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Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY (102.27%), MSTY (101.29%), ULTY (78.88%), AIYY (70.96%), LFGY (69.83%), and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    CHPY* YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly – – – – – –
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2360 35.40% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4170 69.83% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2199 29.87% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3590 45.69% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2270 29.60% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0822 78.88% 2.21% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0973 38.00% 69.89% 53.05% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1289 57.35% 96.57% 64.98% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2301 70.96% 4.89% 93.15% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4877 43.54% 4.40% 89.31% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3023 33.00% 3.44% 44.35% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3254 35.32% 4.03% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.3356 101.29% 0.50% 0.48% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.5012 102.27% 3.01% 67.02% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    WNTR** YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks – – – – – –
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4412 59.61% 6.32% 89.82% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4437 30.86% 3.08% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY UTLY YMAG YMAX CRSH FEAT FIVY GOOY OARK SNOY TSLY TSMY XOMO YBIT


    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling     (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    *The inception date for CHPY is April 2, 2025.

    **The inception date for WNTR is March 26, 2025.

    1 All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 8, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5 ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.


    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here. For CHPY, click here

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-03
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    April 3, 2025The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement on April 3 indicating its deep concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan. On the same day, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also expressed its concern on X. In its statement, Australia said that it strongly opposed actions that increased the risk of miscalculation and escalation. It reaffirmed that such military exercises were disproportionate and destabilizing, adding that it had raised its concerns with China. Meanwhile, New Zealand called on China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that undermine peace and stability. Both countries expressed their opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and called for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to resolve their differences through dialogue, not through the threat or use of force or coercion.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes these statements and thanks Australia, New Zealand, and all peace-loving countries for continuing to pay close attention to the security situation across the Taiwan Strait. He reiterates that cross-strait peace and stability are in line with the world’s interests and are of extraordinary importance to the international community.MOFA stresses that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work with like-minded countries to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 11 NBFCs surrender their Certificate of Registration to RBI

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The following 11 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) have surrendered the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to them by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has therefore cancelled their CoR.

    i) Cancellation of CoR due to exit from Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) business:

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued on Date of Cancellation of CoR
    1 Ekagrata Finance Private Limited Nova Miller, Ground Floor, No 333 Thimmiah Road Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560052 N-02.00321 September 27, 2019 March 04, 2025
    2 Ezcred Private Limited Villa 324, Adarsh Palm Retreat Villas, Phase-2 Bellandur, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560103 N- 02.00296 March 15, 2018 March 05, 2025
    3 Lamina Leasing and Finance Limited 8th Floor, B Wing, Rama Bhavan complex, Kodialbail Mangalore, Karnataka – 575003 B-02.00130 December 10, 2003 March 05, 2025
    4 Hinduja Finance Limited Plot No. C-21, Tower-C, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400051 N-13.01870 June 12, 2007 March 07, 2025
    5 Whitegold Holdings Private Limited 84-A, Mittal Court, 8th Floor, 224, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400021 13.00744 March 01, 2021 March 13, 2025
    6 Trident Microfin Private Limited #11-4-189/4, Plot No. 19, 2nd Floor, Road No.6, Venkateshwara Colony, Saroornagar, Rangareddy, Telangana – 500035 B-09.00440 February 24, 2014 March 26, 2025
    7 Digikredit Finance Private Limited Office No 260, 1st Floor, Raghuleela Mega Mall, Behind Poisar Bus Depot, Off S.V. Road, Kandivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400067 N-13.02223 February 07, 2018 March 28, 2025
    8 Rutgers Investment and Trading Company Private Limited 29, Bank Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400001 13.00353 March 18, 1998 March 28, 2025

    ii) Cancellation of CoR due to NBFC ceasing to be a legal entity due to amalgamation/ merger/dissolution/ voluntary strike-off, etc.:

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued on Date of cancellation of CoR
    1 Joindre Finance Private Limited 1607 16th Floor, Lodha Supremus, Opp. Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013 N-13.01838 August 31, 2006 March 17, 2025
    2 Jasol Investment & Trading Co Pvt Ltd 1607 16th Floor, Lodha Supremus, Opp. Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013 13.00864 May 26, 1998 March 17, 2025
    3 S. M. Management Private Limited Makum Road Tinsukia, Assam – 786125. 08.00174 August 10, 2005 March 20, 2025

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/70

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and mouth disease: latest situation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Foot and mouth disease: latest situation

    Current cases of foot and mouth disease, trade restrictions and risk level.

    Contents:

    If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.

    Foot and mouth disease (FMD) affects cloven-hoofed animals including:

    • cattle
    • sheep
    • pigs
    • goats
    • camelids
    • deer

    It does not affect humans.

    Livestock keepers must be vigilant to signs of disease and practise good biosecurity.

    Current cases in Europe 

    There are currently no cases in the UK, but there have recently been confirmed cases in:

    • Germany (January 2025)
    • Hungary (March 2025)
    • Slovakia (March 2025)

    The last outbreak in the UK was in 2007.

    Restrictions

    Bringing food into Great Britain for personal use

    You must not bring meat or dairy products from certain animals (including cows, sheep, pigs and goats) into Great Britain for personal use if those goods are from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia or Austria.

    You can bring these products from other EU countries, but certain restrictions apply. Check the rules for bringing food into Great Britain for personal use.

    Commercial trade

    There are restrictions on commercially importing certain products from:

    • any EU country with FMD (Germany, Hungary and Slovakia)
    • Austria, because of a case near the Hungarian-Austrian border 

    The restrictions apply to:

    • hay and straw
    • any live animal belonging to an FMD-susceptible species

    Restrictions also apply to the following products from FMD-susceptible animals:

    • germplasm
    • fresh meat
    • meat products, unless suitably heat treated
    • milk and dairy products, unless suitably treated
    • animal by-products, such as pet food

    Traders must check the rules for imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products.

    Risk levels and outbreak assessments

    The risk of FMD entering the UK is currently assessed as medium. 

    Find details of the evidence that supported the decisions on this risk level in APHA’s outbreak assessments:

    Foot and mouth disease is not a public health or food safety risk.​

    Press releases and statements

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Lease Agreement Between Global Net Lease and General Services Administration (GSA) Remains in Full Effect

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) (“GNL” or the “Company”) announced today that it has received written notice from the Government Services Administration (“GSA”) revoking its previous notice to exercise termination rights related to GNL’s Class A office building in Franklin, Tennessee. As a result, the existing lease agreement with the GSA remains in full force and effect.

    Global Net Lease thanks the GSA for being a valued partner throughout this process. GNL looks forward to continuing the strong relationship for many years to come.

    About Global Net Lease, Inc.

    Global Net Lease, Inc. is a publicly traded real estate investment trust listed on the NYSE, which focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the United States, United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe. Additional information about GNL can be found on its website at www.globalnetlease.com.

    Important Notice

    The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. The words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “predicts,” “plans,” “intends,” “would,” “could,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that any potential future acquisition or disposition (including the proposed closing of the encumbered properties portion of the multi-tenant portfolio) by the Company is subject to market conditions, capital availability and timing considerations and may not be identified or completed on favorable terms, or at all. Some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those presented in the Company’s forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and all of its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as such risks, uncertainties and other important factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent reports. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations
    Email: investorrelations@globalnetlease.com
    Phone: (332) 265-2020

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Babylon (BABY) Exclusive BTC Fixed Saving Event with 99% APR

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has launched an exclusive BTC Fixed Saving Event offering an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of up to 99%, in anticipation of the upcoming Babylon (BABY) token listing. This event not only brings substantial rewards to users but also underscores MEXC’s commitment to supporting the development of diverse ecosystems and projects across the cryptocurrency space.

    High APR Opportunity Through BTC Fixed Saving Event

    The BTC Fixed Saving Event, running from April 8 – May 9, 2025 (UTC), offers new users the opportunity to earn up to 99% APR on their BTC deposits. Event features include:

    • High Earnings: New users can earn up to 99% APR on BTC deposits.
    • Low Minimum Entry: Start with as little as 0.0015 BTC.
    • Short-Term Commitment: Stake for just 3 days to enjoy high returns.

    Babylon Airdrop+ Event with a Total Prize Pool of 150,000 USDT

    In addition to the BTC Fixed Saving Event, MEXC is also hosting the Babylon (BABY) Airdrop+ Event, which runs from April 3 – April 24, 2025. Users can participate and share the prize pool in the following ways:
    Benefit 1: New users can deposit to share 80,000 USDT in Futures bonuses.
    Benefit 2: Trade in the Futures Challenge to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (open to all users).
    Benefit 3: Invite new users and share 20,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (open to all users).

    For full event details and participation rules, visit the BTC Fixed Saving Event page and Babylon Airdrop+ Eventpage.

    MEXC’s Commitment to User-Centric Innovation

    In addition to the BTC Fixed Saving Event and the Babylon Airdrop+ Event, MEXC continues to prioritize the interests of its users. By offering high APR opportunities, 0 Trading Fee, and other user-centric services, MEXC demonstrates its commitment to delivering value and supporting its global user base.

    Looking to the future, MEXC remains focused on upholding its mission of being the easiest way to crypto. The platform is committed to fostering industry development and reinforcing its advantages in fast token listings and a broad selection of trending tokens. According to the latest TokenInsight report, from November 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. Additionally, during the bi-weekly periods, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to quickly capture market trends. Through these efforts, MEXC empowers global users to seize market opportunities and unlock greater investment potential.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8de7599f-1ff8-4e2d-8072-b0f0ab3e549f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW’s speaking notes on labour, manpower development and retirement protection policy areas tabled at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the speaking notes of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on labour, manpower development and retirement protection policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 9):

    Chairman and Honourable Members,

         Recurrent government spending on labour and manpower development in 2025-26 is estimated to be $3,480 million, representing an increase of about $350 million (11.1 per cent) over the revised estimate of $3,140 million last year. It accounts for 0.6 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure. I will highlight the key areas of work in respect of the relevant areas in the coming year.

