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Tag: review

  • Indonesian Power Players Grab and GoTo Under Government Review for Potential Market-Shaking Merger

    Indonesian Power Players Grab and GoTo Under Government Review for Potential Market-Shaking Merger

    Possible discussions are currently underway in Indonesia regarding a potential merger or acquisition involving Grab, a ride-hailing and food delivery company, and its competitor GoTo, according to a statement made by the presidential spokesperson on Friday.

    The Indonesian government sees the ride-hailing sector as a strategic factor in generating jobs and boosting the economy. Gojek, a subsidiary of GoTo, alone employs more than 3.1 million online riders. Both Grab and GoTo have long been major players in the Indonesian market.

    If a merger or acquisition does take place, the resulting entity would command a staggering market share of over 91 per cent in Indonesia, based on information provided by data analytics firm Euromonitor International.

    An official announcement regarding the possible merger or acquisition will be made shortly, according to Prasetyo Hadi, an Indonesian government spokesperson.

    “Online riders are the heroes of our economy, propelling it forward,” Hadi declared.

    There has been no immediate comment from Grab or GoTo in response to request for statements.

    Previous reports suggested that Grab, which is listed on Nasdaq, was planning to negotiate a deal to acquire GoTo, a smaller rival, in the second quarter of this year and had engaged advisers to assist with the proposed acquisition. According to a source close to the matter, such a deal could value GoTo at approximately US$7 billion.

    As per its 2024 annual report, GoTo is 73.90 per cent owned by foreign investors, including SoftBank Group and Taobao China Holding, a subsidiary of China’s Alibaba Group. The remaining stakes are held by Indonesian investors.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the potential impact of Grab and GoTo’s merger or acquisition on the Indonesian market?
    If Grab and GoTo merge or if one acquires the other, the resulting entity would control over 91% of the Indonesian market, according to data from Euromonitor International.

    Who are the main investors in GoTo?
    Foreign investors, including SoftBank Group and Taobao China Holding, own 73.90% of GoTo. The remainder is owned by Indonesian investors.

    What was GoTo’s potential value earlier this year?
    Earlier this year, a source close to the matter mentioned that a potential deal could value GoTo at around US$7 billion.

  • HSBC’s $13.6b Acquisition Of Hang Seng Bank: Independent Advisor To Evaluate Risks

    HSBC’s $13.6b Acquisition Of Hang Seng Bank: Independent Advisor To Evaluate Risks

    Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Bank has enlisted the services of an independent advisor to evaluate its impending takeover by HSBC. Somerley Capital, a financial advisory firm, has been tapped to scrutinize the details of the deal, according to a recent filing made to the exchange.

    HSBC’s Proposed Acquisition

    Earlier this month, British banking giant HSBC, which currently holds a 63% stake in Hang Seng Bank, disclosed its intention to acquire the remaining shares and privatize the local bank. The proposed deal is estimated to be worth HK$106 billion ($13.6 billion).

    HSBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Georges Elhedery, has described the initiative as a strategic move aimed at boosting growth. However, there have been several concerns raised by observers about the potential risks the bank could be taking on.

    Assessing Risks

    Critics have noted that the acquisition would mean HSBC absorbing the risks associated with a decline in Hong Kong’s commercial real estate sector. Hang Seng Bank has reported HK$25 billion worth of impaired loans in this sector for the first half of 2025. As such, this deal would expose HSBC to the potential economic fallout from this downturn.

    Questions & Answers

    What is HSBC’s proposed acquisition of Hang Seng Bank worth?
    The acquisition is proposed to be worth HK$106 billion ($13.6 billion) and would see HSBC owning all shares in Hang Seng Bank.

    Who has Hang Seng Bank appointed as an independent advisor for the deal?
    Hang Seng Bank has appointed Somerley Capital as an independent financial advisor to assess the proposed acquisition.

    What risks are associated with HSBC’s planned takeover?
    The key risk associated with the takeover is the exposure to the downturn in Hong Kong’s commercial real estate sector, with Hang Seng Bank having reported impaired loans worth HK$25 billion from this sector in the first half of 2025.

