Latest news with #Wait
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Consumer market outlook reveals cautious optimism in South Africa
The BMR projected modest growth in real household consumption, underpinned by wage increases and easing inflation, will battle against high household debt and a heavier burden of personal income tax. Image: File photo The Bureau for Market Research (BMR) has remained cautiously optimistic about the consumer landscape in South Africa over the next three years. This is according to the BMR's latest flagship study, titled Consumer Market Outlook for 2025 to 2027, which delivered critical insights into evolving consumer sentiment and spending habits shaped by macroeconomic influences in South Africa. Authored by Dr Requier Wait, chief researcher at the BMR, the report examines how changing economic and policy conditions are poised to impact consumer behaviour over the next three years. The BMR projected that modest growth in real household consumption, underpinned by wage increases and easing inflation, will battle against high household debt and a heavier burden of personal income tax. The report forecasts a 2% rise in retail sales in real terms for 2025, although a gradual slowdown is expected in the following years. Key sectors such as textiles and household goods are predicted to spearhead this recovery, while the phenomenon of Black Friday continues to emerge as a pivotal retail catalyst. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Now more than ever, a clear understanding of the consumer landscape is essential,' said Dr Wait. 'South African consumers are navigating a complex environment marked by sluggish growth, global volatility, and rising financial pressures. This report is designed to equip businesses and policymakers with the foresight needed to adapt and lead in an increasingly uncertain environment.' This comprehensive forecast explores how shifting economic and policy conditions are likely to shape consumer behaviourover the next three years. Drawing on both local and global trends, the study integrates policy uncertainty metrics, retail performance indicators, and broader macroeconomic signals. Key themes illuminated by the report include: Macroeconomic pressures: Lingering policy ambiguity and fiscal uncertainties weigh heavily on the national outlook as GDP growth remains subdued. Lingering policy ambiguity and fiscal uncertainties weigh heavily on the national outlook as GDP growth remains subdued. Evolving retail dynamics: The shifting landscape of retail is increasingly characterised by events such as Black Friday, which play a crucial role in seasonal sales performance. The shifting landscape of retail is increasingly characterised by events such as Black Friday, which play a crucial role in seasonal sales performance. Signs of sectoral recovery: Resilience is noted in specific sectors, particularly services and manufacturing, contributing to mild gains in employment and wage growth. Resilience is noted in specific sectors, particularly services and manufacturing, contributing to mild gains in employment and wage growth. Heightened consumer vulnerability: Persistently rising living costs, unchanged tax brackets amidst inflation, and soaring household debt are continually squeezing disposable income and spending potential. Furthermore, the report identifies vital areas requiring adaptation from businesses and policymakers, particularly in response to the rapid advancement of generative AI, a shift towards sustainability, and ongoing digital disruption. Dr Wait emphasised the necessity for 'ambidextrous leadership' — the ability to balance operational efficiency and innovation. 'Those businesses that both exploit their current strengths and explore emergingopportunities, whether in AI, ESG practices or digital sales, are best positioned to thrivedespite market uncertainty,' Dr Wait said. 'We hope this report becomes a reference point for decision-makers. The consumer marketis not static, it reflects and amplifies every shift in policy, productivity and perception.' BMR CEO, Professor Deon Tustin, said their latest release was intended to support business and government stakeholders in refining strategy, pricing and resource allocation decisions in a high-risk economic landscape. 'This report reflects the BMR's commitment to delivering research that enables evidence-based decision-making,' Tustin said. 'In a period marked by volatility and transformation, access to clear, forward-looking insights is essential for shapingresilient business strategies and effective policy responses.' BUSINESS REPORT
Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Ownership can't let Alex Bregman be a one-and-done Red Sox like Adrian Beltré in 2010
The Red Sox cannot let Alex Bregman become the Adrian Beltré of this decade, a perfect fit (at third base, no less) who doesn't stick around, a what-could-have-been one-and-done in Boston. They need to get him signed, even if the terms sting a little, and even if the length of the deal brings pause. Bregman, the rock-solid Astros star, left Houston after eight seasons, two World Series titles, and, uh, one noisy scandal, to sign a three-year, $120 million dollar contract with the Red Sox in February. But anyone who paid attention to the details — and the leverage Bregman and his agent, the renowned Scott Boras, secured — recognized that it was only Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Alex Bregman has historically had good numbers at Fenway Park, including a 1.029 OPS. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Advertisement The contract included opt outs after this season as well as 2026. So if he proved to be a good fit with the Red Sox and produced at his usual reliable-to-excellent rate, he could go back on the market, and at the very least try to wring even better terms out of the Red Sox. Well, you know what has happened. He's in position to do some wringin'. Save for a quad injury that cost him 43 games from May 23 until his July 11 return, Bregman has been exactly what the Red Sox need on the field and off. Advertisement Alex Bregman (top) missed about six weeks with a quad injury, returning shortly before the All-Star break. Barry Chin/Globe Staff A Gold Glove winner for the first time last season, Bregman has played his usual stellar defense at third base, which has helped stabilize a Red Sox infield that was held hostage to some degree by current Giants invisible man Rafael Devers's defensive shortcomings in recent seasons. He has a righthanded swing tailor-made for Fenway, and has mashed there to a .314/.423/.605 slash line in 222 career plate appearances, which is getting into Fred Lynn, This-Guy-Was-Born-To-Hit-Here territory. (Lynn slashed .347/.420/.601 in 1,833 plate appearances at Fenway, and this is where you say 'He'd be in Cooperstown if he'd stayed here his whole career' and I nod in agreement.) Yet Bregman has hit even better on the road in his first year with the Red Sox, with a .950 OPS and eight homers on the road, compared to .866 and four homers so far at Fenway. His three-run bomb as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning Sunday at Wrigley Field – which turned a tenuous 2-1 lead into a 5-1 advantage and a chance to exhale against a very talented Cubs team – ranks as one of the more memorable moments of a season that has stacked up more than a few highlights recently. (It should be noted that the homer came off former Red Sox lefty Drew Pomeranz, who is the lefthanded reliever on the Wait, That Guy Is Still In The Majors? team.) Alex Bregman (right) was excited to extend the Red Sox' lead with a pinch-hit three-run homer Sunday at Wrigley Field. Paul Beaty/Associated Press Fenway suits Bregman, and Bregman suits the Red Sox in ways that extend beyond his palpable value on the field. I'll admit, I've always thought clubhouse leadership — particularly in how veteran players set an example for younger ones — is a bit exaggerated, and sometimes a lot exaggerated. Advertisement Young ballplayers do need to be shown the ropes, to learn the protocols and logistics and do's and don'ts of being a big leaguer, but I also believe their character as human beings, for better or worse, is developed before they get that dream-come-true message that they're headed to the big leagues. But I'll concede that the extremes do matter. I'm sure beyond a doubt that — to offer a specific example — Carl Everett poised the well with some young players on the 2000-01 Red Sox. They learned exactly how not to behave, and mimicked it. And I have come to believe that a player like Bregman — who makes a conscious effort to do everything right within the confines of a ballgame, who makes himself available and shares his knowledge with younger players, and who has the kind of experience, including 99 career playoff games, that demands respect — has great value beyond the numbers on his No, Bregman wasn't chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's most impactful pickup in the offseason. That designation belongs to But Bregman makes for a heck of a runner-up. In many ways, he fills what has been missing from this team since Dustin Pedroia had to retire before his time. Advertisement He's exactly what the Red Sox need now, and at 31 years old, he's the perfect complement going forward as Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer develop into the franchise cornerstones. Maybe it won't be easy to lock him up. While we sometimes forget that Boras works for his clients and not vice versa, players that hire him aren't looking to be someone's bargain. But it must be noted that Xander Bogaerts and Jason Varitek were among those who signed deals here despite Boras believing they could have received more money and/or years elsewhere. In 2010, his only season with the Red Sox, Adrian Beltré led the American League with 49 doubles and hit .321 with 28 home runs and 102 RBIs. Barry Chin Bregman and his family do seem to love Boston, and Fenway certainly has been friendly to him. The Red Sox blew it when they let Beltré — one of the finest third basemen of all time, a joy to watch, and a 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee — get away 15 years ago. They can't make the same mistake with Bregman. The guy made his name, and all that implies for better and worse, in Houston. But he was born to play in Boston. Pay him like you know it. Chad Finn can be reached at
Axios
18-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Houston Public Media faces future without federal funding
