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Global Market Today: Asian stocks extend rally to record, gold falls

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Global Market Today: Asian stocks extend rally to record, gold falls
Asian equities rose on Tuesday as a recovery in US tech stocks gathered momentum after last week’s selloff tied to concerns over spending on artificial intelligence.

The Nikkei 225 Index continued its election-fueled rally to rise over 1% to set a new record, while stocks also opened higher in South Korea and Australia. That pushed the MSCI Asia Pacific Index to an all-time high. Asian gains came after the S&P 500 climbed to close near a record on Monday, as some of the hardest-hit stocks in last week’s selloff rebounded.

The dollar held its losses and Treasuries were steady as traders geared up for Wednesday’s US jobs report. Gold and silver fell in early trading on Tuesday as investors took profits in a choppy market that’s still trying to find a floor following a historic rout.

The gains in stocks signaled easing concerns around the AI trade that came to a head in the past two weeks, lashing software companies and casting a pall over high-spending tech companies. While that plays out, traders are now bracing for key economic data that may shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path.

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“When markets sell off like certain areas in tech have, there’s often knee-jerk rallies,” said Sameer Samana at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “Time will tell if we need a retest or if enough value was created.”


In another sign of heavy spending by tech companies, Alphabet Inc. is set to raise $20 billion from a US dollar bond offering — exceeding the expected $15 billion — while also pitching investors on its first-ever sales in Switzerland and the UK. The UK deal would include a rare 100-year bond.
Elsewhere, the yen weakened on Tuesday after trading around 156 per dollar in the last session following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s historic election triumph during the weekend. Brent crude oil rose for a second day on Monday as rising tensions in the Middle East centered on OPEC member Iran added a risk premium to prices. Bitcoin wavered near $70,000.The focus this week is on a packed run of US economic data, including the two most consequential readings: employment and inflation.

The jobs report — due Wednesday — is expected to show payrolls rose 69,000 in January. The unemployment rate is seen steady at 4.4%. The data will also include historical revisions that are anticipated to show a sizable downward adjustment to payrolls in the year through March 2025.

In Friday’s consumer price index, economists will look for more evidence that inflation is on a downward trend. Before that, figures on Tuesday are projected to show solid retail sales.

Those releases could shape expectations for the Fed’s next move on interest rates. Traders are broadly expecting policymakers to leave rates on hold when they meet next month as they did in January when they voted to keep them at 3.5% to 3.75%.

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Treasury yields fell on Monday after National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said lower US jobs numbers can be expected in the months ahead as population growth slows.

“We think the stabilizing labor market — marked by modest hiring and limited layoffs — should help keep the Fed on track to cut rates once or twice this year, assuming price pressures continue to ease,” said Angelo Kourkafas at Edward Jones. “Lower interest rates should reduce borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, helping support the economy and corporate profits.”

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Lululemon Fined More Than $700,000 for Sending Emails That Violate Spam Laws

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Lululemon
Lululemon
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Lululemon has paid a $702,900 fine for sending hundreds of thousands of emails that customers had no way of unsubscribing from.

This comes after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched an investigation against the companies over violations against the country’s spam laws.

Lululemon Pays Fine Over Emails

According to a report by 9News, not all of the emails that Lululemon sent between December 1, 2024, and January 5, 2025, were marketing or promotional in nature.

“In this case Lululemon sent service emails such as shipping updates that also contained sales material and direct links to promotions,” ACMA member Samantha Yorke said in a statement.

Yorke added, “This was an easily avoidable error that has led to hundreds of thousands of marketing emails being sent without a way for people to opt out.”

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A spokesperson for Lululemon has also released a statement on the issue, according to ABC News.

“We take this responsibility very seriously and have worked cooperatively with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to address their findings,” the Lululemon spokesperson said.

“We have completed a thorough review of our practices for communicating with our guests and have made updates to our standard guest journey emails, including our order confirmation and delivery notifications to ensure ongoing compliance,” the spokesperson assured.

What Australian Law Requires

Spam laws in Australia require businesses to include the option to unsubscribe from marketing and promotional emails and texts.

