Latest news with #Easter-related
BusinessToday
22-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
April CPI Reading Points To OPR Hold For 2025: Kenanga
Malaysia's headline inflation rate remained unchanged at 1.4% year-on-year in April, marking the lowest level in 50 months, according to Kenanga Investment Bank's Consumer Price Index (CPI) analysis of today's report released by DOSM. The figure was in line with both market consensus and house expectations. Although annual inflation held steady, price pressures inched up month-on-month (MoM) by 0.15%, reversing a flat reading in March. The uptick was driven by increased costs in housing, miscellaneous goods and communication services. These gains were partially offset by a slight monthly decline in food prices, which slipped by 0.06% after rising 0.06% in the previous month. Core inflation, which strips out volatile items such as food and fuel, rose modestly to 2.0% year-on-year (MoM: 0.23%), up from 1.9% in March. This suggests resilient underlying demand in the domestic economy despite the subdued headline figure. Price Pressures Shift Beneath the Surface Housing costs rose slightly to 2.0% (March: 1.9%), underpinned by a notable rise in repair and security costs for dwellings, which surged 6.7%. rose slightly to 2.0% (March: 1.9%), underpinned by a notable rise in repair and security costs for dwellings, which surged 6.7%. Miscellaneous goods and services posted a 4.1% increase (March: 3.6%), led by higher prices for jewellery and watches (up 19.6%). posted a 4.1% increase (March: 3.6%), led by higher prices for jewellery and watches (up 19.6%). Communication deflation eased to -4.5% (March: -5.4%) as mobile service charges rose 2.4% MoM. eased to -4.5% (March: -5.4%) as mobile service charges rose 2.4% MoM. Food and beverage inflation moderated to 2.3% (March: 2.5%)—a six-month low—largely due to the Aidilfitri 2025 Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme. Prices of fresh meat and fish dropped by 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively. moderated to 2.3% (March: 2.5%)—a six-month low—largely due to the Aidilfitri 2025 Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme. Prices of fresh meat and fish dropped by 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively. Global Inflation Trends Mixed Inflation remained uneven across global markets: United States saw inflation ease to 2.3%, the lowest since early 2021. However, core inflation stayed high at 2.8%, leaving the Federal Reserve cautious despite growing speculation over rate cuts. saw inflation ease to 2.3%, the lowest since early 2021. However, core inflation stayed high at 2.8%, leaving the Federal Reserve cautious despite growing speculation over rate cuts. United Kingdom experienced a spike to 3.5%, a 15-month high, due to Easter-related airfare and utility hikes—dampening expectations of a Bank of England rate cut in August. experienced a spike to 3.5%, a 15-month high, due to Easter-related airfare and utility hikes—dampening expectations of a Bank of England rate cut in August. China remained in deflationary territory for the third month at -0.1%, although MoM prices rose slightly by 0.1% on stronger holiday spending. Demand concerns linger amid weak retail sales. remained in deflationary territory for the third month at -0.1%, although MoM prices rose slightly by 0.1% on stronger holiday spending. Demand concerns linger amid weak retail sales. Outlook: Inflation Seen at 2.7% in 2025 Kenanga maintains its 2025 inflation forecast at 2.7% (2024: 1.8%), with the outlook highly contingent on the government's July fuel subsidy rationalisation plan. Other key domestic drivers include a revised electricity tariff structure under RP4 and a potential hike in nationwide water tariffs. While some market watchers expect a possible interest rate cut by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in the fourth quarter of 2025, Kenanga sees the central bank holding steady. The Overnight Policy Rate has remained unchanged since mid-2023, and with inflation under control and growth stable, BNM is likely to maintain its current policy stance unless GDP growth slips below 3.5%. 'Delaying necessary reforms to avoid inflation spikes may hurt economic credibility in the long run,' the report concluded, highlighting the balancing act between price stability, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth. Related
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Irish consumer sentiment drops to two-year low on trade war uncertainty
Irish consumer sentiment has fallen to its lowest level in two years on the back of a global trade war set off by US president Donald Trump. The findings of the April Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey now show that the gap between current conditions and expectations for the future is the largest since the threat of a 'no-deal' Brexit in late 2020. The drop in consumer confidence here is comparable to but slightly larger than marked sentiment declines elsewhere. US consumer sentiment has dropped to its second-lowest monthly reading since 1953. The monthly survey found that most households have confidence in their personal finances for the year ahead their outlook for the wider economy is much gloomier. Exactly how far or how fast Irish economic conditions might weaken in the future remains unclear and subject to rapid and random changes on policy pronouncements from the White House and elsewhere. It makes it difficult for Irish consumers to assess