Trump’s Best Chance To Drain the Swamp

Posted on by
Reply

Federal Layoffs Loom as Trump Uses Shutdown to Push Workforce Reduction

Amid ongoing government shutdown discussions, former President Donald Trump is leveraging the deadlock to advocate for significant reductions in the federal workforce. This strategy comes as part of his broader agenda to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending.

Trump’s push for workforce cuts has raised concerns among federal employees and lawmakers, who worry about the potential impacts on government services and operations. The looming layoffs could affect thousands of workers across various agencies, intensifying the stakes of the shutdown negotiations.

Karoline Leavitt Defends Administration’s Fiscal Responsibility Goals

In response to criticisms, Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the current administration, has defended the efforts to promote fiscal responsibility. She emphasized that the workforce reduction plans are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars while maintaining essential government functions.

Leavitt highlighted that the administration is committed to balancing budgetary discipline with public service, aiming to achieve sustainable fiscal management without compromising critical agency missions.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/2025/10/08/trumprsquos_best_chance_to_drain_the_swamp_654845.html

Dollar Gains as the Euro and Yen Retreat

Posted on by
Reply

The dollar index (DXY00) extended this week’s rally on Wednesday, rising +0.32% to reach a 1.75-month high. Political uncertainty in France and Japan has put downward pressure on the euro and yen, respectively, benefiting the dollar.

Wednesday afternoon saw additional gains for the dollar following the release of the hawkish minutes from the September 16-17 FOMC meeting. However, strength in the stock market reduced liquidity demand, limiting the extent of the dollar’s gains. Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which entered its second week on Monday, remains a bearish factor for the dollar. The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk of adverse effects on the U.S. economy, negatively impacting the dollar.

—

### FOMC Meeting Minutes and Interest Rate Outlook

The minutes from the September 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting displayed a slightly hawkish tone. While most policymakers indicated it would be appropriate to ease policy further over the remainder of the year, a majority emphasized upside risks to their inflation outlooks. Markets are currently pricing in a 93% probability of a -25 basis points rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on October 28-29.

—

### Eurozone Update: EUR/USD Falls to 6-Week Low

The EUR/USD (^EURUSD) pair extended its losses on Wednesday, declining by -0.29% to a six-week low. Weaker-than-expected economic data from the Eurozone weighed heavily on the euro. Specifically, German industrial production for August posted its largest monthly decline in nearly three and a half years, dropping -4.3% month-over-month versus expectations of -1.0%.

Adding to the euro’s woes, political turmoil in France intensified after Prime Minister Lecornu resigned following President Macron’s appointment of a new cabinet. This development raised uncertainty around the Eurozone’s second-largest economy.

ECB Governing Council Member Muller commented that the Eurozone economy is slowly picking up and inflation is aligned with the ECB’s 2% target. Still, swaps markets currently assign only a 1% chance of a -25 basis points rate cut by the ECB at the October 30 policy meeting.

—

### USD/JPY Moves Higher Amid Yen Weakness

The USD/JPY (^USDJPY) rose +0.55% on Wednesday as the yen extended its weekly selloff to a 7.75-month low against the dollar. The yen came under pressure due to weak wage growth in Japan — a dovish factor for Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy — with August labor cash earnings rising less than expected (+1.5% year-over-year versus +2.7% anticipated).

Higher U.S. Treasury note yields also contributed to yen weakness. However, losses were somewhat contained after the September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey in Japan improved more than expected, reaching a nine-month high.

Concerns have mounted over the election of Sanae Takaichi as leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, making her the likely next Prime Minister. Her victory has tempered expectations of imminent BOJ policy tightening and raised worries about increased debt issuance given her support for expanded fiscal stimulus.

