Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Three teams of six officers from the Ministry of Rural Development are currently conducting assessments and verifications of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF)-funded and supported projects in seven constituencies of Malaita Province.

These constituencies include North Malaita, Lau-Mbaelelea, Central Kwara'ae, Aoke-Langalanga, East Malaita, West Kwaio, and West Are'are. The Ministry will undertake the similar process in the remaining seven constituencies of Malaita, as well as in other constituencies across the country, in the future.

The activity will run for two weeks, covering 2024 projects as well as ongoing and existing projects from previous years.  

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is one of the ministry’s key activities, aligned with its yearly work plan, to gauge the level of project implementation in the constituencies and to identify areas that may need improvement in service delivery and development programs.  

Relevant data and information collected will support the ministry in its responsibility to assess project status and the impact of the CDF program on the lives of constituents.  

Not only is data collection important, but gathering evidence on the ground by officers, showing that the constituencies utilized the funds for their intended purposes, is paramount.  

Officers will also use this opportunity to conduct community awareness sessions on the CDF Act 2023, which is currently enforced and implemented by the ministry, as well as to explain the roles and mandates of MRD and how they collaborate with constituency offices to deliver essential services in rural areas across the country.  

Project monitoring is a vital process in any development program, and MRD will undertake this process in all 50 constituencies. This exercise is crucial to ensure that the government receives value for money across its initiatives, projects, and processes, contributing to socio-economic development and livelihood building in rural areas.  

Team leaders report that communities are very supportive of their activities, and everything is progressing well.  

The Ministry calls on the concerned constituencies and beneficiaries to support and collaborate with the officers as they carry out their duties.

The MRD Communications team will publish more impact stories from project beneficiaries about the activity later.

The Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) office’s strategic investment of over $3 million of its Constituency Development Funds (CDF) into the Kolombangara Landowners Trust Foundation (KLTF) is now bearing fruit, as landowners in Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) were handed their long-awaited 20% share certificate on Tuesday this week.

This historic handover follows the formal signing of the 20% KFPL share transfer on October 3, 2025, between the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) and Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL), the commercial arm of the Kolombangara landowners.

KLTF, incorporated under the Charitable Trust Act of 1992, represents the main tribal group of Kolombangara Island, including Ghalavasa, Ngedoana, Kolombangara/Epaga/Lolobo, Viuru, and Leanabako.

In preparation for the 20% KFPL share transfer, KLTF registered the Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL), in which all five tribal companies hold shares.

This milestone represents a significant achievement in securing national recognition of landowner rights after 32 years of persistent advocacy, marking a historic moment for the people of Kolombangara and the country.

It also marks a landmark in the landowners’ longstanding pursuit of recognition and empowerment regarding their natural resources—a significant moment that will be remembered in the history of Kolombangara Island.

The advocacy for national recognition of Kolombangara resource owners in KFPL dates back to 1992.

In 2015, under the current leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) Jimson Tanangada, the GKC office submitted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy to the government to formally include Kolombangara landowners’ aspirations to be part of KFPL’s ownership.

From 2015 to 2025, GKC has strategically invested over $3 million of its CDF budget to support KLTF efforts and the Office of the Prime Minister in realizing this vision—a worthy investment bringing hope and a future for the people of Kolombangara.

Funds invested in KLTF were utilized for various consultation meetings, official travel costs, general meetings, community engagement activities, awareness campaigns, and included $150,000 in CDF under the 2024 budget allocated for the handover program.

This investment highlights the firm commitment and ongoing efforts of the constituency office, under the visionary leadership of Hon. Tanangada, toward a shared vision of resource ownership and economic benefits.

The recent government action, which involves the official transfer of 20% of KFPL shares to Kolombangara resource owners through KIIL, the business arm of KLTF, solidifies the PPP arrangement, empowering local stakeholders and reaffirming their rightful role in the management and benefits of KFPL. The new shareholding structure now includes New Forest Ltd, KIIL, and ICSI, fostering a diverse and locally empowered ownership model.

