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ASIA’S SUPPLIERS GROWING AT THE FASTEST PACE SINCE EARLY 2023, AS GLOBAL MANUFACTURING GATHERS FURTHER MOMENTUM IN JUNE: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

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Global suppliers report capacity pressures, with index in positive territory for a second consecutive monthAsian manufacturing growth accelerating in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and IndiaIn contrast, demand at North American suppliers fell slightly because of lower orders, indicating a tightening economyTransportation costs rise to 20-month high, as greater activity drives up shipping and container rates

CLARK, N.J., July 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — For the second consecutive month, the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — continued in positive territory. This indicates another month where global supply chains got busier and capacity was stretched across suppliers worldwide. At 0.13, the index was little-changed from May’s 14-month high of 0.21.

At the forefront of supply chain activity growth is Asia, where input demand jumped as factory activity in major manufacturing and exporting economies — led by China, Taiwan, Vietnam and India — accelerated.

In contrast to Asia, which has seen steady month-over-month growth since April, North America’s suppliers oscillate between under- and overutilized capacity. In June, factory input demand fell slightly, with suppliers experiencing reduced demand. However, on average since the start of 2024, North American vendors have generally been operating at full capacity.

The European market is still operating with some slack as factory purchasing activity across the continent remains subdued. This suggests the region’s manufacturing recovery still has a way to go, though conditions have vastly improved compared with the end of last year.

An early warning sign of potential overheating ahead is global transportation costs, which rose to their highest level since October 2022 in June as strengthening activity across global supply chains led to higher shipping and container rates. For now, reports of safety stockpiling remain low, suggesting the market is well placed in a “goldilocks” zone and stress levels are subdued.

“Asian manufacturers are gaining momentum, which, if sustained into the second half of the year, will mean a return of increasing costs and price pressures for global companies,” explained Amol Jawale, vice president, consulting, GEP. “Now is the perfect time for a company’s procurement to lock in pricing with key suppliers for 2025.”

Interpreting the data:
Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.
Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

JUNE 2024 KEY FINDINGS

DEMAND: Global demand for raw materials, commodities and components is now trending broadly level with its long-term average, indicating that global manufacturing has moved toward an upswing in the business cycle. Asia remains at the forefront of this upturn, led by India, China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

INVENTORIES: The inventory cycle has stabilized, with firms neither building up stocks excessively nor aggressively destocking to improve cashflow and cut costs.

MATERIAL SHORTAGES: Global reports from businesses of items in short supply remain anchored at historically typical levels.

LABOR SHORTAGES: As was the case in May, reports from global suppliers of an inability to meet orders due to staff shortages were more common than seen historically on average. This suggests capacity expansion is required to sustainably meet current and future demand.

TRANSPORTATION: Global transportation costs rose to a 20-month high in June, with shipping and container rates under pressure because of increasing supply chain activity.

REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY

NORTH AMERICA: Index fell to -0.11, from 0.09, down slightly from May’s three-month high. The index has fluctuated between positivity and negativity this year but signals full capacity utilization on average in 2024.EUROPE: Index unchanged from May’s 14-month high of -0.13. There continues to be some slack across Europe’s manufacturing sector, although it is much reduced from 2023 levels. U.K.: Index rose to 0.49, from 0.15, signaling strongest capacity pressures since January 2023. ASIA: Index rose further in June to 0.35, from 0.19, a 16-month high, as Asian supply chains became busier amid strengthening factory activity in major markets such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan and India.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility.

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact economics@spglobal.com.

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, August 12, 2024.

