百貨店、訪日客減少で苦戦 大手2社決算、円高が影響

経済:百貨店、訪日客減少で苦戦 大手2社決算、円高が影響
2025年10月14日 19:32(最終更新 19:33)

百貨店大手2社の2025年8月中間連結決算が14日に出そろった。J・フロントリテイリングは減益となり、一方の高島屋は固定資産の売却により増益を確保したものの、国内百貨店事業は依然として苦戦が続いている。

前年に比べて為替相場が円高に振れたことが影響し、訪日外国人客の減少が売上に響いている状況だ。

(この記事は有料会員限定です。残り259文字)

7日間無料トライアル、1日37円で読み放題。年払いならさらにお得です。

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1411194/

More BSP rate cuts likely ahead, says Fitch unit

MANILA, Philippines – A solid cushion of foreign reserves and an anticipated easing action by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) this month could give the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) room to front-load further rate cuts. This move aims to support growth without putting too much pressure on the peso.

In a note to clients, BMI Research, a unit…

https://business.inquirer.net/552414/more-bsp-rate-cuts-likely-ahead-says-fitch-unit

SEC warns public vs firm posing as agri goods trader

MANILA, Philippines – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a warning to the public regarding a newly established business that is allegedly posing as a farm goods service provider.

The company has been soliciting investments from the public without the proper registration, which raises concerns about the legitimacy of their operations.

In addition, the SEC cautioned the public to be wary of individuals who introduce themselves as representatives of stock brokers.

This advisory was posted recently to help protect investors from potential scams and fraudulent activities.
https://business.inquirer.net/552416/sec-warns-public-vs-firm-posing-as-agri-goods-trader

EPFO eases claim rules, allows 100 pc partial withdrawal, check details here

In a major reform aimed at enhancing the ease of living for over 70 million account holders, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has approved liberalised partial withdrawal rules. According to PTI reports, these changes now allow up to 100 per cent withdrawal of the eligible provident fund balance.

During the recent meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), chaired by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, a key decision was made to simplify the existing 13 complex withdrawal rules into just three clear categories: Essential Needs (such as illness, education, and marriage), Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances.

### Key Highlights of the New Withdrawal Rules

– **Full Withdrawal Allowed:** Members can now withdraw 100 per cent of both employee and employer contributions.
– **Increased Withdrawal Limits:** Education withdrawals can be made up to 10 times the earlier limit, and marriage withdrawals up to 5 times, up from a previously combined limit of 3.
– **Reduced Service Requirement:** The minimum service period to qualify for partial withdrawals has been reduced to 12 months.
– **Special Circumstances Simplified:** Under this category, members no longer need to specify reasons for withdrawal, significantly reducing claim rejections.
– **Minimum Balance Requirement:** A minimum balance of 25 per cent of the fund must be retained to ensure long-term retirement savings.
– **Documentation-free Process:** The EPFO aims for 100 per cent auto-settlement of claims with minimal paperwork.

### Revised Final Settlement Rules

The CBT also revised the final settlement rules to expedite withdrawals:

– The waiting period for full EPF withdrawal has been reduced to 12 months from the earlier 2 months.
– For final pension withdrawal, the waiting period has been extended to 36 months.

### Vishwas Scheme for Penalty Cases

To ease litigation related to delayed contributions, EPFO has introduced the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ for pending penalty cases under Section 14B. The scheme offers a flat 1 per cent monthly penalty, with lower rates for shorter defaults. It covers both pending and ongoing litigations and will remain operational for six months, with a possible extension of another six months.

### Doorstep Digital Life Certificate Services

In collaboration with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services to EPS 1995 pensioners free of charge. This initiative aims to assist elderly pensioners, especially in rural areas, in continuing to receive their pensions smoothly.

### EPFO 3.0 Digital Revamp

As part of the EPFO 3.0 digital transformation, a new member-centric digital framework was approved. This framework integrates core banking solutions, cloud-native technology, and an API-first architecture to offer several benefits: faster and automated claims processing, payroll-linked contributions, and self-service options in multiple languages.

### New Fund Managers for EPFO Debt Portfolio

Four fund managers have been selected to manage EPFO’s debt investment portfolio for a five-year term. This move is geared towards ensuring safe and effective investment of retirement savings.

### Conclusion

Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also launched several digital initiatives designed to make EPFO more efficient and user-friendly. These reforms mark a significant step towards simplifying the provident fund experience and empowering members with greater control over their retirement savings.

*(With PTI inputs)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/epfo-simplifies-13-complex-claim-rules-allows-100-per-cent-partial-withdrawal-check-complete-details-here-23598521

Indian government may amend Companies Act to boost local auditors

**Indian Government May Amend Companies Act to Boost Local Auditors**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 13, 2025, 02:41 PM*

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is considering significant amendments to the Companies Act aimed at strengthening the position of domestic audit firms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to help Indian auditors compete more effectively with global giants such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. The proposed changes are expected to be introduced through the Companies Act Amendment Bill.

