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Fox Resorts Triumphs at Sri Lanka Tourism AwardsNEW YORK & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- Macquarie Asset Management is pleased to announce the publication of its Outlook 2025 , providing perspectives on the themes set to influence the investment landscape and performance of key asset classes for the year ahead. In Outlook 2025, “Plan for growth, prepare for volatility,” Macquarie Asset Management outlines its expectations that global growth will remain healthy, driven by the resilience of the developed world consumer. 2024 has been another year of strong returns for investors, with the classic 60/40 portfolio 1 returning 18.2% this year after delivering 13.3% in 2023. 2 Key to this better return environment has been inflation developments, with headline inflation rates across the developed world nearing 2%, allowing central banks to normalise monetary policies. While conditions are constructive, we maintain our longer-term view that we have transitioned to a ‘new normal’ where neutral rates are likely to remain elevated relative to the past decade. At the same time, GDP growth has remained robust, with the US economy continuing its above-trend growth and the Euro area and UK economies seeing solid domestic demand and GDP growth after a challenging 2023. Understanding the likelihood of structural changes in the global economy, driven by the trend towards de-globalization and geopolitical developments remains crucial, in our view, to successful investing over the next decade or more. Many of these factors will be in play next year, but short-term ‘return to normal’ dynamics are also likely to play an important role and will be crucial determinants of returns in 2025. Ben Way, Group Head of Macquarie Asset Management, said: “This year’s Outlook report reflects our view that financial conditions will continue to normalise in 2025. The past year demonstrated the skill of policy makers in navigating the post COVID inflationary surge as well as the resilience of financial markets, leading to strong returns for investors in listed markets. Political challenges to incumbency and subsequent changes in governments and policy, combined with elevated geopolitical tensions globally, contrast with a more constructive outlook for the global economy in 2025.” Global Real Estate: A beneficiary of falling interest rates and healthy growth Real estate as an asset class has historically been highly sensitive to interest rates and is expected to be one of the sectors that benefits most from lower rates over the next 12-24 months. Furthermore, real estate returns generally correlate strongly with economic growth. Overall, the combination of lower interest rates and robust, possibly accelerating, global growth is likely to be particularly powerful for this asset class. Infrastructure: Well-balanced between defensiveness and growth Our data indicates that valuations may have stabilized, and we anticipate multiples to rise with declining interest rates. Strong GDP growth should boost earnings, leading to total returns of 11-12%, above the long-term average but consistent with past periods of falling interest rates and accelerating growth. It is worth noting that with particularly strong tailwinds behind data centres and financing conditions expected to improve in 2025, we believe the digital infrastructure sector is poised for an especially dynamic year ahead. Listed Equities Falling interest rates and robust GDP growth form a generally positive backdrop for global equity markets. However, we’ve seen equity market performance disconnect from macroeconomic fundamentals many times over the past few years, making it ever more important to assess markets granularly. While earnings multiples are elevated in certain pockets of the market, the equity risk premium currently sits comfortably at its long-term average, suggesting equity investors should still get rewarded for taking additional risk in this cycle. Despite higher interest rates making fixed income assets more attractive, global equities still offer many opportunities; and with policy expected to be volatile and geopolitical developments likely impacting returns, 2025 is a year where experienced and thoughtful active asset managers can add significant value for investors. Global debt and credit markets: Central bank easing cycle to provide support In the second half of 2024, bond markets improved materially as inflation moderated and central banks began normalising monetary policies. Looking ahead, since a substantial degree of central bank easing has already been factored into most rates markets and credit spreads have tightened, the potential for aggressive price gains is more limited, although absolute returns should still be healthy by historical standards. Access Outlook 2025 To explore these insights and more in detail, please access the full report here . About Macquarie Asset Management Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager, integrated across public and private markets. Trusted by institutions, governments, foundations and individuals to manage approximately $US633.7 billion in assets, we provide a diverse range of investment solutions including real assets, real estate, credit and equities & multi-asset. Macquarie Asset Management is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory, and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity and commodities. Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group employs over 20,600 people in 34 markets and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. All figures as at 30 September 2024. Important Notices (Macquarie Asset Management): None of the entities noted in this media release is an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia) and the obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (Macquarie Bank). Macquarie Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities. In addition, if this media release relates to an investment (a) each investor is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested and (b) none of Macquarie Bank or any other Macquarie Group company guarantees any particular rate of return on or the performance of the investment, nor do they guarantee repayment of capital in respect of the investment. The performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. 1 Portfolio consisting of 60% equities (represented by S&P 500 Index) and 40% bonds (represented by 10-year US Treasuries). 2 Based on Robert Shiller online data, through 1 November 2024. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202158916/en/ CONTACT: Rachel Waxman Rachel.Waxman@macquarie.com +1-310-800-4512 KEYWORD: NEW YORK EUROPE UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Macquarie Asset Management Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:58 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:58 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202158916/enNew Merrillville BMV near U.S. 30 and Broadway opens FridayPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Erik Reynolds II's 22 points helped Saint Joseph's defeat Delaware State 76-58 on Saturday. Reynolds shot 6 of 16 from the field, including 4 for 13 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Hawks (9-4). Rasheer Fleming scored 13 points and added 14 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Dasear Haskins had 12 points and shot 6 for 12, including 0 for 5 from beyond the arc. Kaseem Watson finished with 23 points and three steals for the Hornets (7-7). Martez Robinson added 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Delaware State. Muneer Newton also had 10 points and six rebounds. Saint Joseph's took the lead with 15:43 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 33-20 at halftime, with Reynolds racking up eight points. Saint Joseph's outscored Delaware State by five points over the final half, while Reynolds led the way with a team-high 14 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .
From hidden gnomes to a paw print walk, there are plenty of fun family things to do in and around Mansfield, Victoria, once the stomping ground of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang. Tucked away in the shadows of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling and near Lake Eildon and Lake Nillahcootie, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne and a great holiday destination. Here are nine fun things to do. Mansfield Zoo Hands-on animal care... Mansfield Zoo. Credit: Tourism North East Watch cute meerkats scamper around and you can help feed friendly deer and kangaroos at the Mansfield Zoo, which was opened by Bronwen Wilson and David Murphy, in 2000. Spread over 12 hectares with views of the pretty Delatite Valley, it is home to more than 200 exotic and native animals. Two white lions, brothers Djuma and Matimba, rule here and in school holidays and weekends feeding time is 1.30pm daily. Picnic or barbecue in the grounds and roll out your swag or tent from September to May and sleep under the stars, serenaded by animal choruses. See mansfieldzoo.com.au Mansfield Maze Planted in 2016, today the maze is thriving. Hidden gnomes, intriguing pixie faces and fairy crossings feature at the Mansfield High Country Gallery, Gardens and Maze. Planted in 2006 in a bare paddock, the thriving maze survived six tough years of drought and now has hedging reaching more than two metres – it’s the perfect place to get lost in. Present owners Nicky Goudberg and Tony Pridham – an awarded wildlife and bird artist and nephew of the famous artist Sidney Nolan, have opened an art gallery and cafe with grazing platters and sweet treats. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy in a shaded lawn area. See highcountrymaze.com.au Mansfield Botanic Park Fancy a game of hide and seek in the gardens or maybe jump on the dual flying fox at the new kids’ park, where native and introduced trees flourish. Fords Creek meanders by and there’s a water park for those hot days. Skateboarders of all ages will love the nearby Mansfield Skatepark with its roll-ins, quarter pipes, ledges, a metal non -vert half pipe and curved and straight rails plus a climbing wall – some of which is in the shade. Rail Trail Mullum Wetlands at Mansfield Rail Trail. Cyclists of all ages are well catered for with many trails – the Great Victorian Rail Trail stretches 134 kilometres from Tallarook to Mansfield, taking in some beautiful high country. You can tackle a small section of the trail and e-bikes can be hired in Mansfield. The trail passes through the Trawool Valley and the towns of Yea, Alexandra, Yarck and Bonnie Doon. Highlights include the Cheviot Tunnel and Bonnie Doon Bridge spanning Lake Eildon. Watch out for beautiful birdlife, pretty farmland and stands of ancient red gums. See greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au Jamieson Paw Walk The tiny town of Jamieson, a former gold mining haven, about 30 minutes from Mansfield has a 2.8-kilometre Paw Prints Walk. Follow the cute paw prints for a fun and educational treasure hunt through the beautiful