Furthermore, KFPL’s expanding footprint in the rural economy presents significant opportunities for diversification and sustainable forestry development.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency and Minister of Police, Honourable Jimson Tanangada, while pleading for unity, dignity, and true economic ownership among its people during the historic handover, said the occasion marked not just a business milestone but a new era of legacy and pride for the people of Kolombangara.

Hon. Minister Tanangada, MP, urged landowners to embrace a mindset of partnership and shared responsibility with KFPL.

“We must now ask ourselves—what can we do to help KFPL transform our communities, province, and country, rather than asking what KFPL can do for our personal interests,” Hon. Tanangada challenged.

Hon. Tanangada also led a two-minute silence to honour the “fallen heroes” of the landowners’ long struggle, those who are part of the journey and, paying special tribute to the late Samson Maena, former Chairman of the KLTF Executive, who passed on after witnessing the signing of the new Joint Venture Agreement in October 2025.

He acknowledged the continued strength and leadership of local chiefs, women, and youth, describing them as “torchbearers of a dream long carried by those who came before us.”

In closing, Hon. Tanangada reminded the gathering that the people of Kolombangara now stand on “sacred ground”—land their ancestors claimed in 1923.

“This is not the end of our struggle but the beginning of a new era—an era of true ownership, innovation, unity, and prosperity,” he declared.

He ended with a call for collective progress: “Let us go forward together—proud of our heritage, confident in our future. Together we will build a Kolombangara that works for all tribes, all families, and all generations.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), John Misite’e, congratulated Honourable Tanangada and the Kolombangara people and communities on this milestone achievement.

He said, the Ministry is pleased to note that the Gizo/Kolombangara constituency office’s CDF investment into KLTF has come to fruition, ensuring equitable resource benefits for its rural people and resource owners.

“This is a very strategic and well-thought-out investment of government resources with a very high potential returns both from an economic, commercial perspective as well as for the greater social good of the communities and peoples of this constituency. These are the kind of creative policy initiatives that must be encouraged in rural and maritime communities throughout the country. We must look for such opportunities and create them to develop our Solomon Islands,” Mr. Misite’e emphasized.  

This historic achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of the Kolombangara community, the government’s commitment to rural inclusive economic development, and the promising future of sustainable resource management in the Solomon Islands.

PS Misite’e added that it is the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to support constituency initiatives through the CDF program for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.

The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi, has commenced the delivery of the first batch of projects for the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program.

Sub-Projects totalling up to SBD$335,622 was allocated under the productive sector of the EMC CDF for 2025. These were distributed across the constituency in the eight wards.

The sub-projects were distributed for both individual households as well as communities.

EMC Project Officer Jonas Kurio confirmed that the delivery began on the 4th of November 2025 in Ward 12 and was scheduled to run for two weeks, with completion in Ward 19.

Despite the significant logistical challenges associated with serving one of the largest constituencies in Makira-Ulawa Province, Mr. Kurio affirmed that the constituency office remains dedicated to ensuring that assistance reaches people and communities based on their expressed needs and requests.

“A significant portion of this initial delivery is dedicated to income-generating projects, identified as a critical tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.”

During the project distribution process, Mr. Kurio took the opportunity to strongly remind the project recipients and communities on their responsibilities and roles under the CDF Act 2023:

“These projects are procured with public money. Thus, you recipients must take good care of your projects and ensure that any assistance or projects you receive are properly maintained to serve their intended purpose. Failure to do so carries serious penalties as stipulated under Sections 32 and 33 of the CDF Act 2023,” he cautioned.

