Latest news with #Vara
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Swiss chemical maker Sika's half-year sales falls, misses analyst estimate
ZURICH, July 29 (Reuters) - Sika (SIKA.S), opens new tab reported lower half-year sales and profit on Tuesday as the weaker dollar shrunk the construction chemicals maker's earnings when converted back into Swiss francs. The company, which makes products used to strengthen and waterproof walls and floors, said its sales fell 2.7% to 5.68 billion Swiss francs ($7.08 billion) in the six months to June 30. Analysts had forecast 5.72 billion francs, according to a consensus compiled by Vara. ($1 = 0.8026 Swiss francs)
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Swiss chemical maker Sika's half-year sales fall, miss analyst estimate
ZURICH, July 29 (Reuters) - Sika (SIKA.S), opens new tab reported lower half-year sales and profit on Tuesday as the weaker dollar shrunk the construction chemicals maker's earnings when converted back into Swiss francs. The company, which makes products used to strengthen and waterproof walls and floors, said its sales fell 2.7% to 5.68 billion Swiss francs ($7.08 billion) in the six months to June 30. Analysts had forecast 5.72 billion francs, according to a consensus compiled by Vara. The company largely attributed the downturn to translation effects of the weaker dollar, which trimmed the revenue from Sika's biggest market - the United States - when converted into Swiss francs. In local currencies, which takes out the impact of currency fluctuations, Sika's sales grew 1.6%, driven by organic growth and a boost from acquisitions. The company's core operating profit (EBITDA) fell to 1.07 billion Swiss francs, missing analysts' forecast of 1.09 billion francs. Sika's results give insight into the health of the broader construction industry, with its chemical additives being used in infrastructure projects such as the Daimer Basha dam in Pakistan and the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the U.S. and Canada. "Sika is therefore largely unaffected by trade tariffs and can reliably supply its customers, even in challenging market conditions," the company said. For the full 2025 business year, Sika expects a modest sales increase in local currencies and continues to expect an over-proportional increase in EBITDA and an EBITDA margin of between 19.5% and 19.8%. ($1 = 0.8026 Swiss francs)
Elle
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
9 Summer Skirts And The Flat Shoes To Pair Them With
Good style is anything but formulaic, but it always helps to have a few failsafe combinations up your sleeve – especially when a) temperatures are soaring, b) you're on holiday and have better things to do than to outfit-plan, or c) both of the above. We have the perfect solution: choose one of nine summer skirt styles and match them to the perfect flat shoe, as per our carefully curated guide. From flip flops to the sneaker-ballet-shoe hybrid, fisherman sandals to pirate boots, we have narrowed down a few of our favourite flats (all perfectly suited to summer strolls, whether you're in the city or somewhere in view of sea) and picked out the trending skirts to pair them with, from slinky slips to flippy minis – all with the help of some of fashion's best-dressed insiders. Pin your favourite outfits to your summer moodboard and come back to them when you're feeling frazzled but in search of an excellent ensemble. Let us count the ways we love the slip-skirt trend. Firstly, one can be procured blissfully easily on the vintage market – or indeed, there are many beautiful new iterations, whether you want to splurge (The Row), save (Mango) or find a happy medium (Dôen). Secondly, it's so versatile; it looks just as good with flip flops or ballet flats now as it will with a cashmere knit and knee-high boots come autumn. Don't forget an anklet and/or toe ring. Part trainer, part ballet flat, the sneakerina is the hybrid shoe that will make summer strolls more stylish and more comfortable. Do like Iris Law and team Foundry Mews' dance-inspired pair with a pleated mini skirt – or a flippy skort, like Peachy Den's Kylie style. The ballerina version of Puma's Speedcat and Adidas's Taekwondo Mei shoe also work well. An almond-toe ballerina feels like a more polished alternative to the classic ballet flat, and the perfect partner to a 1990s-inspired polka-dot skirt from Susa Musa or Miu Miu. Take cues from Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks and opt for Chanel's new-season, two-tone style or consider Ferragamo's iconic Vara pump, which was the shoe of choice for Caro Editions' SS25 lookbook. We've long sung the praises of the naked dress, but let's discuss the wildly more versatile naked skirt. Chanel, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, and more all made strong cases for this ethereal garment, which can be dressed up with heels or made casual with flats. A pair of Mary Janes brings a down-to-earth touch to a tulle or organza style. The Noughties trend of wearing one's skirt over one's trousers has made a triumphant return. At Bottega Veneta and Johanna Parv's