety. That is what I would like to avoid as far as possible.

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Kshitij Anand: I understand. In fact, even in new fund offers and IPOs, we see a lot of companies trading at much higher PEs than what you just highlighted as a benchmark. Any word of advice or caution for investors there?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: Absolutely. I think what we need to keep in mind is that high-quality companies can also be poor investments if bought at the wrong price. As I mentioned earlier, we are already seeing that happen. The first principle is avoiding big mistakes.

Companies in new-age sectors, catering to evolving markets and demonstrating long-term growth potential, tend to trade at premium valuations. But what is important is sustainability and also keeping in mind the concept of mean reversion.

Kshitij Anand: Now, let me also ask — investors do end up buying stocks that may be available or trading at a premium valuation. It does happen. So, what is your thumb rule on paying a premium valuation? When can we say it is justified, and when is it dangerous?

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Srinivas Rao Ravuri: When there is a long-term reinvestment runway — meaning the durability of business growth and earnings growth is visible — I do not mind paying a premium. Let us say there are companies addressing a large market, with a unique business proposition and superior management. That, in turn, means the company can deliver.

If you look at the last 10 years, the Nifty has delivered around 15% earnings growth. But here is a company that, given all these positives, is likely to deliver double that earnings growth. In such a case, I may have to pay a higher price. However, what we need to keep in mind is whether this growth is seasonal, cyclical, or much more long-lasting. If it is cyclical, we should be extremely mindful of paying a high price.

Kshitij Anand: And how should investors think about valuation in high-growth stocks? What is the golden thumb rule to avoid overpaying for growth?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: First, focus on the business model — whether the underlying business has the potential to deliver sustainable long-term growth. Even if it does, it is important to remember that we cannot be masters of everything. I am a professional investor, and even then, we are not here to capture every possible upside from every possible company. Understanding the company and knowing what we are good at is important.

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Focusing on the margin of safety is an essential part of risk management. A company may look great on the surface, and you may see brokerages, media, and everyone talking about how great the business is. But ultimately, valuations are paramount. As I said earlier, keeping it simple — paying more than 50 PE means you are extrapolating current growth for many years ahead, and your returns may end up depending more on PE expansion than on earnings growth.

Kshitij Anand: During times of euphoria — especially post-2020, when markets saw a strong rally and SIP contributions rose sharply to around ₹31,000 crore — many investors started investing aggressively. For someone investing in individual stocks, what is the thumb rule for valuation during such euphoric phases? Should one buy less, hold tight, stay out, or wait for dips? What would be your advice?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: The first thing to focus on, even more than stocks, is asset allocation. What percentage of your savings or surplus are you allocating to each asset class? I have seen people debating very passionately about a particular stock or equity mutual fund, while only 5% of their surplus is actually invested in equities.

Asset allocation is the starting point. That is where investors should seek expert advice from financial advisors to determine their risk appetite and decide what percentage of their money should go into each asset class.

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Second, during euphoric times, it is important to reduce exposure to equities and increase allocation to fixed income. Within equities, what we do at Bajaj Life is gradually shift portfolios from high-PE, cyclical companies to more stable businesses, such as utilities, and increase the overall quality of the portfolio.

So, first, adjust at the asset-class level. Second, within equities, move toward relatively safer and less volatile sectors and stocks. That is what we believe investors should do.

Kshitij Anand: And for long-term investors, is valuation about entry price or time in the market? What is the golden balance rule there?

Srinivas Rao Ravuri: I would say time in the market builds wealth, but the entry price determines how well it compounds. Staying invested is essential, but valuation defines the starting yield on capital. To that extent, a good entry point with a margin of safety reduces your downside risk. Our approach is to own businesses that generate sustainable growth, but to enter them thoughtfully.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

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'We're still on edge': Toy firms look to US Supreme Court as tariffs hit profits

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'We're still on edge': Toy firms look to US Supreme Court as tariffs hit profits

“You cannot go to sleep on this president,” says one toymaker, of the ongoing uncertainty over trade policy.

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Council selling off buildings and assets to boost capital fund

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Assets for sale in Trafford include a town hall and a former library

Looking into the council chamber inside Altrincham Town Hall.

Looking into the council chamber inside Altrincham Town Hall(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Car parks, toilets, derelict schools, a town hall and a former library are all to be sold by cash-strapped Trafford council in a bid to generate money.

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Recent weeks have revealed the extent of the authority’s financial woes, with bosses needing a loan of more than £12 million from the Government to balance the books – something they are legally bound to do. Residents are also set to be hit by one of the highest council tax rises in the country after special dispensation was given for a 7.49pc hike in the charge for the second year running.