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In addition to the fine for violating Australian laws, Lululemon has also agreed to enter into an independent review of its spam rule compliance.

The company is also required to regularly report to the ACMA regarding the implementation of recommended improvements.

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Who’s attending WA Premier Roger Cook's fuel summit

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Who’s attending WA Premier Roger Cook's fuel summit

Farmers, truckers, airlines, and fuel distributors will descend on Dumas House today to iron out a plan to ease pressure on Western Australia’s fuel supply.

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Teladoc at Barclays Conference: Strategic Shifts and AI Focus

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Teladoc at Barclays Conference: Strategic Shifts and AI Focus

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US Stock Market | SoftBank’s PayPay plans to price US IPO around low end of range, sources say

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US Stock Market | SoftBank's PayPay plans to price US IPO around low end of range, sources say
The initial public offering of SoftBank‘s PayPay is likely to price around the low end of its marketing range as war in the Middle East roil markets, said ‌two people ⁠familiar ⁠with the matter.

The IPO book was covered more than five ​times, one of the people said. It has now closed and ​pricing will be finalised after U.S. market hours on Wednesday, the person said.

The Japanese payment app operator was offering 55 million American depositary ⁠shares, priced $17 ‌to $20 apiece, a filing this month showed, targeting a valuation of up to $13.4 billion.

The ⁠people declined to be identified as the ​information is not public. PayPay declined to comment.

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PayPay ​has played a central role in encouraging Japanese consumers to move away from a preference for cash by offering rebates on its payments app.


However, it has had a bumpy IPO path. Its ‌IPO roadshow was initially postponed after markets were jolted by conflict in the Middle East, ​Reuters reported ​last week.
It ⁠had already postponed the IPO last year during the U.S. government shutdown, which disrupted regulatory processes and delayed regulatory filing.

PayPay ​plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol “PAYP”. Reuters first reported its plans for a U.S. listing in 2023.

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E-rideable inquiry chief critical of government inaction

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E-rideable inquiry chief critical of government inaction

The chair of an inquiry into the danger of e-rideables in Western Australia has criticised the state government’s response, arguing urgent changes should be made to regulations now.

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Ford recalls over 83,000 vehicles in two separate safety actions

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Ford recalls over 83,000 vehicles in two separate safety actions

Ford is recalling more than 83,000 vehicles in two separate actions due to issues that could increase the risk of a crash, federal regulators said.

The first recall affects 35,772 model year 2025-2026 Explorer SUVs and the dynamic bending light feature, according to the notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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The affected vehicles have an incorrect headlamp control module software calibration that results in the right headlight turning in the opposite direction of a vehicle turn.

A Ford Bronco Sport outside in a forest.

A model year 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. (Ford Motor Co.)

FORD RECALLS 1.74 MILLION VEHICLES DUE TO REARVIEW CAMERA BLACKOUTS, ISSUES

“When turning the steering wheel on a left curve, the driver’s side (LHS) bending light correctly follows the turn, while the passenger side (RHS) light bends away from the curve,” the recall report said. “Conversely, when turning on a right curve, the left-hand light follows the steering wheel and bends to the right, while the right-hand light bends inward towards the left.”

The report said a headlight that turns incorrectly could result in increased glare to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

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FORD IN DEEP WATER AFTER SWEEPING RECALLS HIT EVERY MODEL SINCE 2020 – WITH ONE EXCEPTION

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.

Updates to fix the headlight control module software will be available over the air or through dealerships at no charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23.

In a separate action, Ford is recalling 47,804 vehicles due to issues with the engine gas recirculation (EGR) valve that could lead to a loss of motive power, most likely at low speeds, which Ford said increases the risk of a crash.

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Ford issued two separate recalls for certain model year 2025-2026 Explorers and certain 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images )

FORD BUILDS ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPLORER FOR POPE LEO XIV

The recall affects certain model year 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles with 1.5-liter, 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter engines.

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to the condition.

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The automaker said a fix is still under development. Owners will be notified by mail once a remedy is available and will need to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a free repair.

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American Tower director Robert D. Hormats to step down after annual meeting

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American Tower director Robert D. Hormats to step down after annual meeting

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Understanding the Rise of Hybrid Working

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Hybrid working has become one of the most discussed topics in the post-pandemic world, with more and more companies shifting their focus to this flexible work arrangement.

In recent years, the way people approach their jobs has undergone a significant transformation.

Advances in technology, changing expectations from employees, and the experiences of recent years have all contributed to a shift in how organisations structure their work environments. One of the most notable developments is the growing popularity of hybrid work models, which allow employees to split their time between working remotely and spending time in a physical office.

This shift represents a broader cultural change in how businesses view productivity and flexibility. Rather than requiring employees to be present in the office every day, many organisations now recognise that different tasks and working styles benefit from different environments. As a result, companies are experimenting with new approaches that combine the advantages of both remote and office-based work.

Why Flexible Work Models Are Gaining Popularity

Many businesses have found that flexible working arrangements provide benefits for both employers and employees. From a recruitment perspective, offering flexibility has become an important way to attract skilled professionals. Job seekers increasingly value roles that allow them greater control over their working patterns, and companies that offer this flexibility often stand out in competitive industries.

Productivity is another key factor. For tasks that require focus and minimal interruption, working from home can often be more efficient. Meanwhile, the office remains a valuable environment for collaboration, brainstorming, and team discussions. A hybrid approach enables organisations to use each setting for its strengths.

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Businesses may also benefit financially. Reduced office occupancy can lead to lower operational costs, while employees save time and money by commuting less frequently. These practical advantages have made hybrid working an appealing option for many companies.

Rethinking the Modern Office

As working patterns evolve, organisations are reconsidering the role of the office itself. Instead of being a place where employees simply sit at desks for the entire workday, offices are increasingly designed as spaces for collaboration and interaction.

Modern workplaces often feature flexible layouts with shared desks, breakout areas, and meeting rooms that encourage teamwork. Social spaces and informal seating areas can also help foster creativity and connection among colleagues. This shift reflects the idea that when employees come into the office, their time should be focused on activities that benefit from face-to-face interaction.

To support these changes, many companies are also reviewing their workplace strategies. Resources such as guidance on hybrid working can help organisations understand how to balance remote and office-based work effectively while ensuring that teams remain productive and connected.

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The Role of Technology

Technology is a central component of successful hybrid workplaces. Cloud-based platforms allow employees to access files, software, and systems from almost anywhere, making it possible to collaborate even when team members are not in the same location.

Communication tools have also become essential. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms help teams stay connected and organised. When used effectively, these technologies ensure that remote workers remain fully involved in discussions, projects, and decision-making processes.

However, technology alone is not enough. Organisations must also develop clear communication practices so that everyone knows when and how to connect with colleagues, regardless of where they are working.

Supporting Employee Wellbeing

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid working is the potential improvement in work–life balance. Employees can often organise their schedules more effectively, allowing them to manage personal commitments while maintaining professional responsibilities.

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At the same time, businesses must be mindful of potential challenges. Remote workers can sometimes feel disconnected if communication is limited, and the absence of clear boundaries between work and home life may lead to longer working hours. Establishing clear expectations and encouraging regular check-ins can help ensure that employees feel supported and engaged.

A Long-Term Shift in Workplace Culture

Hybrid working is increasingly seen as a long-term evolution rather than a temporary adjustment. Organisations that successfully adopt this model are often those that focus on flexibility, strong communication, and thoughtful workplace design.

By recognising that productivity does not depend solely on location, businesses can create environments where employees feel trusted, motivated, and able to perform at their best. As workplace expectations continue to evolve, hybrid models are likely to remain an important part of the future of work.

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California Pizza Kitchen expanding beyond pizza

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California Pizza Kitchen expanding beyond pizza

New frozen food products will include appetizers and entrees.

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Champion to step down from Black Swan State Theatre Company

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Champion to step down from Black Swan State Theatre Company

Acclaimed artistic director Kate Champion will leave Black Swan State Theatre Company after programming five seasons.

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