Regulatory legislation such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been the driving force behind food manufacturers and packagers taking a closer look at their conveyor systems to ensure compliance and hygienic standards are making the grade.

Key manufactures conveyors and other equipment in both the U.S. and Europe, supports customers worldwide through its extensive sales and SupportPro service network and offers integration services, from pre-engineering to line start-up.

No manufacturer can afford to stand idle, so one expert suggests several critical design considerations to keep in mind before deciding on a conveying solution.

In addition to its vast portfolio of conveyance solutions, Sentry manufactures a wide array of packaging equipment, including case and bulk palletizing, de-palletizing, and robotic systems. 

As the packaging process becomes increasingly automated, a key area of focus for suppliers has been conveyors. One challenge is hygiene. Several companies are taking steps to mitigate this issue.

Although the CIP process is very effective, streamlining its automation and simplifying the process for all of a facility’s tubular drag conveyors has been a priority for leading innovators in the industry.

Dorner and Garvey, both Columbus McKinnon brands, recently showcased the AquaGard GT Conveyor at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.

A variety of conveyor technologies were implemented to smoothly transport beverage cans between different processing machines in the line. 

Descon Integrated Conveyor Solutions is a prominent provider of integrated conveyor systems for the food and beverage industry.

Emmepi Group says the objective of the acquisition is to further increase its geographic manufacturing footprint, enhancing its ability to offer a totally integrated solution, aligning with the demands of customers globally.

In this interview, Niels van den Boogert and Bobby Bauman of AMMEGA discuss CPG firms’ evolving conveyor needs as warehouses and distribution centers become increasingly automated.

Visitors to Dynamic Conveyor’s booth will be able to see the S Series in action during the event, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

SideDrive Conveyor provides sanitary spiral and long-run transferless conveyors for virtually any application.

The new technology will enable producers, retailers and consumers to tell in real time whether the contents of a sealed food package are contaminated.

The METTLER TOLEDO C35 AdvancedLine Checkweigher is designed to deliver precise weighing results on a stable weighing platform resistant to high-pressure washdown and most caustic detergents.

AV Print Inspector offers whole-label inspection, including image matching, code reading and color detection, at speeds up to 80 meters/minute.

Techlan, with the help of ISRA Vision, developed its Re-Liner, a silicone release material that is 100% recycled, and can be reused up to 10 times in a circular system.

Swiss packaging firm explains how the BOBST DIT 106 for folding carton integrated effortlessly into the company’s existing quality assurance system.

In this article, Domino’s Ben Ginesi offers his perspective on how digital corrugated printing stacks up against flexographic and lithographic printing.

Companies like Digimarc, Wipak, Inovar and Domino are demonstrating how advancements in coding, marking and printing are facilitating recycling efforts, lowering costs for brand managers, making it easier to hire qualified equipment operators, and more.

Owned and operated by seasoned industry experts, APC boasts one of the largest teams of knowledgeable employees and support technicians of any graphics equipment distributor in the Northeast, Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Registration Now Open for Destinations International Fall 2024 Conferences: Advocacy Summit, Social Inclusion Summit and Business Operations Summit dbreisch@desti… Wed, 07/10/2024 - 18:22

Fed's Waller is speaking but makes no comment on monetary or economic policy in his prepared remarks.

He does say:

• private sector best suited to innovate on payment systems
• Fed ready to support private innovation, mindful of financial stability.
• Government should have clear objective when providing financial services.
• There are times when government can address market inefficiencies
• Still does not see case for Fed digital dollar

Perhaps he will comment on monetary policy/the economy in a Q&A later.

