Core Insights - Asda has initiated redundancy consultations for over 150 roles due to weak Christmas trading, resulting in a record low grocery market share [1][3] - The company plans to eliminate more than 80 managerial positions and several warehouse roles as part of broader cost-cutting measures [1][2] Financial Performance - Asda's market share fell to 11.4% in the 12 weeks ending December 28, with a sales decline of 4.2%, marking it as the only major UK supermarket to experience a drop in Christmas trading [3] - For Q3 2025, Asda reported revenues excluding fuel of £5.1 billion ($6.76 billion), with like-for-like sales decreasing by 2.8% [4] Operational Changes - The company is scaling back staff responsible for delivery handling at larger warehouses and placing logistics employees in Yorkshire at risk due to partial outsourcing of parcel operations to Evri [2] - Asda has undergone restructuring actions over the past 18 months under chairman Allan Leighton, including significant reductions in middle management and IT positions following a failed technology upgrade [3][4] Technology and Management - Asda's trading results were adversely affected by "severe disruption" from a large-scale technology overhaul linked to Project Future [5] - Cal Corcoran was appointed as group chief information officer on January 5, 2026, overseeing technology and data operations as Asda operates independently after separating from Walmart [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is facing scrutiny from investors and market participants following a recent outage, raising concerns about its technology turnaround plan and operational resilience [1][2][5]. Group 1: Recent Outages and Impact - Approximately 80 companies experienced trading halts due to the ASX's announcement platform failure, preventing the publication of hundreds of price-sensitive disclosures [2]. - The recent outage is part of a series of technology failures that have led to reputational risks for the ASX, highlighting governance and operational resilience issues critical for market integrity [2][5]. - The ASX attributed the outage to a software deployment for a security upgrade, which was gradually restored during the trading session [3][4]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment and Reactions - Investors express disappointment over the continued technology issues, questioning the ASX's ability to deliver on its promises and ease regulatory burdens [6]. - Market participants, including Opal Capital's founder, emphasize the embarrassment of repeated incidents and the significant work needed for a successful turnaround [3][6]. - ASX chair David Clarke previously stated that the technology upgrade plan is crucial and cannot afford to fail, yet investor confidence remains shaky following the latest incident [5].