MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Source: United Nations – ESCAP

Global and regional leaders today called for stronger action to ensure no one is left behind in a rapidly changing world, as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 82nd session in Bangkok.

“As the crisis in the Middle East compounds global shocks and affects countries across Asia and the Pacific in different ways, the effects are often falling hardest on the most vulnerable. Sustainable development remains our best strategy to advance progress for all ages and to strengthen resilience amidst uncertainty,” said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohamed.

The meeting comes at a time of mounting pressures on the region, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate risks and rapid technological change, alongside major demographic shifts such as ageing populations, youth employment challenges and widening intergenerational inequalities. Home to more than 60% of the world's population, the region is also transitioning from households with high fertility to longer lives and smaller families.

“In every crisis, there lies an opportunity; an opportunity to reflect and to better prepare for the future. This crisis underscores something fundamental about the region. Asia and the Pacific is deeply interdependent,” emphasized Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

She added, “This interdependence creates shared vulnerability. It also creates a shared responsibility and calls for a shared vision, one in which no one is left behind, and where resilience lies at the heart of development.”

“This year's theme of advancing a society for all ages is not just a policy aspiration, but a strategic priority. It raises an important question: how do we build societies where every stage of life is valued and every person has opportunity to thrive?” said H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand in his special remarks.

Ministers at the opening also stressed the need to ensure that advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence support inclusive growth and benefit all segments of society.

“Digital transformation is an essential part of this effort. Today the use of online public services, e-government tools and artificial intelligence initiatives is becoming increasingly important for inclusive growth and effective governance,” said H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, who was also elected as Chair of the 82nd session.

“Digital innovation has the potential to overcome the tyranny of distance that defines our geography. By leveraging technology, we can expand access to essential services, improve governance, and unlock new economic opportunities,” shared H.E. Panapasi Nelesone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu.

Discussions during the week-long forum will focus on critical policy solutions to adapt to major demographic shifts, including expanding job opportunities across all age groups, supporting women's participation in the workforce, strengthening care and social protection systems, and promoting lifelong learning.

More than 477 participants from 58 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week.

This year's Commission session is jointly hosted by ESCAP, the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Thailand. It is expected to culminate on Friday with the endorsement of resolutions covering, among others, advancing societies for all ages, building inclusive civil registration and vital statistics systems, strengthening connectivity on transport and logistics, and the establishment of a regional digital solutions centre.

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its member States and associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.

Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
 
Istanbul, Türkiye, 19 April 2026 – In a historic first, Anda Filip has been elected the ninth Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the first woman to hold the post in the IPU's 137-year history. As a result, the IPU joins the small but growing club of international organizations led by women for the first time.
 
Anda Filip was elected at the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye from 15 to 19 April 2026.
 
She will succeed Martin Chungong of Cameroon, whose third and final term ends on 30 June 2026.
 
Anda Filip of Romania has worked at the IPU for over 20 years, and has been Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations since 2011.
 
From 2003 to 2011, she was the Permanent Observer of the IPU to the United Nations in New York. She has served as Secretary of 25 IPU Assemblies, as well as Secretary of the IPU Standing Committees on Peace and International Security and on United Nations Affairs.
 
She also served as a diplomat in the Romanian Foreign Ministry in roles including Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations based in Geneva, Minister Counsellor with the Romanian Embassy in Washington D.C. and Ministry Spokesperson.
 
Following the election, Anda Filip said: “I am deeply humbled for your confidence and support. I will spare no effort to make you proud. I will work with you in the service of your countries and your parliaments.”
 
Some 321 parliamentarians from 126 countries took part in a secret ballot during a session of the IPU's Governing Council, the Organization's main decision-making body. With four candidates on the ballot, Anda Filip was elected after one round of voting, winning 72% of the vote.
 
To promote gender equality, each IPU Member Parliament is entitled to three votes if its delegation was gender-balanced. Single-sex delegations are entitled to one vote. All Member Parliaments, regardless of size, have the same voting weight.
 
The Secretary General is elected for a four-year term, renewable twice, and serves as the IPU's chief executive. The post carries responsibility for managing the Secretariat, principally based at the IPU's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and reporting to the IPU's governing bodies.
 
There have been eight Secretaries General since the IPU was founded in 1889. Two of them – Norway's Christian Lange and Switzerland's Albert Gobat – are among the eight IPU figures who have won the Nobel Peace Prize.
 
