Latest news with #Rees
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Sterling gains against a weaker dollar amid Fed credibility worries
June 26(Reuters) - Sterling rose to its highest in nearly four years against the dollar on Thursday, as worries around the credibility of the U.S. Federal Reserve dragged the greenback lower on its fourth consecutive day of losses. The pound was up 0.56% against the dollar at $1.374, after earlier in the session surpassing January 2022 highs to trade at levels not seen since October 2021. "(Sterling) price action is baffling," said Nick Rees, head of macro research at Monex Europe, as it "completely ignores the difficulties facing the UK government". Rees pointed to a brewing rebellion among lawmakers of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour party which he said "is going to torpedo" proposed reforms to the welfare system. Due to ballooning welfare spending, which was on course to top 100 billion pounds by 2030, Labour said in March it planned to cut more than 5 billion pounds from its welfare budget by 2029/30 as it sought to avoid a rise in taxes or borrowing, "neither of which are outcomes that markets are going to like," Rees said. He pointed to late 2022, when British markets were racked by then-Prime Minister Liz Truss's failed "mini-budget", and another drop in sterling and rise in gilts, albeit to a lesser extent, when British finance minister Rachel Reeves announced a tax-and-spend budget in October that investors worried would reignite inflation and weigh on growth. While the euro is set to gain more than 1% over the pound this month, sterling regained some ground in recent days. It was broadly steady against the euro, which was down 0.1% at 85.27 pence. This week, a survey showed Britain's labour market was showing further signs of slowdown, which pointed to below-inflation pay growth and a drop in job vacancies, especially for graduate-level jobs. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey on Tuesday said there were now signs that Britain's labour market was softening and he repeated his view that interest rates were likely to continue falling. Markets see a 64% chance of a rate cut from the BoE in August. Sterling gained more than 2% against the dollar so far this week. "I think once things calm down and markets have a little bit more time to focus on the UK fiscal situation, I think big, big downside risk is building for the pound that could start to play out," Rees said.
Courier-Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Jimmy Rees: Australian comedian on impersonating Donald Trump and Elon Musk and his new tour
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. Having conquered his homeland with three huge, sellout tours in as many years, Australian comedian Jimmy Rees says he'd love to have a crack at the US at some point. But as he prepares to hit the road again later this year with his new, national In Reel Life tour, he admits that now might not be the best time to head Stateside, despite the urging of his management. He has recently added a Meanwhile In America series to his roster of hugely successful YouTube videos, in which he parodies US President Donald Trump as a dancing buffoon with bad wig, his sometime buddy Elon Musk as a gibbering space cadet and Vice President JD Vance as an attack dog with a spiky collar. And with reports of foreigners being denied entry to the US after having their social media scrutinised – not to mention the current Commander In Chief's notoriously thin skin – he thinks his four million followers and hundreds of millions of views of his videos on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram might be a massive red flag. 'It's funny,' he muses from his tour promoter's office in Melbourne, 'My manager's like 'we should go and test out the audience in America'. And I'm, like, 'um, that ship might have sailed, man – I might get stripsearched at the airport'. It's actually funny, that it seriously could happen. It's so bizarre to think.' That said, he's keen to test the waters overseas given that around 40 per cent of his audience comes from outside Australia, mostly from the US, the UK and New Zealand. He's heading across the Ditch for his first shows there as part of the In Reel Life Tour and thinks the best path forward into other markets might be to start small by collaborating with local content creators to test the waters and going from there. Comedian Jimmy Rees is hitting the road this year with his In Reel Life tour. Although some of his content can be very Australia-specific – from the massive Optus outage in 2023 to Tasmanian politics – he like to keep his videos pretty broad so they can travel anywhere. 'I'm trying to make some other relatable things about just normal life,' he says. 'It's about parenting, it's about sport, it's about kids' sport or whatever. Things do cross over to anywhere. But I have made videos about ice hockey and then all the Canadians are like, 'Oh, that's us'.' Rees first came to prominence as Jimmy Giggle, the human half of the ABC TV kids' duo Giggle and Hoot, opposite a blue owl puppet called Hoot. That show finished up in 2020 just before Australia was plunged into Covid lockdowns and Rees took the opportunity to reinvent himself by creating short, funny, homemade videos for an online audience desperate for entertainment. The shared experience of the pandemic provided the impetus for his Meanwhile In Australia series in which he played political figures such as then Prime Minister Scott Morrison and various state premiers including Victoria's Daniel Andrews and racked up huge numbers. He's taken a similar attitude with the Meanwhile In America in as far as sometimes he feels like the Trump circus is the only show in town and – for better or worse – everyone has an opinion. He says he never tries to be malicious given that there's comedy gold to be found – quite literally with the President's new phone – just by having fun with 'an observation of just the things that have happened'. As to the ever present danger of being trolled or cancelled in the comedy world of 2025, Rees says it comes with the territory. Comedian Jimmy Rees satirising the Daniel Andrews press conference. 'I feel like there hasn't been anything else really that's been like this now with Trump,' he says. 'And Musk – who would have predicted he'd be in the government? The way he talks and the way he posts on X and stuff, it's just wild. 'With Trump it's funny actually because the comment section is quite bizarre. It becomes apparent that America's so divided. I'm sure most Americans are like 'can we just dial it down on both sides please?' I'm a bit of a centrist but it's quite funny to play with that. It's just too good.' 