  • Aldi Crowned Australia’s Top Supermarket For 13th Year In Canstar Survey

    Aldi Crowned Australia’s Top Supermarket For 13th Year In Canstar Survey

    In a recent survey conducted by Canstar, Aldi has emerged as Australia’s most popular supermarket for the thirteenth consecutive year. The supermarket chain outperformed its competitors, receiving the top rankings for providing excellent value for money, superior product quality, and outstanding service.

    Survey Rankings

    According to the rankings, Coles secured the second position, with IGA and Woolworths following closely. Aldi distinguished itself by receiving a perfect five-star rating in key categories, including value for money, freshness of fruits, vegetables and meats, quality of supermarket-owned branded products, as well as store and website layout and presentation.

    Canstar Blue spokesperson Eden Radford pointed out that customers prioritize low prices across all in-store products, not just those on special offers. Radford added that consumers are becoming more price-savvy, frequently checking unit prices and opting for in-season produce in order to maximize value.

    Comparison With Other Supermarkets

    Coles, however, fell short in terms of customer service and checkout experience, receiving only three stars in these categories. IGA, on the other hand, surpassed Aldi in terms of customer service and checkout experience. However, it could not match Aldi’s ratings in terms of value for money, freshness of produce, and product range.

    Woolworths managed to outshine all competitors in terms of product range, earning a five-star rating in this category. However, they lagged behind in customer service and checkout experience.

    Commenting on the results, Simon Padovani-Ginies, group director at Aldi Australia, stated that customers trust Aldi to consistently offer low prices and good value for their money. He went on to say that customers, both long-term loyalists and newcomers, continue to choose Aldi for their familiar staples as well as the unexpected but delightful finds in their aisles.

    Questions & Answers

    Which supermarket was ranked as Australia’s most popular by Canstar?
    Aldi was ranked as Australia’s most popular supermarket by Canstar.

    What factors led to Aldi’s high ratings?
    Aldi received high ratings due to its value for money, product quality, freshness of its fruits, vegetables and meats, and its store and website layout and presentation.

    How did Coles and Woolworths perform in the survey?
    Coles secured the second position overall, but fell short in terms of customer service and checkout experience. Woolworths outshone all competitors in terms of product range, but lagged behind in customer service and checkout experience.

  • Korean e-commerce firms under fire over hidden review rankings

    Korean e-commerce firms under fire over hidden review rankings

    Approximately 40% of significant online shopping portals in South Korea utilize proprietary algorithms to order product reviews, but the metrics behind these rankings are not publicly disclosed. This lack of transparency has caused some concerns about consumer trust, as per a recent study by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

    Algorithm-Based Ranking in Online Retail

    The Seoul Electronic Commerce Center’s latest survey, published on Friday, revealed that 66% (33 out of 50) of the country’s top online retail platforms arrange customer feedback using algorithm-based rankings. These kinds of rankings are often labeled as “most popular” or “best”. However, 36% (18 out of 50) of these platforms do not provide any explanation about how these algorithms work.

    The systems used for review rankings can vary across different platforms, but they often prioritize high-star ratings and positive comments. Only a handful of platforms allow visibility for critical yet constructive reviews or let users sort reviews based on their valuable positives and negatives.

    While most platforms offer basic filtering options like “photo/video reviews” or “newest first”, more sophisticated controls are a rarity. Only a single platform allowed users to sort by “most commented”, while merely four platforms provided options to exclude reviews from promotional testers.

    The Importance of Reviews in Online Shopping

    In the report, the city stated, “In online shopping, where consumers cannot inspect the product in person, reviews are a vital factor in the decision-making process. Overemphasis on positive reviews undermines trust and limits informed consumer choice.”