Looking ahead at

• 10:15 AM ET, Richmond and President Barkin is speaking (he speaks at 5:30 PM ET as well).
• 2 PM, Minneapolis Fed Pres. Kashkari speaking and at
• 5 PM Philadelphia Fed Pres. Harker is scheduled to speak

Richmond Fed Pres. parking is speaking and says:

• Fed is in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy involves.
• US economy looks pretty good
• Labor market is resilient.
• From here, labor market mighty be fine or may continue to weaken.
• Inflation might be coming under control or might risk getting stuck above Fed 2% target.
• Feds focus may turn to upside inflation risks or to downside employment risks, depending on how economy develops.

The market is pricing a 65% chance of a 25 basis point cut in December. That is down over the last week or so (it was in the high 70%s last week).

US yields are higher but off their highest levels:

• 2-year 4.314%, +6.1 basis points
• 5-year 4.269%, +7.6 basis points
• 10-year 4.370%, +6.3 basis points
• 30 year 4.516%, +3.7 basis points

Comments from the Minneapolis Fed President in conversation with Yahoo Finance.

• Contacts are optimistic
• We have to wait and see what the new government policies are, we will have to wait and see
• A one-time tariff increase in transitory but it can become tit-for-tat, right now we're all just guessing
• Immigration could have a big effect but we will have to see what will happen
• New lease inflation takes a couple years to work its way through
• We have good confidence that the housing piece of inflation will get to normal levels, though it may take a year or two
• The labor market has been surprisingly resilient, it's a good labor market
• The economy looks like it's in a strong position
• If we saw inflation surprise to the upside between now and December, that might give us pause
• Probably not enough time for jobs to surprise on the upside
• Productivity looks like it's been stronger, which could mean a higher neutral rate
• If so, we may not cut as much
• We all agree that we're above neutral now
• The rise in long-term yields doesn't look like it's about long-term inflation expectations
• I think we're modestly restrictive right now. I thought we were putting two feet on the brakes but in hindsight we were only putting one foot on the brake
• My judgement is that we still have a long ways to go in shrinking the balance sheet
• Ultimately the economy will guide us in terms of how far we need to cut rates

Kashkari is candid and is oftentimes dovish but he sounded less like someone who wants to keep on cutting. His comment about one foot on the brakes was helpful in illustrating how he sees the economy and rates. The interesting discussion is about neutral right now and how close the Fed wants to go. He also touched on a longer timeline to get inflation all the way back to 2% and that should keep the Fed in the high 3s assuming no sharp slowdown in the economy. Of course, the Fed curve is also pricing 3.80% as the terminal rate.

There were numerous Fed speakers on Tuesday, US time:

• Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue
• Fed's Barkin: Fed in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy evolves
• Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

and we get one more today in Asia:

• 2200 GMT / 1700 US Eastern time - Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Patrick Harker speaks on "Fintech, AI and the Changing Financial Landscape".

Which doesn't sound too promising for remarks from him on the economy or monetary policy. But, perhaps we'll get a mortsel thrown to us in any Q&A.

***

As for the data agenda, it's a bit of a yawn, none of it likely to move around major FX upon release.

From Japan we'll get an update of wholesale inflation - the PPI for October. The Producer Price Index (PPI) in Japan is also known as the Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI)

• its a measure of the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output
• is calculated by the Bank of Japan

Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the price change that consumers see for a basket of goods and services, the CGPI focuses on the change in the prices of goods sold by companies.

The PPI reflects some of cost pressures faced by producers

• its based on a basket of goods that represents the range of products produced within the Japanese economy, including items such as:
  • raw materials like metals and chemicals
  • semi-finished goods
  • and finished products
  • different weights are assigned to each category within the index based on its contribution to the overall economy.
• it does not account for the quality improvements in goods and services over time, which might lead to overestimation of inflation
  • additionally, it reflects only the prices of domestically produced goods, leaving out the impact of imported goods

The PPI can be used as a guide to inflationary pressures in the economy:

• If producers are facing higher costs, they may pass these on to consumers, leading to higher consumer prices.

***

From Australia we'll get wages data for Q3. Wage growth is expected to keep slowing (y/y) in Q3 2024. With the labor market softening, upward pressure on wages has been easing over recent quarters.

