Ascot Racecourse has reported record post-Covid attendance and £10.5m in pre-tax profits, announcing a British-record £2.5m prize fund for next year's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. This strategic move aims to elevate the race's prestige, attracting a strong field including Japanese contenders.
Australia's net overseas migration fell to 301,000 last year, down 9% from the previous year, as the Labor government aims to reduce numbers to address housing shortages and counter the rising popularity of Pauline Hanson's far-right One Nation party.
Le quartier "Conversion Alley" à Manhattan voit ses immeubles de bureaux se transformer en logements, signe de l'impact du télétravail post-Covid sur l'immobilier de bureau et la vie professionnelle.
À New York, la transformation d'immeubles de bureaux décatis en résidences luxueuses se multiplie, stimulée par les autorités pour contrer la pénurie de logements et l'inflation des loyers. Le télétravail a favorisé cette tendance, avec près de 18 000 nouveaux logements créés depuis 2020.
US public health authorities at state and local levels have been weakened following backlash against COVID-19 restrictions, leaving them less equipped to handle future disease outbreaks. Laws in several states have limited emergency declarations, quarantine powers, and mandates, while funding and staffing cuts further hamper response capabilities.
The LA Fashion District, a major US apparel manufacturing hub, faces declining sales and foot traffic. Business owners hope the 2028 Olympic Games will bring a much-needed economic boost through increased visitors and cultural events.
The author, a doctor, observes that post-COVID-19, Americans have a heightened, almost ingrained, expectation of disruption, impacting their ability to plan and live normally despite low risks from new outbreaks.
India's Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has called on the corporate sector to reflect on its investment choices, noting that while the top 500 listed companies saw profits surge nearly 31% annually for five years post-Covid, their investments remained disappointing. He highlighted that companies accumulated cash and set up family offices rather than investing in real assets, forcing the public sector to drive growth. Nageswaran also flagged India's $140 billion annual goods trade deficit and urged diversification away from China.
Health insurance premiums in India are expected to rise by 10-25% in 2026, driven by escalating healthcare costs, increased post-COVID claims, and changing risk profiles. Younger policyholders under 35 may see 5-10% increases, while those aged 46-61 could face 20-30% hikes. IRDAI caps senior citizen premium increases at 10% without regulatory approval. Experts recommend reviewing policies, increasing deductibles, or adding top-up plans rather than lapsing coverage.