But these measures are still not enough to solve the problem. Some £17 million of savings are lined up for the coming years, while Trafford is also looking to sell off land and buildings to bring in some more cash.

Among the assets expected to be disposed of are Altrincham Town Hall and the former Altrincham Library, documents reveal. Two disused schools, the former Moss View Primary School site, in Partington, and the former Trafford High School site, in Flixton, also feature on the list.

A number of car parks, a block of toilets, the former Davyhulme Youth Centre and the Jubilee Centre – a community centre in Bowdon – are also proposed for disposal. Trafford has said it needs to generate around £10 million through land and property sales to fund its capital programme over the coming years.

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Capital funds are money set aside for projects, as opposed to day-to-day operational costs. A full list of the sites planned to be sold can be found below.

All of the sites listed have been labelled “surplus” by the authority, which said getting rid of them would reduce its costs and its maintenance backlog while also creating regeneration opportunities.

The authority has also identified a number of areas it wants to redevelop itself, either alone or as a joint venture, to increase the potential for profit generation from them in future years. These include the former Sale Magistrates site, in Altrincham, and land in Lacy Street, Stretford, where the former probation office once stood.

Sites to be sold

  • Former RBS Bank, Central Road, Partington
  • Stamford Quarter and Stretford Mall
  • Former Altrincham Library, Stamford New Road, Altrincham (1st Floor and ground floor)
  • The Jubilee Centre, St Marys Road, Bowdon
  • Wharf Road Garages, Altrincham
  • Altrincham Town Hall
  • Land at Balmoral Road, Altrincham
  • Land at Central Way, Altrincham
  • Brown Street Car Park, Hale
  • Land at Irlam Road, Flixton
  • Land at Lime Road, Stretford
  • Land in Davenport Green
  • Land at Seymour Grove, Old Trafford
  • Former Primary School, Moss View, Partington
  • Former Trafford High School
  • Redundant Cemetery Chapels – subject to operational review
  • Land at Keswick Rd, Moss Road, Old Trafford
  • Land off City Road, Old Trafford, M15 4FA
  • Car Park Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, M17 1JF
  • Toilets, Third Avenue, Trafford Park
  • Former Davyhulme Youth Centre, Davyhulme
  • Priory Road, Bowdon
  • Land at Firsway, Sale – New Access to site
  • Car Park Empress Street, Old Trafford, M16 9EN
  • Sites to be redeveloped
  • Partington Town Centre Site (land to the rear of Partington Shopping Centre)
  • Former Sale Magistrates Site
  • Stokoe Avenue, Altrincham
  • Former Tamworth Court Site, Old Trafford
  • Chapel Road, Sale
  • K Site, Stretford
  • Lacy Street Land Assembly, Former Sorting Office, Probation Service Building, Lacy Street Car Park
  • Land at Oakfield Rd/Moss Lane, Altrincham

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

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Allspring Large Cap Growth Fund Q4 2025 Performance Update

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Allspring Large Cap Growth Fund Q4 2025 Performance Update

Allspring is a company committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and the desire to elevate investing to be worth more. Allspring is reimagining investment management to be worth more—creating an investment, distribution, and operational experience that changes the game for clients. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Allspring, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Allspring’s official channels.

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Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.1 Per Cent in January 2026

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Now Hiring signage
Ernie Journeys / Unsplash

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released key labour force data for January 2026 which shows that the unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent.

The unemployment rate previously went down to 4.1 per cent in December from the 4.3 per cent recorded in November.

Unemployment Rate Stays the Same for January 2026

According to a report by ABC News, economists have suggested that the unchanging unemployment rate shows that the economy is operating close to capacity.

Numbers from the statistics bureau also show that underemployment increased to 5.9%. It was recorded at 5.7% in December.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers issued a statement saying that “Under our government, we have seen the lowest average unemployment for any government in 50 years.”

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“As the Reserve Bank Governor said last week, the state of the labour market is good news for our economy, especially compared to other countries grappling with much higher unemployment,” he added.

How About Employment?

Even as the unemployment rate remained the same, employment rose to 14,703,800, according to the statistics bureau.

Full-time employment also increased by 50,500 to 10,155,500 people. Part-time employment, on the other hand, decreased by 32,700 to 4,548,400 people.

Participation rate for January is 66.7 per cent, which is the same as the rate in December.

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JetBlue Flight 543 Evacuated at Newark After Engine Issue Causes Cabin Smoke, Prompting Brief Airport Shutdown

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Lake Tahoe

A JetBlue Airbus A320 bound for West Palm Beach made an emergency return to Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday evening after an engine problem triggered smoke in the cabin, forcing passengers to evacuate via emergency slides and temporarily halting operations at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

Newark Airport
Newark Airport

JetBlue Flight 543 departed Newark around 5:43 p.m. ET but turned back after just 15-17 minutes in the air. The crew reported an issue with engine number one and smoke filling the cabin and cockpit. The aircraft landed safely shortly after 6 p.m., exited the runway, and then the crew initiated an evacuation on the taxiway.