    International platforms such as Costco, Rakuten, Amazon and Sephora have implemented more transparent and user-friendly review systems. For instance, Costco and Rakuten highlight one positive and one critical review deemed most helpful, while Sephora marks incentivised reviews and enables users to filter them out completely. Amazon provides tools to highlight both positive and negative reviews that other consumers have found useful.

    Seoul officials are planning to propose regulatory changes that would require online retailers to reveal their review-sorting algorithms to ensure better oversight.

    Kim Myung-sun, director of Seoul’s Fair Economy Division, commented, “A balanced review policy aids consumers in making quicker decisions and reduces unnecessary returns and disputes. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect consumer rights.”

    Questions & Answers

    What percentage of South Korean online shopping platforms use proprietary algorithms for ranking product reviews?
    Approximately 40% of major online shopping platforms in South Korea employ proprietary algorithms to rank product reviews.

    Why is there a concern about the use of algorithm-based rankings?
    The concern arises from the fact that the criteria behind these algorithm-based rankings are not disclosed to the public, which raises issues about consumer trust and transparency.

    What do Seoul officials plan in response to these findings?
    Seoul officials plan to propose regulatory changes requiring online retailers to disclose their review-sorting algorithms, which aims to strengthen oversight in the online retail sector.

  • Hive & Wellness Australia Initiates Strategic Review Amid Global Interest

    Hive & Wellness Australia Initiates Strategic Review Amid Global Interest

    Hive & Wellness Australia Begins Business Review

    Hive & Wellness Australia, the firm behind the Capilano Honey brand, has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of its operations. The company has engaged the services of Rothschild & Co to assist in this strategic review.

    This decision has been prompted by unsolicited interest shown in the company’s operations. Hive & Wellness Australia is considering a range of potential avenues, including courting interest from global food corporations and financial backers.

    Capilano Honey Goes Private

    In 2018, Capilano Honey transitioned to private ownership as part of a joint venture consisting of Wattle Hill Capital, ROC Partners, and Australian Capital Equity. This led to the formation of Hive & Wellness Australia.

    Subsequent to the acquisition, the consortium has collaborated with CEO Ryan d’Almeida to extend Hive & Wellness’s reach on a global scale. The brand’s products are now available in over 35 countries, with its international presence spanning markets such as China, Japan, and the United States.

    Business Performance and Portfolio

    Hive & Wellness Australia is a major player in the honey industry, sourcing over 15,000 tonnes of honey every year. The company posted impressive gross sales figures, approximately $150 million, for the 2025 fiscal year.

    Besides Capilano, Hive & Wellness Australia also owns other notable brands including Barnes Naturals and Wescobee, further diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its market positioning.

    Questions & Answers

    What prompted Hive & Wellness Australia to initiate a business review?
    The company decided to undertake a strategic review following unsolicited expressions of interest in its business operations.

    Which firms were involved in taking Capilano Honey private in 2018?
    Wattle Hill Capital, ROC Partners, and Australian Capital Equity formed a consortium to transition Capilano Honey to private ownership, resulting in the formation of Hive & Wellness Australia.

    What brands does Hive & Wellness Australia own apart from Capilano Honey?
    The company’s portfolio includes a number of brands such as Barnes Naturals and Wescobee, in addition to Capilano Honey.

  • XS.com Review 2025: A Reliable Broker with a Wide Range of Trading Accounts

    XS.com Review 2025: A Reliable Broker with a Wide Range of Trading Accounts

    XS broker offers global stock exchange investment services as you wish. It supports trading through leading platforms that come with features that every trader is looking for. In this article, we will have a review of XS. For traders who are looking for a better broker for you, pros, cons, reliability, and answers to frequently asked questions about XS. Let’s continue reading in this article.

    Is trading with XS broker really good?

    Many traders may have questions about XS brokers, whether it’s about reliability or other benefits. We can tell you that XS is really good! It has also received many XS.com awards.

    In addition to the license and internet security that this website has been verified by many security organizations, there are many outstanding features that make XS better than other brokers. Features include free trader protection insurance, leverage over 1:2000, or the XS Mastercard.

