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Trend trading: insights and strategies from global broker Octa

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Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Trend trading is one of the simplest and most reliable strategies for Forex traders. The idea is straightforward: identify the market’s direction—upward or downward—and place trades accordingly, buying in an upward market and selling in a downward market.

Start by selecting a time frame. A daily chart can show larger trends, while shorter time frames like 15-minute charts are more suited to quick, intraday moves. The key is to spot clear price movements that indicate an established trend.

A trend isn’t always smooth, though. Prices often take temporary pauses, known as retracements. These short-lived pullbacks can be a good chance to enter the market at a better price. For traders with patience, swing trading—holding positions for days or weeks—is another way to ride trends and target bigger gains without the constant pressure of monitoring the market. In this article, Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, talks about the importance of understanding market momentum to maximise the potential of this strategy.

Counter-trend trading: spotting reversals
Counter-trend trading, or contrarian trading, is a more advanced approach. Rather than following the market’s direction, this strategy focuses on identifying moments when the market appears overstretched, signaling a potential reversal on the horizon.

This approach can be riskier because it involves going against the flow. Timing is everything here. A contrarian strategy works best when there’s a good reason for a reversal, such as an asset hitting a historically high price or major news suggesting a market shift.

For instance, if a currency pair spikes significantly, traders may expect others to start taking profits, leading to a pullback. The trick isn’t to aim for the entire reversal but to capture smaller, more achievable moves. However, this strategy demands precision and a strict risk management plan, as predicting reversals can be tricky.

Trading the news: seizing opportunities
News-based trading takes advantage of the market’s reaction to major events, such as economic data releases or political developments. This strategy is straightforward in theory but can be difficult to put into practice due to the speed at which markets react.

Events like interest rate announcements or employment reports often trigger sharp movements in currency pairs. For instance, a positive jobs report from the U.S. Federal Reserve might strengthen the dollar, creating opportunities in USD-based pairs like EURUSD or USDJPY.

The key to success here is preparation. Traders should keep an eye on economic calendars and know when major announcements are due. But be cautious—news can be unpredictable, and markets don’t always react as expected. Setting clear entry and exit points is critical to avoid unnecessary risk.

The importance of risk management
Regardless of the chosen strategy, risk management serves as the foundation of successful trading. Implementing stop-loss orders, managing leverage carefully, and maintaining diversified exposure are essential measures to safeguard trading accounts during periods of market unpredictability.

By sticking to a solid plan and being disciplined with risk management, traders can improve their chances of long-term success. Strategies may vary, but the best results come from consistency and thoughtful execution.

Trading isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, patience, and the ability to adapt. These strategies offer a starting point for traders to refine their approach and navigate the ever-changing Forex CFD market.

Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Gensler Honoured for Leadership in Sustainability with Dual Wins at 2024 ACES Awards

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Gensler, the leading global architecture and design firm, celebrated a dual win at the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable design across the Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region. Gensler received the Green Initiative Award for its dedication to driving sustainable practices across its projects, while David Calkins, Gensler’s Co-Regional Managing Principal for APME, was recognised with the Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award, marking his second consecutive year receiving this honour.

Tanya Suvannapong, Principal and Design Director of Gensler (centre), receiving the award in recognition of Gensler’s contributions to advancing sustainable design across the APME region.

The ACES Awards recognised Gensler’s transformative impact through initiatives such as the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3), which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across the built environment by 2030. GC3 encompasses a robust strategy to reduce operational and embodied carbon by incorporating advanced technology, sustainable materials, and strategic procurement. With a significant presence across APME, Gensler has been instrumental in developing tailored solutions for regional climate and sustainability challenges, setting an industry benchmark for environmental stewardship.

David Calkins expressed his pride in Gensler APME’s commitment to sustainable design, stating, “Our work in the APME region showcases the depth of Gensler’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Receiving the Green Initiative Award and Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award is a testament to our team’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture and design. This recognition reflects our shared vision for a carbon-neutral future, where every project contributes positively to the environment and communities we serve.”

