RBI to conduct 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under LAF on July 27, 2026

Source: Reserve Bank of India

On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on Monday, July 27, 2026, as under:

Sl. No. Notified Amount
(₹ crore)
Tenor
(day)
Window Timing Date of Reversal
1 75,000 3 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM July 30, 2026
(Thursday)

2. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

Ajit Prasad          
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)    

Press Release: 2026-2027/755

AGNICO EAGLE ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN CADILLAC MINES CORPORATION

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

TORONTO, July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle”) announced today that it has entered into a subscription agreement dated July 23, 2026 (the “Subscription Agreement”) with Cadillac Mines Corporation (“Cadillac”), pursuant to which Agnico Eagle agreed to acquire 8,696,000 common shares of Cadillac (“Common Shares”) at a price of C$6.90 per Common Share for total consideration of C$60,002,400.00(the “Private Placement”). The Private Placement is subject to certain closing conditions, including the closing of Cadillac’s initial public offering of Common Shares (the “IPO”) pursuant to Cadillac’s final long form base PREP prospectus dated July 23, 2026. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about August 5, 2026.

Prior to entering into the Subscription Agreement, Agnico Eagle owned 22,821,028 Common Shares, representing approximately 9.70% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. On closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle is expected to own 31,517,028 Common Shares, representing approximately 11.09% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis after giving effect to the IPO (assuming the issuance of all Common Shares qualified thereunder) and all other security issuances completed by Cadillac concurrently with the Private Placement.

Pursuant to a subscription agreement dated July 25, 2023 between Agnico Eagle and Cadillac, Agnico Eagle is entitled to certain rights, including the right to participate in equity financings in order to maintain its pro rata ownership interest in Cadillac at the time of such financing.

On closing of the IPO, Agnico Eagle will enter into a lock-up agreement in favour of the underwriters of the IPO, pursuant to which it will agree that it will not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the underwriters: (a) offer, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Common Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares (collectively, the “Locked-Up Securities”); (b) make any short sale, engage in any hedging or enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Locked-Up Securities; or (c) agree to or publicly announce any intention to do any of the foregoing, in each case, for a period of 180 days following the closing date of the IPO, subject to certain limited exceptions.

Agnico Eagle is acquiring the Common Shares as part of its strategy of acquiring strategic positions in prospective opportunities with high geological potential. Depending on market conditions, strategic priorities and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares or other securities of Cadillac or dispose of some or all of the Common Shares or other securities of Cadillac that it owns at such time.

An early warning report will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

Investor Relations
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
145 King Street East, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7
Telephone: 416-947-1212
Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. Cadillac’s head office is located at 123 Front Street West, Suite 905, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M2.

About Agnico Eagle

Canadian-based and led, Agnico Eagle is Canada’s largest mining company and the second largest gold producer in the world, operating mines in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. Agnico Eagle is advancing a pipeline of high-quality development projects in these regions to support sustainable growth over the next decade. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release has been prepared as at July 24, 2026. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will” or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to Agnico Eagle’s acquisition of Common Shares pursuant to the Private Placement and expected ownership interest in Cadillac, the closing of the Private Placement and IPO and the agreements to be entered into in connection therewith, and Agnico Eagle’s acquisition or disposition of securities of Cadillac in the future.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Bank of America Increases Common Stock Dividend 14% to $0.32 Per Share

Source: Bank of America

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Bank of America Corporation today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Bank of America common stock of thirty two cents per share, up four cents from the prior quarter, an increase of fourteen percent. The dividend is payable on September 25, 2026 to shareholders of record as of September 4, 2026.

“The increase in our dividend reflects the strength of our earnings, the power of our franchise and our confidence in Bank of America’s ability to drive long-term growth and create value for shareholders,” said Bank of America Chair and C E O Brian Moynihan. “Today’s announcement also reflects our continued commitment to return excess capital to shareholders while supporting economic growth, investing in clients and communities, and maintaining strength and stability through the economic cycle.”

The company also continues to repurchase common stock under a forty billion dollars authorization from the Board of Directors, which has been in effect since August 1, 2025. In the first half of 2026, the company repurchased thirteen point two billion dollars of common stock and paid four billion dollars in dividends. As of June 30, 2026, the current share repurchase program had approximately seventeen billion dollars in common stock repurchases remaining.

