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AI boom keeping markets elevated despite geopolitical noise: Mark Matthews

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AI boom keeping markets elevated despite geopolitical noise: Mark Matthews
Even as geopolitical tensions around Iran continue to dominate global headlines, financial markets appear increasingly focused on a different force altogether — the explosive momentum in artificial intelligence-led growth and corporate earnings.

Speaking to ET Now, Mark Matthews from Julius Baer said markets are beginning to look beyond the uncertainty surrounding US-Iran tensions, though he cautioned that the situation remains fluid and unpredictable.

“There is a lot behind the scenes we do not see and therefore impossible to forecast, for all we know there could be missiles being fired tomorrow. But if we proceed along the path we seem to be on, then I think that the oil price will continue to go lower and the market will continue to go higher,” Matthews said.

According to him, while mainstream global newspapers remain consumed by Middle East developments, financial markets are being driven by a much larger structural theme.

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“As you know much as the conflict in the Middle East dominates the headlines of newspapers like the New York Times or the Washington Post, the financial media like the Financial Times or the Wall Street Journal, it has been looking at this big artificial intelligence infrastructure story for the last few weeks, what is dominating the headlines and ultimately that explains why markets have been moving to new highs despite the conflict in the Middle East not being resolved,” he added.


Earnings Boom Becomes Market’s Main Engine
Matthews believes the current rally is being fuelled primarily by extraordinary earnings growth, particularly in the technology sector.
“Yes, the earnings are extraordinary and so are the forecasts for the earnings that are yet to come. It is hard to put numbers on them,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of expectations building around AI infrastructure, Matthews referred to comments made by Lisa Su.

“AMD CEO Lisa Su said yesterday that she had taken her forecast for server CPU revenues from $60 billion to $120 billion four years from now,” he noted.

He also pointed to the earnings trajectory of the S&P 500, saying the numbers are significantly outperforming expectations.

“And if you look at the first quarter for the S&P 500 companies, of which about 80% have reported their first quarter results and you combine those actual results with the 20% where we are using consensus numbers, it is looking like 27% earnings growth for the S&P 500 in the first quarter,” Matthews said.

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“Once again, being driven by technology, I do not need to tell you that is an extraordinarily high number and it will take the 2026 consensus forecast for S&P 500 earnings I think well above 15%,” he added.

India Still Attractive Despite Moderating Growth
On the question of foreign investor sentiment towards India, Matthews pushed back against the perception that overseas money is consistently leaving Indian equities.

“Well, I must be getting different statistics because my impression is that foreign institutional investors have been net buyers in India so far this year. In fact, what I read is about $7 or $8 billion worth of FII buying,” he said.

He acknowledged that India’s earnings growth may not match the pace being seen in the United States, but maintained that the country continues to offer attractive long-term opportunities.

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“The foreign investors should continue to be buyers of India this year despite the fact that the earnings growth in India probably would not be as strong as in the United States simply because it is still going to have decent earnings I would imagine around 12% to 15% this year,” Matthews said.

He also noted that recent market consolidation and rupee weakness have improved India’s valuation appeal for global investors.

“And, of course, the market having gone sideways has become cheaper and for foreign investors this devaluation in the rupee has also made it cheaper. I am not surprised that FIIs are buying and they will continue to,” he added.

Banks Remain Core to India Growth Story
While Matthews refrained from making detailed sectoral calls on India, he maintained that financial services remain central to the country’s economic trajectory.

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“I would rather give you an honest answer than make something up,” he said when asked about sector preferences.

“But the banks are the heart of the economy. If the economy is improving, I would think naturally they will do well and there is still a long-term what I would call structural growth in the private banks where they are increasing their deposits at the expense of the public sector ones,” Matthews added.

US Bull Market May Be Entering “Beginning of the End”
Despite remaining constructive on equities, Matthews suggested the current global bull run may be approaching its later stages, although he clarified that this does not necessarily imply an immediate peak.

