-- Saudi Arabia's business confidence index stood at 54.5 points in April, up from 52.1 points in March, data from the General Authority for Statistics showed Thursday.
The monthly change in confidence was 4.6% higher, compared with a 14.2% decrease earlier.
The statistics agency noted that the reading reflected sustained optimism in the business sector, underpinned by expectations of continued growth in various segments and confidence in the stability of economic activity.
Taiwan expects domestic oil and gas supplies to remain steady through September despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Taipei Times reported Thursday, citing Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Lai Chien-hsin.He credited diversified procurement strategies for keeping energy flows stable. State refiner CPC Corp, Taiwan has already started winter procurement planning, with no immediate supply risks seen. The company operates a sourcing database covering over 180 energy products from more than 40 countries, allowing quick shifts in suppliers during disruptions, reportedly.Lai said Taiwan is also pushing a "second energy transition" focused on resilience, including renewables, grid upgrades, and storage expansion. Offshore wind capacity is set to grow by 8 to 10 gigawatts by 2035, while energy-saving efforts in the first quarter alone cut 770 million kilowatt-hour of usage, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
The Star Entertainment (ASX:SGR) said it is continuing to deliver and embed the key elements of its remediation plan, with workstreams including the decentralization of its operating model and technology enhancements to shape safer gambling behaviors, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.The company said the decentralisation is designed to promote greater accountability and efficiency at the property level, while the technology enhancements aim to ensure appropriate ongoing monitoring.The reinstatement of The Star Sydney's casino license and withdrawal of the deferred suspension of The Star Gold Coast's casino license remain subject to ongoing discussions with the respective regulators, with an update expected later in the year, the filing added.The company's shares fell 3% on market close.
Dutch tank storage company Koninklijke Vopak (VPK.AS) agreed to acquire a majority stake in Dutch battery energy storage systems developer Green Energy Storage.Under the deal, Vopak will also support Green Energy Storage's project pipeline, including its utility-scale battery storage project in Oosterhout, according to a Thursday release.Terms of the deal, which remains subject to a final investment decision, will be disclosed upon closing.