town beside the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers. Pick up a map and questionnaire at the Jamieson Caravan Park reception and follow the blue paw prints along the river and up into the bush while learning about local wildlife. It takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on age, walking speed and snack breaks. Suitable for families with children aged five years and over. Picnic Pick up a hamper laden with local goodies from The Produce Store in Mansfield – the store dates back to 1895 and has been a furniture auction room and a greengrocer, now it showcases the best and freshest locally made produce and is great for a meal or treat. Great picnic spots include Bracks Bridge, about 20 minutes from Mansfield, which has shallow water and rock pools. There are picnic tables and lots of shade. Mirimbah Park is another favourite spot with shallow waters of the Delatite River and there’s a barbecue and playground. BullerRoo Lush vistas at BullerRoo Luxury Chalet. Help feed the cutest miniature pygmy goats called Misty, Tassie and Mr Tipples, plus some friendly alpacas at BullerRoo that offers a slick two-bedroom chalet style retreat with stunning vistas of Mount Buller, The Paps, the rolling Barwite Valley and the Broken River. Located 15 minutes from Mansfield, it’s set on nine hectares and there’s also the cute colonial-style Stone Cottage House that sleeps six, set in established gardens. Spy on birds, kangaroos, wombats and deer and you can throw in a line in the nearby river where trout hide. See bullerroo.com.au Gnomes Roam and House Credit: Tourism North East Catch a glimpse of those cute gnomes on the Mount Buller Road where there’s a Gnomes Crossing sign then continue to the Mount Buller Gnome House. Kids can even leave a letter for the gnomes in a special letterbox. Pick up a self-guided tour of the Mount Buller gnomes’ life on the mountain and learn about their favourite places to play and all about gnome life. Gnome stickers are available at the Alpine Centre. In the footsteps of bushrangers Ned Kelly and his gang roamed the Mansfield area – three policemen killed at Stringybark Creek are buried in Mansfield Cemetery. There is also an impressive marble monument to them in the main street which was funded by public donation. The proclamation resulting in the Gang members being declared outlaws was made from the steps of the Mansfield Courthouse on 15 November 1878. And there’s more Test your putting skills at Mansfield mini-golf. Mansfield also has mini golf, a movie theatre, bike tracks and art galleries. The Mansfield Lantern Festival, celebrating the longest night of the year, is held each June (June 21 in 2025), with a light parade, stalls and entertainment. See mansfieldlanternfestival.com.au The writer was a guest of Victoria’s High Country. How we travel Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Mansfield Victoria Australia Sue Wallace is an Albury-based freelance travel writer who loves writing about country ventures, luxury stays, cruising and dining and the journeys to get there. Most viewed on Traveller LoadingNo one likes spam calls. No one enjoys being interrupted in the middle of dinner to hear about car insurance, to take part in a survey or to hear dead air on the other end of the phone. What can you do about it? As it turns out, there's quite a bit. There's good news here. You don't have to stand idly by and accept spam calls as a part of life. You can actually stave them off with one very simple solution, and that means kissing "Possible Spam" (without any legitimate name, of course) goodbye. And who hasn't wanted to do that in their lifetime? We've got the details on exactly what you need to do to banish spam calls forever, once and for all. For more, here are five signs your information is on the dark web and seven tips to keep your phone secure . The number of scam calls can't be that bad, can it? It sounds like I'm being overly dramatic, but everyone I know is dealing with scam calls. It's not just anecdotal: Voice security company Hiya has numbers to back it up. Based on an analysis of 221 billion phone calls made during 2023 and surveys of thousands of people, US consumers received an average of eight spam calls per week, Hiya found. Of those who reported falling for scams, the average amount of money lost was $2,257, a 527% increase over the previous year. Money-grabbing schemes aren't the only issue. AI is being used to impersonate influential people on calls to sway behavior. In this US election year, the Federal Communications Commission has already banned AI-powered robocalls following an incident where a Texas company created a robocall impersonating President Joe Biden telling Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire primary; the FCC proposed a $6 million fine for the incident. So what's being done to reduce scam calls? In 2021, the FCC mandated that a technology called Stir/Shaken be adopted by every major voice provider in the US. It requires them to verify where calls originate to accurately identify them for Caller ID. Congress has also passed legislation aimed at making the carriers track their anti-robocall efforts . In December 2023, the FCC adopted new rules to add teeth to its existing policies by making it more difficult for telemarketers to blast unwanted calls and texts to consumers. The problem is that these technologies and regulations designed to mitigate scam calls are not adequate. Margot Saunders , senior counsel at the National Consumer Law Center , reiterated this fact. "We have been maintaining