“Yes, hard to know. I think we are entering the beginning of the end for this bull market. But the beginning of the end does not mean the end is close. It could be a year from now,” he said.

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He believes the current cycle may continue until several highly anticipated US technology IPOs eventually hit the market.

“In fact, I think it probably will because I do not think the market will peak until these jumbo initial public offerings in the United States have been listed on the stock market there, companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic and I do not think we will complete that until sometime in the first half of next year,” Matthews said.

He compared the current environment to the late stages of the dotcom boom.

“But in between now and then the market really could go up and especially if this conflict in the Middle East is resolved, you could get a real sugar rush, similar to 1999 if some of your viewers were looking at the dotcom era,” he observed.

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“I am not calling for the S&P to double, but could we get to 10,000 on the index? Not impossible in my opinion,” he added.

China’s AI and Automation Story Diverges From Economy
Matthews also weighed in on China, arguing that the country’s equity market has historically shown little direct correlation with economic growth.

“Well, I have never felt that China’s stock market and economy are correlated simply because it had so many poor years of stock market returns when it was growing at very high rates of GDP,” he said.

He pointed to early signs of stabilisation in China’s property market, particularly in major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing.

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However, he argued that the real market driver in China is once again artificial intelligence and technology-linked manufacturing.

“But I do not think it is the economy there that is that important for the market. It is actually the same as in America. It is very much a technology story and artificial intelligence,” Matthews said.

According to him, China’s market performance is currently highly bifurcated.

“The Hang Seng Technology Index which is the big companies Alibaba, Tencent, etc, listed in Hong Kong that is actually down over 10% so far this year. But the China index in Shenzhen that reflects these kind of companies that I just talked about that are doing automation, robotics, EV related things, AI, those are up over 10%, in fact considerably more,” he said.

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As global investors continue balancing geopolitical uncertainty against the promise of AI-led growth, markets appear increasingly willing to reward earnings momentum over headline risks — at least for now.

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Oppenheimer initiates Aprea stock with Outperform on WEE1 inhibitor potential

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Oppenheimer initiates Aprea stock with Outperform on WEE1 inhibitor potential

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Eyal Avramovich on Scaling Global Innovation and Building Resilient Technology Businesses

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Eyal Avramovich on Scaling Global Innovation and Building Resilient Technology Businesses

Eyal Avramovich has built his career around a clear principle: long-term success in complex industries comes from discipline, not speed. Across cryptocurrency infrastructure, energy development, and advanced technology, he has focused on building systems that can scale globally while maintaining operational control. His work reflects a consistent emphasis on efficiency, structure, and long-term execution rather than short-term momentum.

Operating in industries defined by volatility, Eyal Avramovich has prioritized resilience. Instead of reacting to market cycles, he has focused on building businesses designed to withstand them. That approach has shaped the growth of MineBest and his broader ventures, where infrastructure and operational consistency serve as the foundation for expansion.

Early Foundations and a Problem-Solving Approach

Eyal Avramovich’s mindset was shaped early by a strong interest in solving practical problems. He developed a habit of looking at everyday challenges and identifying ways to improve them. This perspective carried into his early career, where he created products designed to address specific needs.

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He holds multiple patents, including ultra-thin consumer devices and a robotic system designed for physical recovery. These products reached global markets through major retail platforms, demonstrating his ability to take ideas from concept to execution. More importantly, they reinforced a pattern that continues to define his work: focusing on functionality, efficiency, and real-world application.

That same approach later guided his entry into cryptocurrency. Rather than viewing it as a speculative space, Eyal Avramovich approached it as an operational challenge. The opportunity, in his view, was not only in digital assets but in the infrastructure required to support them at scale.

Infrastructure as the Core of Long-Term Success

Eyal Avramovich has consistently emphasized that infrastructure is the foundation of any sustainable business in digital assets. Cryptocurrency mining, in particular, is highly dependent on operational performance. Success is driven by uptime, energy efficiency, and the ability to manage hardware at scale.