**Key Data Points:**

– Japan September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey: +1.0 to 48.5 (9-month high), above expectations of 47.8
– Japan August Labor Cash Earnings: +1.5% y/y, below expected +2.7%

—

### Precious Metals Rally on Safe-Haven Demand

December gold (GCZ25) closed up +66.10 points (+1.65%) on Wednesday, while December silver (SIZ25) rose +1.479 points (+3.11%). Precious metals surged sharply, with December gold hitting a new contract high and nearest-futures gold (V25) reaching an all-time high of $4,049.20 per troy ounce. December silver also posted a contract high, and the nearest-futures silver logged a 14-year peak.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is driving safe-haven demand for precious metals. Political turmoil in France, following Prime Minister Lecornu’s resignation, is further boosting this demand. Additionally, metals are benefiting from safe-haven status amid uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs, geopolitical risks, and global trade tensions.

The election of Sanae Takaichi in Japan, a proponent of easy fiscal and monetary policy, supports demand as a store of value. Central bank buying is also underpinning gold prices. Notably, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) added 40,000 troy ounces of gold to its reserves in September, marking the 11th consecutive month of reserve increases.

Despite the dollar index rallying to a 1.75-month high on Wednesday — typically a negative factor for precious metals — safe-haven support remains strong. President Trump’s attacks on Fed independence have further bolstered gold demand. Weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data has strengthened the outlook for additional Fed rate cuts, which is bullish for precious metals. The swaps market currently indicates a 93% probability of a 25 basis point Fed rate cut at the October 28-29 FOMC meeting.

Meanwhile, fund buying of precious metal ETFs continues to support prices. Gold holdings in ETFs rose to a three-year high on Tuesday, with silver holdings reaching a three-year peak last Wednesday.

—

*On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.*

*All information and data in this article is for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.*

—

**More from Barchart:**
– What Should We Expect from the Commodity Complex This Week?
– 3 Reasons for Gold’s Record Rally
– As the Bank of England Warns on Inflation, Make This 1 Trade Now
– FAQ Friday

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dollar-gains-euro-and-yen-retreat

ソフトバンクホークスの近藤、CS欠場へ　小久保監督「間に合わないと想定」

Posted on by
Reply

ソフトバンクホークスの近藤、CS欠場へ　小久保監督「間に合わないと想定」

リーグ2連覇中のソフトバンクホークスは8日、本拠地のみずほペイペイドームで全体練習を再開しました。54歳の誕生日を迎えた小久保裕紀監督は、クライマックスシリーズ（CS）を前に、近藤健介外野手の欠場見込みを明らかにしました。

近藤選手は現在、ケガのために状態が思わしくなく、小久保監督は「間に合わないと想定している」と述べています。チームは今後の試合に向けて準備を進めていますが、近藤選手の復帰はCS以降になる見込みです。

関連情報

野球日本代表にソフトバンクホークスから3選手が選出されました。11月15日、16日に韓国戦が予定されています。

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1409134/

Mumbai Metro 3 Blends Heritage And Modernity Along D N Road, Flora Fountain

Posted on by
Reply

Keeping its commitment to preserving the architectural character of South Mumbai’s heritage precinct, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has ensured that the new Metro 3 (Aqua Line) infrastructure along D N Road, Flora Fountain, and Hutatma Chowk complements the city’s historic streetscape.

The entry and exit points of the underground stations in this district have been designed using stone and glass, avoiding intrusive canopies or bulky surface structures that might disrupt the area’s heritage aesthetics.

### Metro Structure Mirrors the Commissariat Building’s Renaissance Design

A particularly striking example is the station entrance near the Commissariat Building, a century-old Renaissance Revival-style structure at the corner of D N Road. The new two-storey Metro structure replicates the façade of the Commissariat Building, with matching wall tiles and mouldings that echo its architectural rhythm.

This structure will serve as an entry and exit point for the Hutatma Chowk station and will also house a police chowky on the upper floor.