for some time that Stir/Shaken is not working to ensure accurate caller ID (which is all it is designed to do), because voice service providers are able to rent thousands of phone numbers to telemarketers and scammers that allow the callers to technically comply with Stir/Shaken without revealing meaningful or accurate caller ID," Saunders said. "The numbers of unwanted calls are about the same as they have been for years." Although Saunders believes the FCC's December 2023 change will make a big difference in the number of telemarketing calls, "it does not go into effect until early 2025, and it will take a while for the litigation to have a beneficial impact," she said. "Most telemarketing calls are made on behalf of US corporations, and only the threat of costly litigation is likely to reduce these calls." You know where this is going with unwanted calls You can do all sorts of things to try to reduce spam calls , from installing third-party call screening apps to activating scam blocking services offered by your phone's maker or wireless carriers -- some of which require an extra fee, making that "solution" even more painful. The FCC takes a different approach to dealing with spam calls . It relies more on what you shouldn't do and less on what scam-blocking services may be able to do. Don't answer your phone. That's it. That's the answer. So how do you know that a call is suspicious? Easy: Assume they all are. Unless the Caller ID identifies a person in your phone's contacts list, or you recognize the number (does anyone memorize phone numbers anymore?), assume the call is a scammer. Just answering a suspicious call with "Hello" can open the floodgates for more scam calls because that tells the scammer there's a human behind your number and, even more importantly, that this human answers their phone. The number may then be sold to other companies. That's a nihilistic approach to phone calls, I know. The volume of robocalls is so high that an incoming call is more likely to be spam. As I said, scammers have ruined phone calls. Send calls to voicemail So the solution is to just ignore every call? What about your doctor's office calling you back to schedule a checkup -- do you need to add every phone number and extension they use to your contacts? What if a friend's phone battery dies and they use someone else's phone to call you to get a ride? Won't important calls be ignored? There's a narrow ray of light in the telephony darkness. Unless the call is from someone you know, let it go straight to voicemail . The best method is to let it ring, since even actively declining the call might be enough to alert scammers they have a live number. On the iPhone and Android, press the Sleep/Wake button once to stop it ringing on your end -- the caller will continue to hear rings until the call is automatically sent to voicemail. With voicemail on most phones, you can see a list of pending messages, often with a rough voice transcription for each one. I can tell at a glance that the unknown callers leaving 4-second messages are most likely scammers, and anything longer than that I can skim without listening to the full message. You can even bypass the disruption of getting the call. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn on the Silence Unknown Callers switch. Anyone not in your contacts, list of outgoing calls or Siri Suggestions goes to voicemail without ringing the phone. Android phones have a similar feature called Filter Spam Calls located in the Phone app's settings, or a Call Screen feature, depending on the device. You can also screen a call without picking up on some devices. With Apple's Live Voicemail feature in iOS 17 and later, ignore the incoming call and then tap the Voicemail button on the lock screen if the caller hasn't hung up. While they leave their message, iOS transcribes it in real-time, and you can break in and talk to the person if it's a call you need to take. Live Voicemail is a nifty new call screening tool for the iPhone. On Android, Google Call Screen uses Google Assistant to answer the call, interact with the caller and create a real-time transcript. At Google I/O 2024 , the company demonstrated a next-generation variant of this feature, which relies on its AI tool Gemini to listen to a call you're on and pop up alerts if it seems to be a scam call. A new Google feature could warn phone people if a certain call is trying to scam them out of money. Still, these features are unlikely to make a meaningful dent in the overall problem. "We believe these tools are not useful for several reasons," Saunders said, pointing out that only knowledgeable and careful consumers are likely to use them and that the privacy implications of this type of live monitoring are potentially enormous. "The best way to stop the illegal calls," Saunders said, "is to punish the providers who originate and transmit them. This point has been made time and again to the FCC." Seriously, stop answering your phone Look, I want to believe there's a technical way out of this mess. Some conversations really are better over the phone, without the potential for misunderstanding via texting or the need to look half-human on a video call. As long as scam calls entrap people profitably, scammers will also ratchet up their techniques (like creating AI voices that mimic a friend or family member). We can make it harder for the scammers to succeed by doing the simplest thing. Just don't answer your phone. For more security advice, here's how to protect your data on Wi-Fi and how to delete your data from the internet .