Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

The East Central Guadalcanal (ECGC) Constituency Office has launched a major initiative aimed at boosting access to information, communication and technology (ICT) services in rural areas with the provision of Starlink systems to eight (8) Community High Schools.

The support is part of the constituency office’s effort and commitment under the leadership of Member of Parliament, Honorable Lazarus Alfred Rinah to ensure students from rural schools are not left behind in the digital age and communication technology which can enhance learning opportunities in isolated rural and maritime communities.

The project cost SBD$58,400 and was funded under the ECGC CDF 2025 allocation for the Essential Services Sector which includes support for the education sector.

Constituency Accountant Officer Edson Ramoifanua said that this initiative fulfils a key component of the constituency's annual work plan and development plan.

“The constituency, in its development strategy, prioritises the development of our human resources. Therefore, education is the top priority in our four-year development plan,” Mr. Ramoifanua said.

“This is to ensure that the human resources of our constituency and Guadalcanal Province as a whole are improved through enhanced educational opportunities.”

The eight schools supported by this project were:

Longgu Kaoka CHS
Bolale CHS
Sanalumu CHS
Tolunatete CHS
Kobito CHS
Bubukolo CHS
Bubunuhu CHS
Ghombu CHS

Mr Ramoifanua emphasised the transformative power of internet access in modern education.

“The way students learn has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Traditional textbooks and chalkboards are now complemented, and in some cases, replaced by digital resources.

“Internet access levels the playing field between rural and urban students. Without it, rural students are at a significant disadvantage. Reliable internet ensures that every student, regardless of location, has an equal opportunity for success,” he highlighted.

The initiative has received praise from provincial education leaders.

The Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Minister for Education, Honourable John Botsi, acknowledged MP Hon. Rinah's leadership and investment.

“As the education provider in the province, this is the first of its kind, and we greatly appreciate your initiative,” Hon. Botsi said.

“I call on all school principals and their administrations to utilize this resource and look after the equipment for the betterment of our students. This equipment is costly and funded by public funds, it must be used wisely and maintained properly.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Fredrick Watson Vava, Principal of Bubunuhu CHS, thanked the ECGC office on behalf of the recipient schools.

“Today is a historic day for us. We are receiving a modern network system that will boost our students' learning capacity and improve our administrative capabilities to connect with our headquarters, the Ministry of Education,” he said.

Mr Ramoifanua also acknowledged the Solomon Islands Government for its continued support to the CDF program and assured the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) that ECGC will continue to collaborate to implement the 2025 CDF Program in accordance with the CDF Act 2023.

The ECGC Constituency Office is dedicated to the sustainable development of East Central Guadalcanal, with a strategic focus on education, health, and infrastructure to improve the livelihoods of its constituents.

Source: Flinders University

Organic agriculture is an increasingly popular management approach, embraced by growers and consumers alike for its potential to reduce environmental impacts.

However, a new Flinders University study of Adelaide Hills apple orchards suggests that soil health is more complex than management labels alone, with conventional and organic orchards showing surprisingly similar results.

“This study challenges the idea that differences between conventional and organic apple orchard management create large changes in soil health, as we found high similarity in key soil health indicators,” says Flinders University PhD candidate Kate Matthews, lead author of a new paper inApplied Soil Ecology.

“Many studies have shown that organic management can enhance soil biodiversity, however, our study did not support these results,” she says.

Conducted in 2023, the study explored the soils of apple organic and conventional orchards in the Adelaide Hills, comparing them to native bushland nearby.

“Interestingly, soil biology in the organic sites shared a higher similarity to the conventional sites than to the native bushland.”

Organic agriculture is a type of agricultural management which uses natural inputs and ecological processes to enhance food production. These types of production systems face many challenges, including the tension between environmental sustainability and profitability.

Although the organic and conventionally managed orchards differed in the use of synthetic inputs and pesticides as expected, they shared a lot of similarities in other aspects of orchard management.

“We found many similarities in the management practices between organic and conventional orchards, with many conventional growers using methods typically associated with organic or regenerative systems, such as green manuring and mulching. This may explain why did not detect strong differences in key soil health indicators between the organic and conventional management,” Ms Matthews says.

 “These minimal differences are most likely due to the variability of management practices across different orchards, including within both orchard types. This highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that moves beyond broad management labels and considers individual practices or combination of practices”, researchers conclude.