The EMC's support extends beyond economic projects, to include also other social services sectors as follow:

Churches: Hardware building materials were delivered to 16 churches, acknowledging their vital role in community cohesion and social development. This support was drawn from the SIG Church grant and part of the 2025 CDF cash grant.
Education Technology: Eleven community high schools received Starlink internet sets, funded under the 2024 CDF Essential Service Sector. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, providing students and teachers in remote areas with access to information and modern learning tools.
Essential Infrastructure: Ramah Community High School specifically thanked the EMC office for addressing its critical water shortage through the provision of a borehole solar water pump system.

Beneficiaries have expressed profound gratitude for this timely assistance.

Mr. Roy Holt Ta'aru, a representative from Ward 15, stated, “The responsibility now lies with us, the recipients, to capitalize on this assistance. This is public funding, and we must be serious about our projects for the good of our families and communities.”

Mr. Lonsdale Volana, Principal of Ramah Community High School, praised the support as a step in the right direction. “It's time we close the gap in rural and urban schools' access to technology… We can now say our water need has been addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Honourable Minister MP Wasi acknowledges the communities and the people of EMC for their patience and understanding despite the delayed implementation of the 2025 projects due to financial challenges faced by the national government.

However, he assured that under his leadership, the EMC office will continue to deliver and will soon complete the 2025 CDF implementation.

“Further project deliveries are expected before the year's end, pending the completion of necessary processes with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD),” he further assured constituents.

Hon. Minister Wasi also calls on all recipients to make good use of their projects and maintain them for long-term benefits.

“Our constituency is the largest, and our EMC Office team is trying our very best to ensure everyone feels the impact of the CDF, a public fund made available by the national government to improve your livelihoods,” Hon. Wasi said.

The Ministry of Rural Development Monitoring team will conduct assessments and verifications of EMC projects next year.

The Constituency Development Funds (CDF) is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). It is administered by MRD and implemented across the 50 constituencies to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders in line with the ministry’s vision: To empower all Solomon Islanders for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.  

18 NOVEMBER 2025 – Equinor’s investigation identifies venting from the MEG tanks as the main source causing the exposure incidents and that several factors have occurred simultaneously for the events to happen. Wind conditions caused the gas to descend to ground level, where personnel were working.

“We welcome the clarity provided on what has been a complex matter. The investigation report identifies the underlying causes and outlines the connection between the various incidents and the health issues they resulted in,” says Christina Dreetz, senior vice president onshore plants at Equinor.

During a period of high activity at Hammerfest LNG (HLNG), from summer 2024 to summer 2025, 37 people sought medical attention on four different occasions and nine people were absent from work following the exposure incidents. Some experienced health issues such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, while others noticed nothing. Reactions to vented gas and the associated odour is a cause of the various health issues experienced by personnel, but it is unlikely that the exposure has led to long-term health issues.

The report points to insufficient risk assessment before the project-start up and follow-up as the reason why several incidents occurred during the one-year period.

“We must acknowledge that we should have gone more in depth to identify the causes when the first incidents of exposure occurred at Melkøya last summer. Through measures implemented both during and after the investigation, we now have routines that enable us to manage risk more effectively,” says Dreetz.

Main causes of the incidents

The investigation team identifies venting from the MEG tanks as the main cause of the exposure incidents. The tanks are designed so that the vented gas consists of nitrogen and water vapour.

Changes in the well stream in the MEG tanks or temperature fluctuations, have contributed to changes in the composition of the vented gas. This has resulted in odours and, in some cases, discomfort or illness when venting has occurred at the same time as wind has brought the vented gas down to ground level.

Project activities in area L201 and adjacent areas have led to more people being present in areas where there was previously no activity. Regular sampling of vented gas was not carried out, and the measures implemented after the first exposure incident were not sufficient to prevent recurrence.

Subsequently, several types of measurements have been carried out to map the gas composition and exposure risk in the area.

“The results show that most measurements have generally been low. Measurements of benzene and other volatile organic compounds have been sporadic and short-lived,” says Dreetz.

In addition, the investigation report shows that lack of ownership, communication and follow-up of measures between the Snøhvit Future project and the operations organisation at Hammerfest LNG contributed to the exposure risk not being managed well enough.

