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Wesfarmers Shares Gain 0.4% as Retail Strength Supports Australian Conglomerate

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Wesfarmers Shares Gain 0.4% as Retail Strength Supports Australian Conglomerate

SYDNEY — Wesfarmers Ltd. shares rose modestly on Friday, closing at A$78.93 after advancing 0.32 or 0.41%, as solid performance in its core retail businesses helped the diversified group outperform a softer broader market.

The gain came as the S&P/ASX 200 index closed lower, highlighting Wesfarmers’ relative resilience. The company, which operates leading Australian retail brands including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks alongside industrial and chemical operations, continues to benefit from steady consumer demand and operational improvements in 2026.

Wesfarmers has reported consistent results this year, with its home improvement and department store divisions showing particular strength. Bunnings has maintained robust sales supported by ongoing housing activity, renovations and trade customer demand. Kmart and Officeworks have delivered value-focused offerings that resonate with cost-conscious shoppers amid economic pressures.

The group’s diversified structure provides balance across retail, chemicals, energy and fertiliser businesses. This mix has historically helped Wesfarmers navigate economic cycles better than more concentrated peers. Recent updates have emphasized cost discipline, digital investment and sustainability initiatives across its portfolio.

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Analysts generally maintain positive outlooks on Wesfarmers. The stock is frequently cited for its strong brand portfolio, reliable earnings and consistent dividend growth. Its market leadership positions in key retail categories and prudent capital allocation support a premium valuation justified by quality and execution track record.

For income investors, Wesfarmers offers an attractive and growing dividend yield backed by strong cash flow generation. The company has a long history of increasing payouts, making it a core holding for many Australian equity income portfolios.

The current share price movement reflects continued investor confidence in Wesfarmers’ defensive qualities and growth potential. Trading volume was in line with recent averages, indicating steady rather than speculative interest.

Broader Australian market context shows mixed performance, with resources facing pressure while consumer and industrial names like Wesfarmers found buyers. The company’s exposure to everyday consumer needs provides insulation from commodity volatility affecting other large-cap stocks.

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Looking ahead, Wesfarmers’ upcoming half-year results will be closely watched for updates on retail trading conditions, industrial performance and capital management strategy. The company continues expanding its store network, enhancing digital capabilities and advancing sustainability targets.

Global consumer trends and domestic economic indicators will influence near-term performance. Wesfarmers’ value-oriented retail offerings position it well to benefit from cautious consumer spending patterns. Its industrial businesses provide additional exposure to commodity and agricultural cycles.

Analysts project continued earnings stability for Wesfarmers, supported by operational excellence and strategic investments. While near-term economic uncertainty exists, the group’s diversified model and strong balance sheet provide a solid foundation for navigating challenges.

For long-term investors, Wesfarmers represents a high-quality Australian blue chip with defensive characteristics and growth potential. Those with longer horizons may view current levels as attractive for accumulation, particularly given the reliable dividend stream. Shorter-term participants might monitor upcoming earnings and economic data for direction.

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The modest gain on Friday fits within normal daily fluctuations for a company of Wesfarmers’ size. It reflects steady support for a business with proven resilience and clear strategic direction rather than a major catalyst.

As one of Australia’s largest listed companies, Wesfarmers plays a significant role in the economy through employment, retail presence and industrial operations. Its performance influences broader market sentiment and reflects conditions in consumer spending and industrial activity.

Wesfarmers continues focusing on operational excellence, customer experience and sustainable practices. Its ability to adapt to changing retail landscapes while maintaining strong returns has been a hallmark of its long-term success.

Investors evaluating Wesfarmers should consider individual risk tolerance, portfolio allocation and investment horizon. The company offers stability, income and moderate growth potential that can complement other holdings in diversified portfolios. Prudent monitoring of key metrics such as same-store sales, margins and capital returns remains advisable.

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Overall, Wesfarmers maintains a position of strength in the Australian corporate landscape. Its diversified operations, iconic retail brands and disciplined management position it favorably to navigate current economic conditions while pursuing longer-term opportunities in retail, industrial and emerging sectors.