About the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global’s PMI® surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP

GEP® delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value. Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people — this is how GEP SOFTWARE™, GEP STRATEGY™ and GEP MANAGED SERVICES™ together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world’s best companies, including more than 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals. A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP’s cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters. GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

Disclaimer

The intellectual property rights to the data provided herein are owned by or licensed to S&P Global and/or its affiliates. Any unauthorised use, including but not limited to copying, distributing, transmitting or otherwise of any data appearing is not permitted without S&P Global’s prior consent. S&P Global shall not have any liability, duty or obligation for or relating to the content or information (“Data”) contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in the Data, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall S&P Global be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the Data. Purchasing Managers’ Index™ and PMI® are either trade marks or registered trade marks of S&P Global Inc or licensed to S&P Global Inc and/or its affiliates.

This Content was published by S&P Global Market Intelligence and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global. Reproduction of any information, data or material, including ratings (“Content”) in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the relevant party. Such party, its affiliates and suppliers (“Content Providers”) do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any Content and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such Content. In no event shall Content Providers be liable for any damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including lost income or lost profit and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of the Content.

Media Contacts

Derek Creevey
Director, Public Relations
GEP
Phone: +1 732-382-6565
Email:
derek.creevey@gep.com

Joe Hayes
Principal Economist
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Phone: +44-1344-328-099
Email: joe.hayes@spglobal.com

S&P Global Market Intelligence
Email: Press.mi@spglobal.com

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SOURCE GEP

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Light AI Announces Closing of C$5,000,000 Secured Convertible Debenture Unit Financing

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, BC, June 19, 2026 /CNW/ – Light AI Inc. (“Light AI” or the “Company”) (CBOE CA: ALGO) (FSE: OHC) (OTCQB: OHCFF), a digital healthcare technology company focused on developing artificial intelligence (“AI”) health diagnostic solutions, is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced private placement of secured convertible debenture units of the Company (the “Units”) at $1,000 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000,000 (the “Financing”) pursuant to an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with MV Capital LP (the “Investor”).

Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the Investor subscribed for and purchased from the Company 5,000 Units. Each Unit is comprised of (i) a 12.0% secured convertible debenture of the Company in the principal amount equal to $1,000 (each, a “Convertible Debenture”) with interest compounded quarterly and payable on the earlier of the Maturity Date (as defined hereafter), prepayment or upon conversion and maturing 24 months from the closing of the Financing (the “Maturity Date”), and (ii) 8,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a “Warrant”) exercisable for 36 months from the closing of the Financing (the “Closing Date”) to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at an exercise price of $0.25 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events.

Each Convertible Debenture allows the Investor to convert the outstanding principal thereof into common shares of the Company (the “Debenture Shares”) at a price of $0.125 per Debenture Share (the “Conversion Price”) at the option of the Investor at any time prior to the earlier of (i) the Maturity Date; and (ii) the business day immediately preceding the date specified for prepayment of the Convertible Debenture, subject to acceleration in certain events. The Company may elect to pay any accrued and unpaid interest in either (i) cash, (ii) common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”) at the Conversion Price, subject to the approval of Cboe Canada Inc. (the “Exchange”), or (iii) any combination of the foregoing. The Convertible Debentures will be secured by a security interest over all present and after-acquired property and assets of the Company.

The Investor has agreed not to convert any Convertible Debenture or exercise any Warrants if doing so would result in the Investor holding greater than 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, without the Company obtaining the requisite approval of its shareholders and the Exchange.

The Convertible Debentures, the Warrants, the Conversion Shares and Warrant Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The proceeds of the Financing will be used for general working capital purposes, and to support ISO 13485/QMS audit completion and Health Canada registration submission.

In connection with the Financing, the Company and the Investor have entered into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), which includes the following key elements:

The Investor will have the right to participate in future financings of the Company to maintain its pro rata percentage of Common Shares following the completion the Financing; andThe Investor shall have the right to nominate one member to the board of directors of the Company.

The Investor Rights Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of: (i) the closing of any take-over bid of the Company, acquisition, arrangement, amalgamation, merger or other similar business combination transaction involving the Company; and (ii) the later of either of the following: (A) the date the Investor no longer maintains at least a 10% equity interest in the Company, and (B) the date on which the principal amount of the Convertible Debenture owed to the Investor is less than $250,000.

