-- Unemployment benefits claims in the UK rose by 26,849 in March, after a revised increase of 17,100 in the prior month, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Tuesday.
The consensus estimate for the month indicated growth of 21,400 in unemployment benefit claims.
Adisyn (ASX:AI1) said 2D Generation's subsidiary, 2D Radar Absorbers, signed a license and research agreement with Ramot, the technology transfer company of Israel's Tel Aviv University, for the exclusive rights to commercialize graphene-based radar signature reduction or stealth technology, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.The technology combines graphene and other 2D materials in composite materials to minimize radar detectability by absorbing and dissipating electromagnetic signals, the filing said.The deal includes a 12-month company-funded research program with Tel Aviv University, expected to cost less than AU$100,000, per the filing.
Japan's trade surplus expanded to nearly 667 billion yen in March from 529.8 billion yen a year earlier as exports outpaced imports, data from the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday showed.Exports during the month climbed 11.7% to 11.003 trillion yen from 9.852 trillion yen, after shipments to its two largest trading partners, China and the US, rose 17.7% and 3.4%, respectively.This March export reading is triple that of the export growth of 4% the month prior.Exports to the Middle East plunged 45.9% while imports fell 10.7%, as the Iran war effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for Japan's oil imports from the region.Overall imports, meanwhile, grew 10.9% on year to 10.336 trillion yen from 9.322 trillion yen, boosted mostly by imports from Asian nations.
Meteoric Resources (ASX:MEI) received firm commitments to raise AU$40 million through the placement of about 235.3 million new shares at an AU$0.17 apiece, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.Proceeds will be used to advance the company's Caldeira project in Brazil towards a final investment decision, the filing said.Shares rose nearly 15% in morning trade Wednesday.