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India inflation likely rose to 4% in May as food, fuel costs climb: Reuters poll

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India inflation likely rose to 4% in May as food, fuel costs climb: Reuters poll


India inflation likely rose to 4% in May as food, fuel costs climb: Reuters poll

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(PHOTO) Selena Gomez Teases Rare Beauty Update Amid Taylor Swift Wedding Speculation

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Selena Gomez

NEW YORK — Selena Gomez has sparked fresh speculation about her involvement in Taylor Swift’s rumored wedding by sharing an intriguing update about her cosmetics brand Rare Beauty on social media.

The 33-year-old actress and singer posted a series of images on Instagram on Saturday showcasing her makeup skills while filming the new season of the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.” In the caption, Gomez wrote, “Something very, very exciting is happening with @rarebeauty,” accompanied by a nod to singer Olivia Dean’s 2023 song “I Could Be a Florist.”

Fans quickly interpreted the post as a subtle hint that Gomez may serve as a flower girl at Swift’s anticipated wedding to Travis Kelce. The theory gained traction as followers recalled Gomez previously revealing she would be a flower girl at her own secret engagement announcement to Benny Blanco in 2024. Many comments suggested the “Love On” singer was teasing a similar role in her best friend’s high-profile nuptials.

The Swift-Kelce wedding rumors have intensified in recent weeks, with multiple unconfirmed reports claiming the couple plans to tie the knot on July 4 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Neither Swift nor Kelce’s representatives have commented publicly on the speculation, leaving fans and media to piece together details from social media activity and industry sources.

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Gomez and Swift have maintained a close friendship for years, often supporting each other publicly through social media and joint appearances. Their bond has been a consistent theme in entertainment coverage, with Gomez frequently expressing admiration for Swift’s artistry and personal strength. The possibility of Gomez participating in the wedding aligns with their long-standing sister-like relationship.

Gomez’s Instagram post comes at a busy time. She is currently filming the latest season of “Only Murders in the Building” alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. The mystery-comedy series has been a critical and commercial success for Hulu, showcasing Gomez’s range as an actress beyond her music and beauty empire.

Rare Beauty, founded by Gomez in 2020, has grown into a significant player in the clean beauty space. The brand emphasizes mental health awareness and inclusivity, values that Gomez has championed throughout her career. The teased “very exciting” development could involve a new product launch, collaboration or campaign, though details remain undisclosed.

The timing of Gomez’s post has fueled wedding-related excitement among Swift’s global fanbase, known as Swifties. Social media platforms lit up with theories, fan edits and supportive messages celebrating the friendship between the two stars. Many noted the poetic connection between the song choice and the floral theme often associated with weddings.

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Gomez’s journey from child actress to multifaceted entertainer has been marked by openness about mental health struggles and personal growth. Her relationship with Blanco, announced quietly last year, has been portrayed as a source of stability and joy. Fans see parallels in how both Gomez and Swift have navigated fame while prioritizing authentic connections.

Swift and Kelce’s relationship has captivated the public since it became public in 2024. The NFL star and the record-breaking musician have been spotted together at games, events and private outings, generating substantial media coverage and boosting Kelce’s visibility beyond sports. Their rumored wedding would represent a major cultural moment, blending pop music, sports and celebrity in a high-profile celebration.

Industry observers note that any involvement by Gomez would add another layer of star power to the event. Her presence as a flower girl would echo the playful, personal touches that have characterized Swift’s public persona. The singer’s close circle of friends, often referred to as her “squad,” has long been a source of support and inspiration in her life and work.

While wedding details remain unconfirmed, the speculation has already influenced cultural conversations. Fashion experts predict significant interest in bridal trends, while entertainment analysts anticipate increased engagement across platforms whenever new information emerges.

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Gomez’s Rare Beauty update serves as a reminder of her entrepreneurial success alongside her acting and music careers. The brand’s focus on accessibility and mental wellness has resonated with consumers, contributing to its rapid growth in the competitive beauty market. Any new announcement tied to the brand would likely generate substantial commercial interest.

As Gomez continues balancing multiple projects, her willingness to share personal moments like the Instagram post strengthens her connection with fans. The post not only teases business developments but also subtly acknowledges her friendship with Swift at a potentially significant time.

For Swifties and Gomez’s supporters, the overlapping storylines create an exciting narrative of friendship, success and celebration. Whether the Rare Beauty tease directly relates to wedding festivities or represents an independent brand milestone, it has amplified anticipation around both women’s current chapters.