The latest article, ‘Comparing apples and apples; evaluating the impact of conventional and organic management on the soil microbial communities of apple orchards’ (2025) by Kate E Matthews, Martin F Breed, Erinne Stirling, Lynne M Macdonald and Timothy R Cavagnaro has been published in Applied Soil Ecology – DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106470.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by funding from the CSIRO Valuing Sustainability Future Science Platform, and a Flinders University scholarship to KM.

Source: Equinor

12 NOVEMBER 2025 – Equinor has closed the sale of a 40% operated interest in the Peregrino field in Brazil to PRIO. Following this transaction, PRIO assumes full operatorship of the field.

Equinor has received a total payment of USD 2.33 billion for its 40% operated interest. After adjustment for a deposit paid by PRIO and cashflow received by Equinor after the effective date of the transaction, Equinor has received USD 1.55 billion at closing. The deposit of USD 335 million paid by PRIO at signing relates to both the 40% and 20% transactions.

“With the closing of this part of the transaction we are handing over operatorship of Peregrino to PRIO and realising significant value for Equinor. The deal is part of our ongoing effort to high-grade our international portfolio, by divesting more mature assets to redeploy capital to assets with greater robustness and more long-term value potential. Brazil remains a core area for Equinor and just last month we started production from Bacalhau, our largest international offshore field, and acquired two exciting exploration blocks in the Campos basin,” says Philippe Mathieu, executive vice president for Exploration and Production International at Equinor.

The Peregrino field, located in the Campos Basin east of Rio de Janeiro, has been a cornerstone of Equinor’s international portfolio since production began in 2011. Over the years, the field has produced approximately 300 million barrels of oil and has been a significant contributor to Equinor’s growth in Brazil.

“I want to express gratitude to our employees, partners and suppliers for their contribution to the success of Peregrino over the years. Equinor’s journey in Brazil continues with full momentum with Bacalhau, our Raia gas project, our partnership with Petrobras in Roncador and our growing exploration and renewables portfolio,” says Veronica Coelho, senior vice president and country manager for Equinor Brazil.

In May 2025, Equinor also signed a contract for the sale of the remaining 20%, which is subject to certain conditions precedent. Equinor will continue as a non-operated partner until the closing of the remaining 20% share is completed. A further payment is expected at closing of that transaction.

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

The RBA is closely watching the impact of price rises ahead of upcoming interest rate decisions.

12 November 2025 – Key highlights

• The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.6% in October.
• Transport, Motor Vehicles and Hospitality were the top spending categories in the month.
• Persistent spending likely to keep the RBA watching closely as rate decisions loom.

Australian households kept up their spending streak in October, with the CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index climbing 0.6 per cent, matching September’s lift and marking the thirteenth straight month of growth.

Spending rose in 11 of 12 categories, led by Transport (+1.2 per cent ), Motor Vehicle (1.0 per cent) and Hospitality (+1.0 per cent) categories, as Australians continued to spend on filling up the car, looking after their car, eating at restaurants, and ordering take away and food delivery.

Is inflation driving the boost in spending?

While household spending appears better, inflation is likely distorting the picture.

“The recent strength in spending is likely being driven partially by price increases rather than purely higher consumption volumes,” said Belinda Allen, Head of Australian Economics at CBA.

“That’s important because it complicates how we interpret household resilience and how the Reserve Bank of Australia reads the economy as it weighs future interest rate decisions.”

Categories seeing the sharpest annual gains – Utilities (+13.8%), Communications and Digital (+10.1%), and Hospitality (9.1%), are also among those most affected by inflation and the scaling back of government support on energy costs.

Where are Australians spending more this year?

Changes to energy rebates have boosted utility spending over the year, while higher prices and evolving consumer habits are driving growth in digital categories, such as streaming services, online gaming, and mobile data.

While these patterns suggest households are adjusting to inflation by prioritising essential and at-home entertainment spending, Hospitality has also witnessed strong spending growth driven by food delivery and eating out.

Which states and groups are leading the way?

Spending growth has varied across regions, as Queensland (+7.9 per cent) and Western Australia (+7.5 per cent) posted the strongest annual gains, while Tasmania has seen the weakest growth at +3.1 per cent.

What does this mean for the months ahead?

Despite steady spending, inflation and interest rate uncertainty remain major headwinds for the outlook for household spending.