Bank of America’s ability to make capital distributions depends, in part, on its ability to maintain regulatory capital levels above minimum capital requirements. The timing and amount of common stock repurchases made pursuant to the Bank of America common stock repurchase program are subject to various factors, including the company’s capital position, liquidity, financial performance and alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, regulatory requirements and general market conditions, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Such repurchases may be effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including repurchase plans that satisfy the conditions of Rule ten b five one of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of one dollar and seventy five cents per share on the seven percent Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B. The dividend is payable on October 23, 2026 to shareholders of record as of October 9, 2026.

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of Bank of America based on available information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “goal” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Bank of America undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.

Forward-looking statements represent Bank of America’s current expectations, plans or forecasts of its future results, revenues, expenses, dividends, efficiency ratio, capital measures, and future business and economic conditions more generally, and other future matters. These statements are not guarantees of its future results or performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond Bank of America’s control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all of the precautionary statements, uncertainties and risks discussed in Bank of America’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (S E C), including in Bank of America’s Current Report on Form eight K dated July 23, 2025, announcing Bank of America’s common stock repurchase program, under Item one A. "Risk Factors" of Bank of America’s Annual Report on Form ten K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in any of Bank of America’s other subsequent S E C filings.

Samsung India Announces Exciting Pre-order Offers For The New Galaxy Ultra2 and Watch9

Source: Samsung

Samsung has announced that the newest additions its Watch lineup, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in India. Both models are designed to support 24/7 wearability and continuous health monitoring. They convert health data into actionable guidance across sleep, activity, cardiovascular health and recovery.

“Our goal is to harness the power of AI to create a future where healthcare is preventive, continuous, and tailored to individual needs. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 embody this vision, offering advanced health tracking features that act as a reliable companion for users, providing proactive insights and timely alerts to support their health journey,” said Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 targets outdoor athletes

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Samsung’s most capable smartwatch to date, is aimed at users who spend significant time outdoors or participate in endurance sports. It combines rugged construction with specialised tracking modes for activities including trail running and diving.

The new Trail Run feature measures elevation, climbing progress and terrain impact to help runners manage their pace. Nutrition Alert, a new addition to the existing Sweat Loss feature, estimates hydration needs by measuring sweat loss relative to body weight.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 also adds professional diving support. Rated IP69K, 10 ATM and EN13319 certified, the watch automatically records depth, dive time and water temperature when submerged. Through the Ultra2 Diving app (expected to be available later this year), developed with Mares—the world’s leading diving equipment brand—it also provides dive metrics including ascent and descent speed and safe dive time limits.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 features an 800mAh battery, representing a 35% increase in capacity over the previous Ultra model. It is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Elite platform and introduces a display capable of up to 5000 nits of peak brightness for improved visibility outdoors.

The watch retains its shock-resistant titanium construction while introducing a slimmer design; internal re-engineering has reduced thickness by 12% compared with the previous generation despite the larger battery.

Softer, lighter bands are designed to improve comfort during continuous wear. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will be available in a 47mm size in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray.

Galaxy Watch9 focuses on everyday health

The Galaxy Watch9 is designed as Samsung’s everyday smartwatch, with an emphasis on comfort, long battery life and continuous health tracking.

The watch uses an aluminium case while retaining Samsung’s cushion-shaped design. A revised fit and interchangeable soft-touch bands are intended to improve comfort during extended wear.

The Galaxy Watch9 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite platform and includes a 390mAh battery in the 40mm variant and a 445mAh in the 44mm variant for day-long operation. Its display reaches up to 3000 nits of brightness, making it easier to view information in bright conditions.

The watch will be available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The 40mm model comes in Graphite and Cream, while the 44mm version is offered in Graphite and Silver.

AI expands health monitoring

Samsung has added a new generation of AI-powered health features across both watches. Biosensors continuously collect lifestyle and biometric data, while AI models convert that information into practical health guidance.

