hauser, deputy governor of the RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA, said he does not accept descriptions that the committee was forced into a corner at the meeting.

Challenger chief revenue officer Andy Challenger said hiring remains subdued. Ahead of the holidays employers are favoring retention of existing staff; announced openings are largely short-term or seasonal as companies seek to meet holiday demand while preserving flexibility and avoid adding permanent headcount.

Italy is reviewing a bill to impose a 26% exit tax on unrealised capital gains for individuals who transfer tax residency abroad and hold financial assets exceeding €800,000 (~$900,000); the proposal is under parliamentary review. The measure is aimed at Italian citizens and long-term residents and may not apply to foreign ultra-high-net-worth individuals who relocated to Italy recently. The sudden policy turn could undermine perceptions of tax and political stability that have attracted wealthy investors to Milan. Francesco Guelfi, a partner at a Milan law firm, said the draft resembles a complex form of wealth tax and gives the impression Italy is becoming a "golden cage" for the rich.