Category: 3. Business

  • Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) – New version released: The NEA Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD)

    The NEA has released version 2 of the Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD), following the migration to a collaborative development environment and a standardised dataset format. SINBAD, developed since the early 1990s by the NEA and the US Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC), aims to preserve radiation shielding benchmark experiments for the international community. The SINBAD Task Force, under the NEA Expert Group on Physics of Reactor Systems (EGPRS), now steers its development in collaboration with RSICC.

    The new SINBAD version includes 105 benchmarks for shielding assessments of fission and fusion systems, accelerator shielding and nuclear data evaluations. It represents an internationally recognised resource for validation and verification of radiation transport applications.

    The new SINBAD release is maintained and distributed through the NEA GitLab system provided by the NEA Data Bank, enabling users to give direct feedback and suggest improvements. The SINBAD Task Force manages and evaluates user contributions, following a transparent, version-controlled development process. This development strategy follows successful examples from Open Software development projects, such as the LINUX kernel.

    Organisations from NEA Data Bank member countries can request SINBAD version 2 from the NEA Data Bank, while professionals from non-member countries can request it from RSICC.

    Request SINBAD Version 2 at the NEA Data Bank: SINBAD Version 2, Volumes 1 and 2 (Package NEA-1939).

    Request SINBAD Version 2 at the RSICC: https://rsicc.ornl.gov.

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  • Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance: Air Liquide joins a strategic partnership in Europe

    Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance: Air Liquide joins a strategic partnership in Europe

    Air Liquide has joined the newly launched Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance, a coalition of industry leaders gathering equipment manufacturers, Automotive & Technology suppliers, Energy & Chemicals players. The Alliance is calling for the acceleration of the development of hydrogen mobility to secure Europe’s industrial strength and sustainability. To better understand this initiative, Erwin Penfornis, Vice President of Air Liquide’s Hydrogen Energy business line, answers our questions.

    What does hydrogen mobility offer that electric batteries do not?

    It adds crucial layers of resilience, competitiveness, and system-wide efficiency. Firstly, it requires much less infrastructure investments. Secondly, the full electrification of Europe’s fleet, especially heavy-duty vehicles, would overwhelm grids, so hydrogen storage can help maintain their stability. On top of that, hydrogen can help solve the growing problem of fluctuating renewable power, providing a way to store and use the energy that would otherwise be wasted. Thirdly, hydrogen vehicles provide a range comparable to that of diesel, with fast refueling times (15 minutes for 600+ km range versus 45 minutes for 400 km for battery electric), and lighter weight for increased payload. Thanks to these advantages, hydrogen is crucial for heavy and long-distance transport, which is difficult to decarbonize.

    Why is this technology not broadly adopted yet?

    The technology is ready: it is mature, safe, and reliable. However, for commercial transport operators, whose margins are tight, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)1 is the deciding factor. The current price of hydrogen at the pump needs to be optimized, vehicles are still expensive due to a lack of mass production, and the refueling network needs to get denser. Therefore, it is now urgent to bridge this cost gap.

    How does Europe’s progress compare on the global stage?

    Other regions are moving very quickly and decisively. China, for example, is already the world leader in deployment, with more than 28,000 hydrogen trucks and buses on the roads and hundreds of refueling stations in operation as of this year. They have a stated goal of reaching 1 million vehicles by 2030. This isn’t just about catching up; it’s about Europe leveraging its own strengths to lead in a technology that is vital for our industrial future.

    To create that momentum, the Alliance is calling for a “market activation phase.” What does this involve?

    We are calling for a pragmatic and targeted strategy. At the heart of this approach, we advocate for effective public support for the deployment of refueling infrastructure, drawing inspiration from successful programs like the SWiM initiative in the Netherlands. The principle is to simultaneously develop fleets of trucks and the stations that supply them along key corridors. This method reduces investment risks and offers a concrete pathway to meet European objectives. It must be complemented by other incentives, such as road toll exemptions for zero-emission vehicles.

