Latest news with #SpringMeeting
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Glamorous racegoers make the most of the hot weather in colourful mini dresses and eye-catching hats at York races
The hemlines and the hats were high in York today AND THEY'RE OFF Glamorous racegoers make the most of the hot weather in colourful mini dresses and eye-catching hats at York races WITH the sun shining across the UK today, racegoers were determined to make the most of the good weather in York. Aiming to top up their tans, guests arrived in an array of mini dresses with plenty of leg on display as they arrived at York racecourse. 12 Bright and bold mini dresses were the chosen attire of many guests this afternoon Credit: nb press ltd 12 It seems that the heels have already taken their toll for some guests Credit: nb press ltd 12 Summer pastels were the chosen colour palette for this trio Credit: nb press ltd 12 The hot weather gave guests a reason to smile in York today Credit: nb press ltd 12 Guests will be topping up their tans at York racecourse today Credit: nb press ltd But while the hemlines might be mini the headgear certainly wasn't with sky-high millinery the order of the day. Brightly coloured hats, headbands and fascinators topped the heads of almost every lady in attendance today. While many have chosen to opt for a shorter dress, full ball gowns could also be seen peppering the crowds. And what better way to keep your hem from trailing than with a pair of killer heels with plenty on show today. The May Spring Meeting at the famous racecourse will see the William Hill Bronte Cup be fought for alongside £90,000 in prize money. Guests could be seen arriving in high spirits for a day of racing in the sun with their friends and family. And they certainly have gone all out with their wardrobe choices, with eye catching prints and elegant tayloring littering the racecourse. The exciting festival has no set dress code, but the website states that the day is 'special' and guests choose to 'dress accordingly.' It adds: "While the only formal dress code at York (within the bounds of decency) is that in the County Stand gentlemen (and those identifying as such) are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie, many racegoers like to dress up and step out in style for a day at York Racecourse." And this was certainly the case today with dapper gentlemen on the arms of the glanmorous ladies. Jim Delahunt's FREE horse racing tips - Does Greg Fairley deserve a second chance Selections at Haydock, York, Chester and Stratford OFFERS OF THE DAY Betfred: Get £50 in free bets - CLAIM HERE BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets - CLAIM HERE Tote: Get £30 in free bets + 50 free spins - CLAIM HERE William Hill: Get £40 in free bets (mobile only) - CLAIM HERE Betfred: *New customers only. 09:00 on 08/03/24 – 17:30 on 15/03/24. Register with CHELT50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports which settles before 23:59 on 15/03/24. Free Bets: £20 Horse Racing, £20 Football Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy within 10 hours. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs apply. BetMGM: New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 4 x £10 Horse racing, 2 x £10 Acca Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ Tote: New customers online only. £10 min stake (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £30 Tote Credit + 50 Free Spins on selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Tote credit subject to 7-day expiry. Free spins subject to 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs apply. William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10 or more we will give you 4x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 12 Guests were in high spirits at the races today Credit: nb press ltd 12 This stylish pair matched their hats to their dresses Credit: nb press ltd 12 This trio looked girlband ready in their full length frocks Credit: nb press ltd "There is no formal dress code for ladies (and those identifying as such), however most choose to dress up for a day at the races - think wedding guest attire," the website says of women's dress. "Lots of female racegoer do like to wear dresses, high heeled shoes together with hats or fascinators, however it's most important that you feel comfortable and enjoy your day!" FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. 12 This pair of pals were pretty in pink in their matching ensembles Credit: nb press ltd 12 This lady in red was hard to miss in her eye catching and elegant ensemble Credit: nb press ltd 12 A giggly group were in great spirits as they arrived in York Credit: nb press ltd
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Backroom diplomacy and battlefield reality: Ukraine at the IMF Spring Meetings