'When I post those Meanwhile In America ones, there's definitely comments from far right and far left. And it seems like if you're not on the right, you are automatically a 'left-wokey'. And you're like, 'hang on a second'.' Rees's previous comedy tours have been technical masterclasses, with screens, props and prerecorded material bringing to life audience favourite characters such as The Guy Who Decides, the Byron Baes and the Brighton Ladies. While there will be plenty of such content in the new tour, Rees says he's getting more and more comfortable in the world of more traditional stand-up after feeling like 'an impostor for years'. A recent appearance at a gala show at the Opera House for the Sydney Comedy Festival doing a short set with no props or tricks helped him believe that he belonged alongside his fellow performers, many of whom slogged their way through the stand-up circuit playing to tiny or half-empty rooms as they honed their craft. Jimmy Rees says his experiences on Giggle and Hoot held him in good stead for his current comedy career. 'I kind of skipped that so that was a bit of validation for me,' he says. 'Just in my own brain going, 'Hey, I've plugged seven minutes into a gala with 15 other comedians'.' Looking back on his years with Giggle and Hoot, Rees says it was an invaluable stepping stone for his current comedy career. Not only did it teach him the value of props and sets – and the joy of silliness for its own sake – he was also paying close attention to the technical aspects of filming, lighting, sound and editing. Equally satisfying is seeing some of the kids who used to watch his zany antics with Hoot taking the comedy journey with him, with the audience for his live shows and videos now spanning several generations. 'Those kids are 20-something now and they watch the TikToks and stuff now. It's kind of this bizarre journey – and their parents obviously watched it and knew who I was from Giggle and Hoot and their parents are my age. And then their grandparents would watch it. 'I have a lot of reminiscing from kids who are teens and twenties going, 'Oh man, you put me to bed every night'. They drive past in their car and I feel really old.' Jimmy Rees In Reel Life tours Australian capitals in October and November. Tickets on sale June 30. Dates and details at Originally published as Aussie comedian Jimmy Rees on his new tour, cancel culture and why Trump is too good to ignore
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
More To Come From Mitch Rees
Mitch Rees says his overseas racing endeavours have only just begun. While both the Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200 again feature in his broad ambitions for 2026, the reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion says he is keen to step into endurance racing. The Whakatane Honda dealer is about to return home from the United Kingdom after competing in the world's two major road course events, plus two rounds of the British Superbike Championship. 'It'll be good to see the shop crew again and relax a little. It's been a big 12 months.' He is proud to be fastest newcomer at this year's NW200 and TT – and the fifth fastest TT newcomer of all time. Rees was aboard a Honda CBR1000 stocker run by the famed Yorkshire team Milenco by Padgetts of Batley. 'With the lack of laps due to the weather, it was more about riding and learning the circuit rather than making massive set-up changes,' Rees says. 'You're never going to have a perfect bike around the TT course. 'It has a bit of everything, but towards the end of the event we were making more and more progress. 'Mega thanks to the team, especially Clive Padgett for taking me on. His experience with the event was crucial. 'I can't be disappointed at being fastest newcomer at the Northwest and TT'. Patchy weather during TT fortnight added to Rees' setup challenge. 'We got maybe just three completely dry laps during the whole of the TT.' But nothing has put Rees off making a return to Europe and says opportunities have been presented. 'Doors have opened and there are options. I'm talking to people. 'I've already been offered a supertwin for next year.' He is also keen to explore world endurance racing possibilities. 'It's on the radar. 'It would be cool to do the Suzuka Eight-Hour.' Closer to home, Rees is considering competing in selected rounds of the Australian Superbike series. As for New Zealand, 'I haven't planned anything yet'. He is keen to do the Suzuki Series but 'not sure about the nationals'. However, he says 'nothing is off the table'. Rees points out that his northern hemisphere plans will dictate his New Zealand summer programme and emphasises the importance of preparation. 'Because of the New Zealand championship, I missed those pre-season Northern hemisphere test days this year. 'I now know how important they are.' There is also the need to complete time-consuming paperwork and Rees revealed this year's drawn-out process to complete all the necessary requirements. 'It took over four months to get all the clearances. 'The Isle of Man and the mountain course licence was pretty simple, but racing in Northern Ireland was a whole different matter. 'I only got approval to race the Northwest a week before the event.' Rees jokes he now has all the experience to set himself up as an international road race licence and insurance consultant. He also offers an interesting – and honest – insight into the realities of going racing offshore. 'You have to be winning in your own backyard before going overseas. 'You have to have that experience, otherwise it'll be even harder.' Money, of course, is the vital ingredient in any race venture, and Rees says be prepared to spend. 'I was fortunate with the position I was in, being able to get the opportunity to become part of an existing team.' To set up a NW200/TT venture from New Zealand is a $200,000 exercise, Rees estimates. 'Travel, approvals, buying the bike, setting it up, transport, accommodation ... it all adds up.' Once home, Rees' first track outing will be on July 5 – on a Kayo at the Edgecumbe Domain kart circuit – in memory of his late brother Damon and mateShane Richardson. 'It's a 120-lap memorial ride for Damo and Shane; 92 laps for Damo and 28 forShane. 'It's open to anyone, either as an individual or as part of a team.' There will be more details on social media closer to the date. Rees admits the loss of Richardson at Oulton Park in May cast a dark shadow andeven made him consider his own racing. He had enjoyed catching up with Shane at Oulton where they shared their news, thoughts and plans. 'His death was devastating. He was a mate. We'd spent time together that weekend. 'How do you attack your own racing after that? 'I had doubts but then Damo and Shane would have wanted the best for me.' Rees says the helmet design he later wore was a tribute to both of them, thanks to Vince from Ultimate Grafica.
