First Merchants Corporation announced a dividend of $0.4688 per share for its 7.50% PFD SER A preferred stock.

Dumebi Kachikwu of the ADC party has rejected a national convention as illegal, citing a court order, which further deepens the party's internal disputes.

The Old Quarter Coffee Merchants in Murwillumbah has been reviewed on the SMH Good Food app.

SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance President Sokratis Famelos visited the Thessaloniki market, addressing the anxieties of consumers, merchants, and professionals regarding their survival. He proposed solutions during his visit.

The General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE) has sent a letter to the Minister of Development, stating that the current energy measures package fails to adequately support small and very small businesses facing rising energy costs.

Belgian ministers Quintin and Francken were present at Brussels-Midi station for the arrival of a military detachment, which will support federal police efforts, though local merchants express skepticism, fearing it may be a public relations stunt.

A viral video falsely claiming to show civilians attacking ICE agents in Los Angeles was debunked, revealing it was filmed in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, in February 2025, depicting clashes between merchants and State Civil Guard agents.

Foreign card spending in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul surged 74 percent from a year earlier during a BTS concert weekend on March 21, indicating a reshuffling of spending rather than a broad retail boost for local merchants.

Switzerland's wine-making president is advocating for restrictions on wine imports in an effort to bolster local producers, a move that has drawn criticism from foreign rivals and domestic merchants.

Residents and merchants in Porto's Rua 31 de Janeiro have formed an association to promote outdoor activities, festive programming, and bring art to the street, aiming to showcase the city's cultural diversity beyond just restaurants and hotels.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has announced a dividend of $0.23 per share.

Merchants operating in agentic commerce are experiencing significant setbacks due to failed payments, highlighting a growing challenge in this evolving retail landscape.

Cash and valuables totaling ₹44 lakh have been seized in Coimbatore since the Model Code of Conduct took effect, indicating intensified election enforcement in Tamil Nadu.

Mobile internet services in central Moscow have been blocked for over a week, causing disruptions to taxi applications, ATMs, and creating problems for restaurateurs and merchants.

A meeting between employers and employees is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 13:00 at the offices of the General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE) to discuss new collective labor agreements for the food service, tourism, and bakery sectors.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) is implementing a project to introduce card payments for small merchants, with free installation provided, aiming to modernize payment systems and reduce reliance on cash.

As two of the four streetlights on the street were out, some merchants even installed spotlights in their businesses due to the lack of lighting: "It was a deterrent measure". Read

The Mexican state of Chihuahua is collaborating with BBVA to introduce banking services to its 'Pueblos Mágicos' (Magical Towns), aiming to improve digital payment options for tourists and local merchants.

Morgan Stanley has raised its price target for Merchants Bancorp to $51 from $42.

China is implementing stricter regulations for online food merchants to enhance consumer safety and market oversight.

This article delves into the historical narrative of Yankee merchants, highlighting America's initial trade connections with India.

Merchants Bancorp has announced dividend declarations for its 6% FXD PFD SR C, 8.25% DEP SHS REPSTG 1/40TH PERP PFD, and 7.625 PFD SE E preferred stock series.

The surge in gold prices has brought a wave of new investment-focused bullion retailers to Hong Kong’s prime shopping areas, adding a distinct segment alongside traditional jewellery merchants. These