    Other outstanding features that XS offers in particular include Islamic accounts that do not charge overnight trading fees. This is something that the broker itself protects against religious conflicts. It also offers an affiliate program that allows you to easily increase your income. Along with trading

    Is XS.com a reliable broker?

    XS is a broker that has expanded its services worldwide. Starting from Australia in 2010, it has been licensed in many countries around the world, making it one of the brokers trusted by traders worldwide. The regulatory licenses from financial authorities are:

    • ASIC Australia, license number is 374409
    • LFSA Malaysia, license number is MB/21/0081
    • FSA Seychelles, license number is SD089
    • CySEC Cyprus, license number is 412/22
    • FSCA South Africa, license number is 53199

    In addition, XS uses advanced password access, two-step verification or security checks from relevant agencies to prevent third-party access to your account. There is protection against phishing and other threats from malware.

    What can be traded with XS.com broker?

    XS Broker is a platform that offers a wide range of stock exchange trading services, such as:

    • Forex: Trade over 50 currency pairs, such as EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, AUD/USD, with low spreads and leverage up to 1:2000
    • Shares: Trade shares of leading companies from the US, UK, Europe and Hong Kong, such as Apple, Amazon, Alibaba, via CFDs
    • Indices: Trade leading stock indices, such as Dow Jones (US30), NASDAQ (US100), S&P 500 (US500), FTSE 100 (UK100), DAX (DE40) and Nikkei 225 (JP225), among others
    • Metals: Trade precious metals, such as gold (XAU/USD), silver (XAG/USD), platinum and palladium
    • Commodities (Commodities): Trade commodities such as crude oil (WTI, UKOIL), coffee (COFFEE), sugar (SUGAR), corn (CORN), cotton (COTTON), soybean (SOYBEAN), cocoa (COCOA) and wheat (WHEAT)
    • Energy (Energy): Trade energies such as crude oil (WTI, UKOIL) and natural gas (Natural Gas)
    • Futures (Futures): Trade CFDs on futures contracts on various assets such as commodities, currencies, indices and more
    • Cryptocurrency (Cryptocurrency): Trade CFDs on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and more

     

    XS.com Account Types

    XS broker offers a wide range of account types to suit all levels of traders. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can choose the one that suits your trading style.

    Preferred Account

    Suitable for all levels of traders

    • Cent Account
      • Minimum deposit $5
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 1.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Works on MT5 platform
    • Standard Account
      • Minimum deposit of $5
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 1.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Works on both MT4 and MT5 platforms
    • Micro Account
      • Minimum deposit of $5
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 1.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Works on MT5 platform

     

    Professional Account

    Suitable for more experienced traders

    • Elite Account
      • Minimum deposit of $1,000
      • Commission of $3 per lot
      • Average spread as low as 0.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Works on both MT4 and MT5 platforms
    • Pro Account
      • Minimum deposit of $1,000
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 0.7 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Available on both MT4 and MT5 platforms
    • VIP Account
      • Minimum deposit of $1,000
      • Commission of $3 per lot
      • Average spread as low as 0.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Available on MT5 platform

     

    Partners Special Account

    Suitable for partner collaboration

    • Extra Account
      • Minimum deposit of $5
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 2.1 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Available on both MT4 and MT5 platforms
    • Classic Account
      • Minimum deposit of $5
      • No commission
      • Average spread of 1.6 pips on EURUSD
      • Minimum trade of 0.01 lot
      • Available on both MT4 and MT5 platforms

    Traders who are not ready to invest real money or beginners who do not have experience can register for a demo account on XS.com to practice and test various strategies. In addition, You can also choose to trade to win cash prizes.