Measures implemented with positive effect

HLNG has implemented measures to reduce the risk of exposure and to strengthen safety at the facility.

“The measures initiated have had the desired effect. This includes the installation of a temporary filtration solution, improved monitoring, mapping and sampling of vented gas from the MEG tanks, as well as measurement routines at ground level,” says Dreetz.

In addition, introduction programmes and instructions for everyone working at the facility have been updated to strengthen the shared safety and reporting culture, and a local health office has been established at Melkøya.

The investigation report will be submitted to the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority, which is also conducting an investigation.

HLNG and the Snøhvit Future project

• Hammerfest LNG is the world’s northernmost export facility for liquefied natural gas (LNG), located on Melkøya outside Hammerfest.
• Annual production is 4.6 million tonnes of LNG.
• Operations commenced in 2007.
• Employs approximately 500 people (over 900 during the project period).
• The Snøhvit Future project will secure feed gas for the LNG plant and includes onshore compression and electrification of Melkøya.
• Electrification will reduce CO₂ emissions from Melkøya by approximately 850,000 tonnes annually.

MEG tanks

MEG stands for monoethylene glycol and is a chemical used to prevent hydrate (ice) formation in pipelines from the field to HLNG.
HLNG has several MEG tanks, with venting points located 18–25 metres above ground level.
HLNG receives, regenerates, stores and reinjects MEG into the pipelines.
The tanks are located near area L201 on Melkøya.
The tanks are regularly vented to the open air for pressure control. This is an important part of the safety system.
Venting can occur either manually or automatically.

Remote First Nations communities in Australia experience ongoing energy insecurity due to geographic isolation, reliance on diesel, and uneven consumer protections relative to grid-connected households – so experts are navigating the many complicated factors to guide transition to clean energy supply.

Professor Apel Mahmud, Professor in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Flinders University, with colleagues are seeking more sustainable ways for remote communities to improve a reliable power supply.

He believes a viable solution for community energy systems features solar-battery systems that significantly improve reliability and affordability by reducing reliance on diesel generators and delivering tangible household benefits.

In recent decades, renewable energy projects – incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, BESS (battery energy storage systems) and other renewable technologies – have been launched to bring reliable power to First Nations communities and slash their dependence on expensive diesel.

In a new article published in Energies, with Macquarie University researcher Dr Tushar Kanti Roy, Professor Mahmud has found that these systems are proving effective.

“Across remote First Nations communities, diesel-dominant electricity supply systems consistently underperform on affordability and reliability, while well-designed solar-battery systems deliver clear benefits in both areas,” he says.

However, Professor Mahmud has also identified an ongoing gap in protection for off-grid consumers.

“Consumer outcomes remain constrained by persistent regulatory gaps, particularly the lack of consistent protections for off-grid customers,” he says.

“This is reflected in the high rates of disconnection recorded in remote communities, underscoring the urgency of pairing technical improvements with rights-aligned consumer safeguards.

“The solutions I have proposed illustrate that technical upgrades, robust consumer protections and community governance must advance together to realise energy sovereignty and close the equity gap.”

Professor Mahmud proposes a practical agenda to improve electricity supply systems for First Nations community energy systems through advanced community microgrids (including long-duration storage), intelligent energy management and monitoring systems, rights-aligned consumer mechanisms for customers with prepaid metering systems, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative blended finance and on-country workforce development.

“A smart energy solution requires an integrated framework that couples technical performance with equity, cultural authority and energy sovereignty,” he says. “This will offer reliable, affordable and clean electricity for remote First Nations communities.”

Professor Mahmud says priority actions should include:

Piloting modular vertical-axis wind clusters alongside solar-battery systems, to strengthen evening and seasonal electricity supply.
Codifying “no-worse-off” consumer protections, to cover transparent billing, hardship assistance, life-support safeguards and access to dispute resolution for all households, regardless of their grid connection.
Standardising rights-aligned, pre-paid crediting systems, to integrate renewable benefits directly into household accounts.
Deploying AI/IoT-enabled monitoring platforms with on-country training to ensure long-term system performance and local engagement.