In Commonwealth Bank of Australia's preview they cite their internal data as indicating a quarterly wage growth of around 0.9%, a notable decrease from the 1.3% growth seen in the same quarter last year, which had been boosted by a significant 5.75% increase in award and minimum wages. As a result, the annual wage growth rate is projected to fall to 3.6%, bringing it closer to a level compatible with sustainable, in-target inflation.

While the labour market softening, but from strong levels, the RBA is eyeing wage growth as a factor helping keep inflation sticky. A moderation in growth for wages will be welcomed by the bank if it translates into softening price pressure also.

• This snapshot from the ForexLive economic data calendar, access it here.
• The times in the left-most column are GMT.
• The numbers in the right-most column are the 'prior' (previous month/quarter as the case may be) result. The number in the column next to that, where there is a number, is the consensus median expected.
• I’ve noted data for New Zealand and Australia with text as the similarity of the little flags can sometimes be confusing.

Midnight Evergreen Technologies, Inc. (Midnight) dares to reimagine the role of an AA game publisher, with a mission to fundamentally reshape how we play together. Midnight is building The Evergreen, the first (of-its-kind) publishing platform designed as a deconstructed, composable MMORPG, delivering immersive, cross-genre experiences that seamlessly span across various platforms, pushing the boundaries of how games are played and enjoyed.

The Evergreen fuses enduring player progression with constantly evolving gameplay, creating an interconnected arcade of games that offer the reach, engagement, and monetization of a traditional MMO—without the risks of a single theme, game narrative, or prolonged production cycles.

Midnight proudly announces the launch of the first of its 26 planned core games in this Deconstructed MMO: The Evergreen: Midnight Market. Set to release on Web, Mobile, and Telegram, and built in partnership with Aptos Foundation, Midnight Market is a daring game of risk and reward where every spin teeters between fortune and mischief. Combining the thrill of crypto gaming with the reliability and scalability of Aptos' Layer 1 blockchain, Midnight Market sets a new standard for decentralized gaming.

Players will find themselves in a high-stakes world of chance, crafting items, earning tokens, and navigating encounters with the elusive Night Pig. How far will you push your luck in pursuit of the ultimate prize?

“Our partnership with Aptos Foundation marks a significant tipping point,” said Steve Wade, Founder & CEO of Midnight. “Aptos’ innovative Web3 infrastructure aligns perfectly with our strategy to focus on player participation in the ecosystems they engage with. Specifically, we’ve solved for interoperability between games, and Aptos makes that solution a reality.” Wade further explained, “We believe in the creator economy and see Web3 as the next logical step—empowering individuals and communities to shape the ecosystems they interact with. With Aptos, we envision a world where players’ stories matter and endure long after the game is over.”

Key Features of The Evergreen: Midnight Market

• Engaging, Unpredictable Gameplay: Players experience unpredictable rewards or unexpected encounters, with every spin holding the potential for either fortune or a surprise interaction with the Night Pig. This element of suspense enhances the gameplay experience with an entertaining, high-stakes twist.
• Decisive Risk-Reward Mechanics: With each turn, players must choose between pushing their luck for higher rewards or banking their earnings. This gameplay design adds strategic depth, enhancing engagement through meaningful player choices.
• Aptos Powered Player Economy: Midnight Market features a blockchain-powered economy, enabling players to craft items known as Keys and earn tickets that can be redeemed for the native ecosystem token or other exclusive merchandise. This player-driven system ensures that every reward has tangible value, heightening the stakes and making the game’s risk-reward mechanics even more impactful.

The game is the first major title to utilize the Aptos high-throughput blockchain, which boasts low latency and high transaction speeds, creating a seamless gaming environment for thousands of players worldwide.