About Light AI Inc. (CBOE CA: ALGO / FSE: OHC / OTCQB: OHCFF)

Light AI Inc. is a technology company focused on developing artificial intelligence health screening and diagnostic solutions. Light AI QuickScan™ is a technology platform which represents the next generation of patient management: it applies AI algorithms to compatible smart device images, starting with images of Strep A and anticipated expansion with other medical conditions, to identify the disease in seconds. Its patented, app-based solution requires no swabs, lab tests or proprietary hardware of any kind as its computing platform includes the 4.5 billion smartphones that exist in the world today. Light AI is at the forefront of developing innovative screening and diagnostic solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery worldwide. Their cutting-edge AI powered technology offers rapid, accurate, and cost-effective screening and diagnostic tools designed to address critical healthcare challenges.

In pre-FDA validation studies, Light AI’s algorithm demonstrated remarkable accuracy in differentiating between viral and bacterial pharyngitis, specifically targeting Group A Streptococcus (“GAS”). The algorithm achieved a 96.57% accuracy rate and attained a Negative Predictive Value of 100%, indicating its high reliability in confirming the absence of Streptococcus A infection. Viral and GAS pharyngitis affects over 600 million people annually worldwide. If left untreated, GAS pharyngitis can lead to serious complications such as Rheumatic Heart Disease (“RHD”), which imposes a global economic burden exceeding $1 trillion annually. Light AI’s technology offers a significant advancement in the accurate and timely identification of GAS pharyngitis, potentially reducing the incidence of RHD and its associated costs. Light AI’s approach to applying AI to smart device images can be expanded to other medical conditions, as well as other areas of analysis. Light AI’s vision is to combine the Light AI QuickScan™ software platform with AI in-the-Cloud to create a Digital Clinical Lab that provides quick and accessible diagnosis for countless conditions that today require expensive and time-consuming imaging or lab processes.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

“John R. Luna”
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 1-(888) 804-9459
Email: jluna@light.ai

For more information, please contact the Company at investors@light.ai or visit https://light.ai/.

Website: https://light.ai/
LinkedIn: LinkedIn/company/Light AI 
X (Formerly Twitter): @lightaihealth

Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including statements relating to the use of proceeds of the Financing, the anticipated appointment of a board nominee of the Investor, and the advancement of the Company’s ISO 13485/QMS audit and Health Canada registration. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s financial performance, business development, results of operations, and those listed in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company’s management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws.

SOURCE Light AI Inc.

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EasySpanishTax.com Launches Simple DIY Modelo 210 Filing Solution for Non-Resident Property Owners in Spain

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Founder Björn Ingbrant introduces a faster, easier and more affordable way for foreign property owners to meet their Spanish tax obligations online.

MANILVA, Spain, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The EasySpanishTax.com has launched a practical online solution designed to help non-resident property owners in Spain file their annual Modelo 210 tax declaration quickly, easily and at a lower cost.

Created by founder and developer Björn Ingbrant, EasySpanishTax.com is built specifically for international property owners who want to manage their Spanish non-resident tax obligations without unnecessary complexity, delays or high professional fees.

Modelo 210 is a tax declaration required for non-resident property owners in Spain, including owners who use their property privately, rent it out, or keep it as a holiday home. For many foreign owners, the process has traditionally felt difficult and confusing, often requiring external assistance.

EasySpanishTax.com has been developed to change that.

“Many non-resident owners are fully capable of completing their Modelo 210 declaration themselves when the process is explained clearly,” says Björn Ingbrant, founder of EasySpanishTax.com. “Our goal is to make Spanish property tax filing simple, transparent and affordable.”

The platform guides users through the filing process step by step. Property owners enter the required information online, create an account and can manage their declarations in one secure place. The service is designed to save time, reduce costs and make annual tax filing more accessible for owners living abroad.