### Heritage Restoration Background

Built in 1925, the Commissariat Building was meticulously restored between 2018 and 2021 by a team led by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, structural engineer Girish Wadhwa, and architect Farhan Lokhandwala. The building’s covered pedestrian arcade, a hallmark of D N Road, was preserved, while critical structural reinforcements were added during restoration.

### Conservationist’s Perspective: “Mixed Feelings”

Dilawari expressed mixed feelings about the Metro structure beside the heritage building. He noted that one school of conservation thought advocates for unobtrusive, glass-based designs in heritage zones.

“This couldn’t be applied here as the new structure is two-storeyed,” he explained. “The Commissariat Building is a beautiful corner structure — that corner is now partially obscured. Still, the new building is not too alarming,” he added.

### MMRCL Followed Heritage Guidelines

During Metro construction, the MMRCL maintained that, except for lift shafts and ventilation systems, all station components would be built underground to preserve the precinct’s visual integrity.

Conservation architect Chetan Raikar, former member of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region–Heritage Conservation Society (MMR-HCS), said the MMRCL had adhered to the heritage guidelines set by the committee.

“We didn’t want the new structures to be drastically different. The designs were finalized after extensive deliberations,” Raikar said.

### Two Schools of Thought on Heritage Integration

Raikar further noted, “There are two schools of thought — one is to make new additions visibly distinct, as in central London, while the other is to blend new structures with the old through similar materials and design. The latter approach seems to have been taken here.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-metro-3-blends-heritage-and-modernity-along-d-n-road-flora-fountain

Tata Power Energises Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line With 40 MW Supply, Strengthening City’s Underground Transit Network

Posted on by
Reply

Tata Power has energised the newly inaugurated Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, the city’s first fully underground metro corridor, marking a major milestone in Mumbai’s sustainable transport journey.

The 33.5-kilometre corridor connects Aarey to Cuffe Parade and operates with a total connected electrical load of approximately 40 megawatts (MW).

### Robust Dual Power Supply Ensures Reliable Operations

According to a press statement, Tata Power has implemented a dual busbar system to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply. The system draws power from the company’s Saki, Dharavi, and Mahalaxmi receiving stations, creating a robust power backbone for Metro-3’s smooth and efficient functioning.

“This infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting the seamless operation of the metro line, contributing to Mumbai’s focus on sustainable and efficient urban transport,” the company said.

### Powering Mumbai’s Expanding Metro Network

As per Tata Power’s Wednesday statement, the total connected load for Metro-3 is around 40 MW, while Metro-1 operates on about 8 MW, bringing the combined metro power supply to 48 MW.

This reflects Tata Power’s capacity to meet the growing energy demands of Mumbai’s expanding public transport network.

### A Historic Link in Mumbai’s Transit Evolution

“With the opening of the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, Tata Power’s role in Mumbai’s transit story has come full circle. The company supplied electricity to the city’s suburban railways for decades,” the statement further read.

This milestone underscores Tata Power’s long-standing contribution to Mumbai’s mobility ecosystem, bridging the city’s traditional suburban rail network with its modern underground metro system.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/tata-power-energises-mumbai-metro-3-aqua-line-with-40-mw-supply-strengthening-citys-underground-transit-network

Hans Sy feted as MAP 2025 ‘Management Person of the Year’

Posted on by
Reply

Business Tycoon Hans Sy Wins MAP 2025 “Management Person of the Year” Award

MANILA, Philippines – Business tycoon Hans Sy has been honored with the prestigious Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) 2025 “Management Person of the Year” award. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Sy, who serves as the chair of China Banking Corporation and the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is the 49th recipient of this esteemed award. His leadership and commitment to sustainable and inclusive business practices have set a benchmark in the industry.

https://business.inquirer.net/551620/hans-sy-feted-as-map-2025-management-person-of-the-year

配偶者の年金加算を縮小　共働き増加、年齢差夫婦…不公平との指摘考慮　厚労省、28年度から

Posted on by
Reply

—
title: 配偶者の年金加算を縮小へ　共働き増加や年齢差夫婦の不公平指摘を考慮
date: 2025-10-09 06:00
categories: [社会, くらし]
—