 
 
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 183 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener and more gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

Source: GlobalData

The war between Israel and Iran has sharply weakened economic outlook across the Gulf, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz driving significant downward revisions to 2026 GDP growth forecasts. Rising shipping risks, higher costs, and delayed trade flows are affecting multiple sectors, undermining business confidence and investment decisions across the region, according to the latest macroeconomic update by GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

Heightened security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, including vessel seizures, shipping disruptions, and damage to key infrastructure across key GCC economies, have tightened logistics capacity, raised insurance and freight costs, and delayed essential supplies. The impact has spread across energy, transport, aviation, trade, tourism, and construction, increasing costs and uncertainty, and weakening business confidence and overall economic activity.

Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, comments: “The impact is highest in economies highly exposed to regional trade, shipping corridors, and reliable energy-export logistics. Supply-chain disruptions, postponed investment decisions, and tighter financial conditions are weighing on major corporates operating across the region.

“These pressures are cascading through business activity, leading firms to slow hiring, scale back capital spending, and delay project delivery. As execution timelines lengthen and costs rise, the effects are spreading beyond affected sectors, weakening near-term growth prospects and increasing uncertainty for investors and policymakers.”

Largest downgrades concentrated in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE

GlobalData expects Qatar to see the largest cut, down 11.37 percentage points (pp) versus the previous forecast, followed by Kuwait (down 4.72pp), Iran (down 4.45pp), and Bahrain (down 3.60pp). Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have also been downgraded as regional spillovers intensify, driven by trade links, mobility, investment flows, and higher risk premia.

Iran faces a pronounced growth contraction

GlobalData's revised projections incorporate both direct and indirect impacts from the war on Iran, worsening expectations for activity across 2026. As a result, the forecast now calls for a deeper GDP contraction of 5.95%, versus an estimated 1.50% decline projected in the previous quarter, reflecting more severe disruptions to commerce, access to financing, business and consumer confidence, and cross-border economic activity.

Outlook remains highly conditional

Mundada concludes: “The outlook is contingent on how long the war persists, the degree of disruption in maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the pace at which confidence returns. De-escalation and a sustained normalization of shipping activity could limit further downside; however, continued disruptions would keep pressure on non-oil activity, raise import costs, and delay project pipelines.”

Notes

The information is based on GlobalData's Macroeconomic Database, “Country Analytics Overview – GlobalData”

About GlobalData

GlobalData Plc (LSE:DATA) operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what is coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world's largest industries, providing tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.

Source: Vanuatu Inter-Government members

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – 17 April 2026, Port Vila, Vanuatu – Amidst a deepening fossil fuel-driven energy crisis that has triggered the declaration of a state of emergency in multiple Pacific nations, Ministers and senior officials from Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Vanuatu concluded the Port Vila II: PSIDS Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Just Transition by launching The Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific.

The landmark declaration is a powerful new regional framework affirming the Pacific's shared vision for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific and outlines immediate steps to transition to resilient, 100% renewable energy economies.

A central demand of the Call is the urgent negotiation and adoption of a global Fossil Fuel Treaty—a binding international mechanism to manage a just, orderly, equitable, and rapid phase-out of coal, oil, and gas. The Call commits participating nations to a coordinated diplomatic strategy to advance the Treaty across all regional and international forums, including the forthcoming Santa Marta Conference and the Second International Conference for the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in Tuvalu.

This event occurring in Vanuatu is especially significant because this was the birthplace of the Port Vila Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific back in March 2023. This followed the unprecedented impact of two Category 4 cyclones striking Vanuatu within the same week, prompting six nations to issue the first-ever collective call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, building on earlier endorsements from Vanuatu and Tuvalu.

Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, and Energy, said:

“After years of frustration at COPs, the Pacific will be in Santa Marta with a simple message: The fossil fuel-driven energy crisis is not just an environmental disaster; it is an economic and security threat to our very existence. The Tassiriki Call for Fossil Fuel Free Pacific is our blueprint for survival and prosperity. It is a unified message from the frontline of the climate crisis: the age of fossil fuels must end, and the world must heed our call for a global, just, and equitable phase-out through a Fossil Fuel Treaty.”

The declaration puts significant pressure on major developed nations, particularly Australia, President of Negotiations at the upcoming COP31, which continues to approve new coal and gas projects despite regional calls for a phase-out.