The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity on Swift and Kelce’s plans, as well as Gomez’s teased Rare Beauty initiative. Until then, fans will continue parsing social media clues and celebrating the bonds that connect these prominent figures in entertainment.

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Gomez’s message, though brief, carries emotional weight for those following the intertwined stories of these stars. It reinforces themes of gratitude, friendship and personal achievement that have defined much of her public journey. As anticipation builds, the entertainment world watches closely for the next chapter in these high-profile narratives.

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Audioboom shares fall after company ends sale talks

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Audioboom shares fall after company ends sale talks

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Rio Tinto Shares Fall Nearly 2% as Iron Ore Prices Pressure Mining Stocks

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Rio Tinto Shares Fall Nearly 2% as Iron Ore Prices

SYDNEY — Rio Tinto Ltd. shares declined on Friday, closing at A$184.58 after losing 3.50 or 1.86%, as softer iron ore prices and cautious sentiment across the resources sector weighed on Australia’s second-largest mining company.

The move extended recent weakness for the diversified miner, which has faced headwinds from fluctuating commodity markets despite solid operational performance. Rio Tinto, a major global producer of iron ore, copper, aluminum and other critical minerals, remains highly sensitive to developments in China and broader industrial demand.

Trading volume was elevated as the stock underperformed the broader S&P/ASX 200 index. The decline reflects ongoing investor rotation away from resource stocks amid concerns over near-term demand signals from major economies. Iron ore, Rio Tinto’s flagship commodity, has experienced volatility in recent weeks, pressuring valuations across the sector.

Analysts noted that while Rio Tinto maintains strong fundamentals, near-term commodity softness has dominated market narratives. The company’s low-cost operations and diversified portfolio have historically provided resilience, but current pricing dynamics have led to profit-taking and cautious positioning by investors.

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Rio Tinto has reported robust production figures in 2026, with iron ore output meeting or exceeding guidance at key Pilbara operations in Western Australia. Copper production has also shown growth, supported by assets in Mongolia and elsewhere. The company continues advancing projects in lithium and other future-facing minerals, aligning with global energy transition trends.

Despite these operational strengths, share price performance has been influenced by external factors. Chinese steel production and property sector activity remain key variables for iron ore demand. Recent data showing moderation in some industrial indicators has contributed to the recent pullback in mining stocks.

Rio Tinto maintains a disciplined approach to capital allocation, with strong free cash flow supporting dividends and selective growth investments. The company’s interim dividend has been well-received by income-focused investors, providing a reliable yield even during periods of commodity volatility.

For longer-term investors, Rio Tinto offers exposure to structural demand drivers in copper and other metals essential for electrification and renewable energy technologies. Its Pilbara iron ore operations remain among the world’s most efficient, providing competitive advantages through the cycle.

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Valuation metrics suggest the shares trade at reasonable levels relative to historical averages when considering long-term commodity outlooks. However, near-term uncertainty around China’s economic trajectory and global growth prospects has introduced volatility.

Broader Australian resources sector context shows similar pressure on major players. The sector, a significant contributor to the national economy and ASX performance, has been a key driver of gains earlier in the year but now faces consolidation amid mixed signals.

Looking ahead, Rio Tinto’s upcoming operational updates and production guidance will be closely monitored. The company continues investing in automation, sustainability initiatives and low-carbon technologies across its portfolio. Projects such as the expansion of copper operations and exploration in critical minerals position it for potential growth as global demand evolves.

Global factors, including U.S.-China trade dynamics, energy prices and geopolitical developments, continue to influence commodity markets. Rio Tinto’s diversified asset base across multiple continents provides some natural hedges against regional disruptions.

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Analysts generally maintain constructive longer-term views on Rio Tinto, citing its operational excellence, strong balance sheet and exposure to future-facing commodities. While near-term headwinds exist, the company’s scale and low-cost production should support margins through market cycles.

For investors, the current share price level may represent an opportunity to accumulate a high-quality mining stock with diversified exposure. Those with shorter time horizons might prefer waiting for clearer signals on commodity prices and Chinese demand indicators.

The modest decline on Friday fits within normal daily movements for a company of Rio Tinto’s size. It reflects broader sector sentiment rather than company-specific news. Rio Tinto has not released material updates that would explain the session’s trading.