    Abolishing the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement

         The abolition of the MPF offsetting arrangement will take effect on May 1 this year, alongside the launch of a 25-year subsidy scheme on the same date. I would like to remind employers again that the abolition has no retrospective effect, and the pre-transition portion of severance payment (SP) and long service payment for existing employees can still be offset after May 1. Dismissing employees before the abolition takes effect will not save money. 

    Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS)

         The Labour Department (LD) has implemented the ESLS since September 4, 2023, to suspend the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation under the previous Supplementary Labour Scheme for two years. As at March this year, the ESLS received over 12 000 applications for importing about 107 000 workers. During the period, over 7 800 applications involving around 54 000 imported workers were approved. The LD is reviewing the ESLS, including its coverage, operation and implementation arrangements; measures to promote and ensure employment priority for local workers; measures to protect the rights and benefits of imported workers; as well as other requirements and matters relating to the ESLS. The Government will take full account of the views of stakeholders, including employer associations and labour organisations, in mapping out the way forward. 

    Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW)

         The SMW rate will be raised from the prevailing level of $40 per hour to $42.1 on May 1, providing further protection to low-income employees. Moreover, the Government is firming up a new annual review mechanism for future SMW rates. The first rate derived under the new mechanism is expected to take effect on May 1 next year.

    Amending the Trade Unions Ordinance (TUO)

         The Government also proposes to amend the TUO to better safeguard national security and strengthen the regulatory regime for trade unions. The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) and the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Manpower supported the amendment proposals. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.

    Relaxing the “continuous contract” requirement under the Employment Ordinance (EO)

         Based on the consensus reached by the LAB, the Government is amending the EO to relax the working hours threshold of the “continuous contract” requirement, enabling more employees to enjoy fuller protection. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.

    Increasing the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (PWIF)

         The Government on March 21 this year increased the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the PWIF from $100,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement to $200,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement, further strengthening the protection for the rights of employees affected by business closures. 

    Strengthening youth employment services

         The LD in January this year enhanced the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme to relax the eligibility requirements to include young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications, and increase the limit of allowance granted to enterprises to $12,000 per young person per month. The LD also raised the upper age limit for participants of the Youth Employment and Training Programme to 29 and introduced workplace attachment opportunities in the GBA to enhance young people’s employability.

    Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme

         The LD on July 15 last year launched the three-year Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme. The response is very favourable. As at March this year, the Scheme recorded over 38 000 participants and more than 16 000 placements, mobilising more older and middle-aged persons to join the employment market.

    Enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH)

         The LD is highly concerned about the levels of OSH risks across different industries, as well as the changes in these risks, with a particular focus on the construction industry. On top of routine OSH inspections, the LD conducts special enforcement operations, safety audit inspections and in-depth inspections targeting high-risk processes and construction sites with poor safety performance. In addition, the LD has stepped up district patrols targeting minor repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works to curb unsafe work activities.

         The LD will also enhance the application of technology by introducing small unmanned aircraft in the second half of this year to assist with inspections, evidence collection, law enforcement operations, etc.

         Last year, the LD brought the remaining four elements of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation into operation and revised the Code of Practice on Safety Management to strengthen the safety management system. The LD also revised the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety and the Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces to further strengthen bamboo scaffolding safety and enhance OSH in confined space works. Following the revision of the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Trapping Hazard of Tail Lifts in March this year, the LD will revise the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes and the Guidance Notes on Safe Use of Power-operated Elevating Work Platforms in 2025-26 to enhance the safety requirements for operating the relevant machinery.

    Talent attraction 

         To address the labour shortage across industries, the Government, on top of the ongoing promotion of local training, has also implemented various well-received talent attraction measures, including the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) since the end of 2022.

         As at end-March this year, over 460 000 applications were received under various talent admission schemes, of which over 300 000 were approved. During the same period, a total of about 203 000 talents arrived in Hong Kong. Some of them brought along families to settle in Hong Kong, and about 189 000 spouses of the approved applicants and their children under the age of 18 arrived in Hong Kong. These incoming talents and their families bring about a positive impact on Hong Kong’s labour force and add new impetus to the local economy. The first batch of visas under the TTPS have started to expire from end-December last year, with nearly 10 000 TTPS visas estimated to expire by the middle of the year. As only a small number of applications have been processed at present, we will analyse in detail the relevant statistics when a certain number of applications for extension of stay have been accumulated and release them at an opportune time.

         The Government is reforming various aspects of the talent admission regime to continue to strive to trawl for and retain talents. We have also initiated the arrangements under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for proactively inviting top-notch and leading talents to come to Hong Kong for development, which have been endorsed by the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Under the new mechanism, we will, having regard to various development needs of our country and Hong Kong, proactively persuade the target top-notch talents to settle in Hong Kong, promoting Hong Kong as the focal point of international high-calibre talents. The Government will provide throughout the process various personalised facilitations to the invitees. It is well appreciated that these top-notch talents are highly sought after worldwide. To avoid affecting the lobbying, we will not disclose the specific operational details about the invitation mechanism.

         In addition, to address the acute manpower shortage in the local skilled trades, we will enhance the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals to allow young and experienced non-degree talents with relevant professional and technical qualifications to come to Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. Meanwhile, the 2023 Policy Address announced the launch of the two-year pilot Vocational Professional Admission Scheme (VPAS). The number of eligible programmes in the 2025/26 admission cohort will be increased to 34. While applications will be only open next year upon the graduation of the first batch of eligible non-local students, we have noticed that since the announcement of VPAS, many non-local students have been attracted to enrol in the eligible programmes that had difficulties enrolling local students in the past. The Vocational Training Council will enhance its promotional efforts and support non-local graduates in applying under the scheme for staying in Hong Kong for one year to seek jobs relevant to their disciplines.

         Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) provides comprehensive one-stop support to incoming talents. It organises online and offline workshops (including Cantonese learning courses), seminars and job fairs centred on living, employment and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, as well as social inclusion activities (including the Talent+ Volunteer Programme), to help incoming talents settle in Hong Kong, and promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the world and recruit talents. HKTE organised the inaugural Global Talent Summit．Hong Kong (GTS) in May 2024 and will organise the second GTS early next year to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international hub for high-calibre talents.

    Reform of the Employees Retraining Board

         The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) is taking forward its reform and has since early this year implemented short-term measures to enhance its services, including lifting the restriction on educational attainment of trainees. In the medium to long term, the ERB will rename the organisation, enhance training and employment support services, strengthen research capabilities, and formulate a pertinent training framework. The ERB will submit an implementation plan to the Government by the end of this year. The Government will continue to work with the ERB to implement the reform, with a view to enhancing local manpower training, upskilling and re-skilling.

         To encourage more young people to participate in the Apprenticeship Scheme and join the relevant trades, each registered apprentice, for a period of three years starting from 2024-25, is provided with an additional training allowance of $1,000 per month, and graduated apprentices will be subsidised to undertake upskilling courses of relevant trades. Meanwhile, the VTC receives subvention to organise short in-service training courses with a view to meeting the market demand. 

    Manpower projection

         The LWB released the report on the 2023 Manpower Projection in 2024, projecting that Hong Kong will face an overall manpower shortage of 180 000 by 2028, with over one-third being skilled technical workers. We would commence a mid-term update of the 2023 Manpower Projection in late 2025, with the findings expected to be available in 2026.

         Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home Building Fund — Sky-House Co

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Home Building Fund — Sky-House Co

    A development loan from Homes England helped newly-established housebuilder Sky-House Co to grow its business

    Sky-House development

    In 2017, Sky-House was a newly established, Yorkshire-based developer with a vision to create high-quality, urban ‘back-to-back’ housing for the 21st century, complete with balconies, rooftop garden spaces and shared pocket parks. Specifically, it had plans for a new, 44-home community, Waverley, located on a brownfield site, a former colliery, near Sheffield.

    As a new developer the company struggled to secure the finance from the private sector that it needed to bring forward this concept. But Homes England was attracted to the strong place-making ethos of the scheme, its aim to reduce carbon output, and the targeted ownership group of first-time buyers and lower income families and provided £3.2m in development finance.

    The completed scheme was an undeniable success. Sales demand exceeded expectations, and it was well received by the design and development community, with several award nominations.

    Importantly, Homes England was able to help Sky-House to utilise the equity and profit released from Waverley to fund the land acquisition of Oughtibridge Mill. Alongside this, it provided £3.7m of additional development funding.

    The scheme, comprising 40 eco-friendly homes with riverside balconies, private roof gardens and woodland views, is adjacent to a new development by David Wilson homes. The development has already secured two award wins.

    David Cross, Managing Director of Sky House, said:

    It is no understatement to say that without Homes England’s support we wouldn’t have been able to start even our first development.

    From Waverley Phase 1 to Oughtibridge Mill, we will complete 84 homes alongside commercial space, and we now have close to 400 homes and commercial space on the drawing board and a secure pipeline of funding and sites for the next 3 to 5 years.

    By accessing Homes England’s support, we have shifted from developer to housebuilder and now, more importantly, to place maker with close to 40 full and part time staff across the business alongside a growing cabinet of awards. All the team at Homes England have been amazing and we cannot thank them enough- all we can do is keep delivering great homes.