厚生労働省は、年下の配偶者を扶養している人の厚生年金の額を加算する「加給年金」を縮小する方針を示しました。これは、共働き世帯の増加や、夫が年上で妻が年下といった年齢差のある夫婦が受け取れる制度の公平性を欠くとの指摘を踏まえたものです。

加給年金は、現行制度で一定の要件を満たす配偶者がいる受給者に対して、その配偶者を扶養していることを条件に年金額を加算する制度です。しかし、近年の共働き世帯の増加や多様な家族形態の出現により、制度の見直しが必要とされています。

厚労省では、2028年度（2028年4月以降）から加給年金の縮小を段階的に実施する予定です。これにより、年齢差のある夫婦間や共働き世帯における年金受給の公平性を高めることが期待されています。

なお、本記事は有料会員限定の記事の内容に基づいており、全文の閲覧には会員登録が必要となります。
7日間の無料トライアルや、お得な年払いプランも用意されていますので、詳しくは公式サイトをご確認ください。

—

#### 2028年度以降の配偶者加給年金のイメージ

（図や詳細が掲載される予定です）

—

[有料会員限定記事]
クリップ機能は有料会員のみご利用いただけます。

—
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1409137/

WA Health issues urgent warning measles outbreak alert after 47 cases detected

Posted on by
Reply

Measles Outbreak Spreads in Western Australia with 47 Cases Detected This Year

Western Australia (WA) health authorities have issued a fresh warning about a measles outbreak that has now reached 47 confirmed cases so far this year. On Wednesday, officials reported eight new cases linked to an outbreak in the Pilbara region.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. Health experts warn that airborne droplets can still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left. Anyone who is not already immune and has visited an exposure location during specified dates and times should monitor themselves for symptoms over the next 7 to 18 days.

WA Health has identified several exposure sites across South Hedland, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Redbank. People who have received two doses of the measles vaccine or were born before 1966 are considered immune. However, unvaccinated individuals remain at risk of severe health complications, including death.

The disease poses particular dangers to children, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised. Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash appearing three to four days later. According to Dr. Armstrong, people with measles usually feel very unwell, with some requiring hospitalisation.

Complications from measles can be serious and include pneumonia and, less commonly, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Despite the recent cases, Dr Armstrong noted there is no ongoing risk of measles at the Pilbara locations currently.

Health authorities strongly recommend vaccination as the best protection against the disease.

Measles Cases Rising Across Australia and Globally

Measles cases are surging worldwide, with several Australian states also reporting infections. Last week, a health alert was issued for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after an infected person visited multiple locations in Dee Why and Manly.

In mid-September, Victoria Health announced a confirmed measles case in a traveller returning from Europe and Bali. Dr Caroline McElnay, Victoria Health’s Chief Health Officer, highlighted the ongoing risk of measles importation through international travellers.

Several outbreaks are currently active across South-East Asia — including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Recently, Queensland and Western Australia have reported cases in travellers returning from Bali.

What You Should Do

– Ensure you are vaccinated against measles with the recommended two-dose vaccine.

– If you have visited any of the exposure sites during the specified times, monitor yourself for symptoms for at least 18 days.

– Seek medical advice promptly if you experience symptoms suggestive of measles.

Protecting yourself and your community through vaccination and vigilance remains critical during this outbreak. Stay informed through official health channels for updates and advice.
https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/wa-health-issues-urgent-warning-measles-outbreak-alert-after-47-cases-detected-c-20288857

WATCH: President Trump Suggests that Brandon Johnson and JB Pritzker May Face Criminal Charges – DHS Sec Kristi Noem Reveals that Portland Police Were Cheering on Antifa’s Calls for Violence with Their “Fists in the Air”, Says Officials Should be Prosecuted

Posted on by
Reply

President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for the prosecution of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for allegedly perpetuating attacks against law enforcement during a roundtable on ANTIFA at the White House on Wednesday.