“When these measured are coupled with fit-for-purpose financing models, tailored policy reforms, and sustained investment in local skills, they can deliver reliable, affordable, and culturally aligned electricity services for remote First Nations communities.”

Professor Mahmud believes that such an integrated approach ensures clean energy transition is technologically achievable but also socially just by placing community leadership, cultural authority and equity at the centre of Australia’s energy future.

The article, 'Electricity supply systems for First Nations communities in remote Australia: Evidence, consumer protections and pathways to energy equity' 2025 by Md Apel Mahmud and Tushar Kanti Roy (School of Engineering, Macquarie University) has been published in Energies.  Published: 26 September 2025 DOI: 10.3390/en18195130

2024 was the hottest year on record globally with most countries in Asia and the Pacific having experienced episodes of extreme heat. Extreme heat risk in the region is accelerating and increasingly impacting food systems, public health, cities, rural livelihoods, infrastructure and oceans, according to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025: Rising Heat, Rising Risk.

As countries experience more intense and prolonged heat events which spill across borders, the need for coordinated, forward-looking policy responses has become urgent. The report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is expected to serve as a shared reference for policy action at national and regional levels.

The report will be released next week during the ninth session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, which brings together senior policymakers and experts to review the expanding disaster risk landscape and explore areas of cooperation to strengthen the region's resilience. This year, discussions will also spotlight three strategic fronts for action: placing heat at the centre of multi-hazard planning; designing cooler, more liveable cities through both technology and nature-based solutions; and deepening regional cooperation on data, early warning systems and innovation.
 
What: Ninth Session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction

When: 26 – 28 November 2025  

Where: United Nations Conference Centre, Ratchadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok

Full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/committee-disaster-risk-reduction-ninth-session

Full report (available 26 November onward): https://repository.unescap.org/items/7937ad24-14e7-4cf6-8306-9cc03596da6d

About UN ESCAP

November 18 2025 – A global reset is unfolding across AI and tech markets as investors confront the limits of a model that has powered equity gains for two years, warns the CEO of a global financial advisory giant.

The warning from Nigel Green of deVere Group follows four sessions of heavy selling across world indices, with the Nikkei sliding 3% and major US benchmarks closing firmly lower, signal that enthusiasm alone can no longer support valuations that rest on flawless execution.

This shift is accelerating ahead of Nvidia's critical earnings report on Wednesday, widely viewed as the market's most important moment of the quarter.

Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, says the next few weeks will set the tone for 2026.

“AI has been the engine of global markets for two years, but the phase of unchecked optimism is giving way to a sharper focus on resilience.

“Investors want proof that spending translates into dependable earnings growth. The companies that deliver that clarity will lead the next stage.”

The market's repricing reflects concerns that have been building throughout the latest earnings cycle.

Tech giants produced a series of divergent results, underscoring the sector's split between firms that can convert AI infrastructure into immediate returns and those relying on longer-dated promises.

Alphabet and Amazon strengthened their reputations as disciplined operators, while Meta and Microsoft encountered swift pushback as higher capital commitments unsettled shareholders. Tesla's weaker profitability added to the unease, and Nvidia's report now stands at the centre of the recalibration.

“Investors are assessing strategy in real time,” says the deVere CEO.

“They're rewarding companies that show control over investment and demonstrate that AI adoption is enhancing margins. The market is far less forgiving when spending outpaces revenue potential.”

Nvidia's upcoming results tomorrow represent the most consequential test yet.

Expectations for another year-on-year surge in revenue and earnings have pushed the valuation into territory where any deviation, even a small one, could alter sentiment fast. The company's Blackwell platform, the absorption of earlier Hopper supply, sovereign AI contracts and the pace of hyperscaler demand will all influence how investors judge the durability of AI spending through next year.