    More information about the Home Building Fund can be found on our Home Building Fund — development finance page, or you can get in touch with one of our regional specialists. You can:

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX DAO Launches $HTX Holding-Based Voting Mechanism, Ushering in a New Era of Decentralized Governance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX DAO recently unveiled its official $HTX Holding-Based Voting Mechanism. This significant development marks a pivotal shift in HTX DAO’s governance system, transitioning from “proposal discussion” to “on-chain decision-making”. This launch propels HTX DAO closer to its vision of becoming the “People’s Exchange”, setting a new benchmark for financial democratization within the Web3 landscape.

    Participate in Voting: https://www.htxdao.com/en-us/proposals  

    Governance Evolution: From Community Input to On-Chain Action

    Since the inception of the HTX DAO Forum, the community has actively engaged in robust discussions on key areas including asset listings, fee optimization, and ecosystem incentives. The introduction of the $HTX Holding-Based Voting Mechanism now completes the “proposal-voting-execution” governance cycle. This crucial step reflects HTX DAO’s systematic restructuring into a clearly defined “three-layer governance framework”.

    • Foundation Layer: The Foundation Layer establishes the governance value of the $HTX token based on a “one token, one vote” principle. Serving as both a core trading medium and a vital governance token, $HTX leverages on-chain holding verification on the TRON network, ensuring governance rights are securely vested in actual token holders.
    • Execution Layer: A standardized HIP (HTX Improvement Proposal) process has been established as the formal framework for all governance proposals. Distinct from the initial draft governance process, all proposals submitted via HIP are immutably recorded within the governance system, creating a permanent record of DAO decisions that will serve as a long-term governance reference.
    • Supervisory Layer: Establishes a committee comprising early initiators, core contributors, and community representatives to ensure balanced ecosystem governance. This body assumes essential decentralized development responsibilities, including governance system construction, financial oversight, and governance support.

    In contrast to traditional exchanges with centralized governance, $HTX empowers its holders to directly influence major platform decisions via on-chain voting. This equitable system, where voting power is directly proportional to individual holding amounts, ensures fair governance rights and the equitable distribution of benefits, fostering a truly decentralized governance ecosystem driven by $HTX holders.

    $HTX: Empowering Holders Through Governance and Rewards

    HTX DAO’s innovative governance model presents two compelling core advantages for the community: the direct influence granted by holdings and the tangible economic incentive of votes.

    Holding $HTX provides a direct voice and the means to actively participate in the ecosystem’s governance.. By casting votes, holders directly shape the platform’s future direction, a revolutionary departure from the traditional CEX model where users often passively adhere to established directives. Future Voting initiatives are anticipated to encompass critical decisions such as asset listings and delistings, participation in “Trade to Earn” events, management of risk reserve funds, and the prioritization of new product feature development.

    The HTX DAO governance roadmap reveals future integration of rewards like fee rebates and governance incentives, making participation a profitable activity that encourages long-term $HTX holding. This forward-thinking system design creates a powerful positive feedback loop: “greater involvement → improved decisions → enhanced ecosystem value → direct feedback of rewards”.

    Pioneering a Blended CeFi/DeFi Governance Paradigm

    The essence of HTX DAO’s innovation lies within a pioneering “financial free hub” governance experiment: it strategically blends the operational efficiency and robust regulatory structure of a centralized exchange (CEX) with the open governance and strong community consensus inherent in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). Inspired by successful DAO models like Curve and Velodrome, the launch of HTX DAO’s voting function is another key step in bridging CEX and DAO principles, with the potential to pioneer a new paradigm of diverse collaboration at the governance layer.

    As user sovereignty gains prominence, the DAO mechanism offers a measurable route to financial democratization by linking fee revenue, ecosystem benefits, and other elements to governance participation. Within this “financial free hub” experiment, HTX DAO is redefining the relationship between trading platforms and users – evolving from a traditional service provider to a collaborative community that shares in its value.

    As every $HTX holder transforms into a crucial decision-making node within the ecosystem, and each individual vote actively contributes to the platform’s continuous evolution, the emergence of a fully autonomous financial ecosystem within the Web3 era can be collectively anticipated and witnessed. HTX DAO’s meticulously designed framework serves as the guide toward a truly decentralized “financial free hub.”

    About HTX DAO

    As a multi-chain deployed decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), HTX DAO demonstrates an innovative governance approach. It pioneers a blended CeFi/DeFi paradigm, including listing and community governance, through its focus on building an exchange DAO and a free financial hub ecosystem. Unlike traditional corporate structures, it adopts a decentralized governance structure composed of a diversified group, jointly committed to the success of this organization. This unique ecosystem advocates openness and encourages all DAO participants to propose ideas that can promote the development of HTX DAO.

    Contact information

    Website: www.htxdao.com

    Email Address: media@htxdao.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global markets crash on tariff fears

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Major stock indexes across the globe plunged sharply on Monday, as investors dumped riskier assets amid mounting fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

    Panic sentiments took hold of the market once trading opened in the morning. The day of April 7, with similarities to the 1987 stock market crash, is being seen as another “Black Monday” by analysts and the media.

    Washington’s controversial new set of tariffs has stirred tensions since its announcement on Wednesday, hitting global markets hard, sparking backlash from other countries and drawing widespread criticism from economists and investors.

    Global turbulence 

    Major markets across the globe witnessed a turbulent day.

    Three major benchmarks of the U.S. stock market met with major setbacks on Monday.

    The S&P 500 Index, which is composed of 500 leading companies listed in the United States, dived as much as 21.41 percent from its record high on Feb. 19 and entered the technical territory of the bear market in the morning session.

    As of 9:40 a.m. Eastern time (1340 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.63 percent, the S&P 500 shed 3.14 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped by 3.85 percent.

    Later, false reports that the White House would pause most of Trump’s tariffs for 90 days had pumped up the market, leading to a sudden surge. However, as the White House denied the news, the market declined again. The up and down within hours indicate how desperate investors were for any potential relief from the tariffs.

    All the leading European benchmark indexes opened in the red on Monday, down by 4 to 7 percent compared with the closing prices on the previous trading day.

    Britain’s blue-chip stock index, the FTSE 100, dropped by about 5 percent, France’s CAC 40 went down by over 5 percent, and the pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped over 6 percent in morning trade.

    Germany’s DAX index was among the hardest-hit, opening down by 9.5 percent before paring back part of the losses later in the morning. The significant gains since the beginning of the year have thus been almost completely wiped out.

    The S&P/ASX 200 — Australia’s benchmark share market index — closed down 4.2 percent on Monday in a plunge worth more than 100 billion Australian dollars (60.1 billion U.S. dollars). The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it was the index’s biggest one-day fall since May 2020.

    Singapore’s Straits Times Index on Monday plunged by 8.7 percent at the open. The sharp drop marked the index’s steepest single-day decline since an 8.9 percent plunge during the 2008 global financial crisis, and exceeded the 8.4 percent fall seen in March 2020 amid COVID-19.

    A pedestrian passes a screen showing stock market information in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fear and fury 

    The aggressive tariffs that triggered the global stock market plunge have drawn widespread criticism of the U.S. government, amid fear and fury across the globe.

    Trump’s tariffs have a shocking effect on stock markets, Gilles Moec, chief economist at AXA Group, told Les Echos, a French economy-specialized daily.

    “This shock has no real precedent in history, which amplifies market volatility because investors have no point of reference,” he said.

    Moec noted that the current damage to global stock markets is “entirely self-inflicted by the U.S. authorities,” unlike past stock market crises which were reflections of then macroeconomic situations.

    Richard Branson, British entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgin Group, said it is time for Washington to change course. “Otherwise, America will face ruin for years to come,” he warned.

    Branson noted that companies should be given enough time to adapt, and the current market response is preventable.

    Hasan Tevfik, a research analyst at advisory firm MST Marquee, also warned of severe consequences for the U.S. economy.

    “The U.S. economy has endured a barrage of headwinds, all self-inflicted, and the end consequence will be a contraction in the economy that was humming along, exceptionally, over the last couple of years,” he told the Australian Financial Review newspaper.

    This photo taken on April 7, 2025 shows a screen at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Independent Australian economist Saul Eslake noted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s next decisions and what he called the “madness” of the White House. He warned that the impact on the Australian economy was likely to be worse than the Treasury’s forecast that the country is well-placed to avoid a recession despite the “damage” being done by the U.S. tariffs.

    Doom and gloom 

    Investors have lost trillions of dollars since the tariff announcement on Wednesday. Recession odds are rising, and massive trade wars are looming. With no constructive response in sight, market confidence has been severely hit.

    DBS economists in a weekly review released on Monday noted that global markets and economies are still struggling to absorb the seismic tariff shock, with risk aversion and market selloff.

    “The key reason for that is that despite the spate of announcements, there is still substantial fear that more measures are to come. Perhaps more critical is the notion that nations trying to do a deal with the U.S. will not be able to rest easy upon signing agreements, as no deal with the U.S. seems to be reliable any longer,” wrote DBS economists Taimur Baig and Radhika Rao.

    David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), told The Straits Times, “If tariffs are sustained, they could contribute to higher inflation and slower global growth, which may in turn trigger further volatility and potential sell-offs in markets globally, including Singapore.”

    Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become the next chancellor, also fears that U.S. trade policy could further escalate the turmoil in global stock markets. “The situation on international equity and bond markets is dramatic and threatens to worsen further.”

    JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned on Monday, “The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University’s postgraduate program attracts talented young people from all over the world

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Another year of the Open Doors Olympiad has ended. 29 talented young scientists were selected for postgraduate studies at the Polytechnic University.

    The Open Doors Olympiad has been held for five years now, and foreign citizens from any country can participate in it. Winners of the bachelor’s, master’s or postgraduate tracks receive the right to free education at one of the leading Russian universities.

