WELLINGTON -- New Zealand investor confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, weighed down by global uncertainty, sharemarket volatility and a flat housing market, a survey shows.
The latest Investor Confidence Survey released Monday by Auckland Savings Bank (ASB), one of New Zealand's major banks, showed net investor confidence, the difference between those expecting investment returns to improve versus worsen in the coming year, dropped to 1 percent in the June quarter, from 9 percent three months earlier. (New Zealand-Investor Confidence)
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MANILA -- Super Typhoon Ragasa slammed into the northern Philippines on Monday, unleashing torrential rains and strong winds that triggered flooding, toppled trees, and tore roofs off homes.
The intense weather prompted the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents as authorities scrambled to ensure public safety. Roads in many areas became impassable due to rising floodwaters, further complicating relief efforts. (Philippines-Typhoon-Ragasa)
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JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Development announced Monday that the government's free nutritious meal program has reached 1.2 million pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, out of a total target of 9.3 million by the end of 2025.
"We have reached 1.2 million out of the 9.3 million target," said Minister of Population and Family Development Wihaji. (Indonesia-Free Meal)
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ISLAMABAD -- At least 22 people were killed in an airstrike in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials and local sources said on Monday.
Three houses were struck in the bombardment in the Khyber district of the province, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. (Pakistan-Airstrike-Deaths) ■