    This pragmatism also applies to technology: we must be technology-neutral and support both fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen combustion engines to accelerate deployment. Finally, on the supply side, while the goal is 100% decarbonized hydrogen, environmental requirements must be introduced progressively to give the entire ecosystem time to adapt.

    What strategic opportunity does the development of a hydrogen economy represent for Europe today?

    The long-term vision is a competitive and self-sustaining hydrogen mobility market that makes our economy stronger while preserving the environment. At Air Liquide, we are already building toward this future, investing across the entire value chain: from large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production, such as our Normand’Hy electrolyzer, to the distribution infrastructure needed to deliver it to end customers, which is the purpose of TEAL Mobility, our joint venture with TotalEnergies.

    We have a unique opportunity to deliver on Europe’s climate commitments and guarantee its energy safety for the future. This path simultaneously strengthens our industrial competitiveness, creating a powerful synergy for progress. We are ready to join forces with public and private partners to make this vision a reality.

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  • European renewable energy companies' shares rise after revised US senate bill – Reuters

    1. European renewable energy companies’ shares rise after revised US senate bill  Reuters
    2. A megabill mystery: Republicans ax solar and wind tax that surprised senators  NBC News
    3. Final Senate megabill to ease wind and solar phaseout  Politico
    4. Wind power firms Vestas and Orsted jump on U.S. bill update  CNBC
    5. “Slightly” Less Energy Scarcity  douglewin.com

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  • Price stability in times of change – European Central Bank

    Price stability in times of change – European Central Bank

    1. Price stability in times of change  European Central Bank
    2. Powell confirms that the Fed would have cut by now were it not for tariffs  CNBC
    3. Forex Today: Central bankers will be in the spotlight  FXStreet
    4. Fed holds interest rates for fourth time despite tariff turmoil  BBC
    5. Fed would have cut US interest rates by now if it weren’t for Trump’s tariffs, says Jerome Powell – as it happened  The Guardian

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  • BBVA deepens partnership with Google Cloud to innovate with AI

    BBVA deepens partnership with Google Cloud to innovate with AI

    BBVA and Google Cloud today announced the deployment of Google Workspace with Gemini across the global operations of the bank. This initiative will empower BBVA’s over 100,000 employees worldwide with secure generative AI experiences in tools like Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more. Today, BBVA employees report that automating repetitive tasks with AI saves them nearly three hours per week on average, freeing up valuable time for more strategic, customer-focused work.

    BBVA has collaborated with Google Cloud to digitally transform its operations since 2011. Now, BBVA employees will gain a powerful collaborative assistant embedded within Google Workspace’s productivity tools they use every day, further solidifying BBVA’s position as a frontrunner in leveraging technology for business transformation. BBVA employees will use Gemini to help summarize, draft, and find information across emails, chats, and files; create professional documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and videos; and even take notes and collaborate better on calls.

    Beyond Google Workspace with Gemini, BBVA employees will leverage the standalone Gemini app and NotebookLM, an AI-powered research and writing assistant, to help with tasks like research, generating audio overviews of complex findings, creating reports, and more.

    “The partnership with Google Cloud allows us to continue transforming how our teams work, make decisions, and collaborate—using the most competitive generative AI models on the market,” said Elena Alfaro, Global Head of AI Adoption at BBVA. “We anticipate that Gemini with Workspace has the potential to simplify tasks and spark new ideas, which will significantly boost the productivity and innovation of our teams.”

    “BBVA transformed the way we work with Google Workspace more than ten years ago,” explained Juan Ortigosa, Global Head of Workplace at BBVA. “We expect that the widespread adoption of generative AI across these tools will improve productivity and the work experience of all employees, regardless of their role, fostering a more dynamic and efficient environment.”