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Through MineBest, he has led the development of mining operations across multiple regions, reaching more than 150 megawatts of global capacity. Expansion into North America reflects a continued focus on long-term growth and strategic positioning. As part of strengthening its presence in the region, MineBest is also an official sponsor of Bitcoin 2026 in Las Vegas, further highlighting its commitment to maintaining a leading role in the Bitcoin mining space across North America.

His approach challenges a common trend in emerging industries. Many companies prioritize rapid expansion during favorable conditions. Eyal Avramovich has taken a different path, focusing on systems that can perform consistently across market cycles. He has stressed that companies that endure are those that execute a clear strategy over time rather than reacting to short-term movements.

This focus on infrastructure extends beyond physical facilities. It includes operational procedures, governance standards, and partner selection. By building repeatable systems, he ensures that expansion does not compromise performance or reliability.

Scaling Across Borders with Discipline

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Scaling globally introduces complexity that goes beyond growth. Maintaining consistent performance across regions requires a balance between centralized control and local execution. Eyal Avramovich has addressed this by developing systems that can be applied across markets while adapting to regional conditions.

He evaluates potential markets based on key factors such as energy reliability, regulatory clarity, political stability, and access to skilled labor. Expansion decisions are made with a long-term view, focusing on whether a region can support sustained operations.

This approach reflects a broader principle. Global expansion is not about being present everywhere. It is about being in the right places and executing at a consistent standard. By working with trusted partners while maintaining oversight, Eyal Avramovich has been able to scale operations without sacrificing control.

Preparation is a critical part of this process. He invests heavily in planning and due diligence before entering new markets. This allows for faster execution when opportunities arise while reducing the risk of operational issues.

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Managing Risk in Uncertain Markets

The cryptocurrency and energy sectors are inherently unpredictable. Market conditions shift quickly, and external factors such as regulation and energy supply play a significant role in performance. Eyal Avramovich has built his strategy around managing these risks rather than attempting to avoid them.

He identifies several key challenges, including energy instability, regulatory uncertainty, and margin pressure. His response focuses on efficiency across all aspects of the business. This includes optimizing hardware, securing reliable energy sources, and maintaining strict operational standards.

Geographic diversification is another important factor. Operating across multiple regions reduces exposure to localized risks, whether regulatory or geopolitical. This creates a more stable foundation for long-term growth.

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Transparency has also become increasingly important. As institutional capital enters the space, expectations around reporting and governance have risen. Eyal Avramovich has emphasized the need for clear data and structured operations, aligning his businesses with these evolving standards.

Institutional Standards and Operational Discipline

A key aspect of Eyal Avramovich’s strategy is working with institutional clients. These clients prioritize stability, transparency, and long-term performance. Their expectations have influenced how his businesses are structured and managed.

Institutional partnerships require a higher level of discipline. Decisions must be supported by data, and processes must meet defined standards. This reinforces a consistent approach across operations, ensuring reliability at scale.

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At the same time, he recognizes the role of broader participation in emerging industries. Earlier in his career, he focused on making cryptocurrency mining more accessible. While the market has evolved, the goal of balancing accessibility with quality remains relevant.

Institutional involvement is shaping the future of the industry. As more capital enters the space, the demand for reliable infrastructure and structured operations continues to grow. Eyal Avramovich has positioned his companies to meet these expectations through consistent execution.

Balancing Execution Speed with Strategic Clarity

High-growth industries reward speed. However, moving too quickly without a clear strategy can create long-term problems. Eyal Avramovich has taken a measured approach, prioritizing precision over rapid expansion.

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He invests time in planning and due diligence, ensuring that each decision aligns with long-term objectives. Once a strategy is established, execution can move quickly and efficiently. This approach reduces the need for reactive adjustments.

This balance is particularly important in industries where both technology and regulation evolve quickly. Companies must be able to adapt while maintaining direction. Eyal Avramovich has emphasized that speed only creates value when it supports a defined strategy.