As one of Australia’s largest listed companies, Rio Tinto plays a vital role in the national economy through employment, exports and tax contributions. Its performance influences broader market confidence and reflects conditions in global commodity markets.

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Rio Tinto continues emphasizing safety, sustainability and community engagement across its operations. Its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy projects aligns with evolving stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

Investors evaluating Rio Tinto should consider individual risk tolerance, portfolio allocation and time horizon. The company offers exposure to global commodity cycles with a high-quality operator, but volatility remains inherent to the mining sector. Diversification across industries can help manage company-specific and cyclical risks.

Friday’s trading session served as a reminder of the resources sector’s sensitivity to sentiment shifts. While near-term pressures exist, structural drivers supporting demand for Rio Tinto’s key commodities suggest potential for recovery as markets digest current uncertainties.

Market participants will now assess next week’s economic calendar, including any further data from China and other major economies. The balance between global growth expectations, supply responses and energy transition trends will remain central to mining sector performance.

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Overall, Rio Tinto maintains a position of strength in the global mining industry. Its diversified asset base, operational excellence and strategic focus on critical minerals position it favorably to navigate current challenges while capitalizing on longer-term opportunities in the evolving resource landscape.

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FTSE 100 today: Stocks down as Iran-Israel war reignites

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Tata’s new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot facing delay

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A delay in getting enough electricity to the Port Talbot site means there is currently a 12-month delay to the new electric arc furnace opening but bosses are confident that could come down

Tata Steel Port Talbot

(Image: John Myers)

The opening of Tata’s new electric arc furnace at the Port Talbot steelworks could be delayed by up to 12 months, bosses have said, although they say they are hopeful that time can be reduced.

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The electric arc furnace is a £1.25bn scheme to build one of the largest such furnaces in the world. The project, partly funded by the UK Government, is to replace the historic blast furnaces at the steelworks.

But issues have emerged with getting power to the site which could delay its start date by up to a year.

Tata Steel’s chief financial officer Koushik Chatterjee has said the delay was 18 months but has already reduced to 12 months. The Indian-owned company is hopeful it will reduce further.

He said “securing access to high-power electricity is critical for our planned transition”.

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“While we are working with the electricity system operator and the National Grid for new electrical infrastructure National Grid has formally alerted us that their connectivity project is delayed,” said Mr Chatterjee.

“This is critical for Tata Steel UK for the project commissioning. We are in conversation with National Grid and the UK Government on resolution of the issues.”

Asked about how long the delay might be Mr Chatterjee, Tata’s executive director and chief financial officer, said that was being discussed.

He replied: “Somewhat between, say, six months to eight months will certainly be there, maybe higher, after we have built the plant. The initial estimate was around 18 months. It has come down to 12 months and we’re actively working to see if we can reduce it further but there will be some delays imminent.”

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He said the company was working with partners including the UK Government, the National Grid, and its electricity supplier to “see if we can mitigate”.

In a call three weeks ago CEO TV Narendran told journalists: “There is a delay of about 12 months in the electricity supply. What we are trying to see is at least some connection, one line, as soon as the plant is ready so we can do some trials, test out some equipment etc so we don’t waste the time that we’re waiting for the full electricity connection.

“Then what we are planning to do is to ramp up that we had scheduled after the commissioning how to compress that to make sure we catch up on the project.

“if we do the preparatory work before the full electricity connection is there we can do a quicker ramp up”.

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In the call Mr Chatterjee said fixed costs in the UK in the last two years had fallen by 50%.

Before the delay in power access an operational estimate of late 2027 or early 2028 had been given. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The National Grid is building a new substation at its Margam site and delivering a second 275kV substation on Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site – which requires new supergrid transformers, as well as a 2km underground cable connecting the two substations to deliver the EAF.

It is understood issues emerged with ground conditions, and environmental and planning considerations, once work had started but that teams from National Grid have been on site since September.

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Work on the new Margam substation will start in the coming weeks.

In recent days the Tata site has also been hit with a major fire.

Tata said its controversial decision to shut the historic steel plant’s two blast furnaces, signalling the end of steelmaking from raw materials in Wales, was due to a combination of cost-cutting and a move to decarbonising its operations.

On September 30, 2024, blast furnace four – the final one operating at the vast site – was closed ending 100 years of primary steel-making .