Hon. Dr. Maina Talia, Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Climate Change, Tuvalu, said:

“For decades, the Pacific has led efforts to secure multilateral climate solutions. This declaration marks the beginning of the next chapter of our journey to a fossil free future – setting a clear direction for our unified coalition of countries who are ready to secure a fast, fair and financed transition away from coal, oil and gas production. Next week, we will join over 55 countries in Santa Marta, Colombia where we will aim to scale unprecedented levels of international cooperation and advance the proposal to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty.”

Key Demands and Commitments in The Tassiriki Call:

Fossil Fuel Treaty: Calls for the development and negotiation of a global mechanism for the rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels.

1.5°C Non-Negotiable: Declares the 1.5°C global heating threshold as non-negotiable, stating that the survival of Pacific peoples depends on maintaining this limit.

International Law as a Weapon: Commits to strategically deploying the landmark advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which affirmed that a state’s failure to act on fossil fuel production and subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act.

100% Renewable Energy Roadmap: Emphasises the importance of implementing a fully-funded 100 per cent renewable energy strategy for the Pacific, calling for scaled-up, grant-based finance that does not increase the region’s debt burden.

Cease Expansion Now: Calls on all nations to immediately cease fossil fuel exploration and expansion, end subsidies, and start the managed decline of existing production, with developed nations moving first and fastest.

Just Transition Integrity: Expresses deep concern over technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and geoengineering being used to justify prolonged fossil fuel production, stating they “risk diverting finance, political attention and time away from proven pathways.”

Operationalising the Phase-Out: Agrees to formally establish an Intergovernmental Taskforce for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific to carry forward these outcomes, focusing on legal pathways, governance, and financial mechanisms.

Notes:

The Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific was adopted on April 15, 2026, in Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu. Tassiriki is a suburb of Port Vila, Vanuatu

Source: The Hague

Source: ONEKEY

• Cyber Resilience Act: Effective vulnerability management and the automated generation of software bills of materials will be essential for manufacturers of connected products.
• Winner of the prestigious “Best in Show Award” at the “Embedded World” trade fair.

Düsseldorf, April 16, 2026  – With the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), the European Union has, for the first time, established a binding legal framework for the cybersecurity of digital products. For manufacturers of connected devices, machines, and systems, this underscores the need to systematically manage security vulnerabilities across the entire product lifecycle. The Düsseldorf-based cybersecurity company ONEKEY provides an effective vulnerability management solution that includes the automated generation of a software bill of materials (SBOM).

While many companies have relied primarily on traditional IT security measures thus far, the CRA requires a significantly more comprehensive approach. In future, manufacturers must be able to identify vulnerabilities early on, assess their risks, provide security updates, and transparently document these processes.

Vulnerability Management Becomes a Regulatory Requirement

These new requirements place structured vulnerability management at the center of compliance. Companies must regularly verify whether their products contain known or newly discovered security vulnerabilities. This includes analyzing all software components that make up modern devices and applications.

The growing complexity of today's software supply chains is particularly relevant in this context. Many products include hundreds or even thousands of open-source and third-party components. Each of these components can introduce vulnerabilities that may impact the entire product.

Automated Analysis of Firmware and Software Components

Therefore, modern security platforms are increasingly relying on automated analysis to detect risks early on. For instance, the ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform allows manufacturers to swiftly scan device firmware and pinpoint known vulnerabilities.

One particular advantage is that the analysis can be performed without access to the source code. Binary files are examined directly, allowing security issues to be detected in complex embedded systems.

Automated vulnerability management also helps companies transparently document software components and systematically prioritize risks. This gives security managers a clear overview of which vulnerabilities are critical and which remedial measures should be implemented as a priority.

This includes a feature for generating enriched SBOMs. These expanded software bills of materials contain all relevant vulnerability information and fully meet industry and regulatory requirements. They list vulnerabilities and their risk classifications and provide supporting documentation and justifications in a single, easy-to-manage file. This transforms the SBOM from a mere bill of materials into a security passport with an integrated risk assessment and all the necessary regulatory evidence.

Continuous Monitoring Throughout the Entire Product Lifecycle

These new features are part of ONEKEY's “CRA Fast Start” program. This program allows manufacturers of connected devices, machines, and systems to evaluate their products' compliance with the new EU Cyber Resilience Act in a structured way, eliminating lead times. The program is based on the following pillars: CRA Readiness Assessment, creation of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) as a solid foundation for permanent CRA compliance, systematic vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring.