SS25 shows, the hybrid garment was teamed with sleek heeled pumps, but it looks just as good with flatform sandals, as content creator Liv Madeline proves. When dressing for a heatwave, keep it simple in a crisp white midi skirt, oversized shirt and, the pièce de résistance, a pair of fisherman sandals. For something a little fun, opt for jelly styles from Loeffler Randall or Straw London, or go classic with a leather pair from Grenson, The Row, or Toast. The frou-frouness of a ruffled floral mini skirt – or indeed, a bubble-hem one – is instantly tempered by a pair of slim-profile trainers. Miu Miu's cult low-tops are a natural choice, but Adidas's Tokyo or SL 72 styles also work well. On top, keep things form-fitting and considered or do the exact opposite and throw on an oversized vintage band T-shirt. An asymmetric skirt makes every outfit more interesting, as does a pair of slouchy pirate boots – better yet when the two converge. We love the handkerchief-hem style on this fashion week guest. As for the boots, you can't do better than Vivienne Westwood's iconic, buckle-adorned style, which have peaked in popularity on pre-loved marketplaces. Flounced silhouettes popped up in a few places at fashion week, from the peplum-topped chiffon trousers at Alaïa's SS25 show to mermaid maxis on showgoers themselves. Balance the drama of a fishtail skirt with the nonchalance of a thong sandal – something simple and embellishment-free, ideally.
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Ordinance issued to regulate virtual assets
The president on Thursday issued an ordinance to establish a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) to regulate the services related to virtual assets in the country with a view to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. President Asif Zardari signed the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2025, which would come into force immediately all over the country. The head office of the authority would be in Islamabad, but its regional offices could be established anywhere. The ordinance says that the Vara will have the status of a corporate body, hence, it will be able to hold property, makes purchases and sales and enter into contracts. according to the ordinance, it will also be able to file cases, according to the ordinance. Vara is empowered to issue, suspend or revoke licences for virtual assets and service providers; make regulations for the supervision and regulation of virtual assets; take steps to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, with powers of investigation, disciplinary action and imposing fines. According the ordinance, a board will run the affairs of Vara. The board would have a chairman of the board and two members from the Finance Ministry and the Law Ministry. It could include more members as advisers. The term of office of the chairman and non-official members will be three years. The ordinance says that no person would provide services related to virtual assets without a licence issued by Vara. It adds that fine could be imposed if someone found offering those services without a licence.
The National
07-07-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE denies crypto investors have been offered exclusive golden visas
The UAE is not issuing golden visas to cryptocurrency investors despite claims to the contrary on social media, authorities said. A claim from a blockchain technology company circulated on various social media platforms had suggested crypto investors had the exclusive opportunity to secure a golden visa after paying a one-time fee. But the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) issued a joint statement on Sunday to clarify that was not the case. The ICP said golden visas were only issued according to officially approved frameworks and criteria, which do not include digital currency investors. Eligible categories include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and specialists, top students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers. The SCA, meanwhile, highlighted its commitment to internationally recognised standards in regulating the financial sector and securities services in the Emirates. Digital currency investments in the UAE are governed by specific regulations and are unrelated to golden visa eligibility, the authority added. Vara also urged investors and consumers to deal only with fully licensed and regulated companies in any engagement with virtual assets. The three authorities collectively urged the public and investors to exercise caution and refer to official government websites and approved communication channels for accurate information. What are the benefits of a golden visa? Multiple entry into the UAE, with no restrictions on travelling in and out of the country. Golden visa holders do not need a local sponsor, which gives them more autonomy. Visa holders and their dependents can work, live and study in the UAE and have access to the country's government and private sector services. The visa also covers spouses, children and parents to enjoy the same benefits as the primary visa-holder.