    “This expanded partnership with BBVA underscores the transformative power of generative AI in the enterprise. Google Cloud is committed to providing the most advanced AI tools, like Gemini, to help industry leaders like BBVA unlock new levels of innovation and efficiency. We have been a proud partner of BBVA’s digital transformation journey for years, and we believe that this deployment of Gemini with Workspace will further empower their teams and redefine the future of banking,” said Isaac Hernandez, Country Manager Iberia, Google Cloud.

    In parallel to this AI deployment, the bank has launched a mandatory training program, ‘AI Express’, focused on the broader use of artificial intelligence. It provides employees with clear principles for secure and responsible AI adoption across use cases. The program is aligned with the European Union’s AI Act and BBVA’s internal policies on data protection and confidentiality.

    Access to Google Workspace with Gemini, the Gemini app, and NotebookLM will be granted to employees who have completed internal training programs. This approach ensures that teams are prepared to use these generative AI tools effectively, ethically, and in line with BBVA’s AI governance standards.

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  • Central bank gold buying picks up in May | Post by Marissa Salim | Gold Focus blog

    Central bank gold buying picks up in May | Post by Marissa Salim | Gold Focus blog

    Important information and disclaimers

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    Reproduction or redistribution of any of this information is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of World Gold Council or the appropriate copyright owners, except as specifically provided below. Information and statistics are copyright © and/or other intellectual property of the World Gold Council or its affiliates or third-party providers identified herein. All rights of the respective owners are reserved.
    The use of the statistics in this information is permitted for the purposes of review and commentary (including media commentary) in line with fair industry practice, subject to the following two pre-conditions: (i) only limited extracts of data or analysis be used; and (ii) any and all use of these statistics is accompanied by a citation to World Gold Council and, where appropriate, to Metals Focus or other identified copyright owners as their source. World Gold Council is affiliated with Metals Focus.
    The World Gold Council and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information nor accept responsibility for any losses or damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information.
    This information is for educational purposes only and by receiving this information, you agree with its intended purpose. Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute a recommendation, investment advice, or offer for the purchase or sale of gold, any gold-related products or services or any other products, services, securities or financial instruments (collectively, “Services”). This information does not take into account any investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.

    Diversification does not guarantee any investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The resulting performance of any investment outcomes that can be generated through allocation to gold are hypothetical in nature, may not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. The World Gold Council and its affiliates do not guarantee or warranty any calculations and models used in any hypothetical portfolios or any outcomes resulting from any such use. Investors should discuss their individual circumstances with their appropriate investment professionals before making any decision regarding any Services or investments.
    This information may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements which use the words “believes”, “expects”, “may”, or “suggests”, or similar terminology, which are based on current expectations and are subject to change. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will be achieved. World Gold Council and its affiliates assume no responsibility for updating any forward-looking statements.

    Information regarding QaurumSM and the Gold Valuation Framework

    Note that the resulting performance of various investment outcomes that can be generated through use of Qaurum, the Gold Valuation Framework and other information are hypothetical in nature, may not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Neither World Gold Council (including its affiliates) nor Oxford Economics provides any warranty or guarantee regarding the functionality of the tool, including without limitation any projections, estimates or calculations.

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  • Current approaches and emerging trends for climate-related credit risk assessment methodologies—insights from a global survey – United Nations Environment – Finance Initiative

    Current approaches and emerging trends for climate-related credit risk assessment methodologies—insights from a global survey – United Nations Environment – Finance Initiative

    Who is this report suitable for? Risk professionals and senior management at banks and supervisory authorities.

    This report offers a detailed analysis of how banks currently assess and manage climate-related credit risks, and actionable insights for risk professionals and senior management to identify strengths and gaps in their current practices. It also offers supervisory authorities a comprehensive view of how climate risks are being incorporated into credit risk management worldwide.

    It highlights standard methodologies used across the banking sector to help establish a benchmark for credit risk modelling practices. The goal is to support financial institutions in refining their approaches to climate risk management and aligning them with emerging best practices.

    Drawing on a global survey, the publication explores the full scope of climate-related credit risk assessment, including how banks use these assessments, integrate climate considerations into credit risk models, and evaluate both physical and transition risks. It also examines how climate factors influence collateral valuation, and how risk is assessed across different sectors and exposure classes. Other key areas covered include scenario analysis, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scoring, data collection and governance, and the quantitative impact of different assessment methodologies.

    Highlights include areas for further development, as well as key recommendations to help financial institutions and regulators strengthen the integration of climate risk into credit risk practices at both firm and jurisdictional levels.

    This report was developed by UNEP FI and Global Credit Data.

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  • Hyatt Newsroom – News Releases

    Hyatt Continues Expansion With The Debut Of Thompson Hotels, Significant New Entries for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt Brands In Asia Pacific, Catering To Evolving Experiential Demand Among Luxury And Lifestyle Travelers

    CHICAGO (July 2, 2025) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced plans to expand Hyatt’s luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios across Asia Pacific, with a robust pipeline of close to 90 properties expected to open over the next five years. This strategic growth includes the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the region alongside significant new entries and expansion for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt brands in sought-after destinations including Thailand, Malaysia and Australia in 2025 and 2026.

    Since 2017, Hyatt has doubled the number of luxury rooms, tripled its resort rooms, and grown lifestyle rooms five-fold globally. As one of the key regions driving the luxury travel market, the demand in Asia Pacific continues to surge and Hyatt is strategically expanding to meet it. As of Q1 2025, 64% of Hyatt’s Asia Pacific hotels and resorts are in the luxury and upper-upscale segments, reflecting Hyatt’s leadership in delivering high-end and distinct experiences to capture this growth potential.

    “Today, luxury is about authenticity and unique experiences. Our recently refined brand architecture and expansion in luxury and lifestyle portfolios allow us to cater to discerning travelers with focus and differentiation,” said Carina Chorengel, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “We are excited about offering enriching experiences that will further strengthen Hyatt’s position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality in the region.”

    Thompson Hotels brand set to debut in Asia Pacific

    The introduction of the Thompson Hotels brand in Asia Pacific signifies a milestone moment in the expansion of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio, reflecting its continued investment in experiences for culture-savvy travelers. With its origins based in Manhattan, NYC, Thompson Hotels blend heritage and modernity to create a stylish home base for the socially and culturally attuned traveler.

    Expected to open in Q4 2025, Thompson Shanghai Expo is inspired by the city’s industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy – a collision of experiences inspired by contemporary design, art and innovative gastronomy. Its signature experiences reflect the growing appetite for cultural programming, featuring time-limited crossovers with cultural partners as well as a rooftop with live entertainment and engaging events.

    Andaz and The Standard bring lifestyle concepts to new markets

    Hyatt will also mark the continued expansion of the Andaz brand, celebrated for its cultural immersion and unique lifestyle offerings. Andaz Gold Coast will debut in Australia and the Pacific in a world-class integrated resort, and Andaz One Bangkok will be set at the edge of the serene Lumphini Park as part of the prestigious One Bangkok development. In addition, Andaz Shanghai ITC, the brand’s second property in the city, will be located amidst Shanghai’s leading commercial neighborhood.

    Following its acquisition of Standard International’s brands in 2024, Hyatt is continuing to invest in the brands’ footprint across the region with an exciting pipeline of new properties. This includes The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, set to open in Q3 this year, featuring a playful, 60s-inspired beach club aesthetic that is equal parts chill and charged.

    Park Hyatt elevates personal luxury

    The Park Hyatt brand will also make its Malaysian debut with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in August 2025, set atop The Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, offering the pinnacle of refined luxury through cultural-inspired interiors and culinary experiences. Its unique Cacao bar, the highest in town, will be the first chocolate-themed bar in the city, positioning it as a must-visit destination for leisure travelers who increasingly put culinary experiences center stage in their itineraries.

    In a reflection of how the iconic brand continues to redefine luxury, Park Hyatt Tokyo will celebrate a 30-year legacy by resuming operations following a comprehensive refinement that enhances its comfort and modern convenience while preserving its iconic understated luxurious ambience. Expected to resume operations in Q4 2025, the hotel will reimagine the timeless elegance of its 171 guestrooms and suites and see authentic dining concepts that promise to captivate luxury travelers across generations.

    Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, the first Park Hyatt resort in Vietnam, is expected to open in Q1 2026. Spanning 160 acres of land bordered by an expansive mile-long white sand beach and lush undulating hills, guests and residents can look forward to exquisite convergence of contemporary art, timeless craftsmanship, and personalized service on the pearl island.

    To learn more about upcoming openings and projects in Hyatt’s pipeline, please visit https://www.hyatt.com/development/.

    Select list of expected upcoming luxury and lifestyle openings in Asia Pacific in 2025 and 2026:

    • Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – August 2025

    • Mumian Shanghai Expo (part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt) – Q3 2025

    • The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien – Q3 2025

    • Park Hyatt Tokyo – Q4 2025

    • Thompson Shanghai Expo – Q4 2025

    • KYLN Hotel Suzhou (part of JdV by Hyatt) – Q4 2025

    • Andaz One Bangkok – Q4 2025

    • Andaz Shanghai ITC – Q4 2025

    • Park Hyatt Phu Quoc – Q1 2026

    • Andaz Gold Coast – Q2 2026

    • THE BARAI (part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt) – Q3 2026

    • The Standard Residences, Hua Hin – Q4 2026

    • The Standard Residences, Phuket Bang Tao – Q4 2026

    Highlights of expected upcoming Hyatt hotel openings in Asia Pacific in 2025 and 2026 include:

    Thompson Hotels

    Thompson Shanghai Expo (Q4 2025)

    Thompson Shanghai Expo will debut the Thompson Hotel brand in Asia Pacific, offering culture-savvy travelers a home base. Drawing from the city’s industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy, the hotel will serve as a magnetic stage where cultures collide, connecting guests and sparking ideas.

    Andaz

    Andaz Shanghai ITC (Q4 2025)

    Situated in the vibrant Xujiahui district, Andaz Shanghai ITC will offer experiences rooted in the city’s cosmopolitan identity.

    Andaz One Bangkok (Q4 2025)

    Located within Thailand’s most ambitious real estate project, One Bangkok, Andaz One Bangkok is set to become a landmark destination. Here, Bangkok’s vibrant cultural heritage blends with the sleek, modern energy of its central business district. Guests will enjoy Thai-inspired culinary delights at the Andaz Tavern and Lounge with views of Lumphini Park.

    Andaz Gold Coast (Q2 2026)

    As the first Andaz hotel in Australia and the Pacific, Andaz Gold Coast will offer guests easy access to beautiful beaches, rainforests, and theme parks with a myriad of dining and entertainment options as part of a world-class integrated development.

    The Standard

    The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien (Q3 2025)

    A beachfront hotel meeting laidback luxury with a twist of vibrant energy, The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien will offer a playful, 60s-inspired vibe and a beach club that will be equal parts chill and charged. Guests can unwind in one of 161 stylish rooms and suites or lounge in lush garden spaces while savoring extraordinary food and beverage offerings. The property’s restaurant, Mmhmmm, will feature an oceanfront pool serving up tiki-inspired cocktails and playful bites, while the Esmé Beach Club will reimagine the seaside experience with a stylish, sophisticated party scene.

    Park Hyatt

    Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (August 2025)

    The Park Hyatt brand will debut in Malaysia with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, occupying the top floors of Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific. A refined home-away-from-home in the sky, the hotel will feature tasteful comforts and purposeful culinary and wellness offerings with sophisticated interiors inspired by Malaysia’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts.

    Park Hyatt Tokyo (Q4 2025)

    Following a comprehensive 17-month refinement, Park Hyatt Tokyo celebrates its 30-year legacy with impactful upgrades to its public spaces and room offerings for a more personalized luxury experience and enhanced comfort. At the same time, iconic elements such as the New York Grill & Bar are restored to their original designs. This reimagined experience upholds Park Hyatt Tokyo’s status as a timeless classic, providing deeply personalized services that connect past and present, resonating with travelers across generations.

    Park Hyatt Phu Quoc (Q1 2026)

    Bringing the Park Hyatt brand to a destination recently voted as the world’s second most beautiful island by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, the hotel and residences will be positioned to offer guests and residents mesmerizing sunset views. Just a 30-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport, resort facilities will include two dining outlets, a bar, a pool side barbecue, two swimming pools, a lakeside spa, a gym house with a lap pool, a Camp Hyatt kids’ village, more than 4,300 square feet of event space and an organic farm.

    The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

    About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

    Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about the Company’s luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios, expected performance and demand, planned openings, and development pipeline. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; the impact of global tariff policies or regulations; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve specified  levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

    ###

    MEDIA CONTACTS:

    Lillian Zhang

    Hyatt – ASPAC

    Lillian.zhang@hyatt.com

    Joyce Cheng

    Hyatt – ASPAC

    Joyce.cheng@hyatt.com

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  • Hong Kong property group’s shares jump 11% after refinancing talks close – Financial Times

    Hong Kong property group’s shares jump 11% after refinancing talks close – Financial Times

    1. Hong Kong property group’s shares jump 11% after refinancing talks close  Financial Times
    2. Hong Kong property scion Adrian Cheng resigns from New World board  The Straits Times
    3. Hong Kong developer NWD meets 2025 sales target and wins commitment to refinancing  South China Morning Post
    4. Shares of New World Development set to open up 7%  TradingView
    5. New World Seals $11.2B Lifeline; UMS Eyes Malaysia Debut; Dezign Format Joins IPO Race; SingTel CEO Sees Payday Surge  Minichart

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  • Renault Group: employee share ownership, a sustained commitment

    Renault Group: employee share ownership, a sustained commitment

    Boulogne-Billancourt, July 2, 2025 – Held from May 12 to 30, 2025, the fourth edition of Renault Group’s employee shareholding plan enabled employees in 30 countries[1] to receive 3 free shares, and those in 24 countries to subscribe under preferential conditions. With nearly 95,000 employees taking part, this high level of participation reflects the growing trust in employee shareholding—a key driver of employee engagement and collective success.

    “By renewing this initiative, Renault Group reaffirms its commitment to sharing the value created with those who make it possible every day. The strong participation in the employee shareholding plan reflects the trust our people place in the Group’s strategy and their deep connection to the company. For the fourth consecutive year, their engagement confirms the key role employee shareholding plays in shaping our corporate culture. With 6.31% of the company’s capital now held by employees, we are strengthening a model based on shared performance, recognition, and trust — essential levers for building a sustainable future together.” said Bruno Laforge, Chief People and Organization Officer, Renault Group

    Employee shareholding: a key driver of collective performance

    The contributions provided as part of the 2025 employee shareholding plan (up to 6 free shares per employee[2]) represent approximately 359,000 shares, or 0.12% of Renault SA’s capital, which will be allocated free to the Group’s employees.

    In addition, nearly 48,000 employees—representing 44.3% of eligible employees — participated in the share subscription offer under the plan. Employees’ total investment amounted to over €36.5 million. This corresponds to more than 1,165,000 subscribed shares, or 0.40% of Renault SA’s share capital.

    In total, the operation will result in the transfer of approximately 1,524,000 shares to employees—equivalent to 0.52% of Renault SA’s capital—held through an Employee Mutual Fund (FCPE) or, in some countries, directly in a registered securities account.

    Following the allocation of shares under the plan, employees will hold approximately 6.31% of Renault SA’s capital.

    [1] Germany, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Spain, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Ukraine.

    [2] Unilateral matching contribution equivalent to 3 shares, with an additional matching contribution capped at the equivalent of 3 shares in case of subscription to the offer.

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