Passengers deployed inflatable slides and exited the plane onto the tarmac, with emergency responders surrounding the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and JetBlue.

The incident prompted a full ground stop at Newark Liberty (EWR), suspending arrivals and departures while the plane was removed from the taxiway and safety checks were conducted. The Port Authority announced the closure around 6 p.m., with operations resuming by approximately 7-8 p.m. ET after the aircraft was cleared and the runway/taxiway inspected.

Air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net captured the urgency: A pilot reported “smoke in the back” and announced the need to evacuate shortly after landing. An emergency responder warned the tower that “he’s going to pull the chutes,” referring to the slides. The tower then broadcast, “Attention all aircraft, Newark Airport is closed.”
JetBlue confirmed in statements to CNN, USA TODAY and Business Insider that the return was due to a “reported engine issue and smoke in the cabin.” The airline emphasized, “Safety is JetBlue’s top priority. We are focused on supporting our customers and crewmembers and will work closely with the appropriate federal authorities to investigate what occurred.”

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The FAA is leading the investigation, with no immediate cause details released beyond the engine and smoke reports. The incident added to ongoing challenges at Newark, where flight caps remain in place through 2026 due to air traffic control staffing shortages and congestion.

Passengers were re-accommodated on later flights or provided hotel stays and assistance, though specific numbers on the flight were not disclosed. Eyewitness accounts and social media posts described a calm but tense evacuation, with smoke visible in the cabin prompting quick action from the crew.

The event echoes rare but serious cabin smoke incidents that can stem from engine oil leaks, electrical faults or other mechanical failures. No fire was reported, and the aircraft was towed away for inspection.

Newark Liberty, a major hub for United Airlines and others, handles millions of passengers annually. The brief shutdown caused ripple delays across the Northeast corridor, though operations normalized within hours.
JetBlue, known for its low-cost model and focus on customer experience, has faced scrutiny in recent years over operational issues, but the airline reiterated its commitment to safety in response to the incident.

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As the FAA probe continues, officials urged passengers on affected flights to check status with airlines. No further disruptions were anticipated overnight.

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The Hidden Crisis in Small-Town Animal Shelters

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The Hidden Crisis in Small-Town Animal Shelters

Most people picture animal rescue as a big-city problem. They think of crowded shelters in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami. They imagine huge adoption events, fancy donor galas, and long lines of volunteers.

That is not the full story.

The real crisis is often in the places no one is watching. The small towns. The rural counties. The shelters tucked behind a highway or next to a landfill. The ones with two staff members, a leaky roof, and a phone that never stops ringing.

Jordan’s Way has seen this up close. They travel shelter to shelter across the country in a branded RV, raising money live and in real time. They have visited over 2,000 shelters and raised more than $15 million. They focus heavily on the small, underfunded shelters that rarely get national attention. Their model is simple. Show up. Go live. Introduce the animals by name. Let people see what is happening. Let the shelter get help right away.

As Jordan’s Way puts it, the goal is not to “market” rescue. The goal is to bring the fundraising to the animals, instead of making shelters fight for attention.

The Rural Shelter Problem Most People Don’t See

Rural shelters get less attention by default

Big cities get the spotlight. They also get the donations. That is not because they deserve it more. It is because they are visible.

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Small-town shelters are often invisible. They do not have a media team. They do not have a grant writer. They do not have a social media manager posting 12 times a day.

Many rural shelters are run like emergency rooms. They take in what comes through the door. They do not get to choose the timing. They do not get to choose the volume.

The numbers are ugly

In the United States, millions of cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Many shelters are already operating at or beyond capacity. When intake rises, rural shelters get crushed first.

Why?

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Because they have fewer backup options.

A large shelter might have partner rescues, transport programs, and corporate sponsors. A rural shelter might have none of that. They might be the only shelter in the county.

Why Small-Town Shelters Struggle More Than City Shelters

They are often funded like an afterthought

Many rural shelters rely on a mix of small county funding, tiny donations, and whatever staff can pull together. They may not even have a stable budget.

That means the basics become hard.

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Food runs low. Medical cases stack up. Kennels break. Heating fails. Vehicles die. Staff burn out.

Jordan’s Way has described walking into shelters where staff members are doing everything at once. They are cleaning kennels, answering calls, managing adoptions, and trying to comfort scared animals. All in the same hour.

