golden empire jili slot png

Former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan said in a speech in 1996 that investors were demonstrating "irrational exuberance." His view was that stock prices were being driven higher than the fundamentals warranted due to unfounded optimism. There's a good case to be made that we're seeing a repeat of irrational exuberance today. The S&P 500 Shiller CAPE (cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings) ratio is significantly higher now than when Greenspan uttered his famous phrase 28 years ago. The ratio of total U.S. stock market value to gross domestic product (GDP) is at its highest level ever , indicating a market that's extremely overvalued. Long-time hedge fund manager Jim Rogers recently said, "Somebody better look out the window and get worried." Stifel chief equity strategist Barry Bannister projects that the S&P 500 will plunge 26% in 2025. Is it safe to invest in the stock market right now? Here's what Warren Buffett is and is not doing. What Buffett isn't doing Before we get to what Buffett is doing, let's first discuss what Buffett isn't doing in an arguably irrationally exuberant market. To paraphrase an often-quoted adage, inaction speaks louder than words. Sure, Buffett once said that when the ratio of the overall U.S. stock market value to GDP approaches 200%, investors are " playing with fire ." And, yes, that ratio (usually referred to as the Buffett Indicator) is now above 200%. However, Buffett is not panicking. He still has Berkshire Hathaway heavily invested in stocks. The conglomerate's equity portfolio is valued at over $1 trillion. The legendary investor isn't trying to time the market , either. Buffett has consistently maintained through the years that he has no idea how stocks will perform over the near term. Importantly, though, another thing Buffett isn't doing these days is buying many stocks. He has been a net seller of stocks for eight consecutive quarters. That's a clear sign that he's apprehensive about valuations . What he is doing So, what is Buffett doing with stocks near all-time highs? In a nutshell, he's practicing what he preaches. One of Buffett's most famous quotes is, "We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful." Buffett is being fearful right now. Although he isn't dumping Berkshire Hathaway's stocks en masse, he is selling some stocks. For example, Buffett and his two investment managers have exited positions in multiple companies this year, including Floor & Decor Holdings , Paramount Global, and Snowflake. The "Oracle of Omaha" has also made Berkshire's portfolio much less reliant on a couple of its top holdings. Buffett has slashed the conglomerate's stake in Apple and Bank of America in recent quarters. Notably, Buffett has amassed the biggest cash stockpile in Berkshire Hathaway's history. At the end of the third quarter of 2024, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments in U.S. Treasuries topped $325 billion. BRK.B Cash and Short Term Investments (Quarterly) data by YCharts . Finally, Buffett has bought a few stocks in recent quarters, including Domino's Pizza , Heico , and Pool . I wouldn't say he's being more highly selective than in the past. Instead, fewer stocks are meeting his criteria for buying. Is Buffett's approach smart? Some might think Buffett is being overly conservative by not capitalizing more on the soaring stock market . I have a different take: He's simply doing what has worked exceptionally well for him for decades. While the stock market is expensive by most valuation metrics, that doesn't mean it can't continue to rise. However, Buffett knows that investing when valuations are more attractive increases his chances of success. Great companies can still be found trading at reasonable (and sometimes even discounted) prices. But in the current environment, they are relatively few and far between. Panicking doesn't make sense . Neither does attempting to time the market. On the other hand, selling stocks in which you don't have a high conviction, building a solid cash stockpile, and buying only stocks that meet stringent criteria (including attractive valuations) does make sense. I think Buffett's approach is smart for him -- and for most other investors.Ultimate luxury: Sneak peek inside the world’s largest sailing yachtMorocco Central Bank governor confirms cryptocurrency law in progressgolden empire jili slot png 。