Panics, Politics, & Power: America's 3 Experiments With Central Banks Authored by Andrew Moran via The Epoch Times, The Federal Reserve, established more than a century ago, is the United States’ third experiment with central banking. For much of its existence, the institution maintained a low public profile. Only after the 2008 global financial crisis did the Fed begin communicating more openly, introducing post-meeting press conferences and allowing monetary policymakers to engage more frequently with the media. Greater transparency, however, has brought greater scrutiny. Public sentiment toward the Fed and its leadership has fluctuated over the years. Today, YouGov polling suggests the central bank is viewed favorably by 44 percent of Americans and unfavorably by 18 percent. If the Fed pursues a series of reforms, it will have “another great 100 years,” said Kevin Warsh, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the institution’s next chair. Comparable to past central banks, Warsh said, the current Federal Reserve System is beginning to lose the consent of the governed. “You can think about the Jacksonians of prior times say that the central bank seems like they’re trying to focus and they’re all preoccupied with those special interests on the East Coast, and they’ve lost track of what’s happening to us in the center of the country,” Warsh said in a July 2025 interview with the Hoover Institution’s Peter Robinson. “It’s a version of what worries me today.” What happened in the past, and why is it relevant to today’s central bank? The First Bank of the United States In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the United States faced a series of immense economic disruptions, forcing the nation’s architects to rebuild the economy. The objective was to lower inflation, restore the value of the nation’s currency, repay war debt, and revive the economy. Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the Treasury under the new Constitution, proposed establishing a national bank modeled on the Bank of England. Hamilton stated that a U.S. version would perform various duties, including issuing paper money, serving as the government’s fiscal agent, and protecting public funds. Not everyone shared Hamilton’s ebullience over a central bank. Thomas Jefferson, for example, feared that such an institution would not serve the nation’s best interests. Additionally, Jefferson and other critics argued that the Constitution did not grant the government the authority to create these entities. Nevertheless, Congress enacted legislation to establish the Bank of the United States. President George Washington then signed the bill in February 1791. Two of America's founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson (L) and Alexander Hamilton. The White House While bank officials did not conduct monetary policy as modern central banks do, they did influence the supply of money and credit, as well as interest rates. The entity managed the money supply by controlling when to redeem or retain state‑bank notes. If it sought to tighten credit, it would require payment in gold or silver, thereby draining state banks’ reserves and limiting their ability to issue new notes. If it wanted to expand credit, it simply held on to those notes, boosting state‑bank reserves and enabling them to lend more. By 1811, the national bank’s charter expired. While there had been discussions of allowing it to continue maintaining operations, Congress—both chambers—voted against renewing its mandate by a single vote. Its closure came shortly before the War of 1812, which fueled inflation and weakened the currency. Second Bank of the United States Lawmakers believed another central bank was critical at a time of fiscal, inflationary, and trade pressures. Congress used a similar 20-year model to produce the Second Bank of the United States, headed by Nicholas Biddle. The second incarnation had a federal charter, was privately owned, and was tasked with regulating state banks (with gold and silver for note redemption). President James Madison, who opposed the first central bank on constitutional grounds, supported the new institution out of financial necessity. Its creation stabilized credit and brought down inflation. However, by the 1830s, the bank faced strong opposition, particularly from President Andrew Jackson. Labeled the Bank War, Jackson engaged in a years-long initiative to dissolve the central bank. Jackson claimed the national bank was a tool for the wealthy eastern elite and a threat to self-government. “The Jacksonians described themselves as conscious hard-money men who supported the rigid discipline of the gold standard, yet they opposed the newly powerful national Bank because it restrained the expansion of credit and, thus, thwarted robust economic expansion,” author William Greider wrote in “Secrets of the Temple.” In 1832, Jackson vetoed legislation to recharter the bank four years early, delivering a fiery message that historians say was one of the most important vetoes in the nation’s history. “It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes. Distinctions in society will always exist under every just government,” Jackson wrote. “There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses. If it would confine itself to equal protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich and the poor, it would be an unqualified blessing. In the act before me, there seems to be a wide and unnecessary departure from these just principles.” The charter expired in 1836, leading to the panic of 1837. An economic crisis unfolded, leading to bank failures, business bankruptcies, rising unemployment, and contracting credit. While the collapse of the central bank is often considered a leading cause, the British also urged London banks to reduce credit to American merchants, causing a sharp drop in global trade. As the smoke cleared and dust settled, it was not until the 1840s that the United States embarked on a historic economic recovery, now known as the Free Banking Era. Banking was decentralized, and finance was largely unregulated. Despite an erratic financial system, the U.S. economy grew rapidly: agricultural production accelerated, railroads were built, and the country expanded westward. Additionally, deflation was paramount throughout most of the economic expansion. The Federal Reserve System The panic of 1907 led to the creation of the Federal Reserve System. Following years of heavy borrowing, speculative commodities investments (mainly copper), and enormous stock market gains, a financial crisis was brewing. The event nearly brought down the U.S. banking system. J.P. Morgan, a financier, intervened and emulated the actions of modern central banks. He met with the nation’s top bankers, facilitated emergency loans to financial institutions, and backed stockbrokers. The damage had been done as the United States fell into a year-long recession, marked by high unemployment and widespread bank failures. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors seal in Washington on Oct. 29, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times Washington realized that it could not rely on private bailouts to prevent sharp downturns. Sen. Nelson Aldrich (R-R.I.) is widely regarded as one of the chief architects of the modern Federal Reserve System. In 1910, Aldrich hosted the famous Jekyll Island meetings, a gathering of U.S. officials and bankers, to discuss the blueprint of a new central bank. While the initial draft laid the foundation for the institution, the official Federal Reserve Act was drafted by President Woodrow Wilson, Rep. Carter Glass (D-Va.), and H. Parker Willis, an economist on the House Banking Committee. The new system was a public-private hybrid, with the federal government firmly in charge, and bankers running the regional reserve banks. “It was Wilson’s great compromise,” wrote Greider, “creating a hybrid institution that mixed private and public control, an approach without precedent at the time.” The legislation triggered a contentious political debate over the extent of its independence from the Treasury and the degree of authority delegated to policymakers over currency issuance. Days before Christmas, the bill cleared both chambers and was signed into law by Wilson on Dec. 23. “Wilson’s conviction that he had struck the right moderate balance seemed confirmed, however, by the reactions to his legislation,” Greider noted. “It was attacked by both extremes—the ‘radicals’ from the Populist states and the bankers in Wall Street and elsewhere.” Since its inception in 1913, the modern Federal Reserve has undergone numerous changes and has gained greater power. The New Deal, for instance, allowed the Fed to become the lender of last resort as Washington learned the central bank could not prevent bank failures. In 1951, the Treasury-Fed Accord restored central bank independence after the Federal Reserve had been forced to keep interest rates artificially low throughout the Second World War. Congress then enacted the Federal Reserve Reform Act in 1977, establishing the dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and maintaining price stability. 2026 and Beyond Over the past 50 years, the Fed has undergone modest changes, including the issuance of forward guidance and the disclosure of emergency lending facilities. But while each new regime has nibbled around the edges, Warsh has suggested he could effect substantial reforms at the central bank. “Until there’s regime change at the Fed and new people running the Fed, a new operating framework, they’re stuck with their old mistakes,” Warsh told Fox Business Network in October 2025. “Bygones aren’t just bygones.” Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 16:20