Energy Strategy and Long-Term Sustainability

Energy plays a central role in cryptocurrency mining, making it a key focus area for Eyal Avramovich. His work includes efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions into business operations.

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One initiative involves developing energy systems designed for continuous production with reduced environmental impact. These projects reflect an understanding that long-term success in energy-intensive industries requires responsible resource management.

Integrating energy strategy into operations helps control costs and address regulatory expectations. As governments introduce new standards, businesses must adapt to maintain compliance. Eyal Avramovich has approached this proactively, incorporating energy considerations into long-term planning.

Continuous Improvement as a Business Practice

Eyal Avramovich approaches progress as a continuous process. Rather than focusing on major breakthroughs, he emphasizes incremental improvements in efficiency, infrastructure, and operations.

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This method supports consistency. It ensures that changes align with the overall direction of the business rather than introducing unnecessary risk. By focusing on measurable improvements, companies can adapt without losing stability.

Internal processes and culture play a role in this approach. Encouraging teams to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions creates ongoing progress. This supports long-term growth while maintaining operational control.

Regulation and Global Alignment

Regulation remains one of the most complex aspects of operating internationally. Eyal Avramovich has observed that regulatory frameworks and technological development are becoming more aligned over time.

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Clear regulations can support growth by providing stability and attracting institutional investment. However, differences between regions continue to create challenges. Companies must navigate varying requirements while maintaining consistent operations.

He emphasizes the importance of staying proactive. Understanding regulatory environments and operating transparently helps reduce risk and build trust. This approach also positions businesses to adapt as regulations evolve.

A Measured Approach to Long-Term Business Growth

Eyal Avramovich’s career reflects a consistent focus on building businesses that can endure. From early product development to global infrastructure projects, his work demonstrates a commitment to discipline and strategic clarity.

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He has built operations across multiple regions and industries, each supported by a structured approach to efficiency and risk management. This foundation allows his businesses to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability.

His approach offers a broader lesson for leaders in emerging industries. Sustainable success is not defined by rapid growth but by the strength of the systems supporting that growth. Companies that invest in structure are better positioned to navigate uncertainty.

Positioning for Stability in a Changing Global Market

Eyal Avramovich continues to expand his work across technology and energy while maintaining a consistent focus on long-term execution. His approach reflects an understanding that complex industries require structured planning and disciplined management.

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By prioritizing infrastructure, managing risk, and aligning strategy with execution, he has created a framework for operating in global markets. This model emphasizes stability over speed and consistency over reaction.

As industries continue to evolve, the ability to build resilient systems will remain critical. Eyal Avramovich’s work demonstrates that long-term thinking, supported by disciplined execution, is essential for building businesses that last.

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Paramount Earthmoving boss Shawn Tilley rejoins Macro after fraud charges dropped

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Paramount Earthmoving boss Shawn Tilley rejoins Macro after fraud charges dropped

Paramount Earthmoving managing director Shawn Tilley has been re-appointed as a Macro Metals director after fraud charges against him were dropped.

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Major rail disruption in south of England following radio fault

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Major rail disruption in south of England following radio fault

Trains have been cancelled and delayed, but Network Rail says services are now returning to normal.

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New fund to progress major projects in state budget

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New fund to progress major projects in state budget

A new $500 million fund to fast-track major projects like the Aboriginal Cultural Centre has come out of the 2026-27 state budget.

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Light & Wonder, Inc. (LNWO) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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

Q1: 2026-05-06 Earnings Summary

EPS of $1.45 misses by $0.18

 | Revenue of $790.00M (2.07% Y/Y) misses by $41.12M

Light & Wonder, Inc. (LNWO) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 6, 2026 7:00 PM EDT

Company Participants

Rohan Gallagher – Executive VP & Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Matthew Wilson – CEO, President & Director
Oliver Chow – Executive VP, CFO & Treasurer

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Conference Call Participants

Andre Fromyhr – UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Barry Jonas – Truist Securities, Inc., Research Division
Matthew Ryan – Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited, Research Division
Rohan Sundram – MST Financial Services Pty Limited, Research Division
Justin Barratt – CLSA Limited, Research Division
David Fabris – Macquarie Research
Kai Erman – Jefferies LLC, Research Division
Adrian Lemme – Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Liam Robertson – Jarden Limited, Research Division

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Presentation

Operator

Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Light & Wonder First Quarter 2026 Earnings Webcast and Conference Call.