Biden says Assad's fall in Syria is a 'fundamental act of justice,' but 'a moment of risk' WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Will Weissert, The Associated Press Dec 8, 2024 10:50 AM Dec 8, 2024 11:05 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message An opposition fighter steps on a broken bust of the late Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus, Syria, Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Speaking at the White House, Biden said the U.S. was not sure of Assad's whereabouts, but was monitoring reports he was seeking refuge in Moscow. Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria's backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad's grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," Biden said. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. WASHINGTON (AP) — The sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is forcing the Biden administration and the incoming Trump team to confront intensifying questions about the possibility of greater conflicts across the Middle East. President-elect Donald Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled his country, which his family had ruled for decades , because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.” Those comments on Trump's social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT." The Biden administration had no intention of intervening, according to President Joe Biden's national security adviser. Biden was meeting with his national security team at the White House on Sunday. He was expected to make public comments later in the day. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Assad's fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts, including Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, 2025, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia's war in Ukraine , noting that Assad's allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham . The Biden administration has designated the group as a terrorist organization and says it has links to al-Qaida, although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. Vice President-elect JD Vance , a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents. “Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group. Trump has suggested that Assad's ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. Trump wrote that Putin's government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders . Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.” “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS," he added. Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents. “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said. As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. "We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade. ___ Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain, contributed to this report. Will Weissert, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News Russian state news agencies say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad is in Moscow and given asylum Dec 8, 2024 10:37 AM Ghana's ex-President John Mahama is set to return after rival concedes election Dec 8, 2024 8:06 AM Ghana's ruling party candidate concedes presidential election to his opposition rival Dec 8, 2024 2:01 AM Featured FlyerPakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital

Middle East latest: ICC issues warrant for Israel's Netanyahu as Gaza death toll soars past 44,000

THE barmy £1 trillion Neom project in Saudi Arabia has revealed its newest addition of a vast hollow skyscraper. Despite unveiling new ultra-luxurious hotels, restaurants and yacht marinas on the daily, the Neom project has been exposed for the deaths of over 21,000 workers since it began. Advertisement 7 The new planned skyscraper at the Zardun site Credit: NEOM 7 Zardun spans a whopping four square kilometres Credit: NEOM 7 The site is on the Northwest of Saudi Arabia Credit: NEOM The newly revealed luxury development plans on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, dubbed Zardun, is made up of four buildings and looks to provide a so-called "peaceful" retreat for guests. Despite its pledge to bring tranquillity, some visitors may think this is hard to find knowing it could have been the place where thousands of workers died under dangerous and inhumane working conditions. Zardun spans a whopping four square kilometres, set on a restored semi-desert landscape. It sports angular sections within the middle of the skyscraper which is said to draw influence from the changing natural landscape around it. Advertisement read more world news EGO TRIP Saudi’s NEOM megaproject boss sacked after ‘threatening to BURY worker in desert’ NEOM BEGINNINGS First part of Saudi's £1tn