CBA economists forecast that there will be no further rate cuts in this cycle, and the cash rate will be held at 3.60 per cent. However, consumers could soon rein in discretionary spending if real income growth fails to keep up with prices and savings ratios are wanted to be maintained. (ref. https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2025/11/rba-november-rates-call.html )

“Household resilience has been remarkable,” Allen said. “But sustained inflationary pressure could impact consumer choices going forward.”

Selected categories: October data

Food & beverage: annual growth rate ▲ to 3.6%.

▲ Convenience stores, bakeries, butchers, supermarkets, liquor stores.

▼ Weight loss services, vending machines, health food stores, food box subscriptions, international cuisine supermarkets.

Hospitality: annual growth rate ▲ to 9.1%.

▲ Food delivery services, restaurants, fast food outlets, pubs, taverns & bars, takeaway food.

▼ Event hire & planning, function centres, breweries & wineries, cafes.

Household goods: annual growth ▲ to 5.2%.

▲ Online marketplaces, clothing stores, discount department stores, hardware stores.

▼ Online deals, tobacconists, novelty stores, fashion accessories, floor coverings.

Recreation: annual growth ▼ to 5.4%.

▲ Online travel bookings, tourist attractions, gyms, sporting goods stores, accommodation.

▼ Circuses (-87.9%), ticketing services (-23.8%), performing arts venues, cruise lines, airlines.

Motor vehicles: annual growth ▼ to 6.2%.

▲ Car washes, windscreen repairs, detailing services. Modest growth: battery services, tyre retailing, car dealers.

▼ Smash repairs.

Source: Amnesty International

Reacting to the forthcoming reading in Kazakhstan’s parliament of draft amendments that would ban so-called “LGBTI propaganda”, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“Together with Kazakhstani civil society we call on lawmakers to reject these draft amendments before they become law. Banning so-called ‘LGBTI propaganda’ is not about protecting children, it’s about institutionalizing stigma, fear and censorship.

“If the Kazakhstani authorities truly want to protect and nurture young people, they should rebuff this harmful initiative and instead reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights and principles of non-discrimination already enshrined in the constitution and other binding legislation. There is no need to police love, literature or imagination.”

Background

On 12 November, the Majilis, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, is expected to hold a full reading of draft amendments introducing a ban on “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation and pedophilia.” The bill, endorsed by a Majilis working group on 28 October, is now moving toward swift adoption. Lawmakers are reportedly seeking to finalize the amendments before parliament adjourns for the New Year recess in early January 2026.

The amendments propose mandatory labeling for public materials featuring LGBTI themes, including books, films and media content. Violations could lead to fines or short-term detention, and the authorities would be granted powers to suspend access to websites and digital content without court order. The provisions were added to an unrelated bill on national archives without public consultation or expert review.

The initiative follows a 2024 petition signed by 50,000 citizens demanding restrictions on public LGBTI representation. Last year, Kazakhstan banned LGBTI people from adopting or mentoring orphans. A similar set of proposals to outlaw “LGBTI propaganda” by amending the mass media law in April 2024 was withdrawn.

Source: WRAP

• Too few countries are serious about stopping the climate cost of food waste – global NGOs warn we can't stop climate change if we don't tackle food waste.
• 10% of emissions linked to food waste but few leaders commit to action.
• Most countries will miss out on opportunity to lower methane emissions, reduce costs for farmers, businesses and households, and alleviate hunger.

Leading food loss and waste NGOs ReFED, The Global FoodBanking Network and WRAP will co-host a half day of action at COP30 tomorrow dedicated to the invisible driver of climate change that produces 10% of all global emissions – the food we waste.

With global food waste responsible for around 10% of all GHG emissions – putting it third behind China and the USA in terms of emissions – the NGOs warn that neglecting the enormous impact of food waste risks undermining efforts to mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change.

The move comes as WRAP reveals that only 30 countries attending COP30* have made commitments to tackle food loss and/or waste in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – up by just six since COP29.

With countries struggling to address climate change, action on food waste offers a quick win – the solutions exist and offer co-benefits for the economy and food insecurity. Tackling food waste mitigates against a sizeable number of emissions quickly – buying extra time to address the rest.

Catherine David, CEO WRAP, “To build a truly sustainable food system we must rethink how we value food, from farm to fork and beyond. Reducing food waste is one of the fastest, most practical ways to cut emissions, ease pressure on supply chains, and make better use of the resources we already have. A circular approach to food is essential to create a more resilient future and reducing food waste contributes directly to achieving SDGs on climate, hunger, and sustainable production. Brazil's new Inter-sectoral Strategy shows that even major food producing countries can embed food waste reduction across national policy, while other likes Colombia, Chile, and Indonesia are linking these actions to methane reduction, food security, and circular economy goals.”