The CRA Readiness Assessment is a structured analysis of a company's maturity level with regard to CRA requirements. Based on the results, compliance gaps can be identified and prioritized action steps can be defined. Next, continuous vulnerability management and monitoring uncover vulnerabilities and create transparency for software supply chains (through SBOMs). New vulnerabilities, affected libraries, and security-related changes are continuously tracked. These processes support compliance with CRA obligations, as well as the necessary governance and risk management processes.

Strategic Importance for Businesses

The CRA will have far-reaching implications for manufacturers of connected products. To meet regulatory requirements, companies must align their development processes more closely with security and establish new organizational structures.

Professional vulnerability management is therefore a critical component of CRA compliance. Early investment in automated security analysis and structured processes helps reduce regulatory risk while strengthening trust among customers and partners.

“The CRA will permanently transform product development in Europe,” said Jan Wendenburg, CEO of ONEKEY. “In the future, cybersecurity will be viewed not as an add-on feature but as a fundamental prerequisite for digital products in the European market.”

ONEKEY is the leading European specialist in Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Management and part of the investment portfolio of PricewaterhouseCoopers Germany (PwC). The unique combination of the automated ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform (OCP) with expert knowledge and consulting services provides fast and comprehensive analysis, support, and management to improve product cybersecurity and compliance from product purchasing, design, development, production to end-of-life.

Critical vulnerabilities and compliance violations in device firmware are automatically identified in binary code by AI-based technology in minutes – without source code, device, or network access. Proactively audit software supply chains with integrated Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) generation. “Digital Cyber Twins” enable automated 24/7 post-release cybersecurity monitoring throughout the product lifecycle.

The patent-pending, integrated ONEKEY Compliance Wizard already covers the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and requirements according to IEC 62443-4-2, ETSI EN 303 645, UNECE R 155 and many others.

The Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is effectively supported by the integrated automatic prioritisation of vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the time to remediation.

Leading international companies in Asia, Europe and the Americas already benefit from the ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform (OCP) and ONEKEY Cybersecurity Experts.

Source: deVere Group

APRIL 16 2026 – Tech stocks are powering stock markets to fresh record highs as easing geopolitical tensions are helping “accelerate the next phase of the AI and tech-led bull market.”

This is the bullish analysis from the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group as Wall Street's S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closed at new all-time highs on Monday, with the tech-heavy index extending its winning streak to 11 consecutive sessions.

The move comes as expectations build around a potential de-escalation between the US and Iran, after President Trump said a deal to end the conflict is “very close,” while discussions over a second round of negotiations are under consideration.

Nigel Green says: “The reaction in markets is swift and highly targeted. Capital is flowing decisively back into high-growth sectors, with AI and tech companies leading the charge as investors respond to the prospect of reduced geopolitical friction.

“The strength of the rally reflects renewed conviction in the sectors that have been driving market performance in recent years.

“Investors are increasing exposure to AI and tech with intent. As geopolitical tension begins to ease, even marginally, a key layer of uncertainty is removed.”

That, it would appear, is enough to support stronger positioning in sectors where long-term earnings potential remains dominant.

The scale of the Nasdaq's advance underlines where institutional money is concentrating. Gains are not evenly distributed across the market.

Instead, flows are being directed towards companies most closely aligned with structural growth themes, particularly AI, digital infrastructure, and advanced computing.

This pattern reinforces a central feature of the current market environment: leadership remains firmly rooted in innovation-driven sectors.

“AI and tech continue to set the pace,” Nigel Green explains.

“The easing of geopolitical pressure is acting as an accelerant, allowing investors to commit more capital to the areas already delivering growth. There's clarity in how money is being deployed.”

A clear divergence between major indices supports this assessment.

“While the Nasdaq has surged, the Dow has edged lower, highlighting a preference for growth-oriented assets over more traditional, economically sensitive sectors.

“The rally is selective and deliberate, reflecting confidence in specific drivers rather than a broad-based rise.”

Markets have also moved quickly to erase losses linked to the Iran conflict. The S&P 500 has now recovered all ground lost since the start of the war, a development that signals how rapidly sentiment can shift as geopolitical expectations evolve.

Nigel Green says this reversal illustrates both confidence in the direction of diplomatic efforts and the underlying demand for exposure to high-growth sectors.

“There is strong appetite for assets tied to future earnings expansion. As perceived risk declines, discount rates adjust, and that has a direct impact on valuations in the tech sector. Investors are responding to that dynamic.”

Momentum in the Nasdaq also reflects sustained interest in AI as a defining theme.

