Retail Earnings Watch: JB Hi-Fi reported record sales and higher earnings, but warned second-half momentum softened as supplier price rises and tech stock shortages hit availability; shares slid as investors weighed resilience against cautious consumer demand. Market Mood: Wall Street dipped after U.S. retail sales fell 0.6% in July, cooling rate-hike expectations; gold edged higher on a softer dollar while oil stayed supported by Middle East tensions. Retail Security Tech: Coles and Woolworths trial facial recognition to improve staff safety amid rising in-store crime, with privacy concerns still in the mix. Consumer Complaints: India’s government said Flipkart, Amazon and Meesho led 2025 consumer grievances, with non-delivery and refunds prominent. Food & Pricing Pressure: Pakistan’s LPG auction results are delayed amid legal hurdles, with officials warning retail prices could jump ~15%—a direct hit to household “poor man’s fuel.” Groceries Policy: New Zealand’s Greens push a bill to curb “excessive” supermarket pricing, seeking penalties up to $10m. Supply Chain & Health: Monsoon rains and transport strikes in Pakistan disrupted perishables, keeping food prices above official rates. Investor/Shareholder Action: Slater and Gordon filed a class action against James Hardie over FY26 guidance and disclosure allegations tied to a sharp market-value drop.