“Powered by the speed and security of the Aptos blockchain, we’re excited to see Midnight’s ambitious vision for The Evergreen brought to life,” said Bashar Lazaar, Head of Grants and Ecosystem at Aptos Foundation. “Players can expect an immersive, genre-spanning experience where every move shapes their unique journey, and the time they spend leaves lasting echoes within the game’s universe and control over the assets they acquire. This isn’t just a step into the future of Web3 gaming—it’s a bold leap forward, placing players at the heart of a dynamic ecosystem, where every moment they choose to spend has a meaningful impact on the worlds they explore".

The Evergreen: Midnight Market is in closed beta now and available to players globally November 13th.

About Aptos Foundation

Aptos Foundation is dedicated to supporting the development of the Aptos protocol, decentralized network and ecosystem and driving engagement with the Aptos ecosystem. By unlocking a blockchain with seamless usability, Aptos Foundation aims to bring the benefits of decentralization to the masses.

About Aptos Network

Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos’ breakthrough technology and programming language, Move, are designed to evolve, improve performance and strengthen user safeguards.

About Midnight

Midnight (https://www.midnight.io/) is at the forefront of innovation with The Evergreen, the first-ever publishing platform that operates as a deconstructed, composable MMORPG. Players engage with and explore diverse, interconnected game worlds, all linked by The Evergreen, a dynamic nexus that binds these unique experiences together. Each game is its own universe, offering new adventures while feeding into a broader progression system. By combining immersive gameplay with a shared economy and evolving narratives, Midnight is reshaping how players discover and interact with new worlds across genres and platforms.

SP Negócios, São Paulo’s investment and export promotion agency, has partnered with Polkadot to foster innovation among companies in São Paulo.

Driven by the growing market demand, Polkadot is increasingly positioning itself as an ally for businesses looking to grow in an innovative, secure, and transparent way. It has been sponsoring educational initiatives through Código Brazuca. Thanks to this, companies and citizens in São Paulo will have access to blockchain programming training through Código Brazuca's content starting in December. This will be possible through the partnership established with Polkadot / Sunset Labs and São Paulo’s investment and export promotion agency, SP Negócios.

“The partnership between Polkadot and SP Negócios will contribute to the training of Blockchain Programmers and is open to bringing technology to companies in São Paulo, whether they are startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, or large corporations seeking to invest in or adopt the technology,” says Gustavo J. Massena, Decentralized Business Developer at Polkadot.

The program is free and will be available online, open to companies in São Paulo. Registrations will soon be available through SP Negócios, and no prior qualifications are required.

The partnership with Polkadot is part of SP Negócios’s strategy to boost the business environment within the crypto economy sector, reinforcing São Paulo as a hub of technology and innovation. Blockchain plays a transformative role in various areas, including decentralized finance, asset tokenization, NFTs, and more. By promoting the training of qualified professionals, SP Negócios seeks to attract investments, foster new startups, and solidify the city as a reference in adopting and developing blockchain-based solutions.

About SP Negócios

SP Negócios (https://spnegocios.com/) is an autonomous social service aimed at boosting investments and business in São Paulo. It is linked to the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development and Employment. The goal is to help São Paulo-based companies conduct more business through exports, innovation and technology, public sector engagement, and improvement of the business environment.

About Polkadot

Polkadot is an open-source, multichain sharing protocol that facilitates the transfer of any type of data or asset, not just tokens, between networks, making a wide range of blockchains interoperable.

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout to take itself private with funding from banks, Itochu Corp. and the founding Ito family in a transaction that could be worth US$58 billion

"People with knowledge of the matter" cited in the reports via Nikkei and Bloomberg.

The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven is considering going private by buying back its own shares in a bid to avoid a takeover attempt by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, the news report says.