    Deposit and withdraw with XS broker conveniently and quickly

    XS has a convenient deposit and withdrawal method so that you can make transactions efficiently and easily. Supports multiple currencies, perfectly meeting the needs of traders

    Deposit method

    Depositing XS with brokers can be done through many channels, such as:

    • Bank transfer
    • Deposit via credit/debit card
    • Deposit via e-Wallets
    • Deposit via cryptocurrency
    • Deposit via QR Code

    Withdrawal method

    XS withdrawal has a convenient process. You can withdraw money through the same channels as deposits, as follows:

    • Bank transfer withdrawal
    • Withdrawal via e-Wallets
    • Credit/debit card withdrawal

    Why is XS the choice of Thai traders?

    The XS broker has many outstanding features that help make your trading more efficient. It definitely has an advantage over other brokers. Let’s see. What you shouldn’t miss

    XS Prepaid Mastercard 

    The XS Mastercard can be conveniently transferred from the XS platform directly to your card account. In addition to the Mastercard, you can easily download the mobile application. You can make various transactions, such as online payments, ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and more, as desired.

    Islamic account without swaps

    XS broker has an investor insurance coverage from Lloyd’s of London worth up to $ 5,000,000. Therefore, traders can definitely trust trading with XS. This insurance covers problems such as fraud, negligence, or other financial risks.

    Summary – XS Broker Review

    XS is a global broker that provides trading services for a variety of assets, such as Forex, indices, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. It has been licensed in many countries. Supports instant QR code transactions, convenient, fast Supports MT4 and MT5 platforms Contact XS.com customer support 24 hours a day High security standards Try trading through XS.com reviews

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can XS trade BTC?

    Yes, XS.com broker offers cryptocurrency trading, including Bitcoin (BTC) via CFD, which can be traded 24 hours a day (except for market holidays) on the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

    1. Is XS a scam?

    No, because XS brokers are licensed by reliable international regulatory agencies such as ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles), it is considered reliable and safe.

    1. How much is the minimum to open an XS trading account?

    The minimum deposit starts at only $5 for Cent, Standard, and Micro accounts, depending on the account type chosen. If it is a professional account, such as Pro or VIP, there will be a higher minimum, such as $1,000.

    1. Who owns XS?

    XS.com is operated under the management of Mohamad K. Ibrahim, XS Group, which has offices and licenses in many countries. First started operating in 2010 in Australia

    1. What is XS Introducing Broker (IB)?

    XS IB or Introducing Broker is a person who introduces new clients to XS.com and will receive a commission or reward based on the trading volume of the referred clients. It is a partner program for those who want to earn income from referrals.

    1. How many years has XS been open?

    XS.com has been operating since 2010, has over 15 years of experience in the financial market and has been continuously expanding its services worldwide.

     

  • Amazon to invest in Japanese beauty retailer Istyle

    Amazon to invest in Japanese beauty retailer Istyle

    Amazon.com will invest in istyle, the company behind the @cosme review and retail site, gaining access to the Japanese beauty product vendor’s trove of user reviews.

    Under the agreement announced Monday, istyle will issue 2.5 billion yen ($18.7 million) in convertible bonds as well as 11.5 billion yen in warrants to Amazon on Sept. 6. If these convertible bonds and warrants are turned into stock, Amazon would become the top shareholder with a 36.95% stake.

    Amazon will open a dedicated page, tentatively named @cosme Shopping, on its site, where istyle will provide the latest on beauty products to the e-retailer’s members and sell cosmetics from a wide range of brands.

    Istyle has been pushing to merge online and offline sales, setting up a brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo’s Harajusku district. Going forward, Amazon and istyle could collaborate in operating stores using digital tech. The partnership could boost Amazon’s presence in the cosmetic market, where drugs stores and department stores are also formidable players.

    Istyle will also issue convertible bonds to investors including leading trading house Mitsui & Co.

    Mitsui plans to position the cosmetics business as one of its key growth fields and wants “to broaden access to istyle’s customers and manufacturers,” according to a spokesperson. It intends to leverage its sales network to offer Japanese-made cosmetics in overseas markets.

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  • Google improves its search criteria for product reviews

    Google improves its search criteria for product reviews

    You’ve probably been in a situation where you’ve been looking to buy a new smartphone and have been constantly searching for reviews in order to decide if this phone is worth your hard-earned cash. Apparently, Google understands how important product reviews are to potential buyers. It recently improved its search engine to display more relevant reviews for potential buyers to easily decide if they want to buy a product or not.