Nigel Green notes: “The bar set for Nvidia is extraordinary. The reaction will not hinge on scale alone. Investors want to see whether profitability is expanding in line with investment.

“This is the benchmark for the entire AI complex.”

Policy shifts under President Donald Trump add another layer of scrutiny. Washington's export controls continue to reshape access to advanced computing in China, while domestic priorities around supply-chain security and technological self-sufficiency are influencing capital-allocation strategies across the industry.

These dynamics make Nvidia's forward guidance especially significant, as it will shape expectations for global AI investment through 2026.

“The policy environment is evolving quickly,” says Nigel Green. “Companies operating at the core of advanced computing must show how they adapt. Investors will study every signal that reveals how firms intend to align growth plans with geopolitical realities.”

The recent rout in global equities reveals how sensitive markets have become to any sign of overstretch. Wall Street's pullback, led by renewed pressure on AI-linked names, highlights the fragility beneath headline gains.

The S&P 500 slipping below a key technical level on Monday reinforced the idea that investors are reassessing risk appetite after an extended period of concentration in a handful of tech leaders.

Nigel Green emphasises that discipline will shape outcomes next year. “AI remains transformational, but the market is changing fast.

“Selectivity has moved from advantage to necessity.

“Investors who understand the distinction between scale and sustainable returns will be best-positioned for the opportunities emerging on the other side of this adjustment.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Healthcare spending in Switzerland continues to grow – and at a faster rate than in the past. Forecasts by the KOF Institute show that total healthcare expenditure in Switzerland is set to rise from just under CHF 94 billion in 2023 to CHF 109.6 billion in 2027. This represents an increase of CHF 15.6 billion within four years.

The KOF Institute's healthcare expenditure forecast predicts that healthcare costs will continue to grow at a high rate this year (3.7 per cent), next year (3.6 per cent) and in 2027 (3.5 per cent). The average annual increase over the forecast period (2024 to 2027) will be 3.9 per cent, following 3.1 per cent over the previous ten years and 3.5 per cent over the entire historical period since 1997. Growth rates are therefore above the average for recent years and, accordingly, no slowdown in cost growth is expected in Switzerland in the com-ing years. The steady growth in healthcare spending is mainly due to greater consumption of these services (volume expansion).

Growing economic relevance of the healthcare sector

The growing importance of this sector becomes clear if we compare healthcare expenditure with total eco-nomic output: its share of gross domestic product (GDP) will have risen from 8.9 per cent (1997) to 12.2 per cent (2027) within 30 years. A comparison of the 38 OECD countries for 2024 ranks Switzerland fourth. Healthcare spending in Switzerland is therefore high by international standards. However, the Swiss healthcare system also tends to rank highly in terms of the usual quality indicators.

Long-term care as the main cost driver: premiums expected to rise in the medium term

From a service perspective, the forecast shows long-term care as the main driver, followed by outpatient treatment, while inpatient treatment continues to decrease as a share of the total. In terms of service provid-ers, doctors' surgeries and outpatient centres, hospitals and social care institutions (nursing homes) dominate growth. The retail sector – mainly pharmacies – contributes only marginally to growth, while the state is be-coming less important again after the pandemic-related increase. As far as funding is concerned, compulsory health insurance (OKP) continues to bear the brunt of the higher costs, which implies rising premiums – at least in the medium term. The cantons also bear a significant share of the increase in expenditure.

Major challenges in the healthcare system

From a macroeconomic perspective it is not problematic per se if healthcare spending accounts for an in-creasing share of an economy's total expenditure in an ageing society. However, the Swiss healthcare sys-tem faces major challenges ranging from issues of efficiency, quality and distribution to digital technology and the use of artificial intelligence, the security of the supply of medicines, and tackling the crisis of antibiotic resistance.