“Reducing food waste offers so many benefits—for the climate, for economies, and for communities in need—which is why it's so important for countries to include food waste reduction in their NDCs and climate plans,” said Dana Gunders, President at ReFED. “Lots of food waste solutions already exist and are ready to be implemented. Making that commitment is the first step to taking action.”

“A growing number of countries are including food loss and waste in their NDCs, and highlighting food banking as a solution that can simultaneously reduce methane emissions and alleviate hunger,” said Lisa Moon, President and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network. “Now, we need to build on this progress. We encourage more countries to include food loss and waste reductions in their climate plans – so they can seize the opportunity to feed more people with good food, while reducing waste and protecting resources. At COP30 and beyond, we will continue to work with our partner food banks and many others around the world to create more just, equitable food systems that nourish people and the planet together.”

WRAP's evaluation shows that 30 countries committed to reducing food loss and/or waste in their NDCs for COP30 (as of 29 October 2025), including 7 which commit to tackling both.

Current NDC commitments put the world on track for 4–5°C of warming – far beyond the Paris goal – with the latest WRI Climate Action report showing that none of their 45 indicators are on track to reach 1.5 degree targets this decade.

To raise awareness of the huge shortfall in countries committing to tackling food loss and waste in their NDCs, WRAP has joined with ReFED and The Global FoodBanking Network to hold a dedicated half day of action at COP30 in the Blue Zone's 'Action on Food' Hub on November 12.

Cutting food loss and waste improves food security, reduces household costs, and supports rural livelihoods, especially in developing countries. The NGOs believe COP30 must be the moment when every country puts food loss and waste reduction at the centre of its climate plan. They aim to convince more countries that this is one of the most practical, affordable, and morally urgent actions we can take on climate.

Featuring leading international voices on food system transformation, the session are:

Session one – 12.30-1.30pm (GMT) for 9:30-10:30am (Belém) – Driving Progress on Food Loss & Waste: Policy Perspectives will explore where progress is happening most on food loss and waste at the international, national and subnational levels by assessing which countries are leading, which are including FLW in their NDCs or national climate plans and related policies and outlining what must happen to accelerate more real-world action.

Speakers include:

• Lisa Moon, President and CEO, Global FoodBanking Network
• Gonzalo Muñoz, Food Champion, Ambition Loop
• Marcelo Mena, Global Methane Hub
• Adalberto Maluf, Secretary for the Environment Brazil Ministry of Environment
• Shenggen Fan, Chair Professor and Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP) at China Agricultural University (CAU)
• Adalberto Maluf, Secretary for the Environment, Brazil Ministry of Environment
• Christy Loper, Environment Programme Director, Robertson

Session two – 1.45pm-2.45pm (GMT) for 10.45am – 11.45am (Belém) – Food Loss & Waste: Solutions in Action will highlight successful solutions with representatives from different sectors. This will be followed by a discussion on keys factors driving progress such as partnerships, funding and political support to focus on where we are seeing progress and real-world solutions on the food loss and waste agenda. Watch live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9R_ElIQVrE Speakers include:

• Catherine David, CEO, WRAP
• Susy Yoshimura, Senior Sustainability and Compliance Director, Carrefour Brasil
• David Rogers, Director of International Development, WRAP
• Federico Bellone, Manager, Regenerative Agriculture, Rockefeller
• Claudia Márcia Ramos Roseno, SESC

Workshop – 3.00pm – 4.00pm (GMT) for 12.00-13.00pm (Belém) – Food Loss & Waste Workshop: Putting Theory into Practice will be a hands-on working session on how to turn strategies and plans around food loss and waste into real-world action that drives measurable progress. Attendees will discuss how to advance food loss and waste reduction efforts in their own countries and learn about the resources available to help.

• Dana Gunders, ReFED
• Minnie Ringland, ReFED
• Janine Coutinho, Ministry of Social Development , SESAN, Brazilian Gov
• Ria Hulsman, Regional Manager for Latin America/Caribbean, Wageningen University.

Notes

*WRAP analysis of NDCs is based on information as of 29 October 2025. Bold italics indicates countries which commit to both. Since this assessment was conducted, Paraguay has included food loss and waste in its updated NDC in focusing on circular economy strategies through preventing food waste generation and recovering organic materials.