The new capabilities build on Samsung’s preventive health approach by combining everyday health data with clinical research conducted with world-renowned universities and medical institutions. New features include:

Vitals, which monitors a user’s health baseline during sleep and alerts them to significant changes.

Heart Health Score, which provides a cardiovascular wellness score together with personalised lifestyle recommendations.

Daily Cardio Load, which helps users manage workout intensity and recovery.

Fitness Index, which offers a broader assessment of physical strength and fitness with personalised goals.

Hearing, which alerts users to potentially unsafe noise levels and provides hearing reports.

These features are designed to help users better understand their health and make informed decisions based on long-term trends rather than isolated measurements.

New band options

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 receives a dedicated range designed for different outdoor activities:

Marine Band for water sports and demanding outdoor conditions.

Peakform Band, a hybrid-material option that balances elegance with athletic performance.

Trail Band, a breathable fabric band designed for running and other endurance activities.

The Galaxy Watch9 gains a broader range of lifestyle-focused bands:

Sports Band for everyday fitness and general use.

Misty Band, made from soft silicone with a two-tone finish.

Fabric Band, designed for lightweight comfort, including overnight wear.

Price and Availability

ModelSizeConnectivityColoursPrice/UnitGalaxy Watch Ultra247mmLTETitanium Silver and Titanium GrayINR 64,999Galaxy Watch940mmLTEGraphite and CreamINR 41,99940mmBTGraphite and CreamINR 37,99944mmLTEGraphite and SilverINR 44,99944mmBTGraphite and SilverINR 40,999

Offers

Pre-order benefit worth INR 1500; redeemable on Samsung accessories only.

ModelMultibuy Offer*ORUpgrade OffersORBCB OffersANDNBFC EMIORBank EMIGalaxy Watch Ultra2INR 9500 Multibuy OfferINR 3500 Upgrade OfferINR 3500 BCB OfferUp to 24M NCEMI with 0 Down-PaymentUp to 24M NCEMI with 0 Down-PaymentGalaxy Watch9 44MMINR 6500 Multibuy OfferINR 2500 Upgrade OfferINR 2500 BCB OfferGalaxy Watch9 40MMINR 6000 Multibuy OfferINR 2500 Upgrade OfferINR 2500 BCB Offer

*Discounts when purchased with the all-new Galaxy Z and Galaxy S series smartphones 

ICC expresses deep concern over new US Section 301 tariffs

Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: ICC expresses deep concern over new US Section 301 tariffs

ECB to extend use of climate factors in Eurosystem collateral framework to non-financial corporate credit claims

Source: European Central Bank

24 July 2026

  • Climate factor extension to protect Eurosystem against potential decline in collateral value due to climate-related transition shocks
  • Measure complements existing risk control framework and increases resilience of monetary policy implementation
  • Implementation by end-2027 at earliest, with climate factor values updated annually

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to extend the use of climate factors in the Eurosystem collateral framework to certain eligible credit claims whose debtor is a non-financial corporation. The extension is designed to further strengthen the Eurosystem’s risk management framework by addressing financial uncertainties related to the green transition. The measure builds on the introduction of a climate factor for marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations and their affiliated entities, which was approved in July 2025 and became effective on 15 June 2026.

Collateral pledged by counterparties in Eurosystem refinancing operations may be exposed to unexpected climate-related transition shocks, such as changes in climate policy, technological developments, shifts in consumer behaviour, litigation and broader macroeconomic adjustments. These factors may affect the value of collateral, including credit claims, at times when the Eurosystem might need to liquidate such assets.

The higher the sensitivity of the collateral to climate uncertainties, the greater the reduction applied to its collateral value. The climate factor will be based on an asset-level uncertainty score comprising three elements: a sector-level stressor derived from the latest Eurosystem climate stress test, the debtor’s exposure to transition-related uncertainties and the residual maturity of the credit claim. The Eurosystem may rely on sector-level data, or alternative data suited to assess the risks in question, where industry-level or debtor-level data are unavailable.

The maximum additional reduction in the final collateral value, including both bonds and credit claims, will be 5%. Climate factors for individual credit claims will not be publicly disclosed.