    From now on, for Google Search to show reviews as search results, Google will be looking to see if product reviews meet certain criteria. According to a blog post from Google, Google Search will now look for product reviews to:

    • Include detailed information that will assist potential consumers in understanding all of the product’s pros and cons.
    • Come from people who have really used the products they’re talking about and can show what the product looks like and how to use it.
    • Include additional helpful information that manufacturers don’t provide, such as additional photos, audio, or links to other content that shows the reviewer’s experience with the product.
    • Include product comparisons or explain how a certain product differs from its rivals.

    Google’s new search criteria for product reviews currently only work if you search in English. But Google stated that it would expand these new criteria to other languages as well. In this regard, Google said, “Ultimately, our goal is to help people find trustworthy, reliable advice when they come to Search — no matter what they’re looking for.”

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  • Google Maps is Adding Yelp Features

    Google Maps is Adding Yelp Features

    Over the past couple of years, Google Maps has transformed from a simple navigation app to one of the most powerful information databases for travelers and commuters around the world. Booking a hotel room, reserving a table at a restaurant, or simply checking working hours are all things made increasingly easy through Google Maps with its community-driven spirit. Soon, a new feature will be added to that ever-expanding list that will challenge Yelp.

    Crowd-sourced reviews are nothing new on Maps. As is, the app sends notifications to users, prompting them to rate places they’ve visited, and encourages them to share pictures. However, Google is looking to implement a new, dedicated food review system into the app, thus allowing users to rate individual dishes when visiting restaurants. The system will take a few factors into consideration, such as pricing, quantity, and quality, and will ask users whether they’d recommend the dish or not. And, of course, everyone will be encouraged to snap some photos of the impressive (or otherwise) dishes that they got served.

    Select venues on Google Maps already offer a “Menu” tab that can give you a rough idea of what to expect and how much it will cost, but the update aims to expand this functionality and put crowd-sourced reviews at the forefront. Ultimately, the goal is to have detailed menus for each venue, divided into sub-tabs based on popularity and the type of dish.

    Currently, dishes in the “Menu” tab are presented in a simple list form, but in the future, they will appear in card form alongside user-made photos. You will be able to tap on them to see others’ reviews, leave your own, suggest edits, and so on. Google has already started an initial testing phase of the feature. A wider roll-out can probably be expected in the coming months.

    With the implementation of food reviews in Maps, Google has Yelp in its sights. Both apps have long offered similar features, including restaurant reservations and user reviews, but Yelp had the edge when it came to detailed, crowd-sourced food reviews. With Maps adding this feature to its roster, it has the potential of becoming a viable Yelp competitor on all fronts.

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  • Telstra conducting network review after outages

    Telstra conducting network review after outages

    Australia’s Telstra and vendor partners Ericsson, Cisco and Juniper have assembled a team of engineering experts to conduct an end-to-end review of its network after the company experienced three mobile network outages in two months.

    During a recent speech at the CommsDay summit, Telstra Operations COO Kate McKenzie said the company has already implemented changes based on reviews of the network to increase the capacity and path diversity of critical signaling channels.

    The company also plans to shortly augment the capacity of the HLR front end that managers customers’ subscription data.

    While the review is underway, Telstra Operations is working under a heightened awareness plan including requiring executive-level review of any changes planned for the mobile and core IP networks.

    “Our network is resilient and we are determined to get the best advice from around the world to help ensure that it stays that way. Our focus is on ensuring our network is the best available and rebuilding our customers’ trust by meeting their expectations every day,” McKenzie said.

    Telstra has offered its customers two separate free data days as compensation for the outages, including one last Sunday. McKenzie revealed that its mobile customers consumed 2.68Tb of data by the end of the day, three times the amount downloaded on a normal weekday and 46% downloaded during the last free data day in February.

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