mega-project Neom COMPLETE as resort opens doors Among the hollow skyscraper are three other architectural compounds which will all total 100 rooms and suites for big spenders as well as an experience centre. And for guests it will offer trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, among various other sports and leisure. But the dark underbelly of the location imagines bloodshed and slaves. Zardun is part of Magna - one of Neom's mega regions. Advertisement Most read in The Sun LAST WORDS Mum wrote 'I was murdered' before she 'took own life after years abuse from ex' Gossip GELD STAR Rangers 'keen to land Championship star labelled human wrecking ball in January' HOOLIGAN BAN Gers thug sentenced over incident that saw female St Johnstone employee pushed DEVASTATING Tragic Scots TikTok star, 27, who survived crash which killed friend found dead Other regions included in the heavily criticised project include Trojena, The Line, Sindalah and Oxagon. Despite human life not seeming to be considered, the plans say they have so-called "environmental stewardship" in mind. EGO TRIP Saudi Arabia insists first part of $500bn NEOM Megacity WILL be open this year with ultra-lux island resort It is said to accommodate various habitats and make it easier to reintroduce native plants, animals and tree species to the landscape. The Saudi government's focus on the luxury market is said to be an attempt to distinguish itself from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement But with serious allegations of missed payments, illegal working hours and a number of clear human rights violations made, the future success of the mega-project is unclear. 21,000 worker deaths have occurred in the years since the Crown Prince launched the project, shocking statistics claim. Staff have complained of feeling like "trapped slaves" and "beggars" in the country. Serious allegations of missed payments, working illegal hours and a number of clear human rights violations have all been made. Advertisement The first part of Saudia Arabia's £1 trillion Neom project was complete in October - with a luxurious Red Sea resort opening its doors to the world's elite. Terrified workers and the heartbroken family members of workers who have died since moving to Saudi have revealed the horrors they've faced in recent years in ITV's latest expose. Dubbed "Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia" the documentary speaks on the deadly issues experienced firsthand for many. It goes inside the illegal practices and terrible violations many say are being committed each day under the guise of constructing some of the world's priciest building projects. Advertisement Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , has been at the forefront of trying to develop the oil state into a global tourism hub. 7 It looks to bizarrely bring peace to visitors Credit: NEOM 7 The visitor center pictured Credit: NEOM 7 It sports angular sections within the middle of the skyscraper Credit: NEOM Advertisement He has splashed trillions to create his Saudi Vision 2030 project which features complexes sch as the flagship NEOM which includes fantasy ideas such as The Line. Despite the luxury plans for the ambitious builds human rights groups have expressed many concerns over the massive construction plans . With fears that migrant labour will be exploited and many locals would be displaced. Saudi Arabia has also been hit with serious allegations claiming a significant number of migrants working in construction have disappeared. Advertisement Emerging reports allege that as many as 100,000 migrant workers have gone missing during the construction of Neom. One worker revealed in the documentary that he is often made to work 16-hour days helping to build a high-speed train tunnel for The Line. Read more on the Scottish Sun REY-LY EXCITING US pop superstar announces first Scots show in almost 10 years BALLSED UP Lorraine apologises on air for using phrase she 'didn't know' was a swear word Over just one seven-day week the worker says he can do upwards of 84 hours. Saudi law strictly states that no one should do more than 60 hours a week. Advertisement Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities : One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns : NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns : NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns : NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM’s technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect : NEOM’s vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. 7 Pictured: The Line (concept image) - a smart city NEOM project under construction in Saudi ArabiaTop 10 Best Freight Forwarding Companies in India 2025Frankel’s free throws help Northeastern hold off Colgate late, 78-75