    The selection is carried out in two stages: a portfolio competition and an Olympiad in the online testing format. The tasks are divided into 14 topics, each participant must pass the selection in the selected profile. Universities offer educational programs and postgraduate academic supervisors linked to the profiles.

    The Polytechnic University participates in 11 profiles, in two of them – “Urban Studies and Civil Engineering”, “Economics and Econometrics” – it acts as a coordinator: it proposes selection criteria, carries out methodological and expert work on drawing up assignments and forms a jury to evaluate the work.

    The 2024 Olympiad is distinguished by a sharp increase in interest in engineering and natural sciences. 22 future postgraduate students (three quarters of this year’s winners) chose engineering and technical fields and scientific supervisors from leading Polytechnic institutes – ISI, IE, IBSiB, IKNK, PhysMech, and IET.

    The leader in attracting postgraduate students through the Open Doors mechanism this time was the Civil Engineering Institute: ten applicants will study in postgraduate studies and build a career in the field of construction, design and geoecology.

    Thanks to the development of the Urban Studies and Civil Engineering profile, which is supervised by the Civil Engineering Institute, this year the number of foreign students in the English-language Civil Engineering Master’s program has increased significantly. The geography of foreign applicants is expanding, their main request is to receive a world-class Russian engineering education. Our postgraduate program in geoecology also attracts increased attention from foreigners. This gives confidence in the long-term development of the institute, the expansion of its international positioning, and the influx of new young scientists, – says Marina Petrochenko, Director of the ISI.

    Traditionally, there is high interest in the postgraduate programs of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology: more than 35 candidates signed up for interviews with the scientific directors of this institute. Of these, four people were chosen, the most motivated, suitable in terms of topics and level of knowledge for the current scientific groups and laboratories. In addition, for the first time, two postgraduate students in the profile “Physical and Technical Sciences” will be admitted to SPbPU; scientific groups of the PhysMech and the Institute of Economics and Technology are waiting for them.

    I was surprised by the interest of foreign applicants in fundamental research into the optical properties of semiconductor micro- and nanostructures, which I supervise in the laboratory of “Spectroscopy of Semiconductors and Nanostructures”. Based on the interview results, our capabilities coincided with the desire of an applicant from Pakistan under my supervision in the specialty “Physics of Semiconductors”. This candidate already had two scientific articles from first and second quartile journals, – shared associate professor of the Higher Engineering Physics School of the Institute of Economics and Technology Maksim Vinnichenko.

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade actively participates in the Olympiad and shows excellent results, which are highly appreciated by the organizing committee. A year ago, at the suggestion of the organizers, Polytechnic became the coordinator of the profile “Economics and Econometrics”, and the specialists of IMPET demonstrated a good level of expert and methodological work. Therefore, from next year, another profile of the Olympiad – “Business and Management” – will be supervised by Polytechnic.

    In the spring, SPbPU international services, together with the institute directorates, begin to form a pool of scientific supervisors willing to take part in the Olympiad. By the fall, an extensive information package on postgraduate programs, laboratories, as well as information about scientists, including a video and portfolio, will be prepared. Based on the information posted on the website, future participants will be able to choose places for postgraduate study. In 2025, out of 36,000 registered people, only 474 were admitted to the third stage.

    The third stage takes place in January-February. Scientific supervisors get access to the portfolios of absolutely all winners of the second stage in their profile and can invite the most experienced and those who have shown high scores to an interview. This is truly a selection of talents. Every year we try to expand the range of scientists, attract new scientific groups, laboratories with interesting research tasks and topics. All so that participants can find a suitable supervisor and the place that will become the launching pad for their scientific career, – said the manager of the postgraduate track, head of the department of international interuniversity cooperation Ekaterina Belyaevskaya.

    Every year, 35-40 professors and associate professors of SPbPU participate in the Olympiad as scientific supervisors. In 2025, they conducted 179 interviews with applicants and selected 29 future postgraduate students from eight countries. After completing all the necessary documents, these students will come to SPbPU in the fall. Some of them will immediately begin their postgraduate studies in Russian- or English-language programs, while others will spend another year mastering Russian in the preparatory faculty programs.

    The Polytechnic University pays the closest attention to the quality of foreign students and postgraduates. The path to the university through the Open Doors Olympiad selection mechanism is the path for real talents, future scientists. The leadership of our country sets the universities the task of improving the quality of applicants, searching for and attracting scientific talents from all over the world. Therefore, we will treat the winners of the Olympiad with the utmost attention, supporting and developing their scientific career, adapting them to the university community, instilling love and respect for our university and country, – emphasized Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev.

    I participated in this event as a scientific supervisor. I was surprised by the level of preparation of the candidates. Among the interlocutors were top-level IT developers, the results of whose work have been implemented in the infrastructure of their home countries. Participation in Open Doors is an important tool for international communication and development, which allows strong applicants from other countries to find their way in Russian science, and scientific supervisors to strengthen their positions in international science, – shared Konstantin Semenov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Computer Technologies and Information Systems of the IKNK.

    To become a scientific supervisor for the Olympiad in 2025, you can contact Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, email: Belyaevskaya@spbsty.ru.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-US economic, trade relations mutually beneficial, win-win in nature: white paper

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, and cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both, said a white paper released by China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

    Maintaining the stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is in the fundamental interest of both nations and peoples, which is also conducive to global economic development, according to the white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations.”

    Noting that China and the United States are important partners of trade in goods, the white paper said the bilateral trade is highly complementary as the two countries play to their comparative strengths.

    China never deliberately pursues a trade surplus, and the trade balance in goods between China and the United States is both an inevitable result of the structural issues in the U.S. economy and a consequence of the comparative advantages and international division of labor between the two countries, the white paper said.

    The white paper noted that trade in services between China and the United States has maintained rapid growth, while the two countries are important two-way investment partners.

    As the two largest economies in the world, the economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States has generated substantial benefits for both sides, with enterprises and consumers in both countries reaping tangible benefits through bilateral trade and investment, according to the white paper. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Premier Li: China, EU to boost ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday that China is ready to work with the European side to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

    Li said that China-EU relations are showing a momentum of steady growth. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, and the development of bilateral relations faces important opportunities, he said.

    Li noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa at the beginning of this year, which sets the tone and charts the course for deepening China-EU relations.

    China and the EU are each other’s most important trading partners, he said, adding that their economies are highly complementary and interests are closely intertwined.

    Li pledged China’s willingness to work with the EU to maintain sound and smooth high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and resolve each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation.

    The two sides should promote the holding of new China-EU high-level dialogues in the strategic, economic and trade, green, and digital fields at an early date, he said.

    Li pointed out that the United States has recently announced indiscriminate tariffs on all its trading partners, including China and the EU, under various pretexts, which is a typical case of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.

    The resolute measures taken by China are not only to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests but also to defend international trade rules and international fairness and justice, Li said, noting that all human beings live in the same global village and no country can thrive in isolation.

    Protectionism leads nowhere, and only openness and cooperation represent the right path for mankind, Li added.

    China and the EU, as strong advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, as well as staunch defenders and supporters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), should enhance communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, jointly safeguard free and open trade and investment, and maintain the stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more stability and certainty into both sides and the world economy, Li said.

    China’s macro policy this year has taken full account of various uncertainties and has sufficient reserve of policy tools to hedge against adverse external impacts, Li said, adding that China is fully confident in maintaining sustained and healthy economic development.

    China will continue to unswervingly expand opening-up, strengthen cooperation and share development opportunities with the EU countries and other countries in the world, he said.

    Noting that the EU always attaches great importance to its relations with China, von der Leyen said it is crucial for EU-China relations to maintain continuity and stability under current circumstances.

    The European side looks forward to holding a new EU-China leaders’ meeting at an appropriate time to review the past, look into the future, and jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, she said.

    The European side is willing to promote high-level dialogue with China in various fields and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, green economy and climate change, von der Leyen added.

    She noted that the tariffs imposed by the United States have severely impacted international trade, causing a serious impact on Europe, China and vulnerable countries.

    The EU and China are committed to upholding the fair and free multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and safeguarding the sound and steady development of global economic and trade relations, which serves the common interests of both sides and the world at large, von der Leyen said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China releases white paper on China-US economic, trade relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations.”
    The Chinese government issued the document to clarify the facts about China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and elaborate the position of the Chinese side on relevant issues, according to the white paper.
    The white paper came as rising unilateralism and protectionism in the United States have significantly impeded normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
    Since the beginning of trade friction in 2018, the U.S. side has imposed tariffs on Chinese exports worth more than 500 billion U.S. dollars, and has continuously implemented policies aimed at containing and suppressing China. Recently, the United States levied comprehensive additional tariffs on Chinese products, including tariffs citing the fentanyl issue as the pretext, “reciprocal tariffs,” and an additional 50 percent on existing tariffs.
    These measures — revealing the isolationist and coercive nature of U.S. conduct — run counter to the principles of the market economy and multilateralism, and will have serious repercussions for China-U.S. economic and trade relations, the white paper said.
    In response to the U.S. moves, China has taken forceful countermeasures to defend its national interests, and has remained committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, with multiple rounds of consultations with the U.S. side to stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations, according to the document.
    The Chinese side has always maintained that China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, the white paper said.
    As two major countries at different stages of development with distinct economic systems, it is natural for China and the United States to have differences and frictions in their economic and trade cooperation. It is crucial to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, and find proper solutions to resolve the issues through dialogue and consultation, according to the document.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text: China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic, Trade Relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations.”
    Please see the attachment for the document.  
    Full text: China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations
    Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Billionaire Businessman Hasan Abdullah Mohamed Ismaik Unveils New Identity: HAMIC Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visionary entrepreneur and renowned billionaire Hasan Abdullah Mohamed Ismaik has officially launched the new identity of his business conglomerate: HAMIC Group, an acronym for Hasan Abdullah Mohamed Ismaik Capital. This bold new brand represents an elevated vision for the future—rooted in a legacy of excellence and driven by innovation and global ambition.