[Operator Instructions]

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Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded.

I’d now like to hand the conference over to Rohan Gallagher, EVP of Corporate Affairs. Please go ahead, sir.

Rohan Gallagher
Executive VP & Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

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Thank you, operator, and welcome, everyone, to our first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. Joining me today in Sydney are Matt Wilson, our President and CEO; and Oliver Chow, our CFO. During today’s call, we will discuss our first quarter results and operating performance, where we will refer to our earnings presentation. This will then be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Today’s call will contain forward-looking statements that may involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed during the call. For information regarding these risks and uncertainties, please refer to our earnings materials relating to this call posted in the Investors section of our website and our filings with the SEC and the ASX. We will also discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures. A description of each non-GAAP

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JD Sports warns of ‘muted growth’ amid UK consumer spending slowdown

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Chief executive Régis Shultz says sportswear giant planning ‘control the controllables’ strategy

JD Sports logos

JD Sports says growth this year is likely to be muted(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

JD Sports has reported falling profits as the sportswear retailer warned it is bracing for a period of “muted” growth amid subdued consumer spending and potential cost pressures from the Iran conflict.

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Pre-tax profit at the FTSE 100 company dropped by 12 per cent to £629m in the year to January, despite sales climbing by 12 per cent to £12.7bn.

The sportswear chain was plunged into boardroom turmoil last month, when chair Andy Higginson resigned after reportedly failing to persuade the board to remove its chief executive.

JD Sports said on Thursday it is anticipating “muted market growth” in the year ahead, “shaped by a weaker spending outlook for our core customer demographic and ongoing product cycle evolution at some of our major brand partners, particularly in footwear”.

Consumer confidence has slumped to its lowest level in more than two years, as Britons rein in non-essential spending amid inflation concerns, as reported by City AM.

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JD Sports said it has yet to experience an impact from the Middle East conflict, but said cost increases could be on the horizon and it may need to raise prices in response.

The company said it has no direct sales exposure to the Middle East market, where it runs just eight franchise stores.

The retailer issued broader profit guidance than it was “previously planning” to reflect the “uncertainty” created by the Iran conflict, forecasting a pre-tax profit of between £750m and £850m for the coming year. JD Sports recorded a 2.5 per cent decline in organic sales to £3.1bn in the UK, while sales surged by nine and four per cent in Asia Pacific and Europe respectively.

The retailer attributed the downturn in UK sales to “a tough consumer backdrop” and falling online sales, noting it faced particularly fierce competition within the female athletic footwear market.

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Organic sales in the UK fell by 3.6 per cent in the final three months, as poor weather conditions dampened in-store footfall, the retailer confirmed.

READ MORE: JD Sports brings biggest-ever careers event to Manchester as it bids to help more young people into workREAD MORE: JD Sports plans to let shoppers buy through AI platforms

JD Sports closed 24 stores across the UK over the past year, although the retailer recorded 107 net openings in North America.

The company’s share price climbed three per cent at Thursday’s market open, reaching 70p, leaving the stock down 18 per cent for the year to date.

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Chief executive Régis Shultz said his company is embracing a “control the controllables” strategy, as it seeks to preserve cash headroom and deliver a dividend to shareholders in the years ahead.

He said: “Whilst we continue to expect muted market growth in full-year 2027, we remain confident in JD Group’s medium‐term trajectory, underpinned by our strong brand partnerships and agile, multi‐brand model.