According to Ingbrant, the need for a simplified solution became clear after years of working with international property owners in Spain.

“Many owners were paying high fees every year for a declaration that could be made much easier with the right digital system,” he explains. “We wanted to create a platform where the owner remains in control, the process is faster, and the cost is reasonable.”

In addition to Modelo 210 filing, EasySpanishTax.com has introduced a property document storage feature for registered users. This allows clients to upload and store important property documents directly in their account, including title deeds, NIE certificates, passport copies, home insurance policies, water and electricity contracts, IBI tax receipts, community documents and previous tax declarations.

The new feature transforms the platform into more than a tax filing service. It gives property owners a central digital hub for managing key documents related to their Spanish property.

“For non-resident owners, having all property documents in one place is extremely useful,” says Ingbrant. “Whether they need a document for a future tax declaration, a lawyer, a bank, an insurance company or a property sale, everything can be stored and accessed from one account.”

EasySpanishTax.com is aimed at holiday home owners, second-home owners, retirees, investors and landlords who own property in Spain but live abroad. The platform is especially useful for owners in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries with a high number of Spanish property owners.

The company’s mission is to make Spanish property administration easier for non-residents by combining simple online tax filing with practical document management.

“Owning a property in Spain should be enjoyable,” says Ingbrant. “Tax filing and paperwork should not be a source of stress. EasySpanishTax.com is designed to give owners a simple, affordable and reliable way to stay organised and compliant.”

About EasySpanishTax.com

EasySpanishTax.com is an online platform created for non-resident property owners in Spain. The website helps users prepare and file Modelo 210 tax declarations through a simple do-it-yourself process. The users can also store and manage important property-related documents in their personal account, making EasySpanishTax.com a practical administration hub for Spanish property owners living abroad.

The platform is owned by the real estate company Enova Estates S.L. in Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Contact:
Enova Estates SL
Björn Ingbrant
***@enovaestates.com

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13153344

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SOURCE Enova Estates

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Geographic Solutions Named in the Top 100 for the North America Inspiring Workplaces Awards

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PALM HARBOR, Fla., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Geographic Solutions, the nation’s leading provider of workforce development software for state and local government agencies, is proud to announce that it has been named in the Top 100 for the 2026 North America Inspiring Workplaces Awards for the third consecutive year.

The Inspiring Workplaces Awards recognize organizations that prioritize their people by fostering a culture built on trust, purpose, and belonging. These are more than just great places to work – they are environments where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed. This year’s winners represent a diverse range of organizations that are redefining what it means to put employees first in today’s complex and rapidly evolving workplace.

“Achieving Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner status for the third year in a row is a testament to the culture we’ve built together,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering employees, fostering inclusion, and ensuring every team member has the opportunity to thrive.”

Independent judges recognized the company’s strong core values, intentional approach to growth, and ability to maintain a flourishing culture. Judges also highlighted impressive employee retention, commitment to diverse hiring practices, and leadership representation, underscoring continued focus on building an inclusive, values-driven workplace. 

In 2024 and 2025, Geographic Solutions was named in the Top 50 North America Inspiring Workplaces Awards and received recognition in the Culture and Purpose category. In 2024, Geographic Solutions was named to the Top 50 of the Top 100 Global Inspiring Workplaces Awards, standing out as one of the few North America–based organizations recognized at the global level.

For more information on this achievement, visit www.inspiring-workplaces.com/company/geographic-solutions.

About Geographic Solutions

Geographic Solutions is the nation’s leading provider of integrated software for state and local workforce agencies, serving more than 40 states and U.S. territories. The company’s online platforms support all federally funded workforce and partner programs, including WIOA, labor exchange, labor market information, education, reentry, human services, and unemployment insurance. Geographic Solutions’ software is currently being utilized by over 1,100 American Job Centers and is accessible to over 211 million individuals across the country. For more information, visit www.geographicsolutions.com

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SOURCE Geographic Solutions, Inc.

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