They get hit harder by seasonal surges

In rural areas, animal intake often spikes during certain times of year. Spring and summer bring litters. Holidays bring abandoned pets. Hunting seasons bring lost dogs. Storms bring strays.

A city shelter might absorb the surge. A small shelter might collapse under it.

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Spay and neuter access is often limited

This is a major driver of the problem.

In many small towns, there may be only one low-cost clinic. Some counties have none. People may need to drive hours for an appointment. That creates long delays. It also creates more accidental litters.

This is not about blaming pet owners. It is about access.

If it takes three months to get an appointment, the shelter will pay the price.

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The Real Cost of Being “Forgotten”

Staff burnout becomes normal

A rural shelter is often staffed by people who care too much.

They stay late. They work weekends. They skip lunch. They bring animals home. They cry in their cars. Then they show up the next day and do it again.

That kind of stress has a cost.

When staff members leave, shelters lose knowledge. They lose stability. They lose momentum. Sometimes they lose the entire operation.

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Jordan’s Way often talks about the emotional weight in these shelters. Not as a talking point. As a real working condition.

Medical cases pile up fast

A small shelter can handle routine care.

But one parvo outbreak? That can wipe out a budget.

One dog hit by a car? That can cost thousands.

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One litter of sick puppies? That can take hours per day in feeding and cleaning.

These shelters are not failing because they are careless. They are failing because they are outgunned.

Why Jordan’s Way Goes Rural Instead of Chasing Big Cities

Because rural shelters do not have time to wait

Traditional fundraising can take months.

You apply for a grant. You wait. You get rejected. You try again. You hold a fundraiser. You sell tickets. You hope people show up.

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A shelter with 40 dogs and 12 kennels does not have months.

Jordan’s Way runs live, on-site fundraisers where shelters can raise tens of thousands of dollars in a few hours. That speed matters. The money often goes directly to urgent needs like food, vet care, repairs, and adoption support.

Because the impact is visible immediately

A lot of charity feels abstract. You donate. You hope it helps. You never see the result.

Jordan’s Way flips that.

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You see the dogs. You see the kennels. You see the staff. You watch the donations come in live. You see what the shelter needs right now.

That creates trust. It also creates urgency.

People do not donate because a shelter has a perfect website. People donate because they see a living animal who needs help.

Because showing up is the point

Most shelters are used to being told, “Share your fundraiser link.”

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Jordan’s Way shows up in person.

That sounds simple. It is not.

It means driving across states. It means walking into hard places. It means meeting shelters where morale is low and resources are stretched thin.

It also means giving rural shelters something they rarely get.

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Attention. Respect. A real shot.

What Communities Can Do Without Waiting for a Big Organisation

You do not need to run a national fundraiser to help rural shelters. You just need to do a few things consistently.

Sponsor the boring stuff

People love donating to dramatic cases. Emergency surgery. Rescue stories. Big transformations.

But rural shelters need boring support.

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They need bleach. Laundry soap. Paper towels. Dog food. Cat litter. Leashes. Trash bags.

A shelter cannot function without basics.

If you want to help, sponsor the basics for 30 days.

Help with transport

Many rural shelters have adoptable animals. They just cannot get them to places with higher demand.

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Transport saves lives.

If you can volunteer to drive animals to partner rescues, you are doing high-impact work.

Even one trip per month can change outcomes.

Support spay and neuter access

This is the long game.

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Donate to local low-cost clinics. Help fund vouchers. Share resources. Offer rides.

Every prevention step reduces future intake.

What Shelters Can Do to Improve Their Odds

Rural shelters do not need to become marketing experts. They need repeatable systems.

Create a simple “crisis list”

Have a one-page list ready at all times:

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  • Top 5 urgent needs
  • Monthly cost of food
  • Monthly cost of vet care
  • What repairs are needed
  • What supplies run out fastest

When donors ask, you can answer fast.

Make adoption easy

If your adoption process takes three weeks and 12 steps, people will quit.

Keep it safe. Keep it simple. Keep it fast.

Build local partnerships

Rural shelters can build strong networks with:

  • Farm supply stores
  • Local vets
  • Schools
  • Churches and community groups
  • Small businesses

These partnerships do not need to be fancy. They need to be consistent.

Final Thoughts

The rural shelter crisis is not small. It is just quiet.

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These shelters are not failing because they do not care. They are failing because they are overloaded, underfunded, and often forgotten.

Jordan’s Way has proven something powerful. When people see the reality, they show up. When they see the animals live, they donate. When they see the staff working hard, they respect the mission.

The fix is not complicated.

We need to stop acting like only big shelters deserve help. We need to support the places doing the work without the spotlight.

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Rural shelters are not the side story.

They are the front line.

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