South Wales Guardian
17-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Cwmamman United secretary given WWFA Life Membership Award
Alun Rees from Cwmamman United Football Club received the West Wales Football Association Life Membership Award. Mr Rees has made a huge contribution to grassroots football over the years. Mr Rees accepted the award at the association's league presentation dinner at the Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.
The Irish Sun
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
My ultra-rare super saloon is notorious for string of infamous robberies that were never solved – it's a 176mph monster
A PETROLHEAD has revealed the secret history of his extremely rare modern classic motor - claiming the model is infamous in some parts of the country. Car enthusiast Paul Rees is a lifelong fan of the iconic Vauxhall Carlton - a nameplate that spanned decades from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. 5 With a top speed of 176 mph, the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton was seen a saloon car with supercar performance Credit: YouTube 5 Paul Rees, a lifelong fan of the Vauxhall Carlton, uncovered the fascinating and notorious history of his ultra-rare Lotus Carlton Credit: YouTube 5 In 1993, the Lotus Carlton gained infamy as the getaway car in a string of daring robberies, leaving police helpless with its unmatched speed and agility Credit: YouTube 5 Notorious for its involvement in unsolved crimes, the Lotus Carlton once outpaced both police patrol cars and even a helicopter during a dramatic crime spree Credit: YouTube 5 Designed with precision and power, the Lotus Carlton featured twin turbos, a charge cooler from the Lotus Esprit, and a reinforced engine block Credit: YouTube But when he bought an ultra-rare Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, a super saloon with a top speed of 176 mph, he was unaware of its notorious past. Speaking in the brilliant 'Cars that made the 90s - Vauxhall Lotus Carlton', which has nearly 850k views on YouTube, Reese said: 'I've been into Carltons all my life, since I was a kid. 'My dad had one, an estate car, and I just loved the feel of the car and what the car was. 'It's supercar performance in a saloon car.' Read more Motors News Delving deep into the car's backstory, Rees was able to uncover a range of interesting facts about how it was made, its design and why it's considered so controversial. 'So it's got a new drive chain, it's got a new differential gearbox, the block was recast, so it was strengthened because the GSi blocks they were testing kept blowing up, kept splitting because of the power ,' he said. 'They stroked the engine to 3.6 - put mold pistons into it, slipper mold pistons, which brought the compression down. 'The cam shafts are the same, the in-depth valves are the same and the lifters, all the hydraulic valves, all the same as a 24 valve GSi. Most read in Motors 'And then they put the two turbos on with a charge cooler from the Lotus Esprit, and that's what you've got in front of you today.' These days, there are only around 105 Carltons left on the road - and Rees has uncovered a malevolent reason why. I bought £13,000 Bentley only to learn it was once owned by legendary TV host of classic 1980s game show He said: 'Because of its top speed and its acceleration, the government and the police decided to get together and try and get the car banned. 'They didn't succeed thankfully, and that's why the car is on the road today.' The car gained particular infamy in 1993, becoming central to a crime that remains unsolved to this day. '40 RA is a Vauxhall Lotus Carlton that was nicked up in the Midlands, West Midlands, by a gang of robbers,' he said. 'The car was actually used in a number of robberies around the West Midlands for several days and was never caught by the police.' This specific Carlton, stolen from Worcestershire, was used by criminals largely due to its wicked speed - which was more than enough to escape the cops. . 'The police only had little Pandas [smaller patrol cars, such as a Rover Metro] which would only top out at 55 to 60 mph. 'And all they saw was this black Lotus Carlton disappearing in the sunset with a boot full of liquor and cigarettes. 'They never ever caught it.' There are even rumours the car was rapid enough to outpace the West Midlands police helicopter. Rees added: 'They were that brazen, they did a burglary literally opposite the police station and still got away. 'It was later found in a canal in Null, where the thieves had dumped it. 'A barge went over it and crushed the roof in, and that's how they found it. 'But the thieves were never ever caught.' Influx, powered by insurance brokers - offers enthusiasts and petrolheads an eclectic mix of the world's finest cars and bikes, plus rarely seen glimpses of the people and cultures behind them.