**Relaxing Partner Composition Norms**

One of the key proposals under consideration is the relaxation of partner composition norms for audit firms. Currently, Section 141(1) of the Companies Act mandates that a majority of partners practicing in India within an audit firm must be chartered accountants. The amendment seeks to modify this requirement to offer greater flexibility and encourage the growth of local firms.

**Tender Reforms to Increase Domestic Participation**

Apart from legislative changes, the government is also evaluating reforms in tender norms related to government audits. At present, large-value government audit contracts are predominantly won by international audit firms. To boost opportunities for Indian firms, the government plans to make participation of domestic auditors mandatory in government tenders and adjust eligibility criteria to widen the bidder base.

**Role of ICAI and Regulatory Alignment**

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has been engaged to help align regulatory frameworks with global best practices. As part of this collaboration, ICAI is finalizing a digital platform to facilitate mergers among CA firms, aiming to strengthen the domestic audit sector. These regulatory enhancements are expected to roll out in the coming months alongside the legislative changes.

**Proposed Amendments to Conflict-of-Interest Provisions**

In addition to partner composition reforms, amendments to Section 144 of the Companies Act are also being considered. Section 144 governs conflict-of-interest provisions, and the proposed changes intend to ensure the regulatory environment evolves in line with new business models in auditing and advisory services.

**Towards a Level Playing Field**

Collectively, these proposed amendments and policy initiatives are designed to create a more level playing field for Indian audit firms by enhancing their capacity to compete against international counterparts. The government’s focus on strengthening domestic capabilities signals a strategic move to nurture local talent and increase indigenous participation in the critical audit segment.

*Stay tuned for updates as the Companies Act Amendment Bill progresses through the legislative process.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/indian-government-may-tweak-companies-act-to-boost-local-auditors/story

BOBCARD is offering big discounts on flights: Check offers

**BOBCARD Offers Big Discounts on Domestic and International Flights This Festive Season**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 12, 2025, 05:21 PM*

Bank of Baroda’s credit card division, BOBCARD, is bringing exciting discounts on both domestic and international flight bookings through various popular travel platforms. These offers are valid from October 7 to December 31, 2025, just in time for the festive season and year-end vacations when air travel demand surges.

### Discount Details by Travel Platform

**MakeMyTrip & Goibibo**
MakeMyTrip cardholders can enjoy a 12% discount (up to ₹1,600) on domestic flights booked for over ₹7,000. For international flights exceeding ₹30,000, a 10% discount is available, capped at ₹7,000. These offers are valid only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Promo codes to avail these discounts are:
– Domestic flights: `MMTBOBEMI`
– International flights: `MMTBOBINTEMI`

Goibibo users get similar offers with the following codes:
– Domestic flights: `GOBOBEMI`
– International flights: `GOBOBINTEMI`

**Tata Neu Flights & Yatra**
Tata Neu Flights customers can avail a 10% discount (up to ₹1,000) on domestic bookings over ₹5,000. For international flights booked above ₹15,000, the discount also stands at 10%, with a maximum limit of ₹2,000. Use code `BOBDOM` for domestic and `BOBINT` for international flights.

Yatra offers a 12% discount (up to ₹1,600) on domestic flights booking over ₹7,000, and 10% off international flights (up to ₹7,000) for bookings above ₹30,000.

**EaseMyTrip & Paytm Flights**
EaseMyTrip presents two discount options:

– A 13% discount (up to ₹1,500) on domestic flights for bookings above ₹6,000, and 10% off (up to ₹5,000) on international flights over ₹20,000.
– A 12% discount (up to ₹1,600) on domestic flights for bookings above ₹7,000, and 10% off (up to ₹7,000) for international flights exceeding ₹30,000.

Paytm Flights customers can avail similar discounts with promo codes `FLYBOB` for domestic and `INTLFLYBOB` for international flights.

**Ixigo**
Ixigo cardholders can enjoy a 12% discount (up to ₹1,600) on domestic flights booked for over ₹7,000, and a 10% discount (up to ₹7,000) on international flights with a minimum booking value of ₹30,000. Use codes `IXIBOBEMI` for domestic and `IXIBOBEMIN` for international flights.

With BOBCARD’s attractive flight discounts across multiple platforms, now is a great time to plan your festive and holiday travels. Don’t miss out on these limited period offers ending December 31, 2025!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/big-discounts-on-flights-using-bobcard-this-festive-season/story

Warner Bros. rejects Paramount’s $20/share takeover bid as too low

**Warner Bros. Rejects Paramount’s $20/Share Takeover Bid as Too Low**

*By Akash Pandey | October 12, 2025, 10:59 AM*

Warner Bros. Discovery has turned down an initial takeover offer from Paramount Global, considering the proposed $20 per share bid too low. According to Bloomberg News, Warner Bros. rejected the offer in recent weeks, prompting Paramount to explore alternative strategies to pursue the acquisition.

### Paramount Weighs Next Steps

Paramount is now evaluating various options to move forward, including potentially raising its bid or seeking financial backing from partners such as Apollo Global Management. Under CEO David Ellison’s leadership, Paramount is also contemplating going directly to Warner Bros.’ shareholders to pressure the company into accepting the offer.

CNBC recently reported that ongoing talks between the two companies remain stalled over disagreements on price. Making the offer public and addressing shareholders directly could be a tactic Paramount employs to advance the deal.