Theresa Sheils, Gensler’s Co-Regional Managing Principal for APME, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable outcomes, remarking, “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything we do at Gensler. We see it as an ongoing commitment that goes beyond projects to include research, partnerships, and active community engagement. Our team’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding this direction, and their dedication to sustainability and innovation continues to set new standards across the region.”

Building on these efforts, Gensler has recently expanded its Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards to include 20 building product categories and furniture, setting a new benchmark for reducing the environmental impact of interior materials used across its projects globally. The GPS Standards address emissions, resource use, and wellness considerations, empowering clients to make sustainable choices aligned with their ESG goals. Through its focus on carbon reduction strategies, renewable energy, and collaboration with manufacturers, Gensler is driving industry-wide advancements in greener products and helping to reshape cities for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Shanggari B, President of ACES Awards, noted, “Gensler’s work in the APME region exemplifies how a clear purpose in sustainable design can redefine the architecture industry. Their Gensler Cities Climate Challenge is an ambitious goal that’s setting a new standard, not only for carbon neutrality but also for the integration of sustainability into every aspect of the design process.”

As Gensler continues to expand its efforts in sustainable architecture, this recognition from ACES reaffirms the firm’s commitment to creating positive change through design and to setting a benchmark in environmental responsibility that inspires others across the industry.

https://www.gensler.com/offices/singapore

Hashtag: #ACESAwards2024 #Gensler #Leadership #Sustainability #CorproateAwards #RegionalExcellence #ESG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Appeal for information following Christchurch incident

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Detective James Bourne

A man has been charged after allegedly trying to pull a person into his vehicle in Christchurch, and Police would like to hear from people who were in the area around the time of the incident.

It occurred about 3pm on Thursday 2 January, when a man approached the victim on the northern end of Tennyson Street, before attempting to pull them into a vehicle.

On Friday 10 January, Police arrested a man, who is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 16 January, charged with attempted kidnapping.

As part of our ongoing enquiries, we would like to hear from anyone who was in the Tennyson Street area between 2:50pm and 3:10pm on Thursday 2 January.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250102/6559.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Ecostore commits $323k to ‘cultural shift’ in safety

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

AI technology with real time hazard alerts is central to a new safety commitment WorkSafe New Zealand has accepted from the well-known household brand, Ecostore.

It comes after a worker suffered chemical burns to his eyes while making dishwasher powder in March 2023. The worker was injured while trying to shut off a pressurised hose that had come loose and was spraying hazardous liquid into the air at Ecostore’s factory in Pakuranga, Auckland.

WorkSafe investigated and found an inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly eyewear, staff training gaps for chemical handling, and lack of emergency management.

In response to the incident Ecostore is making what it calls an “holistic cultural shift” on health and safety worth over $323,000. The company applied to WorkSafe for an enforceable undertaking, which is a binding commitment to bring about health and safety improvements. It includes:

  • Installation of CCTV systems incorporating AI technology to identify situations or events that could indicate risks to workers’ health and safety.
  • A new working platform for liquids manufacturing, and other new controls to minimise workers’ exposure to risk and improve health outcomes.
  • Reparation to the victim.
  • Funding a pilot programme by Blind Low Vision NZ to educate and support businesses employing visually impaired staff, with a focus on workplace health and safety, inclusion, and wellbeing.
  • Development and delivery of a webinar with the Employers and Manufacturers Association, highlighting the incident and key learnings.

“Businesses must manage their risks and chemical safety is non-negotiable. We are pleased to see Ecostore putting things right and being a change-maker in the manufacturing and distribution sector,” says WorkSafe’s regulatory support manager, Mark Horgan.

WorkSafe will regularly monitor progress on the agreed commitments and can resume prosecution of Ecostore if necessary.

“Ecostore’s investment exceeds what even the courts may have ordered in penalties. This demonstrates a substantial commitment to health and safety, with benefits circled back to the community, workers, and industry,” says Mark Horgan.

Manufacturing is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why it’s a focus of WorkSafe’s new strategy. Our priority plan for manufacturing notes exposure to hazardous substances as a specific source of high harm. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.