We had Fed speakers on Tuesday US time, Kashkari watered down the prospect of a December rate cut ... didn;t rule it out but he sounds shaky:

• Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue
• Fed's Barkin: Fed in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy evolves
• Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

The agenda ahead includes another three. The times below are GMT/US Eastern time format:

• 1435/0935 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Lorie Logan gives opening remarks before hybrid "Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand" Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City
• 1800/1300 Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Alberto Musalem speaks before an Economic Club of Memphis luncheon
• 1830/1330 Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeffrey Schmid gives luncheon keynote before hybrid "Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand" Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City

European trading will be a bit of a snoozer as such with a lack of headlines. But perhaps we might get some interesting market moves to talk about in the run up to the US CPI report. USD/JPY is now inching just above 155.00 for the first time since end July while EUR/USD is looking heavy near the April low of 1.0601. Those will be two of the more interesting charts in play currently.

Elsewhere, US futures are pointing lower with gold back up slightly just above $2,600 and Bitcoin is down to below $87,000 after briefly brushing up against the $90,000 mark overnight. So, there are some mixed moves in there for the time being.

In terms of data releases, there's just the US MBA mortgage applications at 1200 GMT. With rates having shot higher post-election, that is likely to keep sentiment in a more dour spot after last week's report here.

As for euro area releases, there's nothing on the agenda for today.

The economy ministry notes that in light of the US election result, renewed uncertainty among German households and firms cannot be ruled out. It goes without saying that Trump tariffs on German exports is of course the big risk to watch out for. But indirectly, Trump's tariffs on China will also have some impact on the EU market. If China finds it tough to export goods to the US, they might look to flood the market in Europe instead. That's some other form of risk to be mindful about.

For some context, these subsidies did come to an end in May but were reinstated in August through to October to cope with the warmer weather. Subsequently, they were continued until this year-end but the funds had to be drawn from reserves in the budget for the fiscal year that started in April.

NHK is now reporting that the government is considering keeping these subsidies from January through to March next year. Amid a higher cost of living in key populated areas such as Tokyo, the measure above is mainly to try and combat rising consumer prices.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Department of Justice's decision to take no action on the consent decrees governing the performance royalty organizations ASCAP and BMI, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law is holding a hearing titled "Reviving Competition, Part 2: Saving the Free and Diverse Pres."

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37) will be the inaugural guest in an exclusive new Spotlight Series from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) featuring members of Congress discussing key initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and their perspectives on broadcast media.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith testified today before the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband at a hearing titled "Shot of Truth: Communicating Trusted Vaccine Information."

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is now accepting nominations for the 2021 NAB Marconi Radio Awards and will be accepting submissions until May 31. Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the prestigious awards recognize overall excellence and performance in radio.

“Local broadcasters carry the mantel of investigative journalism, shining a light on government corruption, questioning those in power and ensuring consumers have a powerful voice to fight back against injustice. It is concerning that some public officials – typically those whose actions have been called into question – would ask the federal government to step in and censor broadcasters in violation of the First Amendment. The Federal Communications Commission must reject such unconstitutional attacks on free speech. It is a slippery slope, and one that our nation’s founders clearly sought to prevent.”

Washington, D.C. -- Radio and television stations are not adequately compensated for their news content on technology platforms because of an imbalance in market power, according to a new study released today by BIA Advisory Services. The study found that each year broadcasters lose nearly $2 billion in value that they generate for two of the largest technology platforms through publication of their valuable content – particularly local news.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Gordon Smith delivered remarks today at NAB's State Leadership Conference. The annual gathering of 500 radio and TV station owners and executives from all 50 states is designed to educate the broadcast industry to advocate on relevant legislative and regulatory issues. This year’s conference is a virtual-only event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the announcement by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA-18), chairman of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, that he will retire from Congress upon the completion of the current congressional term on January 3, 2023, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

Washington, D.C. -- The 2022 NAB Show, April 23–27, will feature distinct destinations focused on three main pillars associated with the content lifecycle. Designated “Create,” “Connect” and “Capitalize,” and situated throughout the North Hall, Central Hall and new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, each area offers renewed opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement.