Category: 3. Business

  • News | RTX’s Raytheon awarded $1.7 billion contract to deliver four Patriot fire units to Spain

    News | RTX’s Raytheon awarded $1.7 billion contract to deliver four Patriot fire units to Spain

    Contract marks Spain’s largest Patriot order ever

    ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a $1.7 billion contract to supply Spain with four Patriot® air and missile defense systems.

    The foreign military sales contract includes radars, launchers, command and control stations, and training equipment.

    “Modernizing air and missile defense is vital to Spain’s security and sovereignty. Raytheon’s work with the Spanish government and local industry will help ensure readiness against evolving threats,” said Pete Bata, senior vice president of Global Patriot at Raytheon. “Raytheon is continuing to support Spain’s government while working with their robust defense industry to deliver Patriot.”

    Raytheon has collaborated with local Spanish defense companies including Sener for electro-mechanical control system of the GEM-T missile as part of its Patriot global supply chain network.

    Patriot is the only combat-proven ground-based air and missile defense capability in the world able to defend against long-range cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and the full spectrum of air-breathing threats.

    Backed by a world-class command-and-control system, Patriot has intercepted hundreds of advanced aerial threats in conflicts around the globe. Patriot is the foundation of air defense for 19 countries, and the system continues to demonstrate its effectiveness against advanced aerial threats and massive complex raid attacks.

    The contract comes as Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania have placed orders for additional Patriot systems in 2025.

    About Raytheon
    Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

    About RTX
    RTX is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

    For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

    SOURCE RTX

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  • The Daily — Gross domestic product by industry, October 2025

    The Daily — Gross domestic product by industry, October 2025



    Released: 2025-12-23


    Real GDP by industry

    October 2025

    -0.3% 

    (monthly change)

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased 0.3% in October, offsetting a 0.2% increase in September, driven by contractions in goods-producing and services-producing industries. Overall, 11 of 20 industrial sectors contracted in October.

    Chart 1 

    Chart 1: Real gross domestic product declines in October

    Real gross domestic product declines in October


    Chart 1: Real gross domestic product declines in October

    Goods-producing industries were down 0.7% in October, as most sectors comprising the grouping contracted, led by the manufacturing sector. Services-producing industries declined 0.2% in the month, impacted by a few labour stoppages that dampened the overall activity.

    Manufacturing sector drives October’s decline after leading September’s growth

    The manufacturing sector fell 1.5% in October, largely offsetting September’s expansion, as contractions in durable-goods and non-durable goods manufacturing industries weighed on growth.

    Chart 2 

    Chart 2: Manufacturing sector contracts in October

    Manufacturing sector contracts in October


    Chart 2: Manufacturing sector contracts in October

    Durable-goods manufacturing industries contracted 2.3% in October, more than offsetting September’s 2.2% growth. Machinery manufacturing (-6.9%) contributed the most to the decline in October after driving the increase in the previous month. Wood product manufacturing (-7.3%) recorded its largest decline since April 2020, on widespread contractions across all industry groups. Sawmills and wood preservation (-9.0%) drove the decline in the subsector in October 2025, reflecting production slowdowns following the announcement from the US government of additional tariffs on Canadian lumber effective October 14.

    Non-durable goods manufacturing industries decreased 0.4% in October. The chemical manufacturing subsector (-3.4%) was the largest contributor to the decline, with a 7.2% contraction in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing accounting for most of the subsector’s decrease. Meanwhile, petroleum and coal product manufacturing (+2.5%) partly offset some of the decline, on ongoing strengths in petroleum refineries (+2.7%) and petroleum and coal products manufacturing (except petroleum refineries) (+0.2%), as production continued to ramp up following maintenance and turnaround activities earlier in the year.

    Province-wide teachers’ strike in Alberta weighs on the public sector

    The public sector aggregate (comprising educational services, health care and social assistance, and public administration) contracted 0.3% in October.

    Educational services fell 1.8% in October, driven by a contraction in elementary and secondary schools (-3.3%). This decline in elementary and secondary schools reflects a labour action by the members of the Alberta Teacher’s Association that took place from October 6 to October 29. This was the largest decline in the subsector since the public sector workers’ strike in Quebec caused back-to-back monthly decreases in November and December 2023.

    Chart 3 

    Chart 3: The educational services sector falls in October

    The educational services sector falls in October


    Chart 3: The educational services sector falls in October

    Meanwhile, growth in health care and social assistance (+0.2%) and public administration (+0.1%) tempered the decline in the public sector in October 2025.

    Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector down in October

    The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector contracted 0.6% in October, more than offsetting September’s expansion, as two of the three subsectors declined.

    Following four consecutive monthly expansions, the oil and gas extraction subsector contracted in October (-1.2%). Oil sands extraction (-2.7%) contributed the most to the decline on account of lower crude bitumen extraction in October as several operators were performing maintenance at their facilities. Oil and gas extraction (except oil sands) (+0.2%) tempered the decline, reflecting increased extraction of crude petroleum in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Support activities for mining, and oil and gas extraction (-2.4%) further added to the decline in October, driven by a 3.7% fall in support activities for oil and gas extraction, reflecting lower drilling and rigging services.

    Mining and quarrying (except oil and gas) (+2.6%) tempered the decrease in the sector, with all industry groups growing in October. Non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying (+3.7%) led the growth, as potash mining (+4.5%) rebounded following a planned shutdown of a mine in September.

    Transportation and warehousing sector down amid ongoing postal service workers’ strike

    Transportation and warehousing decreased 1.1% in October, more than offsetting September’s growth, with the postal service leading the decline.

    Chart 4 

    Chart 4: The postal service drops in October

    The postal service drops in October


    Chart 4: The postal service drops in October

    The postal service dropped 32.1% in October, reflecting disruptions in mail and parcel delivery activities as the nation-wide strike by members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched on September 25, and shifted to rotating strikes on October 11. This was the steepest decline in the subsector since December 2024 (-38.1%), when the CUPW members last went on a nation-wide strike.

    Wholesale trade sector down on widespread contractions

    The wholesale trade sector contracted 0.9% in October, more than offsetting September’s expansion. This was the second decrease in the sector in the last three months.

    Miscellaneous merchant wholesalers (-4.3%) and machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers (-1.6%) contributed the most to the decrease in the wholesale trade sector in October. Meanwhile, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories merchant wholesalers (+1.8%) tempered the decline in the sector.

    Retail trade down for the second consecutive month

    The retail trade sector decreased 0.6%, down for the second month in a row, with most subsectors recording contractions in October.

    The food and beverage retailers subsector fell 2.3% in October after recording back-to-back monthly increases in August and September. A labour action in British Columbia in October by members of the BC General Employees Union contributed to lower activity at beer, wine and liquor retailers, affecting the operations of both retailers and distribution centres. This was the lowest level of activity in the subsector since December 2022. Marking its third consecutive monthly decline, gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-1.0%) further added to the decrease in October 2025.

    Meanwhile, growth at furniture, home furnishings, electronics and appliances retailers (+0.9%) and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+0.2%) mitigated the sector’s decline in October, coinciding with the growth in national home resales and the higher activity at the offices of real estate agents and brokers and activities related to real estate (+0.9%).

    Construction decreases for the first time in six months

    The construction sector was down 0.4% in October, with most subsectors posting declines. Engineering and other construction activities (-0.7%) contributed the most to the decrease, recording its first contraction following five consecutive monthly increases. Residential building construction (-0.4%) continued to decline in October, down for the third month in a row, driven in October by decreased construction activity of new single-occupancy homes.

    Meanwhile, non-residential building construction (+0.1%) tempered the decrease in October, reflecting rising institutional building construction activity.

    Finance and insurance sector hits another record high in October

    The finance and insurance sector posted its fifth consecutive monthly increase, rising 0.4% in October, and mitigating the overall GDP decline in October.

    Other finance and insurance (+0.9%) drove the sector’s growth in October, reflecting increased activity in both equity and debt markets.

    Chart 5 

    Chart 5: Main industrial sectors' contribution to the percent change in gross domestic product in October

    Main industrial sectors’ contribution to the percent change in gross domestic product in October


    Chart 5: Main industrial sectors' contribution to the percent change in gross domestic product in October

    Advance estimate for real gross domestic product by industry for November 2025

    Advance information indicates that real GDP by industry increased 0.1% in November. Increases in educational services, construction and transportation and warehousing were partially offset by decreases in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and manufacturing. Owing to its preliminary nature, this estimate will be updated on January 30, 2026, with the release of the official GDP by industry data for November 2025.




    Sustainable development goals

    On January 1, 2016, the world officially began implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—the United Nations’ transformative plan of action that addresses urgent global challenges over the following 15 years. The plan is based on 17 specific sustainable development goals.

    The release on gross domestic product by industry is an example of how Statistics Canada supports monitoring the progress of global sustainable development goals. This release will be used to help measure the following goal:

      Note to readers

    General information

    Monthly data on gross domestic product (GDP) by industry at basic prices are chained volume estimates with 2017 as the reference year. This means that the data for each industry and each aggregate are obtained from a chained volume index multiplied by the industry’s value added in 2017. The monthly data are benchmarked to annually chained Fisher volume indexes of GDP obtained from the constant-price supply and use tables (SUTs) up to the latest SUTs year (2022).

    For the period starting in January 2023, data are derived by chaining a fixed-weight Laspeyres volume index to the prior period. The fixed weights are 2022 industry current price estimates.

    Statistics Canada also produces expenditure-based GDP estimates at market prices, which are chained quarterly based on a Fisher volume index. Due to conceptual and statistical differences, GDP by industry and GDP by expenditure percent change estimates can diverge slightly.

    All data in this release are seasonally adjusted. For information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.

    An advance estimate of industrial production for November 2025 is available upon request.

    For more information on GDP, see the video “What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?.”

    For more information on the impact of tariffs on key economic statistics, please consult: “How tariffs are conceptually reflected in key economic statistics.”

    Revisions

    With this release of monthly GDP by industry, revisions have been made back to January 2025.

    Each month, newly available administrative and survey data from various industries in the economy are integrated, resulting in statistical revisions. Updated and revised administrative data (including taxation statistics), new information provided by respondents to industry surveys, and standard changes to seasonal adjustment calculations are incorporated with each release.

    Notably, this monthly release incorporated updated information of Production of principal field crops released on December 4 which resulted in upward revisions for the crop production industry for the first nine months in 2025.

    To satisfy the opposing goals for both timeliness and accuracy, Statistics Canada regularly updates (revises) its estimates of GDP. For more information about GDP revision cycles, please consult the “Revisions to Canada’s GDP” article in the Latest Developments in the Canadian Economic Accounts (Catalogue number13-605-X).

    Real-time table

    Real-time table 36-10-0491-01 will be updated on January 19, 2026.

    Next release

    Data on real GDP by industry for November 2025 will be released on January 30, 2026, including an advance estimate for the December 2025 reference month.


    Products

    The User Guide: Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts (Catalogue number13-606-G) is available.

    The Methodological Guide: Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts (Catalogue number13-607-X) is also available.

    The Economic accounts statistics portal, accessible from the Subjects module of the Statistics Canada website, features an up-to-date portrait of national and provincial economies and their structure.

    Contact information

    For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).

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  • Ørsted brings in Cathay as investor in Greater Changhua 2 Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan

    Ørsted brings in Cathay as investor in Greater Changhua 2 Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan

    Ørsted has signed an agreement with Cathay Life Insurance, the leading life insurance company in Taiwan, and its affiliate Cathay Power (together ’Cathay‘), under which Cathay will acquire a 55 % ownership stake of Ørsted’s 632 MW Greater Changhua 2 Offshore Wind Farm.

    Located approximately 50–60 km off the coast of Changhua County, the Greater Changhua 2 site comprises Greater Changhua 2a (295 MW), which is operational, and Greater Changhua 2b (337 MW), which Ørsted is currently constructing, with commissioning expected in Q3 2026. Under the agreement, Ørsted will provide long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services from its O&M hub at the Port of Taichung.

    The total value of the transaction for the 55% equity stake is approximately DKK 5 billion (approx. TWD 25 billion) and takes into consideration the existing project financing arrangements. The closing of the transaction is planned to occur simultaneously with the project reaching commercial operations, which is expected in Q3 2026. In July 2025, Ørsted reached financial close on a project financing package of approx. DKK 20 billion for the entire project.

    The transaction marks another significant milestone in Ørsted’s partnership and divestment programme and further solidifies the company’s capital structure, which is one of Ørsted’s four strategic priorities. With this agreement, Ørsted has signed divestments with proceeds totalling around DKK 33 billion during 2025, bringing the company close to achieving its target of securing proceeds of more than DKK 35 billion through its partnership and divestment programme in 2025 and 2026.

    Trond Westlie, Chief Financial Officer of Ørsted, says:
    “Having been through a competitive process with multiple parties, we’re pleased to once again partner with Cathay, with whom we already successfully co-own Greater Changhua 1 and 4. The transaction underlines the strong appetite from leading investors for high-quality assets with long-term offtake agreements, and combined with Changhua 2’s project financing package, the transaction marks a further strengthening of our capital structure and is a sizable contribution to our partnership and divestment programme.”

    Andrew Liu, President of Cathay Life Insurance, says:
    “This transaction marks Cathay Life’s continued collaboration with Ørsted through an investment in the Greater Changhua 2 Offshore Wind Farm. This investment reflects our continued support for Taiwan’s renewable energy transition while generating stable, long-term returns aligned with the investment objectives of the insurance sector.

    Per Mejnert Kristensen, Senior Vice President and CEO of Region APAC at Ørsted, says:
    “We’re pleased to deepen our long-standing partnership with Cathay as we advance Taiwan’s offshore wind build-out, with this investment reflecting our shared confidence in Taiwan’s offshore wind fundamentals. As Taiwan scales up renewable energy, Ørsted will continue to partner with industry leaders like Cathay to deliver competitive, resilient, and sustainable offshore wind projects that create lasting value.”

    For further information, please contact:

    Global Media Relations
    Frederik Høj Ruhne
    + 45 99 55 95 52
    Globalmedia@orsted.com 

    Investor Relations
    Valdemar Hoegh Andersen
    +45 99 55 56 71
    ir@orsted.com

    About Ørsted
    Ørsted is a global leader in developing, constructing, and operating offshore wind farms, with a core focus on Europe. Backed by more than 30 years of experience in offshore wind, Ørsted has 10.2 GW of installed offshore capacity and 8.1 GW under construction. Ørsted’s total installed renewable energy capacity spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America exceeds 18 GW across a portfolio that also includes onshore wind, solar power, energy storage, bioenergy plants, and energy trading. Widely recognised as a global sustainability leader, Ørsted is guided by its vision of a world that runs entirely on green energy. Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs approximately 8,000 people. Ørsted’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2024, the group’s operating profit excluding new partnerships and cancellation fees was DKK 24.8 billion (EUR 3.3 billion). Visit orsted.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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  • Personal Income and Outlays, Data Update, September 2025

    The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis today updated the personal income and outlays data for the months of July, August, and September 2025 that were first issued on December 5. These updated monthly statistics reflect newly available source data and accompany today’s initial estimate of gross domestic product for the third quarter of 2025, covering the same period.

    The updated data tables are available as an Excel spreadsheet in the Related Materials tab; in BEA’s interactive data tables (National Income and Products Accounts Section 2); and in BEA’s API. The information published in the Personal Income and Outlays, September 2025, news release of December 5 is superseded; that news release has been archived and its text will not be updated.

    BEA continues working to update its schedule of economic releases, which was affected by the government shutdown. We will publish updated release dates as soon as they are available. Check our website for this information.

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  • Gross Domestic Product, 3rd Quarter 2025 (Initial Estimate) and Corporate Profits (Preliminary)

    Gross Domestic Product, 3rd Quarter 2025 (Initial Estimate) and Corporate Profits (Preliminary)

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September), according to the initial estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.8 percent.

    Due to the recent government shutdown, this initial report for the third quarter of 2025 replaces the release of the advance estimate originally scheduled for October 30 and the second estimate originally scheduled for November 26.

    The increase in real GDP in the third quarter reflected increases in consumer spending, exports, and government spending that were partly offset by a decrease in investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased. For more information, refer to the “Technical Notes” below.

    Contributions to Percent Change in Real GDP, 3rd Quarter 2025

    Compared to the second quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the third quarter reflected a smaller decrease in investment, an acceleration in consumer spending, and upturns in exports and government spending. Imports decreased less in the third quarter.

    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers, the sum of consumer spending and gross private fixed investment, increased 3.0 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 2.9 percent in the second quarter.

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 3.4 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 2.0 percent in the second quarter. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.8 percent, compared with an increase of 2.1 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.9 percent, compared with an increase of 2.6 percent.

    Quarter-to-Quarter Change in Prices

    Real gross domestic income (GDI) increased 2.4 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 2.6 percent (revised) in the second quarter. The average of real GDP and real GDI increased 3.4 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 3.2 percent (revised) in the second quarter.

    Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) increased $166.1 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $6.8 billion in the second quarter.

    Real GDP and Related Measures
    [Percent change from 2025 Q2 to Q3]
      Initial Estimate
    Real GDP 4.3
    Current-dollar GDP 8.2
    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers 3.0
    Real GDI 2.4
    Average of Real GDP and Real GDI 3.4
    Gross domestic purchases price index 3.4
    PCE price index 2.8
    PCE price index excluding food and energy 2.9

    Today’s release includes updated monthly data for April through September for personal income as well as updated monthly data for July through September for personal outlays and consumer spending. The updated statistics, reflecting newly available source data, are available in BEA’s iTables and API.

    *          *          *

    Next release: January 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    Gross Domestic Product, 3rd Quarter 2025 (Updated Estimate),
    GDP by Industry, and Corporate Profits (Revised)

    *          *          *


    Technical Notes

    Lapse in federal government appropriations

    The federal government shutdown that occurred in October and November resulted in delays in many of the principal source data that are used to produce estimates of GDP. This initial estimate of GDP for the third quarter of 2025 reflects a combination of data and methods that are typically used for the advance and second current quarterly estimates. More information on the source data and BEA assumptions that underlie the third-quarter estimate is shown in the key source data and assumptions table.

    Sources of change for real GDP

    Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent (1.1 percent at a quarterly rate1) in the third quarter, reflecting increases in consumer spending, exports, and government spending that were partly offset by a decrease in investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased.

    • The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in both services and goods. Within services, the leading contributors were health care and other services. Within goods, the leading contributors were recreational goods and vehicles as well as other nondurable goods.
      • Within health care, both outpatient services as well as hospital and nursing home services increased, based primarily on newly available third-quarter Census Bureau Quarterly Services Survey (QSS) data.
      • Within other services, the leading contributors to the increase were international travel, based on data from BEA’s International Transactions Accounts (ITAs), as well as professional and other services (mainly legal services), based on Census Bureau QSS data.
      • The increase in recreational goods and vehicles primarily reflected an increase in information processing equipment, based primarily on Census Bureau Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) data for all three months of the quarter.
      • The increase in other nondurable goods was mainly in prescription drugs reflecting Census Bureau MRTS data.
    • For both exports and imports, the estimates primarily reflected data from BEA’s ITAs, including updated information that will be publicly available with the U.S. International Transactions, 3rd Quarter 2025 release on January 14, 2026.
      • Within exports, both goods and services increased. The increase in goods was led by capital goods except automotive, as well as nondurable consumer goods. The increase in services was led by other business services, which includes professional and management consulting services.
      • Within imports, a decrease in goods (led by nondurable consumer goods) was partly offset by an increase in services (led by other business services).
    • The increase in government spending reflected increases in both state and local government spending (led by consumption expenditures) as well as federal government spending (led by defense consumption expenditures).
    • The decrease in investment primarily reflected a decrease in private inventory investment (led by wholesale trade and manufacturing), based primarily on Census Bureau inventory book value data and BEA’s inventory valuation adjustment.

    Settlements recorded in the third quarter

    Estimates of corporate profits were reduced by several settlements that were finalized in the third quarter. Settlements are recorded in the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPAs) on an accrual basis in the quarter when the settlement is finalized, regardless of when they are recorded on a company’s financial statement. Notably, in the third quarter:

    • A domestic health insurance provider reached a settlement with multiple sectors totaling $2.8 billion ($11.2 billion at an annual rate), over allegations of antitrust violations.
    • A domestic e-commerce company reached a settlement with the U.S. government in the amount of $2.5 billion ($10.0 billion at an annual rate), over allegations of deceptive enrollment practices.

    The estimate of GDI was not impacted because these settlements were recorded in the NIPAs as business current transfer payments, which offset the reduction to corporate profits.


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  • PSX remains range-bound as cautious sentiment persists; PIA stake bids in focus

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a largely range-bound session on Tuesday, as investor caution kept the benchmark KSE-100 Index trading within a narrow band. The session opened on a positive note, but after midday, the market saw a gradual decline as profit-taking and cautious trading set in. The KSE-100 Index closed at 171,073.73, down by 130.44 points or 0.08%.

    Investor attention was focused on the ongoing bidding process for a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with three consortia submitting sealed bids to take control of the national carrier. On the previous day, the market had already faced pressure as the roll-over week dampened investor sentiment, resulting in a volatile session where the KSE-100 Index dropped by 200.31 points, or 0.12%, to settle at 171,204.18 points.


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  • IFC signs Rs 33.6bn guarantee to boost Engro Fertilizers and Pakistan’s agri-finance landscape

    The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, and Engro Fertilizers have collaborated on a financing arrangement designed to mobilize long-term local lending for Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

    The deal involves an unfunded partial credit guarantee of up to PKR 33.6 billion from IFC, which reduces credit risk for Standard Chartered as it provides long-tenor rupee financing to Engro. This innovative mechanism aims to lower borrowing costs for Engro, which will use the funds for capital expenditures, including plant maintenance, and ensure stability in urea supply during peak agricultural demand.

    The arrangement is significant as it marks IFC’s first local-currency investment in Pakistan, allowing Engro to secure long-term financing without the need for foreign-currency debt, a key benefit given the current volatility in exchange rates and external financing conditions. The financing structure is also supported by the IFC-Canada Facility for Resilient Food Systems, which absorbs initial risk, making the arrangement more attractive to commercial lenders.

    While the deal does not address broader structural issues in Pakistan’s agriculture, such as inefficient logistics or low productivity, it demonstrates the potential of risk-sharing tools to attract domestic capital for long-term infrastructure investment. Market analysts expect similar financing models to become more common as local-currency financing gains favor over foreign debt in the current macroeconomic climate.


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  • Recall of Puckator little tractors tableware sets for children

    Recall of Puckator little tractors tableware sets for children


    Recall of Puckator little tractors tableware set for children as they are unsuitable for microwave use


    Tuesday, 23 December 2025








    Alert Summary
    Category 1: For Action
    Alert Notification: 2025.67 Update 1
    Product Identification: Puckator Little Tractors Tableware Set; barcode number: 5055071785467
    Country Of Origin: China


    Message:
    Further to food alert 2025.67, the recall has been extended to cover Puckator little tractors tableware set. 

    The above children’s tableware sets are being recalled as they contain a material which should not be microwaved. The product label states that the implicated products are suitable for microwaving. 




    Action Required:

    Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:
    Retailers are requested to remove the implicated product from sale and display a recall notice at point-of-sale. 

    Consumers:
    Consumers are advised not to use the implicated product. 










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  • Access Denied


    Access Denied

    You don’t have permission to access “http://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/press/2025/december/mastercard-spendingpulse–savvy-shoppers-and-e-commerce-fuel-u-s.html” on this server.

    Reference #18.c6b31402.1766583588.1eee5edc

    https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c6b31402.1766583588.1eee5edc

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  • Constellation Announces Extension of Expiration for Private Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations and Early Tender Results

    Constellation Announces Extension of Expiration for Private Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations and Early Tender Results

    BALTIMORE – December 23, 2025 – Constellation Energy Generation, LLC (“Constellation”), a Pennsylvania limited liability company, announced today that it has extended the expiration date of (A) its previously announced private offers to exchange any and all of the outstanding (i) 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029 (“Existing Unsecured 2029 Notes”), (ii) 5.000% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2031 (“Existing Unsecured 2031 Notes”) and (iii) 3.750% Senior Secured Notes (“Existing Secured 2031 Notes” and, together with the Existing Unsecured 2029 Notes and the Existing Unsecured 2031 Notes, the “Calpine Notes”) issued by Calpine Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Calpine”), held by eligible holders for, to the extent held by eligible holders, newly issued (i) 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029 (“New Unsecured 2029 Notes”), (ii) 5.000% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2031 (“New Unsecured February 2031 Notes”) and (iii) 3.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2031 (“New Unsecured March 2031 Notes,” and, together with the New Unsecured 2029 Notes and New Unsecured February 2031 Notes, the “Constellation Notes”) by Constellation having the same interest payment dates, maturity dates and interest rates as the Calpine Notes (each, an “Exchange Offer”, and collectively, the “Exchange Offers”) and (B) Constellation’s related solicitation of consents, on behalf of Calpine (the “Consent Solicitations”), to adopt the Proposed Amendments (as defined below), pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in an exchange offers memorandum and consent solicitations statement, dated December 9, 2025 (the “Offering Memorandum”).

    Constellation has extended the expiration date of the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations, which was originally scheduled to be 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 8, 2026, to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 12, 2026, unless such date is extended or earlier terminated (such date and time, as they may be extended, the “Amended Expiration Date”). Constellation reserves the right to terminate, withdraw, amend or extend the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum. The withdrawal deadline remains unchanged and has passed. As a result, any Calpine Notes tendered after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 22, 2025 (the “Early Tender Deadline”) and on or prior to the Amended Expiration Date may not be withdrawn and the related consents delivered in the Consent Solicitations may not be revoked, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law.

    Constellation also announced that it has received, on behalf of Calpine, the requisite consents to amend the Calpine Notes and the indentures governing the Calpine Notes (the “Calpine Indentures”) to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and events of default, other than payment-related and bankruptcy-related events of default (collectively, the “Proposed Amendments”), based on the early tender results. As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Early Tender Deadline, (i) $646,822,000 in aggregate principal amount of Existing Unsecured 2029 Notes, representing approximately 99.51% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Unsecured 2029 Notes outstanding, had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (and consents thereby validly given and not validly revoked), (ii) $846,337,000 in aggregate principal amount of Existing Unsecured 2031 Notes, representing approximately 99.57% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Unsecured 2031 Notes outstanding, had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (and consents thereby validly given and not validly revoked) and (iii) $794,462,000 in aggregate principal amount of Existing Secured 2031 Notes, representing approximately 88.27% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Secured 2031 Notes outstanding, had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (and consents thereby validly given and not validly revoked).

    Constellation intends for Calpine and the trustee for the Calpine Indentures to execute and deliver supplemental indentures to amend the Calpine Indentures giving effect to the Proposed Amendments. However, the Proposed Amendments will only become operative on the settlement date of the Exchange Offers, which is expected to occur on or about the third business day after the Amended Expiration Date, unless Constellation extends or terminates the Exchange Offers (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the “Settlement Date”), and no earlier than the consummation of the previously announced merger transaction contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 10, 2025, by and among Constellation Energy Corporation and Calpine (the “Transaction”). Consents of the holders of at least 66-2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Existing 2031 Secured Notes have been received, and therefore the Proposed Amendments will also provide that the Existing Secured 2031 Notes Indenture will be amended to eliminate the security interest granted thereunder and to release the collateral securing the Existing 2031 Secured Notes.

    For each $1,000 principal amount of Calpine Notes validly tendered in the Exchange Offers, not validly withdrawn by the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for exchange, the eligible holder of such Calpine Notes will receive Constellation Notes in an equal principal amount as the tendered Calpine Notes and cash consideration (the “Cash Consideration” and, together with such amount of Constellation Notes, the “Total Exchange Consideration”) of approximately (i) $1.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Calpine Notes (with respect to the Existing Unsecured 2029 Notes), (ii) $1.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Calpine Notes (with respect to the Existing Unsecured 2031 Notes) and (iii) $2.83 per $1,000 principal amount of Calpine Notes (with respect to the Existing Secured 2031 Notes).

    Eligible holders who validly tender their Calpine Notes after the Early Tender Deadline but on or prior to the Amended Expiration Date will be eligible to receive $970 principal amount of the Constellation Notes per $1,000 principal amount of Calpine Notes validly tendered but no Cash Consideration (the “Exchange Consideration”).

    Interest on the Constellation Notes will accrue from (and including) the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Calpine Notes, and, accordingly, no accrued interest will be paid on the Settlement Date in respect of Calpine Notes accepted for exchange, except with respect to cash paid in lieu of Constellation Notes not delivered, as described below.

    The Constellation Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. No tender of Calpine Notes will be accepted if it would result in the issuance of less than $2,000 principal amount of the Constellation Notes. If the principal amount of Constellation Notes that would otherwise be required to be delivered in exchange for a tender of Calpine Notes would not equal $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, then the principal amount of such Constellation Notes will be rounded down to $2,000 or the nearest integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, and Constellation will pay cash (in lieu of such Constellation Notes not delivered) equal to the remaining portion of the Exchange Consideration for such Calpine Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with respect to that portion to, but not including, the Settlement Date.

    Constellation’s obligation to accept and exchange the Calpine Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions as set forth in the Offering Memorandum. The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations are not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Calpine Notes being validly tendered for exchange, but are conditioned upon, among others, the consummation of the Transaction. Other than the consummation of the Transaction (without which the Exchange Offers will not be consummated, neither the Exchange Consideration nor the Total Exchange Consideration will be paid, nor will the Proposed Amendments take effect), Constellation may generally waive any condition with respect to the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations, in its sole discretion, at any time.

    The Exchange Offers are being made only to holders of Calpine Notes who satisfy the eligibility conditions described under “Disclaimer” below. Holders of Calpine Notes who desire a copy of the eligibility letter should contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and exchange agent for the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations, at (866) 796-3441 or via e-mail at CEG@dfking.com. Banks and brokers should call (212) 448-4476. Eligible holders may go to www.dfking.com/CEG to confirm their eligibility. D.F. King & Co., Inc. will also provide copies of the Offering Memorandum to eligible holders of Calpine Notes.

    Holders of Calpine Notes are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Calpine Notes as to when such intermediary needs to receive instructions from a holder in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or (in the circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offering Memorandum. The deadlines set by each clearing system for the submission and withdrawal of exchange instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offering Memorandum.

     

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