November 18 2025 – Bitcoin has erased more than a trillion dollars' worth of crypto market value in six weeks, forcing the market to confront how much borrowed money had been propping up positions across the sector.

This is the analysis of Nigel Green, CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations as global stocks and risk-on assets extend losses.

In this context, 'leverage' means some traders had been using borrowed funds to boost the size of their positions.

When prices fell, those positions were automatically closed by exchanges, creating forced selling that intensified the decline. It is a mechanical process that can make routine pullbacks look more dramatic than the fundamentals justify.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says this leverage reset is the core driver of the current crypto downturn.

“This is leverage being cleared out. When traders borrow heavily to magnify positions, any reversal triggers liquidations that accelerate the move,” he says.

“The long-term case for Bitcoin, among other major digital assets, remains intact.”

He adds that the sell-off is unfolding against a backdrop of broader unease. Investors are focused on softer labor-market signals, the sustainability of AI and tech valuations, tariff effects under President Donald Trump's administration, and the direction of US interest rates.

These factors have created a cautious mood across speculative assets.

“People are worried about jobs, about whether the AI and tech surge can keep its pace, about tariffs, and about upcoming Fed policy decisions,” explains the CEO.

“These concerns are shaping sentiment, but they don't alter the structural trajectory for Bitcoin and/or standout AI and tech opportunities.”

deVere's analysis indicates that the market is being driven more by sentiment than by long-term fundamentals.

Pricing already reflects a substantial degree of caution. As clarity emerges on labor-market trends and policy signals, confidence can be expected to rebuild quickly.

“History teaches us that these phases have reversed faster than expected once the pressure points begin to ease.

“When fear dominates and leverage unwinds, the foundations of the next recovery, typically, start to appear,” he comments.

“Investors are waiting for a broader improvement in confidence. Confidence tends to rebuild rapidly when the excess leverage is out of the system.”

Nigel Green concludes: “Sentiment can turn quickly. Currently, markets need greater confidence from investors as a whole, and that confidence is likely to return once the major concerns lift.”

2025 Most Loved Retailer Report appoints Adore Beauty as Australia’s most beloved retailer, bumping last year’s champion THE ICONIC by one point

Power Retail’s second annual ‘Most Loved Retailer’ report is once again revealing Australia’s favourite retailers.

Cosmetics juggernaut Adore Beauty comes in first place this year, rising through the ranks from 6th place in 2024. The reason behind the climb? In addition to providing a seamless online shopping experience, customers are loving the surprise Tim Tam they receive with each purchase, proving that the little perks go a long way in 2025.

Power Retail surveyed over 3,000 Australian respondents – with a qualifier that they must have purchased online from the retailers within the last 6 months – and developed the 35-page report that details the leaders in retail right now and what they are doing to get it right with consumers in today’s highly competitive landscape.

Refining their methodology from last year, Power Retail developed an enhanced index – the Power Retail Index for Customer Experience (PRICE) to calculate a composite score for each retailer, which offers a holistic view of the customer journey. The PRICE score incorporates three industry-recognised metrics:

• Net Promoter Score (NPS): Likelihood to recommend
• Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): Overall satisfaction
• Effort Rating: Ease of interaction.

Based on these, retailers are grouped into four performance categories:

• Champions (High CSAT, High NPS): Outstanding customer satisfaction and advocacy
• Critical Advocates (Low CSAT, High NPS): Recommended by customers, but with areas to improve
• Potential Promoters (High CSAT, Low NPS): Customers are satisfied, but less likely to advocate
• Growth Opportunity (Low CSAT, Low NPS): Underperforming on both fronts.

With a total PRICE score of 248, Adore Beauty took the #1 spot, narrowly edging out THE ICONIC with a score of 247. Rounding out the top ten are Dan Murphy’s, Appliances Online, Kmart, Mecca, Chemist Warehouse, Bonds, Myer, and BCF.