Developing schools as centres of excellence my objective J K LG

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.Jubilation and gunfire as Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad family's half-century rule

Statistics after 13 gamesStocks kept market participants on their toes Thursday as investors weighed the impact of "meh" revenue guidance from AI bellwether Nvidia ( NVDA ). The main benchmarks eventually settled higher thanks to impressive earnings from another notable technology company. At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.1% at 43,870, the S&P 500 had gained 0.5% to 5,948, and the Nasdaq Composite had ticked 0.03% higher to 18,972. Nvidia finished the session up 0.5%. The company gave Wall Street plenty to like in its fiscal third-quarter print , including top- and bottom-line beats and an encouraging update on its next-generation Blackwell AI chips. Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. But folks seemed to be hyperfocused on NVDA's fiscal fourth-quarter forecast for revenue of $37.5 billion, plus or minus 2%. While this is above Wall Street's average estimate for revenue of $37 billion, it "was below some of the numbers we heard thrown around in recent days," says UBS Global Research analyst Timothy Arcuri (Buy). Still, Arcuri notes it leaves "considerable room for upside with our supply chain work on Hopper together with company comments on Blackwell implying another $5 billion headroom beyond the guidance." Snowflake has its best day ever after earnings Near the top of the Dow was Salesforce ( CRM ), which jumped 3.1% thanks to a halo lift from fellow software firm Snowflake ( SNOW ). Indeed, SNOW stock surged 32.7% – its best day ever – after the data cloud company beat top- and bottom-line expectations for its fiscal 2025 third quarter and raised its full-year outlook. "We rate Snowflake shares a Buy," says Truist Securities analyst Joel Fishbein Jr. , adding "that the company possesses a unique technology advantage that will give them a dominant competitive position in the data cloud in both the short and long term." Fishbein admits SNOW is not a cheap stock at current levels but the "current valuation is fair on a growth-adjusted basis and that the tailwinds for growth are stronger than market expectations which offer further upside going forward." BJ's jumps on membership fee hikes, stock buybacks Looking elsewhere on the earnings calendar , BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings ( BJ ) reported mixed results for its fiscal third quarter, beating on the bottom line but falling just short on the top line. Nevertheless, BJ rose 8.3% on news the warehouse club is raising its membership fee for the first time in seven years and buying back $1 billion worth of stock, which equates to roughly 8% of its current market cap . "We rate BJ shares at Buy as we view BJ's as well positioned in both the near term and long term given its strong value proposition (especially in fuel) in a highly inflationary environment, as well as strong and improving membership trends," wrote BofA Securities analyst Robert Ohmes said in a November 11 note. Alphabet sinks on DOJ news In non-earnings news, Alphabet ( GOOGL ) spiraled 4.7% after the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said the conglomerate's Google segment should be forced to sell its Chrome search engine browser. News that the DOJ was considering the request began circulating earlier this week, but the agency filed the formal paperwork last night. The Justice Department is also asking that Google not be allowed to prioritize its search engine on Android devices or pay others to be the preferential search engine on their browsers. Jobless claims fall, existing home sales rise On the economic front, data from the Labor Department showed that initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 last week to 213,000. "Those expecting the labor market to crack are going to have to keep waiting," says Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. "Another moderate jobless claims total underscores the U.S. economy's persistent strength. But as the Fed has recently hinted, that strength may slow the pace at which they cut rates." Existing home sales rose 3.4% in October from the prior month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million, according to the National Association of Realtors . "Many prospective buyers spent September waiting for interest rates to moderate following the Fed's jumbo 50-basis point cut to its key benchmark," says José Torres , senior economist at Interactive Brokers. But instead, longer-term borrowing costs rose, Torres notes. "After seeing rates escalate, these potential home buyers may have entered the market after giving up hope for mortgage costs to ease." Related content What's Next for MicroStrategy Stock as Bitcoin Nears $100,000? Stock Market Holidays in 2024: NYSE, NASDAQ and Wall Street Holidays Vanguard Money Market Funds: What You Need to Know