how much to adjust their behaviour. A state of flux as well as fear is likely to dominate consumer sentiment and spending in the coming months. The survey, in partnership with Core Research, shows an index reading of 58.7 in April, significantly lower than the 67.5 figure for March, and marking a second successive month of substantial decline in Irish consumer confidence. The April reading is materially weaker than the 29-year survey average of 84.1 and also some distance below the 66.6 average of the past five years. Economist Austin Hughes said the survey suggests that any pullback in Irish household spending in the months ahead seems likely to be driven by fears about the future rather than current financial problems. "The nature of the very real risks facing the Irish economy from a global trade war at present are very different in terms of the speed and type of fallout to those seen in the 2008 crash," he said. "The survey was taken between April 5th and 15th, during which time there were an almost bewildering number of pronouncements, qualifications, postponements and rumours on trade measures and their possible economic repercussions." However, Mr Hughes said the element of the survey that saw the smallest drop in April was in relation to spending plans. "This element could have been boosted by a falling trend in ECB interest rates and may also have gotten some temporary support from Easter-related outlays." Home improvements The survey asked consumers about specific plans for spending on home improvements. Just under half of Irish consumers (47%) say they have undertaken significant home improvements in the past two years, up markedly from just over one in three consumers (37%) who gave this answer in the 2024 survey. "Our judgement is that a comparatively high incidence of home improvement spend among the 55 to 64 age group may owe something to 'empty nesters' and/or 're-nesters' being financially able and wishing to 'rightspec' their properties for changed household circumstances involving either fewer or more occupants," Mr Hughes said. Read More Irish consumers make permanent switch to own-brand labels
USA Today
19-04-2025
- General
- USA Today
Is Good Friday a federal holiday? See full list of publicly recognized dates for 2025
Is Good Friday a federal holiday? See full list of publicly recognized dates for 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Good Friday 2025: Christians around the world with processions Christians worldwide marched in procession and observed Good Friday, one of the Christianity's most somber days of the year. With Easter-related celebrations slated to kick off this upcoming weekend, some may be wondering if these annual observances are or have ever been formally recognized as federal holidays. Though many Americans observe Holy Week, a week of Christian celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday, including Good Friday, the federal government has not classified the events as public commemorations. Federally-recognized holidays are more secular in nature, as they relate to events that unfolded over the course of the country's history like Memorial Day, which honors the nation's deceased service members. About a dozen or so federal holidays are observed annually. Schools, banks, financial markets and non-essential government agencies are typically closed to observe federal holidays. There are only eight remaining federal holidays from now through the end of the year. Here are the remaining federal holidays in 2025 and when they are. Stock market holiday schedule: Is the market open or closed on Good Friday 2025? Good Friday 2025: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open? Here's what to know Is Good Friday a federal holiday? No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the U.S. Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday either. What's a federal holiday? A federal holiday is essentially a pre-scheduled paid day off for employees of the federal government. Federal holidays, also known as public holidays, are determined by federal officials and recognized by the government. Federal employees typically receive 11 vacation days per calendar year, plus an additional day when a new president is inaugurated. Federal holiday 2025 schedule Here are the calendar dates for the remaining federal holidays, courtesy of the Office of Personnel Management:
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Easter candy sales remain strong locally, nationally
As Easter approaches, one thing remains a constant amid some economic turbulence: customers continue craving sweet treats. Consumers plan to spend $23.6 billion on the spring holiday this year — up from $22.4 billion last year — with candy the overwhelmingly most popular item to purchase among 92% of shoppers, according to a survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The trend holds true at Nibbles & Bits in Dunmore and Hazleton-based Victoria's Candies. 'We're right on track and up about 5% from where we were last year,' said Maggie Calpin, owner of Nibbles & Bits on South Blakely Street. 'I think people like to eat their feelings … I said that during COVID and I'm saying it again with inflation. People like to snack — it gets them through their day.' * Nibbles and Bits sales associates Isabella Fanucci of Clarks Summit, front, and Leah Saravitz of Mayfield prepare candy for the case at the shop in Dunmore on Wednesday. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) * White chocolate chick ganache truffles at Nibbles and Bits in Dunmore. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 Nibbles and Bits sales associates Isabella Fanucci of Clarks Summit, front, and Leah Saravitz of Mayfield prepare candy for the case at the shop in Dunmore on Wednesday. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Calpin recently had patrons travel from Minersville, Bethlehem and Williamsport after learning about her vibrant shop on TikTok and WNEP's 'Home & Backyard' TV show. Paul Esposito, owner and president of Victoria's Candies, also noticed a swarm of customers leading up to Easter. 'Our demand has been up substantially because we're still making a very good, quality product,' he said. 'We haven't changed our sizes down to what other manufacturers have been doing, so people see great value in our products. I think that's why we're seeing increased sales. When people are spending money, they'd much rather spend it on quality than the average candy bar. We've been selling a lot of our hollow molds, Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies. Jelly beans seem to be a hot item this year, too.' In addition to its factory store on North Conahan Drive in Hazleton, Victoria's also has retail locations at the Laurel Mall in Hazle Twp. and the Gateway Shopping Center in Edwardsville. The survey found many consumers — 63% — are inspired by traditions while shopping for Easter-related items. Esposito, president of the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia, feels customers often splurge on candy for the holidays. 'Seeing the trends across our industry, chocolates are always something people are willing to indulge in, even in hard times,' he said. For Calpin, similar to Valentine's Day and Halloween, Easter continues to become a bigger retail event. 'We've noticed the holidays are getting larger and larger,' she said. 'I've seen a lot of people getting gifts for the elderly. It's tradition, it's family, it's people thinking of each other, and I think people like it because it's happy.' Both businesses have been ramping up production and preparing for the final rush leading up to April 20. 'We make anywhere from 500 to 1,000 of each specialty item and we sell out,' Calpin said. 'We're on the third round of truffles. We keep pumping them out and everything is made fresh. It's a lot of 15-to-18-hour days. We've been shipping chocolates all across the country — Oregon, California and Texas. This week it's going to be a madhouse. In the past years, I think people prepared where now they have so much going on in their lives and they're waiting. Easter is later this year, so I think people are easing into it.' Esposito added workers at Victoria's have also been busy producing a variety of different candies. 'We have more than 300 different items for Easter,' he said. 'We introduce new chocolate molds each Easter season — whatever is trendy for the year, and the chocolate-covered divinity egg is really popular this time of the year. There are wait times in our stores, and we sell to other candy stores throughout the country and they're really busy, too. We're running at 100% capacity to keep up with demand.' Some of the best-selling Easter treats at Nibbles & Bits include caramel brownie carrots, chick Oreo pops, and s'mores with homemade marshmallow, Calpin said. Calpin noted the s'more — which features a little bunny butt and grass with edible Oreo dirt — is a new design this year. 'I'm already thinking about next year,' she said. 'It's kind of fun that everyone bounces around to their favorite stores.'
Local Italy
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
La Bella Vita: Italy's Easter traditions and Italian expressions you need to know
La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. Easter is one of the most important yearly celebrations in Italy, which is a clue to why Easter-related expressions are so common in the Italian language. But, if this is your first time spending the vacanze di Pasqua in the country, what can you expect? here's a handy overview of how Easter is celebrated in Italy. The essential guide to Easter in Italy in 2025 As is the case with nearly all major celebrations in Italy, the Italian Pasqua has a strong focus on food. In particular, the traditional Easter Sunday lunch is something of a hallowed ritual where unconscionably large quantities of food are served and consumed without fail every year. But if you do end up overeating (as the author of this article inevitably will) this Easter Sunday, keep in mind that drinking an Italian digestif – a highly alcoholic, intensely flavoured liqueur – may provide some much-needed digestive aid at the end of the meal. Though there is a huge variety of Italian digestivi, with preferences largely varying from region to region, there are some national favourites which you can expect to find in most homes and restaurants around the country. Just like English, the Italian language has plenty of idiomatic phrases that can sound strange to language learners hearing them for the first time. When chatting to native Italian speakers, unexpected talk about wolves, hairy tongues, and people drowning in a glass of water can be confusing - and even a bit alarming - if you've never come across such expressions before. To give you a leg-up when engaging in everyday conversation, here are 15 of the most common Italian idioms and what they mean. Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you'd like to see us write more about on The Local? Please email me at news@
