🗞️ Feeling old yet?

Good morning. Ready to feel old? Eminem is going to be a grandfather.

If that doesn't do the trick, Macaulay Culkin turned 44 this year, Emma (Ross & Rachel's baby from Friends) is 21 and Homer Simpson would be in his 70s (or passed away due to a number of health issues).

All the headlines and more below...

PODCAST

🎧 Your morning wrap on to-go

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Supermarket milk prices drop below 2011 levels

• Supermarket milk prices fall to lowest level in 14 years as major retailers Coles and Woolworths reduce prices. LINK

• Consumer confidence in Australia saw its least gloomy reading in over 2 years, further complicating the Reserve Bank’s approach as it continues to assess economic conditions. LINK

• The RBA admits that losses on $188B in cheap loans during the pandemic may have gone too far, impacting its balance sheet and suspending dividends to the government. LINK

• Mortgage brokers in NSW are pushing back against new payroll tax levies, arguing it could force some out of business by significantly increasing costs. LINK

• Government targets tax dodgers on social media, exploring measures to prevent influencers from promoting tax avoidance schemes. LINK

• Oasis announces Australian dates for their 2025 reunion tour, marking their first return to the country since 2005. LINK

• The RBA maintains inflation focus but hints at rate cuts, with recent minutes indicating that lowering inflation remains a priority, while also suggesting future rate reductions are possible. LINK

GLOBAL NEWS

Don’t expect human life expectancy to grow much more, says new study

• Life expectancy study finds that human lifespan may have reached its peak, with little room for further increases despite advances in technology and healthcare. LINK

• Sustainable investing loses momentum, with only 35% of investors now considering ESG factors amid cost-of-living pressures. LINK

• Singapore ends horse racing after 181 years, as the government repurposes the land for housing developments. LINK

• Iron ore and stocks took a hit after China’s lackluster stimulus announcement dashed hopes of a major economic boost. LINK

• China’s stimulus briefing fell short of expectations, with the government pledging only modest spending efforts to boost local government investments, despite earlier hopes of more aggressive fiscal support. LINK

COMPANY NEWS

Country Road Group glosses over workplace scandal in annual report

• Country Road Group’s poor performance was downplayed in its annual report, despite plummeting sales and profits amid a workplace scandal. LINK

• Freedom Furniture is once again testing the market, preparing for a potential sale after a successful turnaround in its operations and profitability. LINK

• Wesfarmers Health division eyes expansion as Australians face worsening health issues, with the company’s revenues expected to reach $6B. LINK

• FinClear received a clearing and settlement licence, allowing the firm to use blockchain technology to trade shares in private companies. LINK

• AustralianSuper faces a $27M fine after being sued for failing to merge members’ accounts, resulting in duplicate fees and insurance premiums. LINK

• Qantas was fined $120M for selling tickets on cancelled flights, with the court approving the penalty as a deterrent for future violations of Australian Consumer Law. LINK

• Telstra employees grapple with Microsoft’s Copilot tool, with some staff concerned that using the AI assistant to save time is “cheating.” LINK

• Flight Centre relaunches FCM Meetings & Events as business travel rebounds, with plans to expand into the UAE and South Africa. LINK

• US judge orders Google to open its app store to more competition following a lawsuit by Epic Games, allowing third-party payment options and app stores. LINK

• AI boosts productivity for a KPMG consultant, saving half a day per week with the firm’s internal AI tool, which helps automate tasks, allowing more focus on higher-value work. LINK

• Spirit of Tasmania ferry saga escalates with claims of safety risks and strained relationships, as a parliamentary inquiry into the operation of TT-Line deepens. LINK

CHART OF THE DAY

Prices for 3-bedroom homes have surged lately

ONE MORE SCROLL

Editor’s Pick: X fails to avoid Australia child safety fine by arguing Twitter doesn’t exist.

Draft Pick: Western Bears’ NRL expansion bid rejected.

Odd Pick: UK woman receives reply to job application after 48 years.

COUNTRY OF THE WEEK

Croatia

This week we are putting a spotlight on Croatia. How well do you know the coastal European country?

1. What is the currency of Croatia as of 2024?

2. Which famous medieval city in Croatia was a filming location for Game of Thrones?

3. What is the capital city of Croatia?

4. What is Croatia’s most famous national park, known for its lakes and waterfalls?

5. What is Croatia's national football team’s highest World Cup finish?

Answers below

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Looking for a collab? Shoot us an email here.

OUR SOCIALS

ANSWERS

1. Euro
2. Dubrovnik
3. Zagreb
4. Plitvice Lakes National Park
5. Second place (2018 World Cup)

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here