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On May 24, it was learned from the National Data Administration that my country is accelerating the research and formulation of technical standards for a nationwide integrated computing power network. There are already 12 related guiding technical documents, covering multiple aspects such as computing power monitoring and scheduling, computing-power collaboration, and security protection, to promote the optimal allocation of computing power resources nationwide.On May 24th, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Kocher stated that the ECB will face an interest rate hike next month unless a sustainable peace agreement is reached between the US and Iran. Eurozone inflation this year may be higher than previously expected, while countries are still grappling with previous price shocks. Meanwhile, the economy has shown considerable resilience. "There are always some extremely low-probability scenarios that could lead to different assessments of the situation, but currently, all indications suggest we will have to decide between maintaining interest rates and raising them," Kocher said. "And it is clear to me that if the situation does not improve, we will have to focus our discussions on taking action." He also stated that it is not appropriate to make any commitments now, and doing so would be meaningless. Uncertainty is high, so too many options should not be ruled out prematurely. Of course, positive developments are hoped for.On May 24, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the Russian military used multiple types of missiles, including the Hazel, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon, as well as attack drones, to hit targets including Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, military infrastructure, the headquarters of the Army General Staff, the headquarters of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, and other Ukrainian military command posts. No civilian facilities were planned or targeted.German Chancellor Merz: Russia has once again used the Hazel missile system to attack Ukraine. The German government strongly condemns this reckless escalation.German Foreign Minister: Russia’s missile attack on Ukraine is shocking; the use of Hazel missiles marks yet another escalation.

According to Australian Retailer Woolworths, Inflation Is Driving Home Dining

Haiden Holmes

Feb 22, 2023 14:10

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Woolworths Group Ltd, a leading Australian retailer, said that an inflation-driven move away from dining out aided in boosting sales, driving its shares higher after its half-year earnings above expectations despite cost challenges.


Since COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 prompted supermarket hoarding, Woolworths and its smaller competitor Coles Group (OTC:CLEGF) Ltd have witnessed significant fluctuations in Australian customer behavior. As lockdowns were lifted in 2021, and again in 2022, sales slowed as rising energy and labor costs pushed up shelf prices.


Woolworths said on Wednesday that cost-of-living constraints, including skyrocketing electricity prices and nine interest rate rises since May, are now beginning to benefit stores as consumers choose for in-home consumption.


Since the beginning of 2023, food sales have increased 6.5%, roughly in step with inflation, compared to just 2.4% in the six months leading up to the end of December, the business reported.


"The shift from eating in restaurants to eating at home has become more evident," said Chief Executive Brad Banducci to reporters.


He stated that a growing number of clients from all demographic groups are now preparing meals at home since eating out is becoming more expensive.


The company's net profit before significant items increased 14% to A$907 million ($622 million), above the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$877 million. The majority of the increase was attributable to employee back pay linked to a prior salaries miscalculation.


Similar to Tuesday's announcement of Coles' interim results, Woolworths' profit increase was aided by a dramatic drop in COVID-19-related expenditures.


At midday, Woolworths shares were up 2%, compared to a 0.3% decline in the overall index, as analysts hailed the potential of profit margin expansion at a business vulnerable to rising supplier prices.


Phillip Kimber, a retail analyst at E&P Financial, wrote in a client note, "The momentum in the core Australian Food industry remains strong, with sales growth rates above expectations in early 2H23."


Woolworths declared an interim dividend of 46 Australian cents per share, up from 39 Australian cents per share the previous year.

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