Only four retailers returned to the top ten this year, with Mecca and Bonds joining Adore Beauty and THE ICONIC as repeat players.

Sacha Laing, CEO of Adore Beauty, shares: “From day one Adore Beauty has always strived to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers, and that focus continues to inform our strategy. From maximising the brands and products we carry to the conversations and content we create for our community, our approach to customer education and engagement is always to meet them where they are and empower them to make the right choice for their needs.”

Joanna Robinson, THE ICONIC Chief Marketing Officer, shares: “At THE ICONIC, our purpose is to create a better way to shop, and that commitment drives every decision we make. We set the standards by relentlessly innovating across the customer journey, from free returns to market leading delivery options like our new 24/7 ParcelLockers and the expansion of same-day delivery into Melbourne and Brisbane via our Twilight Delivery service. Our customers trust us for the reliability and flexibility these services provide. We’re always listening and evolving, whether it’s through our personable and responsive CX team, or community listening across our social channels. Ultimately, it’s our tech-first mindset and genuine care for our customers that drive the outstanding feedback and loyalty we’re so proud of.”

Compared to 2024, the factors that gave retailers an edge this year, and ultimately a higher index score came down to a combination of ease, trust, and added perks that keep shoppers loyal and coming back for more.

Rosalea Catterson, Editor at Power Retail, shares: “As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of how and where they spend their money. The retailers that stand out are those that blend modern convenience with personalised service, offer real value through loyalty programs, and engage customers in meaningful ways. Fast and convenient delivery is also major highlight for several brands, such as THE ICONIC, Appliances Online and Adore Beauty and extra touches like surprise Tim Tams, bonus samples and white glove service elevate the delivery experience and make it memorable.”

Of all product categories surveyed, the top ranked retailers included:

• Fashion & Accessories: Bonds; Country Road; Uniqlo; Foot Locker; Cotton On
• Electric & Office: Appliances Online; JB Hi-Fi; Officeworks; The Good Guys; Dyson
• Home & Décor: Adairs; Spotlight; Pillow Talk; Kitchen Warehouse; Dusk
• Sports & Leisure: Rebel; Adidas; Nike; JD Sports; The Athlete’s Foot
• Health & Beauty: Adore Beauty; Mecca; Chemist Warehouse; Priceline; Sephora
• Department Stores: Kmart; Myer; Big W; Harris Scarfe; David Jones.

Amongst different selling channels and age demographics, the top ranked retailers are:

• Australians between 18-34: Mecca; Adore Beauty; Bonds; THE ICONIC; Bunnings Warehouse
• Australians 34+: Appliances Online; THE ICONIC; Adore Beauty; Dan Murphy’s; BCF.

Catterson adds: “The 18-34 age group places high value on emotional connection and loyalty programs that offer unique experiences and social rewards. These shoppers are influenced by brand storytelling, authenticity and retailers that demonstrate a clear social conscience.

Meanwhile, the 34+ shoppers have convenience front of mind. They rate the brands that deliver on promises like fast, reliable delivery, straightforward returns, and excellent customer service. Retailers that also offer a wide product range and integrate online and offline channels seamlessly by offering click-and-collect, flexible delivery options, and consistent service across touchpoints, are earning higher ratings.”

By Marcus Rossato, Head of Marketing APJ, Klaviyo says, “According to Klaviyo research conducted with marketing guru James Hurman, one of the biggest drivers of high customer satisfaction is customer service. Get it right, and you help develop a strong emotional connection with people. Get it wrong, and you turn people off your brand very quickly.

“Our research shows that exceptional customer service has a greater impact on revenue growth than simply improving customer retention. When customer service and marketing work together, brands can elevate their personalisation, strengthen customer relationships, and inspire people to spend more.”

For more data from Power Retail and to review the full report, please visit: 2025 Most Loved Retailers Report Request – Power Retail: https://powerretail.com.au/2025-most-loved-retailers-report-request/