As reported by The Gateway Pundit, federal officers from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were recently ambushed by a convoy of roughly ten vehicles in what officials described as a coordinated assault by domestic extremists against law enforcement. Despite the severity of the incident, Chicago police were explicitly ordered to stand down and ignore distress calls from the federal agents.

President Trump asserted that both Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson were aware of the orders to stand down. “The governor knew about it, the mayor knew about it,” Trump told reporters, suggesting criminal liability for their actions. On Truth Social, Trump wrote this morning, “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers! Governor Pritzker also!”

When asked whether he had requested the Justice Department to investigate possible charges against the mayor and governor, Trump did not provide a direct answer. However, he described the decision to have police stand down as illegal, and deferred to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for further comment.

Secretary Noem emphatically agreed, stating that elected officials in Illinois “should absolutely be prosecuted.” She also revealed concerning behavior by law enforcement in Portland, Oregon, where ICE officers reportedly witnessed Portland police officers cheering with fists raised alongside ANTIFA protesters who were calling for the murder of ICE agents.

“Noem said, ‘Those kind of individuals who are perpetuating murder should absolutely be prosecuted, in my opinion.’” She recounted that during the Chicago incident, a ten-car caravan trailed ICE officials and pinned them down. When the ICE officers attempted to exit their vehicles, a woman reportedly tried to ram them, resulting in shots being fired to ensure their safety.

Noem highlighted that this pattern of law enforcement complicity with extremist groups is not isolated to Illinois but is also occurring in other states such as Oregon.

In summary, both Trump and Noem condemned the alleged inaction and complicity of local law enforcement and elected officials in enabling attacks against federal agents. They called for accountability and prosecution of those responsible for undermining the safety and security of ICE personnel.

—

### Key Quotes from the Roundtable:

**Reporter:** “You said the mayor of Chicago and the governor of Illinois should be jailed. Have you asked the Justice Department to look at possible charges?”

**Trump:** “I’ve seen the law, and when you have a group of people where the police call off the safety for ICE officials, I’ve understood that, and I’ve read it today in numerous journals, that that’s illegal. What they did is… I guess it was ICE, Kristi, right? They were under threat, and the police were helping beautifully, it was fine, and then all of a sudden, a woman was on the line, saying, ‘Everybody move back, move back, get out, get out.’ And they were given an order by the second person in the police department, and the governor knew about it, the mayor knew about it. I understand that’s a criminal offense. You want to comment on that, Kristi?”

**Noem:** “Sir, we’re seeing that kind of pattern happen with local law enforcement and state law enforcement, not just in Illinois, but also out in Oregon too. In fact, in Portland, I was there yesterday, but some of the ICE officers were telling me that as they drove by the rioters that were saying, ‘Kill ICE agents, Molotov cocktails melt ICE,’ that the Portland Police were cheering them on and had their fists in the air cheering on the rioters that were threatening their lives.

“So, in Chicago, we had a ten-car caravan trail our ICE officials and pin them down. And those ICE officials to get out of their vehicles, a woman tried to ram them and run them over, and shots were fired to get them to safety. So, it’s happening on a regular basis, and any elected official that allows this to happen and gives cover to those kind of individuals who are perpetuating murder should absolutely be prosecuted, in my opinion.”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/watch-president-trump-suggests-that-brandon-johnson-jb/

I have more to give, says Abueva after career-high

Posted on by
Reply

ANTIPOLO—Calvin Abueva pounded the center court of Ynares Center on Wednesday before raising his finger up in the sky after a performance that propelled Titan Ultra to a winning start to its PBA voyage.

Beyond giving the league’s newest ballclub a 100-96 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Cup here, Abueva also showed his determination and skill that could make a significant impact this season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643491/i-have-more-to-give-says-abueva-after-career-high