“For the year ahead we are focused on further enhancing and optimising our product offer, customer experience and store footprint, and delivering strong cost and cash discipline.” Recently departed chairman Andy Higginson is reported to have lobbied JD Sports’ boardroom to remove Schultz, but ultimately left the company himself after his efforts to unseat the chief executive proved unsuccessful.

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Gray Media declares $0.08 quarterly dividend per share

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Gray Media declares $0.08 quarterly dividend per share

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Chambers Wales appoints new president

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Partner with Menzies based in Cardiff John Cullen takes up the presidency role

John Cullen and Emma Waddington.

Chambers Wales has appointed partner with accountancy firm Menzies John Cullen as its new president.

The business membership organisation has also appointed Emma Waddingham of Legal News Wales and Tom Wilkinson of Barcud Shared Services to its board, with both also becoming vice-presidents.

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The new appointments come just a few months after Chamber Wales formed a new board bringing together sector experts from across Wales to bolster its work and campaigning on key issues affecting Welsh SMEs.

Based at Menzies’ Cardiff office, Kiwi Mr Cullen manages the firm’s UK-wide equity, inclusion and social value initiatives, an expertise he also brings to the chamber as its social value chair.

Ms Waddingham is the founder and editor of Legal News Wales and is currently the first non-lawyer to be president of the Cardiff and District Law Society. She is also the chamber’s business networking Chair.

Mr Wilkinson is the director of Operations at not-for-profit organisation Barcud Shared Services and is also chair of the YMCA Cardiff. As well as taking on the role as Chambers’ vice-president, he is the not-for-profit Chair, helping foster collaboration between the public, private and not for profit sectors.

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Mr Cullen said: “I am very proud to be taking up the role as president of Chamber Wales. I look forward to supporting the work that the Chambers does in bringing Welsh businesses together, campaigning on its behalf and supporting its members when they really need it.

“In my work as a partner at Menzies, I spend a lot of time advising boards and solving seemingly complex problems outside of the board’s normal expertise, and so I have been able to bring this experience to the Chambers’ board and now hope to expand that in my role as president.”

“Chambers Wales is committed to working with its members to reflect a real-world economic view to our politicians about what it’s like to run a company in Wales today – the challenges, the opportunities, and the blockers. We will foster collaboration across the board to make Wales an amazing place to do business.

“We have such a great business eco-system here in Wales, one that is supportive, collaborative, and innovative. There are so many opportunities that we can exploit both in the UK and abroad on behalf of our members and I’m really looking forward to working closely with them to achieve their goals, which will ultimately help Wales economically.”

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Penny Lock, commercial director at Chambers Wales, said of John, Emma and Tom’s appointments: “This really is a dream team of senior leaders for Chambers Wales. Each brings with them a level of expertise and passion that will be a massive benefit to us as an organisation and our members alike.”

Rachelle Sellek, partner at Acuity Law and non-executive director of Chambers Wales, added: “As a board, we are really pleased and proud that John, Emma and Tom have taken up these important roles in our organisation. Each bring a unique skill, personal experience and commitment to Chambers Wales that I know will help us grow and thrive.”

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USAA launches free childcare program for military spouses in job search

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USAA launches free childcare program for military spouses in job search

EXCLUSIVE – USAA and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) are launching a new childcare initiative just in time for Military Spouse Appreciation Day aimed at addressing a growing challenge for military families — access to affordable care during frequent relocations that often disrupt careers.

The $1.45 million effort comes as military spouse unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average, with childcare shortages emerging as a key driver.

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“Today, the military spouse unemployment rate is north of 20%, which is four times that of their civilian counterparts,” Jenna Sauceto Herrera, who leads corporate impact at USAA, told FOX Business.

“When you think about the modern economy, the dual household income for military families is a requirement, it is not a luxury.”

USAA COMMITS $500M TO HELP VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH CAREER SUPPORT, FINANCIAL SECURITY

Child looks up as military family gifted mortgage-free home

USAA and the Armed Services YMCA are launching a new childcare initiative ahead of Military Spouse Appreciation Day to ease a growing burden on military families: finding affordable care as frequent moves derail careers. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The lack of consistent childcare is a nationwide issue, but military families face added pressure due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves — routine relocations that force families to rebuild support systems from scratch.

