Recently, Japan has witnessed a growing backlash against immigration, accompanied by protests and increasing levels of frustration on Japanese social media. The Japanese government has responded to these concerns by producing a report on the immigration system and what can be done differently in order to better ensure “social integration”. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who
In October 2022, British newspaper The Daily Star began live-streaming a video of a head of lettuce next to a framed photo of then-Prime Minister Liz Truss after The Economist compared the expected duration of her leadership to that of the shelf life of lettuce. Just weeks later, Truss announced her resignation; she served just
Australia’s housing market is experiencing a strong upswing. According to Cotality, last week’s national final auction clearance rate increased to 71.6%, the highest result for capital cities since early June 2023 (73.1%). It was also the third time in five weeks that the final clearance rate was above 70%. As shown in the chart below,
The ferrous market is beginning to teeter as the steel glut grows and more countries get angry about it. Prices cracked lower Friday: The problem is relentless Chinese overproduction despite weak margins It is unheard of for the year to end with sufficient inventory to render the new year’s restock moot, but that is where we are
China accounted for nearly one-third (31.5%) of global carbon emissions in 2023. China alone also accounted for 67% of the rise in the world’s carbon emissions between 2000 and 2023. This month, the Albanese government announced that Australia, which only accounts for around 1% of global emissions, will reduce emissions by more than 62% and
From the Market Ear: Tiny tech bubble feelings “…vendor financing was a feature of that era and when when the telecom equipment makers (Cisco, Lucent, Nortel, etc.) extended loans, equity investments, or credit guarantees to their customers who then used the cash/credit to buy back the equipment…well suffice it to say, it did not end
Recent figures from the Department of Home Affairs revealed that almost 100,000 asylum seekers had their claims for asylum in Australia rejected, yet they remained in the country. This includes an estimated 50,000 who have completely exhausted their avenues for appeal. This figure has been heavily driven by individuals formerly on student visas applying for
“Stubborn empty nesters” refusing to downsize from their family-friendly homes have become Australia’s latest housing scapegoat. In April, the Daily Telegraph’s Taylor Troeth cited research from Australian Seniors showing that two-thirds of empty nesters in NSW “were still living in large family homes with no plans to sell, despite research showing this could free up
By Belinda Allen, head of Australian economics at CBA: The August monthly CPI surprised to the upside. There is clear upside risk to Q3 25 CPI and makes a November RBA rate cut not a done deal. The week ahead brings the RBA Monetary Policy Board meeting. We expect the cash rate to remain steady
Australian house prices are already at their highest level in history and are beginning to surge higher. According to Cotality, last week’s combined final auction clearance rate rose to 71.6%, which was the capital cities’ highest result since early June 2023 (73.1%). It was also the third time in five weeks that the final clearance