Visiting Washington during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings this April felt surreal. The weather was nice, but the air was heavy with the uncertainty of the tariff war, President Donald Trump's administration's criticisms of international institutions, and the far more immediate tension of geopolitics between Ukraine and the U.S. As reported by the Guardian, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva quoted the movie Bridge of Spies, emphasizing the need to stay calm and focused amid chaos. A U.S. lawyer in the movie tells a Soviet spy that he has been appointed to defend him, and that he will probably be executed. 'You don't seem alarmed,' he says, to which the spy replies, 'Would it help?' The metaphor also fits Ukraine's situation perfectly: in 2025, it is once again navigating perilous waters, maybe even worse than a year before. For Ukraine, this year's IMF meetings were not center stage, but rather the backdrop for two monumental, intertwined developments. First, there was the critical minerals agreement — a deal that could shape Ukraine's economic future by anchoring its resource sector to the U.S.'s sphere of influence. Second, there were ongoing negotiations towards a peace settlement with Russia, where Trump has actively played an intermediary role. Despite developments, in both instances, relations remained strained. These developments far overshadowed the typical Spring Meeting business, at least for the Ukrainian delegation. For Ukraine, Washington 2025 was therefore less about public speeches and more about navigating a complex maze of alliances, negotiations, and backroom deals. The progress on the critical minerals deal brought cautious optimism. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the latest draft (signed on April 30) better aligns with both Ukrainian and EU priorities: crucially, previous Western aid to Ukraine won't be retroactively counted as debt, and no existing Ukrainian revenue streams will be diverted to fund new projects. But memories of the last draft's public leak keep everyone on edge. The peace deal, however, remains the major stumbling block in Ukraine-U.S. relations. While Donald Trump appears determined to end the war at any cost, it is the Ukrainian people who are expected to bear that cost, and they are far from willing to do so. The complexities of the relationship were even spotlighted at a special event at the Spy Museum, where former National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne remarked, 'We do not have a strong track record of appeasing dictators' — a sentiment that resonates deeply with most Ukrainians. By the weekend, however, all conversations turned to the extraordinary scene that had unfolded: after a scandal at the White House, a hastily organized meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump at Pope Francis's funeral became the new focal point. The symbolism was too rich to ignore, and it fuelled new hopes in a lot of hearts. Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko was also in Washington, pursuing the task of securing external funding for 2026. His mission once again underscored Kristalina Georgieva's steadfast commitment to a 'no-alarm' approach. As usual, the IMF emphasized the familiar refrain: the need for stronger revenue generation and disciplined fiscal policy. While essential, these prescriptions have become an almost ritualistic part of Ukraine's dialogue with international lenders. Meanwhile, concerns over Ukraine's debt sustainability continue to loom large, threatening to narrow the space for additional aid. True to form, both the IMF and the World Bank remain skeptical about confiscating frozen Russian assets. With new grants increasingly scarce and debt sustainability concerns limiting access to additional loans, advancing the effort to seize Russian assets remains a critical task Ukraine cannot afford to let slip. Finally, the Innovation Days at Ukraine House unfolded in stark contrast to the grim reality back home. Beneath the bright Washington sun, with green lawns and easy conversations, Ukrainian officials and guests networked and participated in panels. Yet even as ideas were exchanged and opportunities discussed, many attendees kept refreshing their phones: that very morning, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, had endured a deadly Russian attack. While bombs fell on those who remained at home, Ukraine's delegation in Washington tried to balance hope for the future with the horror unfolding in real time. This article was prepared with the support of the European Union and the "Renaissance" International Fund within the framework of the joint initiative 'European Renaissance of Ukraine." The article represents the position of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the International Renaissance Foundation. Read also: Why Zelensky won't — and can't — sell out Ukraine for Trump's peaceWe've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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Business Standard
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India growth story largely intact amid turbulent times: FM Sitharaman
The latest Economic Survey had estimated India's GDP growth in the range of 6.3-6.8 per cent for FY26 Asit Ranjan Mishra Listen to This Article Amid a flurry of downgrades to India's growth forecast by international agencies, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has told the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) that the country's economy is expected to grow by 6.5 per cent in 2025-26, supported by strong domestic consumption and investment demand despite global uncertainties. In a written statement submitted to the advisory body of the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week during the Spring Meeting— before her premature departure for India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack —Sitharaman said India's inflation is likely to remain stable at around 4 per cent in FY26,
Scroll.in