Investment in data centres, semiconductors, and software platforms continues to expand, supported by both corporate spending and broader economic priorities tied to digital transformation.

Improved geopolitical conditions could further reinforce this trend by supporting supply chain stability and encouraging cross-border investment flows, particularly in areas linked to advanced tech infrastructure.

“AI, and its ecosystem, is central to global economic development, and capital is aligning accordingly,” continues the deVere CEO.

“As uncertainty recedes, there's greater scope for sustained investment into the companies building and scaling this technology.”

The current rally points to a market that is actively prioritising growth, with tech at the centre of that positioning.

The consistency of gains in the Nasdaq, alongside the speed of the broader market recovery, indicates that investors are acting with a clear strategic focus.

Nigel Green concludes: “Tech leadership is strengthening as conditions improve. The combination of easing geopolitical pressure and continued demand for AI-driven growth is supporting further upside.

“Investors are positioning to capture that trajectory, which could be the acceleration of another intense bull-run.”

Yesterday, the CEO went public with his prediction that “Corporate America is heading into this earnings season with serious momentum.”

He noted that the underlying drivers are “a weaker dollar, robust fiscal stimulus, and resilient global demand.”

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: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

CommBank backs communities and businesses with landmark deal to provide long-term support as the build up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues.

16 April 2025 – Thursday, 16 April 2026: The Commonwealth Bank today announced it will become the Founding Partner and Official Bank of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games), supporting a defining moment on home soil and helping deliver lasting economic and community benefit.

As the first domestic partner of the Games, CommBank’s commitment reflects long term investment in small businesses, local communities and athletes ahead of, during and beyond 2032.

Matt Comyn, CommBank CEO, said: “This is an important moment for Australia. Events like our home Olympic and Paralympic Games create real momentum for communities and meaningful opportunities for local businesses and the broader economy.

“As Australia’s largest bank, we’re proud to play our part to help realise that potential. Becoming Founding Partner reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting all Australians and helping ensure the benefits of the Games are felt in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.”

Brisbane 2032 is expected to drive significant economic activity across Queensland and the broader Australian economy, while showcasing Australia on the global stage with around five billion people following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games1.

Independent analysis commissioned at the time of Brisbane’s bid estimated up to $17.6 billion in national economic benefit and $8.1 billion for Queensland over a 20-year period over the life of the Games and its legacy impacts. Additionally, analysis projected the Games to support more than 120,000 full-time equivalent jobs, across construction, tourism, hospitality and event delivery.2

Andrew Liveris, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee President said: “I’m delighted to welcome Australia’s largest bank and one of the most recognised brands in our country as our inaugural partner for the Games. CommBank’s commitment to partner with us long-term shows their clear intent to support our athletes, businesses and nation realise collective full potential on the world stage in six years time. Over the coming years,  CommBank and Brisbane 2032 will create opportunity, drive growth and showcase the very best of who we are and what we can achieve together, setting Brisbane, Queensland and Australia up for generations of success beyond 2032.”

Through its partnership with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, CommBank will focus on helping Australians move beyond doubt and realise their potential, whether in a sport, in community or in business. This will include backing athletes, supporting youth participation, investing in community initiatives. Through its roles as Founding Partner, CommBank will provide educational resources and support for local businesses through the Brisbane 2032 supplier portal.

For more than 35 years, CommBank has supported Australian sport, from grassroots programs to elite levels. This partnership builds on that legacy and strengthens its support for the next generation of Australian athletes.

Olympic legend Ian Thorpe AM spoke at the launch press conference about the impact of home Games and the importance of long-term investment in athletes.

“Competing at a home Games is incredibly special. In Sydney, you could feel the support of the whole country, it lifts you, but there’s also a real pressure that comes with it. And when you perform, there’s a huge sense of relief and pride. Those moments are built over years. The preparation, the support around you and having long-term backing in place all come together when it matters most,” Thorpe said.

Olympian Jess Fox OAM said: “A home Games is incredibly special. It creates an energy you don’t experience anywhere else and inspires athletes to push through doubts and further than they thought possible. Having the right support behind you makes a real difference. Seeing CommBank come on board shows the importance of backing athletes and creating opportunities that helps build something lasting not just for those competing, but for the next generations coming through.”