    Formerly known as the Hasan Ismaik Group, HAMIC Group stands as a testament to over 30 years of success, with a presence in 10 countries and management of more than 25 diverse investment projects. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, HAMIC Group is a powerhouse of investment and asset management, with a dynamic, diversified portfolio spanning financial investments, real estate, retail, general trading, and hospitality.

    With the UAE as its strategic launchpad, HAMIC Group aims to capitalize on the region’s thriving economy and its status as a global financial and commercial hub. The group is set to scale its legacy to unprecedented heights, advancing regional and international ventures that embody innovation, sustainability, and economic value creation.

    “At this transformative moment in our journey, I am proud to unveil HAMIC Group—a name that reflects our ambition, purpose, and commitment to building a future-ready investment powerhouse,” said Hasan Ismaik, Founder and Chairman of HAMIC Group. “With a portfolio valued in the billions of dollars, we are poised to lead in shaping opportunities, driving growth, and supporting the UAE’s vision of a diversified and sustainable economy.”

    Built on the enduring success of the MARYA Group, which played a pivotal role in shaping real estate, retail, and investment landscapes, HAMIC Group is poised to expand its impact through a distinguished suite of companies including:

    • MARYA Development: Delivering iconic real estate projects in the UAE and globally.
    • SOHO: A leading retail player managing premium assets and brands in fashion and F&B.
    • HII Investments: Specializing in strategic, high-impact financial investments.
    • HAMG General Trading: Powering trade solutions across regional and global markets.

    HAMIC Group’s investment philosophy is deeply rooted in market intelligence, strategic foresight, and a commitment to excellence. The group is uniquely positioned to drive value through sustainable and socially responsible initiatives, with a strong emphasis on enhancing lifestyles and meeting evolving consumer aspirations.

    “Our strategy is aligned with the UAE’s national priorities and global economic trends,” Ismaik added. “HAMIC Group is more than an investment group—it is a catalyst for progress, a platform for innovation, and a legacy in motion.”

    With a clear vision and purpose-driven leadership, HAMIC Group is set to redefine the landscape of modern investment, blending luxury, sustainability, and impact across every venture it undertakes.

    About HAMIC Group:

    Hasan Ismaik Group (HAMIC Group) is a global investment powerhouse with over 30 years of experience, headquartered in the UAE, and managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio.

    At HAMIC, we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration to transform industries. With a global footprint spanning 10 countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Turkey, France, Germany, and the United States—we operate more than 25 projects that drive growth and create lasting impact.

    HAMIC Group operates across five key sectors: general investments, real estate, retail, trading, and hospitality. Under its umbrella, HAMIC owns and manages several leading companies, each driving excellence in its respective industry:

    MARYA Development: Elevating life through timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship. We are committed to developing exceptional properties that redefine urban landscapes, enhance communities, and provide premium living experiences.

    SOHO: Combining luxury retail, fashion, and the F&B industries with a passion for enhancing the customer experience and driving innovation in lifestyle.

    HII & HAMG: Focused on connecting industries through strategic partnerships, driving growth across sectors, and generating financial returns through visionary investment strategies.

    With a proven track record and a visionary brand portfolio, HAMIC Group is shaping the future with uncompromising excellence and a lasting impact.

    Timeless Impact, Driven by Innovation.

    Visit our website: www.HAMIC.com

    For more information, please contact: PR@hamic.com +971 58 291 3443

    Follow us on @HamicGroup

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18f30f48-b6dd-4bf8-915d-bed03b46eebf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund to be paused for Inquiry into Club Sector

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 09/04/2025

    In a continued commitment to gambling harm minimisation, the ACT Government has announced the temporary pause of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund. This pause will remain in effect while an independent inquiry is conducted into the future of ACT’s club sector.

    The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, which was established in 2019, was designed to help clubs reduce their reliance on gaming revenue by supporting the development of non-gaming revenue streams and enhancing administrative efficiency. Under new legislation introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today, the Fund will be suspended for two years to allow the ACT Government’s approach to diversification support to be better informed by the findings of the Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector.

    “By suspending this fund, we are taking a proactive step towards considering different approaches to supporting diversification of the clubs sector.” said Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Gaming Reform. “As we progress major reform to address gambling harm this term, the government is committed to supporting clubs to diversify, as we recognise the vital role they play in the social life of many Canberrans.”

    The Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector will advise the government on the development and implementation of a comprehensive club sector transition plan, including recommendations on how best to support revenue transition of ACT clubs.

    In the most recent round of the funding, $450,000 was awarded to two clubs. The Belconnen Soccer Club will receive $250,000 for renovations to an outdoor functions area, while the Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club will receive $200,000 to support the development of an environmental, social, and governance strategy for a development project.

    “This grant will not only improve our facilities but also enable us to host more events and strengthen our role as a meeting place for people of all ages,” said Suzy Berry, CEO of Belconnen Soccer Club. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the club and our members.”

    The Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will suspend both incoming and outgoing payments to the Fund during the inquiry period.

    The Bill also introduces amendments to the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 to expand information-sharing provisions in relation to investigations conducted by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These amendments will speak directly to the concerns raised by complainants and ensure going forward that they can be informed about the status of the progress of their complaints.

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: SBM Offshore signs US$400 million Sale and Leaseback agreement for FPSO Cidade de Paraty

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, April 9, 2025

    SBM Offshore announces it has signed a non-recourse sale and leaseback financing agreement for FPSO Cidade de Paraty for the total amount of US$400 million and with a tenor of 8 years. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of April 2025 following the fulfillment of certain closing conditions.

    FPSO Cidade de Paraty is owned by a special purpose company owned by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore (63.125%) and its partners (36.875%). Under the terms of the agreement, the special purpose company will transfer the ownership to four Chinese leasing companies.

    SBM Offshore and its partners continue to operate and maintain the asset until the end of the initial charter and operate contracts for the remaining period of 8.5 years.

    Douglas Wood, CFO of SBM Offshore, commented:
    “We are very pleased to have signed the refinancing of FPSO Cidade de Paraty, the Company’s first sale and leaseback financing. With this strategic transaction we are demonstrating once again the value of our unique lifecycle offering not only from an execution and operation standpoint but also in our ability to continue to provide innovative long-term financing solutions for our clients. We appreciate the continued support from our Chinese leasing partners.”

    Corporate Profile

    SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy. 
    More than 7,800 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress. 
    For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

    Financial Calendar   Date Year
    Annual General Meeting   April 9 2025
    First Quarter 2025 Trading Update   May 15 2025
    Half Year 2025 Earnings   August 7 2025
    Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update   November 13 2025
    Full Year 2025 Earnings   February 26 2026

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations

    Wouter Holties
    Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

    Media Relations

    Giampaolo Arghittu
    Head of External Relations

    Market Abuse Regulation

    This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Disclaimer

    Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and / or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impacts, Risks and Opportunities’ section of the 2024 Annual Report.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

    This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the 2024 Annual Report, available on our website Annual Reports – SBM Offshore.

    Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

    “SBM Offshore®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward®”, “emissionZERO®” and “F4W®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MyForex.co.nz launches as a Trusted Gateway to Forex Products and Broker Access for New Zealand Traders

    Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: MyForex.co.nz launches as a Trusted Gateway to Forex Products and Broker Access for New Zealand Traders

    MyForex.co.nz is a new, transparent platform designed specifically for Kiwi forex traders, simplifying access to trusted products and reputable brokers. Amid an industry filled with aggressive marketing, the site prioritizes clarity and local support through its Introducing Broker initiative, guided by an experienced forex trader, ensuring genuine value without hidden complexities.

    The post MyForex.co.nz launches as a Trusted Gateway to Forex Products and Broker Access for New Zealand Traders first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of the Government of Japan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to participate in the World Expo 2025, in Osaka, Japan, on 12-14 April 2025. The visit of SG Dr. Kao will entail a series of engagements focusing on ASEAN’s participation at the World Expo 2025, visiting Pavilions of ASEAN Member States, as well as meetings with various stakeholders based in Osaka. SG Dr. Kao will officiate the ASEAN Pavilion and, among others, deliver remarks in support of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year at the International Trade and Industry Week, organized by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, at the Expo Hall.

    Taking full advantage of his time in Osaka, SG Dr. Kao will also engage with the Osaka Prefecture Governor and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further promote ASEAN’s potentials including in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and connectivity. Additionally, SG Dr. Kao will also be received by the ASEAN-Japan Centre during this visit, and will deliver a special lecture on the topic of ‘ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and People’ at the Kansai University, in Osaka, to convey ASEAN’s narrative to the younger generation.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global markets plunge as ‘reciprocal tariffs’ spark fears on Black Monday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Major stock indexes across the globe plunged sharply on Monday, as investors dumped riskier assets amid mounting fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

    Panic sentiments took hold of the market once trading opened in the morning. The day of April 7, with similarities to the 1987 stock market crash, is being seen as another “Black Monday” by analysts and the media.

    Washington’s controversial new set of tariffs has stirred tensions since its announcement on Wednesday, hitting global markets hard, sparking backlash from other countries and drawing widespread criticism from economists and investors.

    Global turbulence 

    Major markets across the globe witnessed a turbulent day.

    Three major benchmarks of the U.S. stock market met with major setbacks on Monday.

    The S&P 500 Index, which is composed of 500 leading companies listed in the United States, dived as much as 21.41 percent from its record high on Feb. 19 and entered the technical territory of the bear market in the morning session.

    As of 9:40 a.m. Eastern time (1340 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.63 percent, the S&P 500 shed 3.14 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped by 3.85 percent.