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scroll.in
IMF's World Economic Outlook shows greater uncertainty than during Covid-19
The International Monetary Fund has just published its World Economic Outlook, and it does not take an expert to deduce that, even among some of the world's top economic minds, confident predictions are currently hard to come by. Every spring the IMF and World Bank hold their Spring Meetings in Washington DC: a week of seminars, briefings and press conferences focusing on the global economy, international development and world financial markets. At both the Spring Meetings and the Annual Meeting, held each autumn, the IMF publishes its global economic growth forecasts. For its 2025 Spring Meeting the IMF has published a baseline forecast, as well as an addendum analysing the tariff events that took place between 9 and 14 April. According to the Fund's report, world GDP will grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026. For the euro area, growth will be 0.8% and 1.2% for 2025 and 2026 respectively. These forecasts represent a substantial downward revision from IMF figures published just three months ago. Globally, growth in 2025 is down by 0.5% compared to the Fund's January update, with a reduction of 0.2% for the euro area. One major shift is key to understanding the most recent IMF report and its pessimistic predictions: we live in a much more uncertain world than we did three months ago. Trump, tariffs and uncertainty If one had to sum up the new US tariff policy in a word, 'unpredictable' would suffice, as the so-called 'Liberation Day' of April 2, 2025 represented the largest tariff increase in modern history. Just one week later, the US president then made two further announcements. First, a 90-day freeze on tariff hikes, apparently in search of bilateral agreements with the countries to which he had applied tariffs above 10%. Second, that China would be excluded from this exception, with tariffs on its products being raised to 145%. This freeze means that until July EU goods being sold to the US will have a 10% tariff instead of the 20% that was announced on 2 April. However, the 10% applied by the new US administration is still much higher than the average tariff of 1.34% that was in force before 5 April. But what will the tariff be after these 90 days? What about in December? What about in 2 years' time? What goods will be exempted? How far will the trade war between China and the US go? The answer to all of these questions is: nobody knows. This uncertainty is evident in of the IMF's spring forecast. Uncertainty is off the charts The IMF's world trade uncertainty index is currently seven times higher than it was in October 2024, much higher than in the pandemic. As far as the economy is concerned, this uncertainty is far worse than a high but definitive tariff. With a tariff, companies can at least reorganise their production chain, and consumers can look for alternative products. There is a cost, but at least businesses and consumers can plan for it. However, nobody can calculate these costs today because nobody knows how tariffs will evolve. An American company may decide today to buy a particular product from the EU thinking that the tariff will be 10%, but upon the product's arrival in the US it turns out the tariff has risen to 100% because a presidential advisor said it would be good for the US economy to raise tariffs on that product. Unbelievable though it may sound, this appears to be how the tariffs are being decided and enacted. According to one account, the US Treasury and Commerce Secretaries were only able to persuade Trump to freeze recent tariff hikes because Peter Navarro – the president's economic advisor and tariff ideologue – was in another room at the time. The end result of this unpredictability is that the best course of action, for consumers and businesses alike, is inaction. Fear and volatility It is no surprise that these constant changes of plans are causing great instability in financial markets. Although Trump may have triumphantly celebrated rising stock prices immediately after the tariff freeze was announced, financial markets are now subject to levels of uncertainty and fear similar to those seen during Covid-19. Five years ago, volatility was associated with increased demand for US government debt due to the ' flight to safety ' effect: investors selling higher risk investments and buying safer assets, such as gold and government bonds, in times of uncertainty. Now we are seeing the exact opposite. The price of US bonds has fallen since 'Liberation Day', and this means that investors are selling them. In other words, markets no longer believe that US government debt is a safe asset. Given the role of the dollar and US debt in international markets, this paradigm shift may generate even more financial instability down the line. Supply chains are breaking (again) COVID-19, the last major global economic crisis, has one thing in common with the current situation: disruption of global supply chains. During the pandemic it was confinement that forced production to stop. Today, it is the imposition of tariffs. However, there is another major difference. During Covid people knew it was a matter of time before vaccines became available and normality returned. Today, instability in financial markets comes not from any virus, but from President Trump's own advisors selling him all manner of plans to protect US economic interests.
Mint
27-04-2025
- Business
- Mint
IMF World Economic Outlook: economic uncertainty is now higher than it ever was during COVID
Barcelona, Apr 27 (The Conversation) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has just published its World Economic Outlook, and it does not take an expert to deduce that, even among some of the world's top economic minds, confident predictions are currently hard to come by. Every spring the IMF and World Bank hold their Spring Meetings in Washington DC: a week of seminars, briefings and press conferences focusing on the global economy, international development and world financial markets. At both the Spring Meetings and the Annual Meeting, held each autumn, the IMF publishes its global economic growth forecasts. For its 2025 Spring Meeting the IMF has published a baseline forecast, as well as an addendum analysing the tariff events that took place between 9 and 14 April. According to the Fund's report, world GDP will grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026. For the euro area, growth will be 0.8% and 1.2% for 2025 and 2026 respectively. These forecasts represent a substantial downward revision from IMF figures published just three months ago. Globally, growth in 2025 is down by 0.5% compared to the Fund's January update, with a reduction of 0.2% for the euro area. One major shift is key to understanding the most recent IMF report and its pessimistic predictions: we live in a much more uncertain world than we did three months ago. Trump, tariffs and uncertainty If one had to sum up the new US tariff policy in a word, 'unpredictable' would suffice, as the so-called 'Liberation Day' of 2 April 2025 represented the largest tariff increase in modern history. Just one week later, the US president then made two further announcements. First, a 90-day freeze on tariff hikes, apparently in search of bilateral agreements with the countries to which he had applied tariffs above 10%. Second, that China would be excluded from this exception, with tariffs on its products being raised to 145%. This freeze means that until July EU goods being sold to the US will have a 10% tariff instead of the 20% that was announced on 2 April. However, the 10% applied by the new US administration is still much higher than the average tariff of 1.34% that was in force before 5 April. But what will the tariff be after these 90 days? What about in December? What about in 2 years' time? What goods will be exempted? How far will the trade war between China and the US go? The answer to all of these questions is: nobody knows. This uncertainty is evident in of the IMF's spring forecast. Uncertainty is off the charts The IMF's world trade uncertainty index is currently 7 times higher than it was in October 2024, much higher than in the pandemic. As far as the economy is concerned, this uncertainty is far worse than a high but definitive tariff. With a tariff, companies can at least reorganise their production chain, and consumers can look for alternative products. There is a cost, but at least businesses and consumers can plan for it. However, nobody can calculate these costs today because nobody knows how tariffs will evolve. An American company may decide today to buy a particular product from the EU thinking that the tariff will be 10%, but upon the product's arrival in the US it turns out the tariff has risen to 100% because a presidential advisor said it would be good for the US economy to raise tariffs on that product. Unbelievable though it may sound, this appears to be how the tariffs are being decided and enacted. According to one account, the US Treasury and Commerce Secretaries were only able to persuade Trump to freeze recent tariff hikes because Peter Navarro – the president's economic advisor and tariff ideologue – was in another room at the time. The end result of this unpredictability is that the best course of action, for consumers and businesses alike, is inaction. It is no surprise that these constant changes of plans are causing great instability in financial markets. Although Trump may have triumphantly celebrated rising stock prices immediately after the tariff freeze was announced, financial markets are now subject to levels of uncertainty and fear similar to those seen during COVID-19. Five years ago, volatility was associated with increased demand for US government debt due to the 'flight to safety' effect: investors selling higher risk investments and buying safer assets, such as gold and government bonds, in times of uncertainty. Now we are seeing the exact opposite. The price of US bonds has fallen since 'Liberation Day', and this means that investors are selling them. In other words, markets no longer believe that US government debt is a safe asset. Given the role of the dollar and US debt in international markets, this paradigm shift may generate even more financial instability down the line. Supply chains are breaking (again) COVID-19, the last major global economic crisis, has one thing in common with the current situation: disruption of global supply chains. During the pandemic it was confinement that forced production to stop. Today, it is the imposition of tariffs. However, there is another major difference. During COVID people knew it was a matter of time before vaccines became available and normality returned. Today, instability in financial markets comes not from any virus, but from President Trump's own advisors selling him all manner of plans to protect US economic interests. (The Conversation) AMS First Published: 27 Apr 2025, 09:18 AM IST