Read the Ecostore decision document

Read our guide on hazardous substances risk management [PDF, 76 KB]

Statement from Ecostore’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Tony Acland

Safety is a cornerstone of Ecostore and we deeply regret the serious harm experienced on our site. We acknowledge the professional and personal impact such an experience has on an individual, as well as the wider team.

We recognise the importance of going beyond just compliance, and we take our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our employees incredibly seriously. We are committed to continuous improvement in this space and have already implemented numerous advancements. We also offer an anonymous reporting channel so our team can feel empowered to share all concerns.

Ecostore sees the Enforceable Undertaking not only as an opportunity to improve our processes but as a chance to contribute to industry-wide, best-practice policy that improves the safety of everyone working in manufacturing. We will also engage with Blind Low Vision NZ to support visually impaired workers in finding pathways into productive work with a focus on their wellbeing and safety.

As a New Zealand business, we are dedicated to maintaining our high standards of safety for all of Aotearoa and are hopeful that sharing our health and safety learnings with other manufacturers will have a real impact on raising awareness and improving the culture in similar workplaces.

Media contacts

For WorkSafe: media@worksafe.govt.nz

For Ecostore: Kate Grant, kate@nsprltd.com or 027 422 0079 

MIL OSI

Employment indicators: November 2024 – Stats NZ information release

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Employment indicators: November 2024 13 January 2025 – Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.

Key facts

Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the November 2024 month (compared with the October 2024 month) were:

  • all industries – up 0.3 percent (5,980 jobs) to 2.36 million filled jobs
  • primary industries – down 0.4 percent (436 jobs)
  • goods-producing industries – down 0.2 percent (836 jobs)
  • service industries – up 0.3 percent (6,230 jobs).

Files:

MIL OSI

Weather News – Cooler than usual temperatures to continue across Aotearoa New Zealand – MetService

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Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 13th – Thursday 16th January – MetService is forecasting settled and mostly dry weather for much of New Zealand this week, with little to no rain forecast for most. Cool temperatures continue in the east early in the week. However, warmer, humid air with rain may move onto the country as we near the end of the week.  

MetService Meteorologist, Surprise Mhlongo said, “Cool temperatures are expected to stick around this week, is expected especially in the eastern areas thanks to the southerly flow driven by a high pressure system that’s currently dominating New Zealand. However, western areas and the lower South Island continue to be the best places to be this summer, with Wanaka temperatures forecast to average 28°C this week while the West Coast basks in sunshine.”

Although it will be cooler, mainly fine weather is forecast for much of the country.

“Even though there could be days of a few showers in some places during the morning and afternoon, it will be a mainly fine week for the southern North Island, with dry but cold evenings.”, added Mhlongo.

Towards the end of the week, A complex low pressure system from the north is set to bring rain and warmer temperatures.  

“A band of rain and strong warm northeasterly winds may move onto Northland on Friday, gradually spreading to Auckland during the day. At this point, there is still some uncertainty on the amount of rain that we might see there, so we advise everyone to keep up with our local forecasts for your weekend plans”, said Mhlongo.

MIL OSI

First Responders – Black Jack Fire Update #6

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters supported by helicopters are making steady progress strengthening containment lines on the flanks of the Black Jack fire in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Four crews are fighting the fire on the eastern and southern flanks and three helicopters are attacking the fire on the steep and inaccessible western flank.
Incident Controller Shane Bromley said that weather conditions were relatively favourable this morning but will be more challenging this afternoon and tomorrow, with higher temperatures, lower relative humidity and stronger winds.
The safety of firefighters and the public remained the top priority.
Access to Black Jack Road continues to be under stop-go management while firefighting operations are underway to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public. The walking track through the fireground will remain closed until the fire is fully extinguished.
Shane Bromley said Fire and Emergency was working closely with iwi and the Department of Conservation, and eleven DOC firefighters are working on the fireground today.
Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team will carry out thermal imaging tonight to identify hotspots that firefighters will target tomorrow. It is likely to take several days to fully extinguish the fire.