    Later, false reports that the White House would pause most of Trump’s tariffs for 90 days had pumped up the market, leading to a sudden surge. However, as the White House denied the news, the market declined again. The up and down within hours indicate how desperate investors were for any potential relief from the tariffs.

    All the leading European benchmark indexes opened in the red on Monday, down by 4 to 7 percent compared with the closing prices on the previous trading day.

    Britain’s blue-chip stock index, the FTSE 100, dropped by about 5 percent, France’s CAC 40 went down by over 5 percent, and the pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped over 6 percent in morning trade.

    Germany’s DAX index was among the hardest-hit, opening down by 9.5 percent before paring back part of the losses later in the morning. The significant gains since the beginning of the year have thus been almost completely wiped out.

    The S&P/ASX 200 — Australia’s benchmark share market index — closed down 4.2 percent on Monday in a plunge worth more than 100 billion Australian dollars (60.1 billion U.S. dollars). The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it was the index’s biggest one-day fall since May 2020.

    Singapore’s Straits Times Index on Monday plunged by 8.7 percent at the open. The sharp drop marked the index’s steepest single-day decline since an 8.9 percent plunge during the 2008 global financial crisis, and exceeded the 8.4 percent fall seen in March 2020 amid COVID-19.

    A pedestrian passes a screen showing stock market information in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fear and fury 

    The aggressive tariffs that triggered the global stock market plunge have drawn widespread criticism of the U.S. government, amid fear and fury across the globe.

    Trump’s tariffs have a shocking effect on stock markets, Gilles Moec, chief economist at AXA Group, told Les Echos, a French economy-specialized daily.

    “This shock has no real precedent in history, which amplifies market volatility because investors have no point of reference,” he said.

    Moec noted that the current damage to global stock markets is “entirely self-inflicted by the U.S. authorities,” unlike past stock market crises which were reflections of then macroeconomic situations.

    Richard Branson, British entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgin Group, said it is time for Washington to change course. “Otherwise, America will face ruin for years to come,” he warned.

    Branson noted that companies should be given enough time to adapt, and the current market response is preventable.

    Hasan Tevfik, a research analyst at advisory firm MST Marquee, also warned of severe consequences for the U.S. economy.

    “The U.S. economy has endured a barrage of headwinds, all self-inflicted, and the end consequence will be a contraction in the economy that was humming along, exceptionally, over the last couple of years,” he told the Australian Financial Review newspaper.

    This photo taken on April 7, 2025 shows a screen at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Independent Australian economist Saul Eslake noted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s next decisions and what he called the “madness” of the White House. He warned that the impact on the Australian economy was likely to be worse than the Treasury’s forecast that the country is well-placed to avoid a recession despite the “damage” being done by the U.S. tariffs.

    Doom and gloom 

    Investors have lost trillions of dollars since the tariff announcement on Wednesday. Recession odds are rising, and massive trade wars are looming. With no constructive response in sight, market confidence has been severely hit.

    DBS economists in a weekly review released on Monday noted that global markets and economies are still struggling to absorb the seismic tariff shock, with risk aversion and market selloff.

    “The key reason for that is that despite the spate of announcements, there is still substantial fear that more measures are to come. Perhaps more critical is the notion that nations trying to do a deal with the U.S. will not be able to rest easy upon signing agreements, as no deal with the U.S. seems to be reliable any longer,” wrote DBS economists Taimur Baig and Radhika Rao.

    David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), told The Straits Times, “If tariffs are sustained, they could contribute to higher inflation and slower global growth, which may in turn trigger further volatility and potential sell-offs in markets globally, including Singapore.”

    Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become the next chancellor, also fears that U.S. trade policy could further escalate the turmoil in global stock markets. “The situation on international equity and bond markets is dramatic and threatens to worsen further.”

    JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned on Monday, “The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Pavilion to delight visitors at Expo 2025

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A media day event at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka offered a preview of exhibitions centered on green development, cutting-edge technologies, and the vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

    Held on Monday, the China Media Day event showcased the pavilion’s design and displays, all unified under the core theme: “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development”.

    Li Qingshuang, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and government representative for the China Pavilion, said: “The exhibitions at the China Pavilion closely align with the expo’s theme and emphasize immersion, interactivity and experience. The presentation methods are diverse, blending tradition and modernity, and rich in cultural sentiment.”

    Covering an area of around 3,500 square meters, the China Pavilion stands as one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at Expo 2025, also known as the World Expo, which will open in Osaka on Sunday and run for six months.

    During the expo, the Walker C humanoid robot, developed by UBTech Robotics, will interact with visitors at the south plaza of the China Pavilion, offering intelligent tour guide services and human-robot interaction experiences.

    The mythological figure Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, will make an appearance at the China Pavilion. This version of Sun Wukong is powered by a next-generation cognitive intelligence model developed by Chinese information technology company iFlytek. It integrates cutting-edge technologies such as robust noise-resistant speech recognition, multiemotion voice synthesis and multimodal interaction.

    Visitors will be able to engage in interactive Q&A sessions with Sun Wukong in Chinese, Japanese and English.

    One of the highlights at the China Pavilion will be samples brought back from the moon by the Chang’e 5 and Chang’e 6 lunar probes.

    “This will be the most precious exhibit the China Pavilion presents to global visitors during Expo 2025.It will also be the world’s first side-by-side, close-up display of samples from both the near and far sides of the moon,” Li said.

    She emphasized that visitors will have the opportunity to observe the distinct structures of the lunar samples and the subtle differences between both sides of the moon through a specially designed lens installation. Nearby, a video message from three Chinese astronauts aboard the space station will offer greetings to visitors at the China Pavilion.

    According to Liu Shuo, deputy director of the China Pavilion, its design was inspired by traditional bamboo slips, incorporating cultural elements such as bamboo and Chinese characters.

    The pavilion will be in three sections, each highlighting a different facet of China’s approach to sustainability — its traditional ecological philosophy, contemporary green development efforts, and the vision for global collaboration toward a sustainable future.

    The “Harmony Between Humanity and Nature” section delves into traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing the deep-rooted wisdom and reverence the Chinese people have for the natural world.

    The “Green Mountains and Clear Waters” section presents China’s modern commitment to green development, showcasing its efforts to drive comprehensive economic and social transformation through sustainable practices.

    The “Endless Vitality” section looks to the future, featuring China’s exploration of outer space and the deep sea, and its dedication to working with the international community to build a greener and more beautiful Earth.

    The Future Smart City exhibition, organized by China Energy Engineering Group, presents a vision for future urban development. It integrates eight types of urban networks — including energy, digital, transportation and industrial networks — demonstrating China’s technological breakthroughs and practical applications in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and urban development.

    Liu said the China Pavilion will host a wide variety of events during the expo. The pavilion will officially open on Sunday, and the National Pavilion Day falls on July 11.

    Thirty Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the city of Shenzhen will hold themed events at the pavilion. Additionally, many government agencies and businesses will organize cultural, technological and economic exchange activities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: ForexVIM Showcases at Limassol Event, Offering Traders New Edge in XAU/USD Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, UAE, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Last week, ForexVIM was officially showcased, drawing interest with its AI-driven approach to pattern recognition in the gold market. Gold trading thrives on understanding patterns and seizing the right moment. ForexVIM enters this arena as an AI-powered tool crafted to spot those patterns, helping traders make sharper, more timely decisions with confidence.

    The Power of Pattern Recognition in Trading

    Candlestick charts have long been a go-to for understanding market sentiment, but identifying and interpreting them manually can be time-consuming and prone to oversight. ForexVIM steps in with automated pattern recognition, scanning vast amounts of market data to highlight trade signals that might otherwise be missed. It’s a way to reduce guesswork and sharpen timing.

    How ForexVIM Enhances Gold Trading

    Built specifically for the gold market (XAU/USD), ForexVIM processes historical and real-time data to detect meaningful trends and emerging setups. Its goal is to help traders align entries and exits with the flow of the market, offering structure in an asset known for volatility.

    Key Features of ForexVIM

    • Market Trend Scanning: ForexVIM uses price action and built-in indicators to stay on top of market shifts and trend formations.
    • Candlestick Pattern Recognition: It identifies formations like Doji patterns, which often signal potential reversals, offering traders extra context to time decisions more effectively.
    • Integrated Risk Tools: Every trade includes pre-set Stop Loss and Take Profit levels. The system also incorporates a light martingale approach to manage losing positions in a controlled, incremental way.

    These tools aim to bring together precision and practicality, supporting traders without overcomplicating the process.

    Where AI Fits In

    AI plays a core role in ForexVIM’s architecture, not just in speed but in pattern detection and data analysis. Rather than replacing human decision-making, it enhances it, offering another layer of insight that can help traders feel more confident in fast-moving markets.

    Simple to Use, Backed by Support

    ForexVIM is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy to set up and operate for both experienced and beginner traders. A clean interface and responsive customer support round out the experience, making the platform approachable from day one.

    ForexVIM brings together automated pattern recognition, AI-powered analysis, and a risk-aware structure to support gold trading with greater clarity. For traders looking to improve their timing and decision-making, it’s a practical option built on solid foundations.

    About ForexVIM

    ForexVIM delivers precision-driven trading solutions, combining expert market insights with high-quality tick data optimization for reliable performance. Built by experienced traders and developers, it ensures accuracy, consistency, and innovation in forex trading strategies. Learn more at https://forexvim.com/.

    Media Contact

    Brand: ForexVIM

    Contact: Media team

    Email: support@forexvim.com

    Website: https://forexvim.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Demands Honesty and Transparency about the Impacts of Trump Tariffs on Economy during Senate Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry.

