
BOJ Holds Rates, Plans Slower Tapering of Bond Buying Next Year
The Bank of Japan left its benchmark rate unchanged and decided to taper its bond purchases at a slower pace next year in a sign of caution following heightened market volatility.
The BOJ board led by Governor Kazuo Ueda kept its benchmark policy rate steady at 0.5% at the end of a two-day meeting, according to its statement on Tuesday.

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Midea and AHRI Deepen Global HVAC Alliance with Landmark Visit to China Headquarters
AHRI Leadership Visits Midea to Strengthen Global Standards Collaboration GUANGDONG, China, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 12, Stephen Yurek, President of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), alongside the AHRI management team, visited Midea Air Conditioning Headquarters. The delegation shared AHRI's global organizational structure and mission, discussing future collaboration with Midea to advance regional energy efficiency standards and streamline regulatory pathways for market access across global regions. AHRI also recognized Midea for achieving 100% compliance in AHRI's three consecutive years of certification testing in VMAC, PTHP, PTAC and other categories. Midea attendees included Louis Zhao, President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; Vincent Chou, Vice President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; and Dennis Lee, Vice President of Midea Building Technologies Division International Business. The meeting with AHRI leadership represents a pivotal step toward co-developing global standards and advancing international collaboration in high-performance HVAC solutions. With over 330 member companies in North America alone, AHRI standards cover 95% of HVACR products in the region. With its global service framework expansion, it establishes localized efficiency standards and market access rules, ensuring high-efficiency products enter markets smoothly. Choosing Midea as the first stop of its China visit reflects AHRI's recognition of Midea's leadership in driving energy efficiency upgrades and standard development globally. During the closed-door meeting, both parties explored collaboration frameworks for three market types: Developing Markets: Accelerate electrification and inverter technology adoption through high-efficiency solutions Extreme-Climate Markets: Jointly develop practical efficiency and quality standards based on local usage insights Markets Without Unified Standards: Build foundational regulatory systems to foster healthy competition The discussions focused on leveraging AHRI's expanding footprint (including new Singapore/Dubai offices) to accelerate regulatory harmonization. This alignment ensures Midea's advanced systems qualify for key incentive programs like federal/regional heat pump rebates tied to high-efficiency standards. Stephen Yurek outlined AHRI's global structure, highlighting offices in the U.S., China, India, UAE, and Mexico. He praised Midea's heat pumps delivering up to 100% heating output at -31°F and up to 100% cooling output at 140°F, expressing interest in deeper global collaboration. "Midea commits to pioneering heat pump innovation for unprecedented efficiency and environmental adaptability, while tailoring localized solutions to meet global efficiency regulations," said Louis Zhao, President of Midea's Residential Air Conditioning Division. "We're honored to support AHRI's worldwide strategy by combining our technical expertise with market experiences." Midea Enhances Standards Leadership in North America and Supports AHRI's Global HVAC Frameworks Through Targeted InnovationAHRI's visit elevates the strategic partnership between both parties to new heights. For over a decade, the two organizations have been trusted allies in advocating for high-efficiency, low-carbon transformation. Since 2017, Midea has collaborated with AHRI to actively participate in developing standards for multiple projects including high-efficiency low-temperature heating, eco-friendly refrigerants, and CVP, jointly advancing industry energy efficiency models using the new R454B eco-friendly refrigerant. Midea also actively participates in key leadership and technical forums, including standing committees on Certification and Global Services and a broad range of working groups. This active involvement culminated in a major landmark: Midea became the first Chinese brand admitted into AHRI's Central Ducted Systems Unitary Section Leadership Council. Leveraging AHRI's influential global platform and standards expertise alongside Midea's technological innovation capabilities and market insights, this collaboration will create greater value for global users and inject strong momentum into sustainable industry development. Advancing Heat Pump Innovation to Lead in Performance, Versatility and Market GrowthMidea's technical leadership in the HVAC industry is anchored by its sustained focus on heat pump innovation. Midea has also expanded its heat pump offerings with new product categories such as Packaged Window Heat Pumps (PWHP) for urban retrofits and Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH), with an impressive efficiency rate of up to 400%. The June 12 meeting was designed to further explore strategic pathways for strengthening Midea's leadership in the North American market through deeper technical alignment, ensuring Midea's products continue to meet evolving standards tied to regional and federal electrification and sustainability goals, and expanded certification collaboration with AHRI. Contractors and companies that are interested in becoming a Midea heat pump distributor or consumers seeking to upgrade to Midea's heating and cooling solutions should call 1-888-MIDEA-NA (1-888-643-3262). For more information, visit CONTACT FOR CONTRACTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Midea Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Authentic Brands Group Taps Amazon Exec to Head Marketplace Effort