Merchants in Barcelona are advocating for a reform of Pelai street to create a boulevard with benches and shade, but the City Council has decided to postpone the project until the next term.

The Nazaré Market has reopened with improved conditions for comfort, safety, and functionality for merchants, residents, and visitors, following damages caused by depression Kristin in January.

Mobile money fraud continues to be a significant issue, with merchants identified as a key loophole enabling the illicit activities. Closing this loophole is seen as crucial to collapsing the fraud.

The General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE) has sent a letter to the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, requesting immediate support for small businesses facing rising energy costs.

Danish merchants are expressing concern that Sweden's decision to halve its food VAT will lead to increased cross-border trade, impacting their businesses.

A Greek trade association for central market merchants (SEKLA) has stated that increases in fruit and vegetable prices are determined at the point of production based on daily changing conditions, not at the Athens Central Vegetable Market.

An investment analysis evaluates whether Microsoft stock currently presents a favorable buying opportunity for investors.

The Cascais City Council has allocated 150,000 euros to a compensation fund for local merchants, covering expenses such as repairs to facilities, equipment, furniture, cleaning, and replacement of destroyed goods due to recent bad weather.

Moldova's Commission for Economy, Budget, and Finance has approved a draft law that would oblige merchants to display "legible information" about the country of origin for food products, which will now be examined by Parliament.

Shopify has announced that its merchants can now integrate their stores to sell products directly within OpenAI's ChatGPT platform.

Specialized commercial courts are seeking to attract businesses by highlighting the importance of judges thinking like merchants, with success depending on the quality of judgments and the number of cases, rather than judicial location policy.

The Serbian government has approved a draft Consumer Protection Law that includes a new provision requiring merchants to update their price lists in real-time to enhance consumer rights.

OKTA has announced that all its customers have received a discount, noting that the initiative is voluntary at the wholesale level, with the decision to pass it on to retail remaining with individual merchants.

Merchants say the prices of most vegetables have dropped as many slashed rates to clear their stocks; traders add that they will have no option but to dump unsold produce

Authorities in Oyo State conducted a raid on illegal fuel merchants operating along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, seizing significant quantities of petroleum products to enhance public safety.

Cash Plus has introduced a new QR code payment system in Morocco to facilitate digital payments for small businesses, with over 12,000 local merchants already adopting the solution since its January 2026 rollout.

A researcher in Frankfurt is demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be used to reduce product returns in online retail, benefiting both the environment and merchants by cutting costs.