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

One of the interesting facts about Scott Morrison’s period as prime minister is that he managed to squander public approval twice. The second came via a long, protracted slide through most of the pandemic. But in fact his popularity had sunk as low – and much, much faster, at least in Newspoll – just a few months after his 2019 election victory. The main event involved was that summer’s bushfires. His trip to Hawaii is the symbol of that failure, but the actual problems were long and drawn-out. There was the slowness to act and the failure to meet with emergency leaders, the mangled handshakes, “I don’t hold a hose” and the sidestepping of the climate debate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are neck and neck in opinion polls. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The political ramifications of a natural disaster are the least important thing about it. I recount this because it’s always worth keeping in mind, in politics, how quickly things can change. Also: how dominant a crisis can be. Morrison’s disastrous summer, in fact, was only really rescued by the advent of another crisis – the early part of the pandemic, when his numbers soared – before that crisis, too, destroyed him. Recent weeks have seen at least two significant shifts, with another at least possible. For a long time, it seemed as though the Albanese government would get a rate cut – even two – before the election. As I wrote a few weeks back, this had the potential to act as tangible affirmation of its economic strategy , the other elements of which – wage growth, job creation – had been lining up nicely. Last week, Westpac joined NAB in predicting the next rate cut would come on May 20 – three days after the last possible date for the election. The government now has to hope voters’ moods improve without that rate cut. It’s possible. Essential poll last week found a small fall in people who say they’re struggling. There was a small but notable shift in one of the more interesting indicators: whether people believe the country is on the right track. It’s too early to spot a trend, and more people disagree than agree – but the “right direction” figure was (just) the highest it’s been since May 2023 . Illustration by Joe Benke Credit: The second change is the victory of Donald Trump. There are signs – like his retreat from the nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney-general – that Trump’s term may be as bizarre as his first. One veteran observer suggested to me some time ago that a Trump victory may play into Albanese’s slow-and-steady approach: that in an era of messiness, boredom becomes appealing. At present, though, the opposite is the case. Last week, a Freshwater Strategy poll in the Australian Financial Review found 36 per cent of voters believed Albanese was best placed to deal with Trump – against 47 per cent who favoured Dutton. Finally, we should all hope this is a quiet season for natural disasters. Recent weeks have reminded us, this can’t be taken for granted. There have been bushfires in Queensland, the ABC reporting that amid the smoke last month Mount Isa was briefly “the most polluted city in the world”. There were evacuations in response to fires in Victoria (arson seems to have played a role in several of these). How bushfires might affect the political situation would depend, to a great extent, on the prime minister’s response. This close to a poll, major conclusions drawn would be about him personally. How Albanese handled the question of climate change would be significant. (That same Essential poll found only half of voters believe hotter summers are the result of climate change.) But what would also move into the spotlight would be the continuing climate change splits within the opposition. Here we come to another recent shift, one that is sharpening the political contest. Loading At the beginning of this term, it seemed Peter Dutton wanted to oppose most things: he had not yet learnt the fine art of picking his battles. In recent months, he has avoided fights on some key issues: aged care, disabilities and social media. Even his apparently “bold” foray on nuclear energy, as I’ve argued before , is best understood in this context: wanting to avoid a battle, either within his party or with Labor, over whether climate change action is necessary. Yet Dutton has picked a very specific fight: he will oppose Labor’s bill to bring down international student numbers – even though he has long suggested that’s his aim too. As journalist Bernard Keane observed , this is a mirror of Donald Trump’s successful move to block an immigration bill to keep the problem alive. This is of a piece with Dutton’s earlier decisions to make Labor’s life difficult on immigration detention bills. Dutton has learnt to use the parliament to narrow the political contest to his preferred issues, with immigration top of the list. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what happens when Labor finally announces its universal childcare policy. Labor is hoping for significant political credit. But what if Dutton simply says he agrees? Meanwhile, there are some fights the nation should be having but isn’t. Bill Shorten, farewelling parliament last week, pointed out “our system still taxes property preferentially and lightly – and income heavily”. Anthony Whealy, chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, pointed out that the government and opposition seem to have reached an agreement, funnily enough, on donations changes that don’t do enough about money in politics while also giving the major parties advantages over independents. As Albanese told Sky News, “we’ve already chosen our slogan as you know, ‘building Australia’s future’.” Dutton seems to have chosen his issues, too. Given how much has changed in the past few weeks, and how much might still change in the months before polling day, both men would be wise to keep their options open. Sean Kelly is author of The Game: A Portrait of Scott Morrison , a regular columnist and a former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Political leadership Anthony Albanese Peter Dutton Opinion Donald Trump Australia votes For subscribers Sean Kelly is author of The Game: A Portrait of Scott Morrison, a regular columnist and a former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Connect via Twitter . Most Viewed in Politics LoadingMusk Wants AI To “Make Games Great Again”

Pamela Hayden, longtime ‘Simpsons’ voice actor, including Bart’s friend Milhouse, hangs up her micPakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital

None

Uni boss’ bold plan to slash university fees and end $50,000 arts degrees

Dramatic Eagles-Panthers finish takes 'years' off gambler's life as $3.1m bet hangs on game's final drive49ers' Fred Warner Says He's Played Through Fractured Ankle Injury Since NFL Week 4SGTC’s Lane Parton receives the SkillsUSA – Aerotek 2025 “Make Your Mark” scholarship