MIL OSI

Heritage – Waka found on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island

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Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The partial remains of a waka have been found on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island.
“We are very grateful to the local family for informing us of the find and caring for the exposed waka and recovered pieces. They have been instrumental in securing the site and in the ongoing monitoring of the waka” said Glenis Philip-Barbara, Pou Mataaho o Te Hononga Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Manatū Taonga has been engaging closely with landowners, Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Moriori Imi Settlement Trust, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai to ensure that the recovery and conservation of the waka is undertaken appropriately. Manatū Taonga has also engaged archaeologists, conservators and other professionals to support this work.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has issued an archaeological authority to Manatū Taonga to allow for the recovery of the visible pieces of the waka that remain in situ from January 2025. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai is the landowner of the site where the waka was found and has a regional team on the ground who has and will continue to support the response.
Heritage New Zealand spokesperson Dean Whiting, Kaihautū said “As the regulator of archaeological processes, we are working with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to have an archaeological authority in place to ensure the recovery of critical information while respecting the involvement of imi and iwi. With the vulnerability of the waka to the elements, time is of the essence, and we are committed to facilitating its careful investigation and recovery.”
“Now that the recovery of the waka is underway, the role of Manatū Taonga is to engage with imi and iwi on the processes detailed in the Protected Objects Act 1975. We will work alongside them to provide oversight and support for matters relating to the care, custody and conservation of the waka,” said Glenis Philip-Barbara.
“Our focus is on being guided by imi and iwi to ensure that the waka is protected for the benefit of future generations and is allowed to tell its own story.”
Manatū Taonga has issued a public notice on its website which gives interested parties 60 days to apply for ownership of the waka under the Protected Objects Act 1975.

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Home consents up 4.8 percent in the month of November – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: November 2024

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Home consents up 4.8 percent in the month of November 13 January 2025 – There were 3,100 new homes consented in New Zealand in November 2024, up 4.8 percent compared with November 2023, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Of these, there were 1,402 stand-alone houses consented, down 4.1 percent compared with November 2023, and 1,698 multi-unit homes consented, up 14 percent over the same period.

“While the number of homes consented each month has fluctuated, the trend has remained relatively steady for the last year,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

MIL OSI

Infinity Financial Advisory Unveils Enhanced Digital Capabilities to Transform Client Financial Planning Experience

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2025 – Infinity Financial Advisory is pleased to announce the launch of the i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0, an upgraded platform designed to improve the wealth management experience for its clients. This new app provides easy access to your financial data, and insightful content – all while rewarding you for staying engaged.

i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0

The i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0 offers a unified platform for all your financial management needs. Exclusively for Infinity FA clients, the app enables easy access to your investment portfolio, policy details, and other exclusive benefits from our partners, all from a single user-friendly interface. You can find out more about i-NITIATE® Client App at client-app.infinityfa.com.sg.

Improved Financial Management

This updated app introduces a rewards system that encourages engagement through activities like logging in and attending seminars, with the option to earn and redeem Infinity Points. It also includes partnerships for high-yield savings accounts and premium services, aimed at simplifying and enhancing your financial strategy.

Key Features

The app’s user-friendly design supports efficient financial management, whether you are tracking investments or accessing personalised advice. It features robust security measures, including biometric authentication, to protect your data.

New features include the “Enquire Shortfall” tool, which helps identify and address gaps in your financial coverage, and the “Coin Frenzy” in-app game, which offers a fun way to earn rewards through monthly competitions.

Leadership Insight

Poh Choon Kia, CEO of Infinity Financial Advisory, said, “We are pleased to introduce this major revamp of our i-NITIATE® Client App. The i-NITIATE® Client App is an extension of our commitment to making your financial journey simpler, more secure, and highly rewarding for you.”

http://client-app.infinityfa.com.sg
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/infinity-financial-advisory
https://www.facebook.com/InfinityFinancialAdvisoryPteLtd
https://www.instagram.com/infinityfinancialadvisory/

Hashtag: #InfinityFinancialAdvisory

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.