### Market Snapshot

As of last Friday, Warner Bros.’ shares closed at $17.10, valuing the company at approximately $42.3 billion. Paramount’s shares stood at $17 each, giving it a market cap of around $18.6 billion.

### Leadership and Strategic Moves at Paramount

David Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison, took the helm of Paramount in August following an $8 billion merger with his production company, Skydance Media. Paramount’s portfolio includes CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and its iconic film studio.

In efforts to strengthen its bid for Warner Bros., Paramount has been in discussions with alternative asset manager Apollo Global Management for potential financial support.

### Warner Bros.’ Planned Business Split

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. is preparing to split into two separate businesses: one focusing on cable TV and the other on streaming and studio operations. This restructuring is expected to be completed next year.

Warner Bros.’ CEO David Zaslav believes that by separating streaming and studios from the debt-heavy cable networks, the company can achieve a significant premium for these assets. Convincing Zaslav to sell before this separation occurs will be a critical hurdle for Ellison and Paramount.

The evolving negotiations between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global highlight the complexities of major media consolidations amid changing market dynamics and strategic realignments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/paramount-s-20-per-share-offer-for-warner-bros-rejected/story

連休明けの東京市場は大荒れか 「高市トレード」に暗雲

経済|連休明けの東京市場は大荒れか 「高市トレード」に暗雲

2025年10月11日 21:56(10月11日 21:58 更新)

※この記事は有料会員限定です。

連休明けの10月14日に控える東京株式市場が大荒れとなる可能性が浮上しています。

日経平均株価(日経225種株価指数)の動向に大きな影響を与える日経平均先物は、11日に大阪取引所で大幅安となりました。また、10日の米国市場では主要な株価指数がそろって下落しており、海外市場の影響も懸念されています。

特に注目されているのが、「高市トレード」と称される動きに暗雲が立ち込めている点です。詳細な動向については、引き続き市場の動きを注視する必要があります。

※この記事の全文は有料会員向けとなっており、残りの内容はご登録後にご覧いただけます。

7日間無料トライアル|1日37円で読み放題|年払いならさらにお得

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410333/

$19B: Cryptocurrency market suffers biggest single-day wipeout in history

**$19B: Cryptocurrency Market Suffers Biggest Single-Day Wipeout in History**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025, 05:28 PM*

The cryptocurrency market has experienced its largest single-day wipeout ever, with over $19 billion liquidated in a massive sell-off. This sharp downturn was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 100% tariff on “any and all critical software” imports from China, an unexpected move that sent digital assets into a downward spiral.

### Market Impact: Over 1.6 Million Traders Affected

According to data from Coinglass, more than 1.6 million traders have been impacted over the last 24 hours. On Friday alone, over $7 billion worth of positions were liquidated in less than an hour. Coinglass also noted that the total liquidation figure might be higher, as exchanges do not always report these orders in real-time.

### Tariff Implications and Market Concerns

The tariff announcement follows China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth minerals—essential components in global manufacturing and technology. The US has described China’s move as “extraordinarily aggressive.”

Brian Strugats, head trader at Multicoin Capital, highlighted that the market focus is now shifting towards counterparty exposure and the risk of a wider contagion effect in the crypto market. Some analysts estimate that total liquidations could surpass $30 billion.

### Crypto Performance: Bitcoin and Ethereum Hit Hard

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin and Ethereum have suffered significant losses. Bitcoin dropped 7.6% to $112,394.31, while Ethereum plunged over 13% to $3,793, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bitcoin faced heavy liquidations totaling around $9.5 billion after failing to hold the $120,000 support level. Other major cryptocurrencies also experienced considerable declines following the tariff announcement.

### Investment Advice: Opportunity for Long-Term Investors

Despite the volatility, Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex, views the current market conditions as a good opportunity for investors to build long-term positions. He emphasized that while short-term selling pressure is intense, the overall market sentiment remains bullish.

“These declines could be used to gradually build long-term positions, especially in fundamentally strong assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum,” Patel advised.

As the market reacts to geopolitical tensions and policy shifts, investors are encouraged to remain informed and consider strategic positions in top cryptocurrencies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/why-cryptocurrency-market-is-seeing-a-wipeout/story

福岡・太宰府市が税金滞納関連書類を別人に誤送付

福岡・太宰府市が税金滞納関連書類を別人に誤送付

2025年10月11日 17:03 更新

福岡県太宰府市は10日、税金の滞納に伴い差し押さえた預金の充当通知書と配当計算書を別人宛てに誤って送付したことを発表しました。今回の誤送付により、身に覚えのない通知を受け取った方もいた模様です。

詳細な情報は有料会員限定となっておりますが、市では今回の誤送付について謝罪するとともに、今後の再発防止に努める方針を示しています。

なお、関連する記事として、福岡・八女市が定額減税補助給付金24万円分を過払いし、返金要請を行った事例も報告されています。

【ご注意】本記事の続きは有料会員限定となっており、7日間無料トライアル(1日37円)で閲覧可能です。年払いプランもご利用いただけます。
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410260/