Authentic Brands Group has brought Amazon executive Tim Derner on board as its new global head of marketplaces. Derner had been at Amazon for more than a decade, serving most recently as director of Amazon Fashion and Luxury Stores where he played a pivotal role in transforming that division into the world's largest fashion retailer. More from WWD France Moves to Curb 'Ultra-fast' Fashion With Bill Targeting Shein and Temu Rebag Expands Access to Pre-loved Luxury Goods With New Amazon Collaboration David Beckham, Jamie Salter Inaugurate Authentic Brands Group APAC Headquarters in Shanghai During his time there, he worked closely with Authentic to significantly expand the online presence of several of its brands including Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Aeropostale and others. At Authentic, Derner will spearhead the expansion of the company's global distribution strategy, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, accelerating brand reach and driving incremental value across platforms, the company said. He reports to Matt Maddox, president, and will work closely with Adam Kronengold, chief digital officer, and Jarrod Weber, global president of sports and lifestyle. 'Marketplaces are a critical engine for long-term brand growth,' said Maddox. 'Tim's track record of building high-performing teams and scaling digital marketplaces worldwide makes him the ideal leader to deepen our capabilities in this space. His appointment marks a significant step in making this channel a cornerstone of our global distribution strategy.' 'Authentic has built an unparalleled portfolio, and there's an incredible opportunity to reimagine how iconic brands show up on global marketplaces,' Derner said. 'We're just scratching the surface of what's possible when great brands are optimized for discovery and conversion at scale, and I'm thrilled to help build on that momentum through world-class marketplace execution.' Authentic owns more than 50 brands and generates about $32 billion in annual retail sales. Best of WWD Kate Middleton's Looks at Trooping the Colour Through the Years [PHOTOS] Young Brooke Shields' Style Evolution, Archive Photos: From Runway Modeling & Red Carpets to Meeting Princess Diana The Most Memorable French Open Tennis Outfits With Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka & More [PHOTOS]
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
STARLUX Airlines Named SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline for 2025
Awarded Within Five Years of Launch, Rises to Ranks of the World's Top Airlines Also Wins Worlds Most Improved Airline Award TAIPEI, Taiwan & PARIS, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines has been awarded the highest rating of 5-Star Airline for 2025 by SKYTRAX, the world's leading airline rating organization. STARLUX officially joins the ranks of the world's top carriers recognized for exceptional quality across all aspects of the passenger journey. The announcement was made at the 2025 World Airline Awards in Paris, where STARLUX was also honored with the World's Most Improved Airline award. SKYTRAX is globally regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the aviation industry. This recognition marks a significant milestone for STARLUX airlines, which launched operations in 2020. In just five years, STARLUX has achieved global prominence with rapid growth, a strong commitment to service excellence, and a clear vision to redefine premium travel from Asia. Commenting on this achievement, STARLUX Airlines CEO, Glenn Chai, who accepted the awards in Paris, said: "Receiving the 5-Star Airline award is an honor and a tremendous encouragement for everyone at STARLUX. We launched operations in 2020, so reaching this milestone highlights our team's resilience and passion. We are thrilled and deeply grateful for our passengers' trust and the dedication of our team. STARLUX will continue expanding our network and raise the bar on safety and service, offering travelers around the world a warm and refined service in the sky." Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "Certifying STARLUX Airlines with the highest 5-Star Airline Rating is a testament to their focus on delivering a high-quality passenger experience, and this top accolade demonstrates how STARLUX Airlines excel in key areas such as cabin comfort, catering, with a very accomplished service delivery onboard each flight." With an expanding long-haul network, STARLUX currently operates routes in the United States to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, CA. In February 2026, the airline will launch a new nonstop service to Phoenix, becoming the first carrier to offer direct flights between Arizona and Asia. As STARLUX prepares to introduce more new aircraft in 2025 and 2026, it is accelerating its growth in both medium- and long-haul operations. STARLUX remains dedicated to offering seamless, premium service across every detail of the journey, while further establishing its presence in North America and beyond. About STARLUX Airlines Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX is a boutique international airline serving a total of 29 destinations from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. STARLUX passengers traveling between Asia and North America are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its four US routes: Taipei-Los Angeles, Taipei-San Francisco, Taipei-Seattle and Taipei-Ontario. In Q1 2026, STARLUX will launch its fifth U.S. destination—Phoenix, further strengthening its transpacific network. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. For more information, visit or on our social channels Facebook and Instagram. About SKYTRAX SKYTRAX is a UK-based international air transport rating organization that was established in 1989. It is best known for its annual World Airline Awards, which are considered among the most prestigious accolades in the aviation industry. Through comprehensive passenger surveys and professional audits, SKYTRAX evaluates airlines and airports across the globe based on quality standards and customer satisfaction. Their trusted ratings and rankings help travelers make informed decisions and encourage continuous improvement across the air travel sector. NOTE TO EDITORS: Company name is stylized in all capital letters: STARLUX Airlines. Your adherence to this stylizing is appreciated in your coverage. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Mary Placido, SKC, Inc.(415) 218-3627mary@