Paralympian Rae Anderson said: “Our Games in 2032 is a chance to show what’s possible when sport reflects the full diversity of our community. For Paralympians, representation matters because it shifts perceptions and helps more people see themselves in sport. Having CommBank as a Founding Partner sends a strong signal about inclusion and opportunity, with more support for athletes and inspiration for the next generation to believe, become and belong on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, CommBank will hold a suite of official partnership titles including, but not limited to: Founding Partner, Premium Partner and Banking Partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia. CommBank will also be the Premium and Banking Partner of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Older Australians and a 23% jump in transport costs pumped up the spending of Australian households in March, but CBA economists say a slowdown is expected.

16 April 2026 – Key points:

• Household spending rose 2.9% in March, driven largely by higher fuel costs. 
• Transport spending surged 22.9% over the month, while Recreation rose 0.9%, supported by a busy major events calendar.
• Australians aged 65-plus recorded the fastest annual spending growth at 14.2%. 
• CBA economists expect a slowdown in household spending as growth in disposable incomes cools off. 

Australian household spending rebounded strongly in March, driven by an increase in petrol prices and a broader lift across all spending categories, the latest CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) shows.

New data also shows a significant split in the spending patterns of different age groups during March.

Overall, the HSI rose 2.9 per cent over the month, the result coming after an 0.4 per cent fall in February. Even excluding Transport costs inflated by higher fuel prices, household spending was still up 1.0 per cent, with all 12 categories recording monthly increases. Transport spending surged 22.9 per cent in March, the latest HSI data shows.

“As expected, the sharp March lift in household spending reflects higher petrol prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East,” CBA Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said. “Of the 2.9 per cent lift in the month, over half was contributed from Transport alone. Spending at petrol stations accounts for well over half of the category, with spending up around 45 per cent in the month.

“Looking ahead, CommBank expects household spending to slow as real household disposable income growth weakens, helping ease inflation pressures over time. The outlook for consumers will be critical to the path of interest rates beyond May,” Allen said.

Older Australians lead spending growth

Meanwhile new data released in the HSI report for the first time shows that household spending patterns are diverging sharply by age.  

Over the year to March, consumers aged 65-plus recorded the strongest growth, followed by those aged 55 to 64 and 45 to 54. Younger cohorts saw slower spending growth, particularly people aged 25 to 34.

“Typically, households aged 65 and over have higher disposable incomes and are more likely to benefit from higher interest rates compared with other age groups,” Allen said. Nevertheless, “we did see spending on essential categories continued to drive growth across all age cohorts”.

Compared to March 2025, spending growth lifted across all age groups except those aged 18 to 24, with the biggest acceleration among Australians aged 55 to 64.

Hospitality and big event spending grows

In other categories, hospitality spending increased 1.2 per cent and Recreation rose 0.9 per cent over the month, supported by a busy events calendar including the start of the NRL and AFL seasons, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Women’s Asia Cup.

Utilities spending rose 6.9 per cent, lifted by the end of electricity rebates, while spending on insurance climbed 2.5 per cent, most likely driven by health insurance prepayments made ahead of premium rises from 1 April.

Across the board, annual spending growth lifted to 8.5 per cent in March. Over the quarter, spending rose 1.8 per cent in nominal terms, but with headline inflation estimated at 1.4 per cent, real spending volumes are estimated to have increased by just 0.4 per cent.

Regions outperform metros, but fuel risks loom

Regional areas recorded stronger annual spending growth than metro areas across most states, with Queensland the standout in both metro and regional locations. Western Australia’s regions also performed strongly, while the weakest growth was recorded in the ACT, metro Tasmania and metro Victoria.

While higher fuel prices initially lifted spending, regional areas are more exposed to prolonged increases given the heavy reliance of agricultural, mining and freight industries on diesel-intensive operations. If elevated fuel prices persist, Allen says regional spending is likely to soften.

See the full report here: https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NOa00000JVmrp

Source: Equinor

14 APRIL 2026 – Equinor ASA has divested an 8.07 percent shareholding in Scatec ASA at a price of NOK 125 per share.

Total consideration amounts to around NOK 1.6 billion. Following the transaction, Equinor holds an 8.05 percent share in Scatec.

Equinor has also entered into a 90-day lock-up agreement for the remaining shareholding.

Equinor became a minority shareholder in Scatec in 2018 and later increased its shareholding to 16.12% through several purchases in the period 2019-2023.

Equinor’s average in-price is around NOK 80 per share, including dividends received.

Scatec and Equinor continue to be partners in the Apodi and Mendubim operating solar assets in Brazil. These partnerships are unaffected by the transaction.