Commit to reducing food loss	Commitments to both food loss and food waste	Commit to reducing food waste
Cameroon	United Arab Emirates	Cape Verde
Ethiopia	Jordan	China
Gambia	Uruguay	Qatar
Malawi	Cambodia	Sierra Leone
Maldives	Chile	United Arab Emirates
Mozambique	Colombia	Jordan
Senegal	Indonesia	Uruguay
Sri Lanka		United Kingdom
Vanuatu		Cambodia
Jordan		Chile
Uruguay		Colombia
United Arab Emirates		Indonesia
Nepal
Cambodia
Somalia
Angola
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Mauritius
Kyrgyzstan
Nigeria
Eswatini
Chile
Colombia
Indonesia
Cote d'Ivoire

WRAP is a global environmental action NGO catalysing policy makers, businesses and individuals to transform the systems that create our food, textiles and manufactured products. Together these account for nearly 50% of global greenhouse emissions. Our goal is to enable the world to transition from the old take-make-dispose model of production to more sustainable approaches that will radically reduce waste and carbon emissions from everyday products. To do so we examine sustainability challenges through the lens of people's day-to-day lives and create solutions that can transform entire systems to benefit the planet, nature and people.

The Global FoodBanking Network – Food banking offers a solution to both chronic hunger and the climate crisis. GFN works with partners in more than 50 countries to recover and redirect food to those who need it. In 2024, our network provided food to more than 38 million people, reducing food waste and creating healthy, resilient communities. We help the food system function as it should: nourishing people and the planet together. Learn more at foodbanking.org.

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with food businesses, funders, solution providers, policymakers, and more to solve food waste. Its vision is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow. The organization serves as the definitive source for food waste data, providing the most comprehensive analysis of the food waste problem and solutions to address it. Through its tools and resources, in-person and virtual convenings, and services tailored to help businesses, funders, and solution providers scale their impact, ReFED works to increase adoption of food waste solutions across the supply chain. To learn more about ReFED and solutions to reduce food waste, please visit www.refed.org.

Source: deVere Group

November 10 2025 – Income tax rises in the UK now appear almost certain in the upcoming Budget, warns Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

His comments come as Rachel Reeves, the UK finance minister, prepares to deliver her first Budget on 26 November and after Monday afternoon's BBC interview.

Reeves described the upcoming Budget as “difficult” and refused to rule out tax increases.

Nigel Green says: “It's increasingly clear that the government is preparing the public for an income tax hike.

“The language has shifted from reassurance to justification. The talk of 'necessary choices' and 'doing what's right for the country' is political code for higher personal taxation.”

He adds: “We believe that income tax is likely to rise because it's the single biggest and most reliable source of government revenue.

“It raises far more money than capital gains or inheritance taxes, for example, making it the fastest way for the Treasury to close the fiscal gap.”

The deVere CEO continues: “This Budget is shaping up as one of the toughest in years. Reeves is trying to fill a deep fiscal gap while keeping credibility with the markets.

“The combination of sluggish growth, high debt servicing costs, and stubborn inflation means the Treasury's options are narrowing fast. Raising income tax thresholds or rates now looks, we believe, inevitable.”

The deVere CEO points to the UK's deteriorating fiscal arithmetic as the trigger.

“The government's borrowing costs remain near multi-decade highs, and public debt has topped 97% of GDP.

“The interest burden on the debt pile is still crushing. Reeves knows she has to find revenue somewhere, and she's running out of alternatives.”

He continues: “Capital gains tax and dividend tax increases have been widely discussed, and they may still come.

“But these alone won't deliver the scale of revenue needed. Income tax remains the government's most efficient lever, politically painful though it is.”

deVere Group has consistently warned for more than six months that tax rises are likely to be on their way in the Budget.

“You can't promise more public investment, manage record borrowing, and avoid raising taxes indefinitely. The arithmetic doesn't work.”

The chief executive says that politically, an income tax rise could be presented as 'temporary' or 'targeted,' though as history teaches, such measures rarely roll back.

“Expect it to be framed as a shared sacrifice to restore stability, with hints that once growth improves, thresholds will be reviewed. But once revenue streams are opened, they rarely close.”

Nigel Green warns that middle earners will feel the impact most. “Fiscal drag has already pulled millions into higher brackets as wages rise faster than thresholds. An explicit increase would deepen that squeeze.