A court has ruled that a couple of merchants from Braine-le-Comte did not exploit a vulnerable client to extort money, siding with the defense's portrayal of a generous customer.

Flower sales in Romania are expected to reach a record 40 million euros between March 1st and 8th, driven by social rituals and obligations, making flowers a valuable commodity for merchants.

China has implemented stricter rules for online food merchants, aiming to enhance food safety and consumer protection in the rapidly growing e-commerce food sector.

An Iranian army helicopter crashed into a fruit market in the central province of Isfahan, killing the pilot, co-pilot, and two merchants, according to Iranian state media.

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach has declared a dividend of $28.00.

Wolt is actively developing its platform work practices in Finland, aiming to offer additional income opportunities for merchants and low-threshold earnings for couriers.

The city of Ninove is advising its merchants not to speak French in the presence of customers, a measure intended to 'preserve the Flemish character' of the city.

Merchants & Marine Bancorp announced a GAAP EPS of $0.72 for its fourth quarter.

European financial technology provider payabl. on Thursday announced the launch of Click to Pay with Visa, a new online card payment experience aimed at helping merchants improve checkout performance…

Cyprus-based software engineering company Pale Blue has launched 'Paid', a new mobile payment solution for businesses in Cyprus, enabling merchants to accept card payments directly from smartphones.

Socrates Famellos, president of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, highlighted the anxiety of consumers and merchants during his visit to the Thessaloniki market, calling for the current New Democracy government to be replaced as soon as possible.

Proposed legal changes by Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy would allow websites and online stores to be blocked without prior notification to merchants, a move businesses argue excessively expands the powers of control bodies.

Nikos Androulakis visited Varvakeios market, speaking with merchants and consumers about the increased cost of the Easter table, and criticized the government for not providing solutions to economic problems.

Fortune Global Limited has introduced Fortuna, an autonomous AI customer service platform designed specifically for e-commerce merchants.

The Bulgarian association of free trade merchants states it is premature to discuss the effects of fuel prices on the cost of goods, as the government considers preparatory measures.

A historical report from March 30, 1976, recounts how Finnish producers and merchants were subjected to insults and protests, with consumers threatening boycotts over milk prices.

While launching an e-shop is common, sustaining it and expanding internationally, especially from the Czech Republic, is challenging. The article highlights Czech merchants successfully managing half of their shipments abroad and receiving up to a thousand orders in two weeks.

Lankapay has integrated Weixin Pay acceptance across 400,000 merchants in Sri Lanka, aiming to capitalize on the growing Chinese tourism market.

Merchants in Korea are expressing fears of a plastic bag shortage as the ongoing Middle East war disrupts petrochemical supplies, impacting manufacturing.

Romanian merchants warn that reduced consumption and soaring costs, particularly for energy and fuel, are likely to result in layoffs and bankruptcies, with small and medium-sized enterprises being the most affected.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted a proposal for a new Consumer Protection Law, which will require merchants to update price lists in real-time.

E-commerce merchants are encountering increasing logistics challenges due to a surge in international product returns, highlighting complexities in global online retail operations.

The General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE) has sent a letter to the government, urging interventions to address the economic impacts of the war in the Middle East, outlining five key pillars for action.

The deadline for renewing registrations in the Registry of Fresh Produce Merchants (MENO) is Friday, March 13, 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

Visa has enhanced its Acceptance Platform by adding single-API authorization processing, streamlining the way transactions are handled for its partners and merchants.

Shopify is gaining traction in Lithuania, with 'Neopay' solving a key pain point for e-commerce merchants as the country's online retail sector continues to break records.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani declared zero tolerance for "conflict merchants," stating that people should not use freedom of speech to cause trouble in the state.

Open-air drug dealing and a recent shootout that injured three people in Rua do Benformoso are deterring residents and concerning local merchants. Police are investigating the incident involving weapons.

An article discusses how artificial intelligence, particularly bots, are transforming online shopping by becoming new 'customers' for merchants, shifting the dynamics of retail.

Juan Antonio Giner's two-volume biography reconstructs the history of the Bosch family, Catalan merchants from Empordà to the Caribbean, who leveraged discretion to build their legacy.

State Street has announced a dividend of $0.84 per share, indicating a return to shareholders.

Merchants & Marine Bancorp reported a decrease in its net income for the fourth quarter, signaling a challenging period for the financial institution.