This measure is expected to be implemented at the earliest by the end of 2027. Climate factor values will be updated annually, following the same process as for non-financial corporate bonds, to incorporate the latest available climate-related data.

For media queries, please contact William Lelieveldt, tel.: +49 170 2279090.

Secretary-General of ASEAN attends Ministerial-Level conference of High Contracting Parties marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), in Manila, the Philippines, as part of the commemorative activities marking the Treaty’s 50th anniversary.

Bringing together ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ministerial-level representatives of the High Contracting Parties to the TAC, the Conference underscored the Treaty’s enduring relevance and growing global appeal over the past five decades. It reaffirmed the collective commitment of the High Contracting Parties to uphold the purposes and principles of the TAC and provided a platform to exchange views on strengthening cooperation in support of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends Ministerial-Level conference of High Contracting Parties marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

ECB to start implementing enhanced repo facility for central banks

Source: European Central Bank

24 July 2026

  • Eurosystem has started onboarding process of non-euro area central banks to enhanced repo facility (EUREP), with drawings possible as of Q4 2026
  • EUREP to be implemented by five national central banks and coordinated by the ECB

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today decided on the operational features and onboarding for the enhanced EUREP announced on 14 February. The new facility supports the smooth transmission of monetary policy and also reinforces the international role of the euro. It will be operated by five national central banks (the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank) under the coordination of the ECB.

Onboarded central banks will receive euro liquidity in the form of loans against high-quality euro-denominated collateral, priced at the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate plus a spread set by the Governing Council to preserve the backstop character of the facility. The maturity of a single transaction will range from one day to one week and may be extended. The maximum line size per individual central bank is EUR 50 billion. Appropriate risk mitigants are in place to adequately protect the Eurosystem.

The enhanced facility provides standing access and is in principle open to all central banks and monetary authorities outside the euro area, unless excluded on the grounds of, in particular, money laundering, terrorist financing or sanctions. Onboarded central banks can use EUREP funds flexibly, without ex ante restrictions. After completing the onboarding process, central banks will be able to draw from the facility as of Q4 2026.

The ECB will publish the total daily amount of liquidity provided under EUREP and swap lines every week.

For media queries, please contact Clara Martín Marqués, tel.: +49 69 1344 17919.

Notes

Results of the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters for the third quarter of 2026

Source: European Central Bank

24 July 2026

  • Headline inflation expectations broadly unchanged, core inflation expectations revised up for 2026 only
  • Real GDP growth expectations revised down for 2026 and 2027, remained unchanged for 2028 and revised down slightly in the longer term
  • Unemployment rate expectations revised up slightly for 2027 and 2028

Respondents’ expectations for headline inflation, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), stood at 2.7% for 2026, 2.2% for 2027 and 2.0% for 2028. Compared with the previous round, these expectations were unchanged for 2026 and 2028 and revised up by 0.1 percentage points for 2027. Expectations for HICP inflation excluding food and energy (HICPX) stood at 2.4% for 2026, 2.2% for 2027 and 2.1% for 2028. These expectations for 2026 were revised up by 0.2 percentage points, in line with the latest available data, bringing them closer to the June 2026 Eurosystem staff projections, while expectations for 2027 and 2028 were unchanged. Longer-term expectations (for 2031) remained at 2.0% for both headline and HICPX inflation. Responses to a special question on to the war in the Middle East suggested limited expected indirect and second-round effects, which were concentrated in 2026. For inflation, the balance of risks was tilted somewhat to the upside in 2026 and more balanced thereafter.

Respondents expected real GDP growth of 0.6% in 2026, 1.2% in 2027 and 1.3% in 2028. Expectations were revised down by 0.4 percentage points for 2026 and by 0.1 percentage points for 2027 compared with the previous survey, and were unchanged for 2028. Longer-term growth expectations (for 2031) were revised down by 0.1 percentage points to 1.2%.

Unemployment rate expectations were slightly higher. Respondents expected the unemployment rate to stand at 6.3% in 2026 and 2027, before declining to 6.2% in 2028 and 6.1% in the longer term.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Vijitha Herath, M.P., in Manila, Philippines, on the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-Sri Lanka relations and exchanged views on ways to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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