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“There are over 7,800 military children on waiting lists for childcare access,” Herrera said.

For many families, each move means restarting the search for housing, employment, and care — all at once.

OPENAI LAUNCHES FREE CHATGPT PROGRAM FOR TRANSITIONING VETERANS ENTERING CIVILIAN WORKFORCE

Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William French speaks at podium at Camp Pendleton

Armed Services YMCA President and CEO Bill French said military families often struggle to find child care and maintain employment during frequent PCS moves, calling the burden on spouses overwhelming. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela J. Watts)

“During PCS moves, they have to pick up and find new child care, new job opportunities for the spouse,” ASYMCA President and CEO Bill French told FOX Business.

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French, a retired admiral, said the reality for military families — many of them young with children — is often overwhelming.

“You are the childcare during the move,” he said, describing the strain placed on spouses trying to maintain employment.

The challenge goes beyond unemployment alone.

USAA POPPY WALL RETURNS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND TO HONOR THOSE WHO ‘GAVE ALL FOR OUR FREEDOM’

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A father and daughter smile for the camera on military base

Frequent PCS moves force military families to rebuild child care and support systems from scratch, with more than 7,800 children now stuck on waitlists. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hannah Strobel / Unknown)

“There’s a lot of military spouses that are employed, but they’re underemployed,” French added, noting many are forced to take lower-paying jobs after relocating due to limited opportunities and lack of childcare.

The new program, called Mission Watch, is designed to provide free, short-term childcare for military spouses navigating job searches — particularly during PCS transitions.

“This gives you a chance to drop your kids off with quality child care and not have to pay any money to go make the investment to go find a job,” French said.

VETERANS OFFER UNTAPPED TALENT AMID ONGOING LABOR SHORTAGES, EXPERT SAYS

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ASYMCA and Members of the 1st Special Forces Command show off Christmas Toy/Food drive

The pilot will launch at three bases and offer spouses short-term childcare blocks to job hunt or train as part of USAA’s $500 million effort to boost military family mobility. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Marc Ramirez / Unknown)

The pilot will launch at three installations: Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas as well as Camp Pendleton in California.

Spouses will be able to access two-hour childcare blocks during the workday, allowing time for interviews, training or networking.

“Think about the opportunity to job hunt, to take an interview, to go to a networking event,” Herrera said.

The initiative is part of USAA’s wider Honor Through Action effort — a five-year, $500 million commitment focused on improving economic mobility and quality of life for military families.

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ASYMCA, which has supported service members and their families for more than 165 years, operates across 12 branches and works with dozens of military installations nationwide.

“We support junior enlisted service members and their families,” French said, adding that childcare remains one of the most urgent needs.

For military families, access to childcare is increasingly tied to financial stability and the ability for spouses to stay in the workforce.

“Affordable, enriching, and accessible childcare is critical to the readiness of our warriors, ensuring that they are able to remain focused on our mission and prepared to achieve peace through strength,” Anthony J. Tata, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, said in a statement to FOX Business.

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“It also has cascading effects on the wellbeing of their families, directly supporting spouse employment, economic security, and force retention.”

Without reliable care, many are forced to step away from careers altogether, particularly during moves.

“You need two sources of income, particularly in a family with kids,” French said.

USAA and ASYMCA say the pilot program is just a starting point, with plans to expand if successful.

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“We want to start with the pilot. The idea is that we can scale it,” Herrera said.

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As military families continue to navigate frequent relocations and limited childcare options, the new partnership aims to provide immediate relief while testing a model that could grow nationwide.

“We appreciate the many partners that are helping the Department to take care of our Service members and their families, complementing and strengthening our efforts to provide dependable childcare solutions that our warriors can trust, accelerate spouse employment, and improve quality of life for our military families,” Tata said.

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