Markets

Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, the second Sphere-Class ship, has embarked on its inaugural 11-day Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. The 177,800-ton ship accommodates 4,300 guests and features 30 dining and bar venues, enhanced entertainment including original shows and immersive illusions in Spellbound by Magic Castle, luxurious accommodations, and a premium liquor collection. Following the Mediterranean voyages, the Star Princess will sail to Fort Lauderdale for its Caribbean season and official naming ceremony in November 2025 before a summer season in Alaska.

Kroger has voluntarily recalled its Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad in multiple states due to potential *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination of pasta from a supplier. The recall affects products sold under various Kroger banners from deli and self-service cases. *Listeria* can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable populations. Customers are advised to return affected products for a full refund. Kroger has removed the recalled products and notified customers.

Celanese Corporation will showcase new materials, digital services, and expanded capabilities at the K Show (October 8-15). Key highlights include the enhanced Chemille® Digital Assistant, an AI-powered tool for material selection, and new specialty materials for automotive, connectivity, and consumer applications. Sustainable solutions like low carbon POM ECO-C and recycled content Fortron® PPS ECO-R will also be featured. Celanese emphasizes collaboration and customer-centric innovation to address design challenges and promote sustainability across diverse industries. Visitors can explore these innovations at Hall 6/D02.

Waraba Gold (WARAD) executed an 18:1 share consolidation on October 3, 2025, reducing outstanding shares from 168,403,338 to approximately 9,355,808. The company’s CUSIP and ISIN are now 93401G203 and 93401G2036, respectively, while the name and trading symbol remain unchanged. Fractional shares were rounded up. Exercise/conversion prices for convertible securities were proportionately adjusted. Endeavor Trust Corp mailed transmittal letters to registered shareholders; beneficial holders should contact their brokers with questions. Information is available on SEDAR+.

Bank of Hawai‘i Corporation (NYSE: BOH) will release its Q3 2025 financial results before market open on October 27, 2025, followed by a conference call at 2:00 p.m. ET. The call and presentation will be available on the investor relations section of their website, with a webcast replay accessible for one year. A quarterly dividend was declared for Series A (BOH.PRA) and Series B (BOH.PRB) preferred stock, payable November 3, 2025, to shareholders of record on October 17, 2025. The dividends reflect the bank’s financial stability.

QVC Group, Inc. will release its third-quarter 2025 financial results on November 5th, before the market opens. Following the release, a conference call will be held at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the results. The call can be accessed via phone (confirmation code 13748879) or a live webcast on the investor relations website, where an archived replay will also be available. QVC Group is a major live social shopping company with six retail brands and a global reach through television and digital channels like QVC+ and HSN+.

Willis (WTW) reports a shift toward stability and buyer opportunity in the commercial insurance market (Oct 3, 2025). Driven by industry surplus capital exceeding $1 trillion and reinsurance capacity over $725 billion, property renewals fell 5.5% (Q1) and 8% (Q2). Workers’ Compensation benefits from a $16 billion reserve surplus. AI adoption is accelerating underwriting. However, annual insured catastrophe losses > $100 billion and systemic risks like cyber or climate events could reverse these gains.

Smith+Nephew’s ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE dressing is shown to absorb 93% of mechanical energy, significantly reducing shear forces that cause pressure injuries, a $26.8 billion US problem. Peer-reviewed data (Int Wound J, 2025) validates this with Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) testing and Finite Element Modelling (FEM), improving FEAE from 30-45% (ALLEVYN LIFE). A US launch is planned for late 2025, followed by a global rollout in 2026.

Goldrea Resources (GORAF) announced an option agreement on Sept 29, 2025, to acquire 70% of Hanstone Gold’s Snip North property in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle. The 3,400-hectare property, adjacent to Goldrea’s Cannonball holdings, could expand Goldrea’s land to 8,500 hectares. The earn-in requires $1.25M in exploration over four years. Goldrea will be the initial operator of a joint venture upon completion and has allocated $100,000 to maintain the property through Nov 30, 2026.

Alto Neuroscience’s ALTO-101, a novel PDE4 inhibitor, received FDA Fast Track designation for treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS), a condition with no approved treatments. Phase 1 data showed ALTO-101 improved EEG measures and cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. A Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in CIAS patients is ongoing. The Fast Track designation allows for more frequent FDA communication and potential accelerated approval. Alto uses a Precision Psychiatry Platform to identify patients most likely to respond to their therapies.