Houston Public Media says that any loss of federal funding could affect its ability to continue delivering local news and information to Houstonians. Why it matters: HPM reaches more than 2.7 million people each month across its television, radio and digital platforms. Catch up quick: Congress on Friday voted to cut nearly $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) through 2026 and 2027, marking a devastating blow for PBS and NPR. Zoom in: For HPM — which operates NPR affiliate KUHF (88.7 FM) and PBS station KUHT (Channel 8) — federal funds make up $2.2 million annually, or nearly 10% of its yearly operating budget, per the organization. In response, the organization has launched the Resiliency Fund, a $4.4 million campaign to offset the losses over the next two years. The fund aims to safeguard the station's services, including local journalism, educational programming and emergency broadcast alerts. What they're saying:"Public media was created to serve communities first, and that hasn't changed," Lynne Cook, HPM's chief development officer, said in the fund announcement. "Whether it's early education content, live storm coverage or reporting on your local school board, the real impact of these cuts will be felt all across our region. We're asking the community to help preserve something they already own." The organization notes it "has always operated leanly," relying on a mix of community donations, underwriting and federal funding. Popular programming — such as "Morning Edition" and "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" on the radio, and "NOVA" and "Party Politics" on TV — is costly to license and produce, HPM says. Zoom out: For some vulnerable NPR affiliate stations, CPB funding can make up to 50% of their total budget. Without CPB funding, PBS estimates that roughly 15% of its stations will be unable to operate. The intrigue: While Republicans have made some efforts to defund public media in the past, support for NPR and PBS has historically been considered nonpartisan. The big picture: The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strip funding from public broadcasters.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
No, Sally can't wait as she gets VIP treatment to celebrate the return of Oasis mania
His career may have taken off at supersonic speed - but before that Noel Gallagher worked as a subcontractor for British Gas. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Oasis superstar, currently on a sold-out comeback tour with brother Liam, even composed some of the band's early hits, including Live Forever, in a company storeroom. With fans old and new singing along to Don't Look Back in Anger, the energy giant has delivered a playful tribute to its famous former employee - and to one of the song's most iconic lyrics. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anyone named Sally won't have to wait as the company is offering same day VIP engineer support throughout Oasis' tour dates as part of a campaign inspired by the line 'So, Sally can wait.' Definitely Maybe... a British Gas engineer who looks suspiciously like Noel Gallagher is spotted giving Sallys the VIP treatment - because this time, Sally really can't wait. They'll also be in with a chance to win tickets to the Oasis gig at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh, where a Noel Gallagher lookalike has been spotted unveiling a special 'Sally Can't Wait Fast Track Gate'. A spokesperson for British Gas said: 'Whether it's a broken boiler or getting to the gig on time, we're here when it matters most. 'This is a fun way to spotlight the fast, reliable service we offer - including same-day support for urgent issues - while giving a little love to the Sallys of the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Definitely Maybe... a British Gas engineer who looks suspiciously like Noel Gallagher is spotted giving Sallys the VIP treatment - because this time, Sally really can't wait. 'And with Noel having once worked as a subcontractor himself, it felt only right to get him - or at least his British Gas engineer lookalike – involved.' If you're not named Sally, you can still get same day service from British Gas for a boiler breakdown if you call before 11am.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
No, Sally can't wait as she gets VIP treatment to celebrate the return of Oasis mania
His career may have taken off at supersonic speed - but before that Noel Gallagher worked as a subcontractor for British Gas. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Oasis superstar, currently on a sold-out comeback tour with brother Liam, even composed some of the band's early hits, including Live Forever, in a company storeroom. With fans old and new singing along to Don't Look Back in Anger, the energy giant has delivered a playful tribute to its famous former employee - and to one of the song's most iconic lyrics. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anyone named Sally won't have to wait as the company is offering same day VIP engineer support throughout Oasis' tour dates as part of a campaign inspired by the line 'So, Sally can wait.' Definitely Maybe... a British Gas engineer who looks suspiciously like Noel Gallagher is spotted giving Sallys the VIP treatment - because this time, Sally really can't wait. They'll also be in with a chance to win tickets to the Oasis gig at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh, where a Noel Gallagher lookalike has been spotted unveiling a special 'Sally Can't Wait Fast Track Gate'. A spokesperson for British Gas said: 'Whether it's a broken boiler or getting to the gig on time, we're here when it matters most. 'This is a fun way to spotlight the fast, reliable service we offer - including same-day support for urgent issues - while giving a little love to the Sallys of the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Definitely Maybe... a British Gas engineer who looks suspiciously like Noel Gallagher is spotted giving Sallys the VIP treatment - because this time, Sally really can't wait. 'And with Noel having once worked as a subcontractor himself, it felt only right to get him - or at least his British Gas engineer lookalike – involved.'