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The site is being reworked around an electric arc furnace to recycle previously-used steel and when the decision was made Tata announced 2,800 job losses with the majority in Port Talbot. We now know that between September 2024 and the end of July 2025 2,162 people left the business.

Tata says it has lost £4bn in Port Talbot since 2007 and the new furnace would ensure a “financially and environmentally sustainable future” as well as reducing the site’s carbon emissions by 90%.

The UK Government gave £500m to the plans.

A Tata spokesman said: “The electric arc furnace programme is a major industrial project and, like all projects of this scale, timelines continue to evolve as detailed engineering, construction, and infrastructure work progresses.

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“While we are still discussing potential adjustments to the commissioning timetable we are working closely with National Grid, our construction partners, and the UK Government to deliver the project safely and as quickly as possible.

“We have already met a series of key milestones in the construction phase and the shipment of major components including the EAF shells, tilting platform, and Consteel conveyor will commence imminently.”

A National Grid spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of this project and remain committed to delivering the connection safely and at pace, working closely with our partners. Construction is underway and good progress is being made. This is a major, multimillion pound programme involving complex engineering, subject to environmental and planning considerations which require careful design and delivery.”

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Sterlite Tech shares slide 5% after rallying 56% in one month. Here’s why

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Sterlite Tech shares slide 5% after rallying 56% in one month. Here's why
Shares of Sterlite Technologies dropped 5% to hit the lower circuit on Monday, after a massive 56% surge in one month and a whopping 474% rally so far in 2026, as a pause in the global AI optimism dampened sentiment.

Shares of the company remained locked in the lower circuit at Rs 588.30 apiece on NSE in the morning trading hours of Monday.

AI rally slams the brakes

South Korea’s Kospi plunged 9% on Monday morning, leading to a 20-minute trading halt, as the massive selloff in tech stocks raged on. The index is now down about 14% from the record high it touched last week. The sharp downturn came after heavyweights and semiconductor stocks tumbled, including Samsung shares which crashed over 6%.

The sharp plunge in Kospi reflects the sharp pause in the AI rally, as too much of the benchmark index’s earlier momentum had become tied to the performance of a small group of AI-linked stocks. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together account for nearly half of the KOSPI’s weighting and have contributed roughly two-thirds of the benchmark’s gains this year.

Also read:
Kospi crashes 9%, trading halted for 20 minutes, as chip rout deepens; Samsung, SK Hynix worst hitSterlite Technologies shares had emerged as one of the biggest multibaggers of 2026, riding on explosive demand for AI-linked data centre infrastructure. Sterlite, the optical-fiber maker owned by the Vedanta Group, was seen as the “poster child” for the AI boom. This came amid expectations that the world’s AI expansion needs massive amounts of high-speed connectivity infrastructure, and optical fibre is becoming the backbone of that ecosystem.

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The company late in May announced that its subsidiary has secured a multi-year supply agreement valued at $1.11 billion from a global hyperscaler for AI-ready data centre infrastructure projects in the US. Hong Kong-based CLSA had said that this significantly strengthens Sterlite’s positioning in AI data centres while improving medium-term growth visibility. It expected the order to reinforce Sterlite’s competitiveness in global markets, while maintaining an “Outperform” rating on the stock.
However, the sharp crash in tech stocks led to rising worries that the AI rally was fizzling out, which may have led to the downtrend in Sterlite Tech shares today.

Also read:
Hidden AI Winners

Sterlite Tech share price

Sterlite Tech shares have gained 5% in one week and 56% in one month. The stock delivered a whopping 676% return over one year, 282% over three years and 119% in five years.The company currently has a market capitalisation of nearly Rs 28,719 crore.

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

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Jyske Bank buys back shares worth DKK 58 million in week 23

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Jyske Bank buys back shares worth DKK 58 million in week 23

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South Korea’s KOSPI craters nearly 9% as Fed fears hammer tech stocks

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South Korea’s KOSPI craters nearly 9% as Fed fears hammer tech stocks


South Korea’s KOSPI craters nearly 9% as Fed fears hammer tech stocks

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Opinion: Climate projections reined-in

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Opinion: Climate projections reined-in

OPINION: A change in a future climate modelling pathway has been described as “the most significant development in climate research in decades”.

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