    “We have a billion-dollar economy when it comes to tourism into the United States. People know Las Vegas, my state is Nevada, we rely on tourism to our state, and now we’re seeing an impact because of these tariffs” said Senator Cortez Masto. She went on to ask Representative Greer what the Trump administration is doing to address the impact blanket tariffs are having on tourism.

    After Greer repeatedly failed to provide a substantive answer, Cortez Masto said, “You haven’t thought about this, and the administration hasn’t really thought about it because I haven’t heard anybody talking about tourism. So, why don’t you come talk to me in my office, and let’s talk about it and put a plan together, because these blanket tariffs are having an impact in my state and across the country.”

    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion of Nevada’s tourism economy. In the American Rescue Plan, Senator Cortez Masto secured $3 billion in funding to assist states with their economic recovery and their vital tourism industries, including Nevada. She also delivered resources to the state’s businesses and secured flexibility for the gaming industry. She has been a Senate leader in passing the seven-year reauthorization of ‘Brand USA’, which is a public-private partnership that enhances tourism and job creation across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Premier Li: China to work with EU to promote sound, steady development of relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday that China is ready to work with the European side to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

    Li said that China-EU relations are showing a momentum of steady growth. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, and the development of bilateral relations faces important opportunities, he said.

    Li noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa at the beginning of this year, which sets the tone and charts the course for deepening China-EU relations.

    China and the EU are each other’s most important trading partners, he said, adding that their economies are highly complementary and interests are closely intertwined.

    Li pledged China’s willingness to work with the EU to maintain sound and smooth high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and resolve each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation.

    The two sides should promote the holding of new China-EU high-level dialogues in the strategic, economic and trade, green, and digital fields at an early date, he said.

    Li pointed out that the United States has recently announced indiscriminate tariffs on all its trading partners, including China and the EU, under various pretexts, which is a typical case of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.

    The resolute measures taken by China are not only to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests but also to defend international trade rules and international fairness and justice, Li said, noting that all human beings live in the same global village and no country can thrive in isolation.

    Protectionism leads nowhere, and only openness and cooperation represent the right path for mankind, Li added.

    China and the EU, as strong advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, as well as staunch defenders and supporters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), should enhance communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, jointly safeguard free and open trade and investment, and maintain the stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more stability and certainty into both sides and the world economy, Li said.

    China’s macro policy this year has taken full account of various uncertainties and has sufficient reserve of policy tools to hedge against adverse external impacts, Li said, adding that China is fully confident in maintaining sustained and healthy economic development.

    China will continue to unswervingly expand opening-up, strengthen cooperation and share development opportunities with the EU countries and other countries in the world, he said.

    Noting that the EU always attaches great importance to its relations with China, von der Leyen said it is crucial for EU-China relations to maintain continuity and stability under current circumstances.

    The European side looks forward to holding a new EU-China leaders’ meeting at an appropriate time to review the past, look into the future, and jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, she said.

    The European side is willing to promote high-level dialogue with China in various fields and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, green economy and climate change, von der Leyen added.

    She noted that the tariffs imposed by the United States have severely impacted international trade, causing a serious impact on Europe, China and vulnerable countries.

    The EU and China are committed to upholding the fair and free multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and safeguarding the sound and steady development of global economic and trade relations, which serves the common interests of both sides and the world at large, von der Leyen said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZCTU announce transformative policy vision for Aotearoa

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has launched a new policy platform, Aotearoa Reimagined, which has been developed by engaging workers, community leaders and policy experts over the past year.

    “Today we are announcing a transformative policy vision that reimagines our society and economy to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand works for the many, not just the few. We challenge political parties to make a strong commitment to working people by adopting these policies in the lead up to the next general election,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Our country is heading in the wrong direction. We have a broken economy, rising inequality and poverty, soaring unemployment, and stagnating wages. The rich keep getting richer at the expense of ordinary people. We need to do things differently. It’s time for bold change.

    “We’ve spent the last year listening to workers who have told us that they are angry at a system that doesn’t meet their needs or aspirations. They fear their children are facing a future of increasing hardship.

    “Everyone deserves security, dignity, and to have enough to thrive. Changing the country’s trajectory is possible—we just need to make different choices. We have listened to working people and created a plan to build a society that works for everyone. 

    “Our plan would ensure everyone can have good, well-paid jobs underpinned by strong workers’ rights.

    “It will deliver world-leading public health and education, a cradle-to-grave care and support system, modern infrastructure, warm dry, affordable homes, clean and publicly owned energy, and low-cost transport.

    “The plan would ensure that Aotearoa meets its climate obligations and guarantees a just transition for the workers and communities who will bear the brunt of the climate crisis and technological change.

    “We are also calling on politicians to reject the politics of division and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by implementing it in law and in our constitutional frameworks.

    “We can fund the transformative change we desperately need by rebalancing the tax system, taxing capital gains and ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share.

    “The union movement is challenging political parties to make this vision a reality and create an Aotearoa that works for the many, not just the few. It’s time for a new approach,” said Wagstaff.

    Read the full policy platform here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China

    Source: The White House

    AMENDMENT TO RECIPROCAL TARIFFS AND UPDATED DUTIES AS APPLIED TO LOW-VALUE IMPORTS FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:

    Section 1.  Background.  In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), I declared a national emergency arising from conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, and imposed additional ad valorem duties that I deemed necessary and appropriate to deal with that unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and economy of the United States.  Section 4(b) of Executive Order 14257 provided that “[s]hould any trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on U.S. exports or other measures, I may further modify the [Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States] to increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action.”  I further declared pursuant to Executive Order 14256 of April 2, 2025 (Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports) that duty-free de minimis treatment on articles described in section 2(a) of Executive Order 14195 is no longer available effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, 2025.

    On April 4, 2025, the State Council Tariff Commission of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) announced that in response to Executive Order 14257, effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 10, 2025, a 34 percent tariff would be imposed on all goods imported into the PRC originating from the United States.  Pursuant to section 4(b) of Executive Order 14257, I am ordering modification of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and taking other actions to increase the duties imposed on the PRC in response to this retaliation.  In my judgment, this modification is necessary and appropriate to effectively address the threat to the national security and economy of the United States.

    Sec. 2.  Tariff Increase.  In recognition of the fact that the PRC has announced that it will retaliate against the United States in response to Executive Order 14257, the HTSUS shall be modified as follows.  Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025:  
    (a)  heading 9903.01.63 of the HTSUS shall be amended by deleting “34%” each place that it appears and by inserting “84%” in lieu thereof; and
    (b)  subdivision (v)(xiii)(10) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be amended by deleting “34%”, and inserting “84%” in lieu thereof.

    Sec. 3.  De Minimis Tariff Increase.  To ensure that the imposition of tariffs pursuant to section 2 of this order is not circumvented and that the purpose of Executive Order 14257 and this action is not undermined, I also deem it necessary and appropriate to:  
    (a)  increase the ad valorem rate of duty set forth in section 2(c)(i) of Executive Order 14256 from 30 percent to 90 percent;
    (b)  increase the per postal item containing goods duty in section 2(c)(ii) of Executive Order 14256 that is in effect on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, 2025, and before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2025, from 25 dollars to 75 dollars; and
    (c)  increase the per postal item containing goods duty in section 2(c)(ii) of Executive Order 14256 that is in effect on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2025, from 50 dollars to 150 dollars.

    Sec. 4.  Implementation.  The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission, are directed to take all necessary actions to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices in the Federal Register and adopting rules and regulations, and are authorized to take such actions, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to implement this order.  Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order.

    Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head     thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        April 8, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Germany is back’: 3 ways NZ can benefit from Europe’s renewed centre of power

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Doidge, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    It’s unlikely many New Zealanders paid close attention to Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ statement late last year that “New Zealand and Germany are committed to enhancing their partnership”.

    Peters had been visiting Berlin two weeks after Donald Trump’s US election victory, but well before the real contours of the second Trump administration came into focus.

    The foreign minister’s diplomatic tone may have suited the less heated atmosphere of the time, but 2025 is a very different place. With the pillars of the international system New Zealand depends on crumbling, strong ties with an active Germany at the heart of Europe begin to look more important.

    Germans, too, are grappling with the same uncertainties – not least Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union party leader who is all but certain to be the new chancellor when coalition negotiations conclude.

    Among the most pro-American of Europe’s leaders, Merz will enter the Chancellery at a time when US relations are fraught. Even before the February election results were finalised, he acknowledged this new reality, calling to “strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that […] we can really achieve independence from the USA”.

    With Trump’s reversal of US support for Ukraine, his “might is right” foreign policy and hostile trade tariffs, Germany and the European Union have begun to reassess their place in the new world order. New Zealand will be watching closely.

    Easing the ‘debt brake’

    Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine a Zeitenwende – a watershed moment from which “the world afterwards will no longer be the same as the world before”. Trump 2.0 has only reinforced this rupture.

    Responding to events even before assuming office, Merz (supported by the Social Democratic Party and the Greens) reformed Germany’s “debt brake”, or Schuldenbremse.

    Restricting government borrowing to 0.35% of GDP, the brake was introduced by former chancellor Angela Merkel in 2009 to limit indebtedness following the global financial crisis. It achieved its aim, but contributed significantly to the current parlous state of German infrastructure and defence.

    The reform allows greater borrowing for defence and establishes a €500 billion infrastructure fund (with €100 billion for climate and economic transformation as the price for Green support).

    This is the first step in Merz’s goal to transform Germany from “a sleeping middle power to a leading middle power again”, and exercise greater leadership in the European Union alongside France and Poland.

    With Emmanuel Macron’s French presidency ending in 2027, and France’s far-right gaining strength (Marine Le Pen’s recent embezzlement conviction notwithstanding), a strong Germany at the heart of Europe is essential to the maintenance of the EU and its approach to world affairs.