“It risks undermining disposable incomes just as consumer confidence shows early signs of recovery.”

He also highlights the message this Budget will send to international markets. “Reeves is walking a fine line between reassuring investors that the UK is fiscally responsible and avoiding a public backlash.

“Income tax hikes will signal discipline to bond markets, but they risk dampening growth in the short term.”

Nigel Green concludes: “The government has spent weeks softening the ground for this move.

“The talk of 'difficult decisions' and 'responsibility' is about expectation management. We believe income tax is about to rise, not because the Chancellor wants it to, but because she has no other credible choice left.

“The markets will welcome fiscal honesty, but households will feel the strain. This Budget will test political nerve and economic realism in equal measure.”

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.

Source: KOF Economic Institute

The Coincident Barometer rises slightly in November, while the Leading Barometer decreases for the second consecutive month, suggesting a weakening of the global recovery phase in the near future. As a result, both indicators converge to values close to the 100-point level.

In November, the Global Economic Coincident Barometer rises by 0.4 points to 99.6 points, while the Leading Barometer moves in the opposite direction, decreasing by 2.3 points to 99.7 points. Across the analysed regions, results are mixed. The Asia, Pacific & Africa region contributes negatively to both time horizons, while Europe has a positive, albeit moderate, impact. The Western Hemisphere contributes positively to the Coincident Barometer and negatively to the Leading Barometer.

“The good news is that the coincident indicator continued to rise, albeit by a small amount. The bad news is that the leading indicator has declined, causing the two indicators to converge. This suggests that further improvements in the coincident indicator are becoming less likely. As both indicators are close to their long-term averages, the current state of the world economy can be described as 'the new normal', comments Jan-Egbert Sturm, Director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, the latest results.

Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors
The 0.4-point increase in the Coincident Barometer in November results from positive contributions of 0.3 points from both the Western Hemisphere and Europe regions. Notably, the Europe indicator reaches its highest level since June 2022 (102.8 points), and the highest level among the regions. The Asia, Pacific & Africa region contributes negatively with 0.2 points, after five consecutive months of increases. The Global Coincident Barometer remains relatively stable since August, fluctuating within a narrow range between 99 and 100 points.

Among the coincident sectoral indicators, Services, Trade, and Economy (which is based on variables representing overall business and consumer evaluations) rise this month, while Construction and Industry decrease. As a result, Industry becomes the only sector below the 100-point level.

Leading Barometer – regions and sectors
The Global Leading Barometer decreases in November, with the Asia, Pacific & Africa and Western Hemisphere regions contributing negatively with 1.8 and 0.6 points, respectively. Europe, on the other hand, contributes positively with 0.4 points. As a result, Europe once again records the highest level among the regions, while the Western Hemisphere continues its downward tendency. The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average.

Among the leading sectoral indicators, only Services does not decrease this month. The Construction indicator records the largest drop, reaching its lowest level since September 2024 (93.2 points at the time).

Source: deVere Group

November 10 2025 – Global stocks extending gains signals that a powerful year-end surge could be imminent, predicts the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The comments from Nigel Green of deVere Group come as the US Senate on Sunday advanced a funding bill aimed at reopening the federal government and ending a shutdown that has now stretched to around 40 days – the longest in US history – a move that has injected fresh optimism into global markets.

Stocks rose across major regions on Monday as investors bet that progress in Washington could unlock a powerful year-end rally.

In Europe, the pan-regional Stoxx 600 gained around 1%, with Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 both up by roughly 1–1.6%. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei climbed about 1.3%, South Korea's Kospi jumped close to 3%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained around 1.5–1.6%. US futures pointed higher, with Nasdaq futures up more than 1% and S&P 500 futures rising around 0.7–0.8%.

Risk sentiment also showed up in other assets. Bitcoin traded back above $106,000 after a gain of around 4–5% in the past 24 hours, while spot gold moved to just over $4,070 a troy ounce, extending recent advances as investors balanced renewed appetite for risk with demand for portfolio insurance.

Nigel Green says: “Markets are looking for any excuse to buy – and after weeks of shutdown headlines and anxiety about AI and tech valuations, this breakthrough in Washington can be the catalyst.

“Traders want functionality, they want clarity, and once they see it, buying momentum picks up very quickly.”

He notes that the mood is turning against the backdrop of already strong equity performance this year.

“The S&P 500 is up by around the mid-teens in percentage terms so far in 2025, and the Nasdaq is close to a 20% gain. Both aren't far from record territory.

“This tells you investors have been willing to keep buying through noise. A credible step toward ending the shutdown gives them a fresh reason to push for new highs into year-end.”

Nigel Green says the reaction is exactly what you would expect when a major source of uncertainty starts to lift.

“For 40 days, the shutdown has weighed on confidence, disrupted federal services and delayed key economic data. Now that there is a visible path to reopening, investors are moving fast to get positioned.

“This is pent-up optimism – and you can see that in the way futures, Asian markets and European indices are all moving together.”

He stresses that the underlying conditions for a year-end surge are already in place.

“Liquidity remains strong, earnings have been better than many feared, and expectations for earnings growth into 2025 and 2026 are firming. Inflation has eased from previous peaks.

“Markets have been sitting close to record levels, looking for a reason to extend the run. A credible end to the shutdown could be exactly that reason.”

Nigel Green also highlights that the rally is broader than just AI and tech. “Tech and AI-related names have been central to this year's gains, but the reaction today shows more breadth.

Cyclical sectors and financials in Europe, as well as major Asian benchmarks, are participating in the move. That tells you investors are repositioning for a scenario where the world's largest economy keeps moving forward rather than stalling on politics.”

He points to digital assets as an important sentiment barometer.

“Bitcoin pushing back above $106,000 alongside rising equities shows investors are using both traditional markets and crypto to express a view that stability is returning. At the same time, gold grinding higher shows there is still demand for protection. This is not blind speculation – it's a calculated expression of confidence with insurance in place.”

However, Nigel Green warns that the optimism is conditional.

“The Senate has taken an important step, but markets now expect delivery. The bill still needs to clear the remaining stages and reach the president's desk.

If momentum in Congress slows, the rally can pause just as quickly as it started. Investors are responding to concrete legislative progress, not to rhetoric.”

He concludes: “The world's largest economy sets the tone for global markets.

“Once investors see that the shutdown is genuinely on track to end, they will treat it as the green light to press existing trends in equities, AI and tech, and in risk assets more broadly.

“If Washington follows through this week, a genuine relief rally into year-end becomes a highly realistic outcome.”

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.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to the deaths of refugees and migrants on a boat that sank off the coast of Malaysia, Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman said:

“This latest tragedy at sea in Southeast Asia once again lays bare the deadly risks faced by Rohingya Muslims who attempt to flee conflict and persecution in Myanmar, plus deteriorating conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

“Those who were aboard a boat that sank off the coast of Malaysia had left a rapidly worsening situation both at home in Rakhine State and in overcrowded and underfunded camps over the border in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

“In Myanmar, Rohingya civilians face food shortages, forced labour, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on movement while they remain trapped in a conflict between the Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army that has driven more Rohingya into camps in Bangladesh.

“Meanwhile, US funding cuts have led to shortages in shelter, education services and aid in the Bangladesh camps, putting additional strain on communities and further compelling people to seek the dangerous option of fleeing by boat.

“The Malaysian and Thai governments must coordinate comprehensive search and rescue missions for survivors of this tragedy and provide them with humanitarian assistance and protection from forcible return to Myanmar.

“The unconscionable practice of pushing boats away from borders must end, and regional governments must ensure that any boats carrying refugees and migrants are allowed to land safely in the nearest country. ASEAN leaders must act decisively to address the long-standing issue of Rohingya boats at sea, as well as the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.”

Background

At least 11 people are reported to have died after a boat carrying around 70 migrants and refugees sank near the border between Thailand and Malaysia.

The passengers were among a group of around 300 mostly Rohingya people who were originally on a larger vessel before splitting onto small boats, according to Malaysian officials. It is currently unclear whether the boat began its original journey in Myanmar or Bangladesh.

Civilians in Rakhine State have been trapped in the armed conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, which has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid and carried out deadly indiscriminate air strikes. Amnesty International and other groups have also documented violations of international humanitarian law and mounting abuses against civilians by the Arakan Army, which now controls most of northern Rakhine State.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are internally displaced, and more than 150,000 Rohingya men, women and children have fled across the border to the Bangladesh camps since late 2023, bringing the total number of refugees to an estimated 1.2 million.

Malaysia has a record of pushing back migrant boats from Myanmar. In January 2025, authorities said they had expelled two boats ferrying about 300 undocumented migrants from Myanmar from the country’s waters.