    As an important – perhaps vital – partner for New Zealand and the Pacific, three key considerations stand out.

    A leading middle power: Friedrich Merz addressing Christian Democratic Union supporters in Berlin on election night, February 23.
    Getty Images

    Pacific re-engagement

    Germany’s ties with Samoa and the Pacific may be a century old, but it has recently begun looking south again, including opening an embassy in Suva in August 2023.

    Now, the Trump administration’s axing of USAID has put foreign aid in the region under a cloud. Pacific states are not eligible for German bilateral development support, but are covered by more general climate change and disaster preparedness programmes.

    Since stepping up Pacific engagement in 2022, Germany has also joined the Partners in the Blue Pacific and been an advocate for Pacific projects within the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative (a framework for global infrastructure investment).

    Importantly, Germany does not intend to establish significant independent Pacific aid projects. Rather, it sees itself as a “force multiplier”, partnering with other donors to support their efforts. New Zealand therefore has an opportunity to both strengthen relations with Germany and add impact to its own Pacific projects.

    Climate resilience

    Climate change is the single greatest security threat to Pacific island states, and yet another area the US is pulling back from. But while Germany has been a strong player on climate policy, Merz has been a critic of the Greens and environmental policy in general.

    The balance of power in the new Bundestag may now force a change of mindset. Merz’s coalition will hold just 328 seats in the 630-seat chamber, meaning Green support cannot be discounted. A more serious commitment to climate policy will be the price.

    There is a base to work from, too. Germany co-founded the UN Group of Friends on Climate and Security with Nauru in 2018, and has identified climate issues as a driving force behind its Pacific engagement. Again, this is an area where New Zealand’s interests can be served by closer engagement with Germany.

    The rules-based order

    Ultimately, the international trade system and multilateral frameworks for cooperation and conflict resolution are crucial pillars of the Germany-New Zealand relationship.

    With the US no longer a reliable backstop, Germany and the EU are also the bulwark for a rules-based order grounded in international law. Merz’s debt brake reform, seen as strengthening Europe, was framed in these terms:

    Our friends in the EU are looking to us just as much as our adversaries and the enemies of our democratic and rules-based order.

    “Germany is back,” Merz said in March. We may well see New Zealand’s foreign minister back in Germany before long, too.

    Mathew Doidge does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Germany is back’: 3 ways NZ can benefit from Europe’s renewed centre of power – https://theconversation.com/germany-is-back-3ways-nz-can-benefit-from-europes-renewed-centre-of-power-253926

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $17 by 2030

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The last time the federal minimum wage was raised it was July of 2009 – Barack Obama had just been elected president, iPads hadn’t come out yet, and the world was experiencing a global recession.  Since then, corporate profits have risen as has the costs of goods, but the federal minimum wage — which is supposed to ensure workers can afford the basic necessities — remains stuck at $7.25 an hour.
    U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are looking to ensure American workers can earn a living wage, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality by raising the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 for all workers and gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.
    Today, Reed and Whitehouse teamed up with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), to introduce the Raise the Wage Act.  This bill would incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030, benefiting an estimated 64,000 Rhode Islanders.  
    Rhode Island is among 30 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted higher wage floors.  Currently, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is $15 an hour.  Servers in the restaurant industry and other hospitality workers who derive a large portion of income from tips have had their hourly wages capped at $3.89 since 2017.
    Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. The Raise the Wage will raise the federal minimum wage to $17 over five years, eliminate the tipped subminimum wage over seven years, eliminate the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities over five years, and eliminate the subminimum wage for youth workers over seven years. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would provide raises to over 22.2 million workers across the country by 2030.
    If the federal minimum wage had increased with worker productivity over the last 57 years, it would be over $23 an hour today, not $7.25 an hour, which translates to a full-time salary of about $15,000 per year.
    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Senator Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now.”
    “The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 for too long.  No one in today’s economy can make ends meet working for such meager pay.  Rhode Islanders deserve a raise and workers deserve to be fairly compensated.  Right now, those making minimum wage can’t afford housing, food, and transportation so taxpayers end up subsidizing employers that pay so little.  When all businesses have to operate on a level playing field with fair pay it helps prevent costly turnover and re-training of workers.  The Raise the Wage Act would help strengthen families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Reed.
    “As rising costs squeeze families across Rhode Island, it’s well past time to increase the federal minimum wage,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “Our legislation will help more Americans get a foothold in the middle class by paying them a livable wage.”
    Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. While approximately four million tipped workers in the U.S. depend on tips for as much as half of their income or more, the tipped sub-minimum wage has remained stagnant at just $2.13 per hour since 1991. The current median wage for at least 37,000 workers with disabilities is just $3.50 per hour.
    Meanwhile, across every state in the country, a living wage for a worker in a family with two working adults and one child is greater than $17 per hour, according to the Economic Policy Institute’s (EPI) Family Budget Calculator. Many of these low-wage workers face persistent economic insecurity, struggling to put food on the table and afford basic necessities, including housing, health care, and childcare. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.
    Joining Sanders, Reed, and Whitehouse on this legislation are U.S. Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-A), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    More than 85 organizations endorsed the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, including: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Grills Greer on Potential Job Losses From Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Warren: “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, on President Trump’s reckless tariffs that have the potential to lead the nation into an economic crisis.

    After President Trump’s announcement on his “reciprocal” tariffs on almost every country in the world, the stock market experienced its biggest drop since the first days of the pandemic. Senator Warren sounded the alarm about a likely recession, citing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned that the tariffs could lead to both “higher prices” and “higher unemployment.”

    Greer is responsible for developing and promoting the U.S. trade agenda and leading trade negotiations on behalf of the U.S. When asked if the Trump administration would reverse course on their tariffs if they cost workers their jobs and raised prices, Ambassador Greer refused to provide a straight answer.

    In fact, Greer insisted that Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on China would bring “lower unemployment, lower inflation,” putting him at odds with economists of all political leanings.  

    “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back,” said the senator. 

    Today, Senator Warren joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden in introducing legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries.

    “Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs,” said the senator. “This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump.”

    Transcript: Hearing to examine the President’s 2025 trade policy agenda.

    Senate Finance Committee

    April 8, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Donald Trump is single-handedly driving this economy off a cliff. With no evidence to back him up, he’s claimed emergency authorities to slap new tariffs on nearly every product we import, from nearly every country. 

    But Congress has the power to reverse those tariffs—and we should do so immediately. 

    Tariffs can be a tool to help build things in America. But Trump has slapped tariffs on, then off, on then off again with no rhyme or reason—and the uncertainty about the long-term rules makes companies far less likely to invest in manufacturing or jobs here in the United States. 

    If Congress doesn’t stand up to Trump, economists predict a recession before the end of the year, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell says we’re in a real danger of “both higher unemployment and higher inflation.” Translation: Trump’s tariffs will push millions of workers out of jobs and push prices up at the same time.

    So, Ambassador Greer, we’ve heard a lot of conflicting statements about whether these tariffs are here to stay, how many more rounds of on/off we’re going to do. So, let me ask the question from a different perspective.

    Ambassador Greer, we lost 700,000 jobs each month in the last recession. If 700,000 Americans lose their jobs, will the Trump administration suspend these tariffs?

    Ambassador Jamieson Greer: Senator, I think the economists who are making these projections, who often are in favor of fully unfettered free trade, are the same ones, you said in the first Trump term, that put tariffs— I just don’t think it’s going to happen, Senator.

    Senator Warren: Mr. Greer, let me just stop you there. I’m not asking about projections. I’m asking, if the numbers show that 700,000 people have lost their jobs because of these new tariffs that Trump has slapped on, will the administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, that’s not going to happen. We’ve lost 5 million manufacturing jobs over the years, which is the number I’m most worried about, and we have to get those jobs back. 

    Senator Warren: So, I take that as a no. Let me try another one. Moody says that if the Trump tariffs remain in place, we will definitely plunge into a recession, which will ultimately cost three and a half million Americans their jobs. 

    So, Ambassador Greer, if Trump’s tariffs push three and a half million people out of work, will the Trump administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, the Wall Street analysts are wrong. They never want to have any kind of change to the status quo–

    Senator Warren: I’m not asking if they’re right or wrong–

    Ambassador Greer: But that’s who you’re quoting to me, Senator.

    Senator Warren: I’m giving you a number. If the number is three and a half million, if it never comes to pass, you don’t have to worry about your answer, but if three and a half million people lose their jobs because of these tariffs, is the Trump administration prepared to lift them? 

    Ambassador Greer: Right now, this minute, we’re working on negotiations with countries who believe they can achieve reciprocity with us and get their trade deficit down, and that’s the emergency we’re focused on. There’s not going to be a situation where, years from now, we’ve lost millions of jobs.

    Senator Warren: Let me try one more time: if Trump tariffs push workers out of their jobs and raise prices as Fed Chair Powell has predicted, will you reverse course then?

    Ambassador Greer: I think also with respect to Chairman Powell, who I don’t know personally, but I know the President makes decisions on trade, and he rarely takes advice from Chairman Powell on this. We found in Trump One that you could put tariffs on China and you could make it work and have lower income, sorry, lower unemployment, lower inflation, and increase real median household income over time as we reshore and that’s what we have to do, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: What I’m hearing you say is that no one can hear a rhyme or reason to why the tariffs are off again, on again, off again, on again. But what you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back. Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs. This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump. We can get this voted on. Senator Wyden and I have already, are about to, introduce the bill to do that, and if Republicans are serious about not playing the red light green light with tariffs but instead about protecting our economy, our families, our jobs, and keeping prices low, then Republicans should join us on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –