Hermès Lawsuit, Pepsi vs Coca-Cola, and Bentley

Shein to offer supply chain services, New QR code passport-free travel, and AU's ban on engineered stone.

One Read, All Perspectives

Australian News

  • Australian dollar and bond yields rise as unexpected jobs data suggests a tighter labour market, complicating the Reserve Bank's inflation strategy. LINK

  • Unemployment rate drops to 3.7% in February, with employment surging by 116,500, indicating resilience in the jobs market amid higher interest rates. LINK

  • Record migration levels in Australia, driven by a large intake of international students and temporary workers, push annual population growth to the highest rate since 1952. LINK

  • Builders and suppliers express confusion over the impending ban on engineered stone, citing a lack of detail and clarity from the government. LINK

  • Australia and the UK sign a new defence and security cooperation agreement, enhancing the ability for defence forces to operate in each other’s countries and consult on sovereignty and regional security issues. LINK

Global News

  • European consumer stocks gain investor interest as economic confidence grows, driven by bets on sectors like travel, retail and luxury goods amid a brighter economic outlook. LINK

  • New Zealand's economy enters a recession unexpectedly in Q4, challenging the Reserve Bank's efforts to control inflation through aggressive monetary tightening. LINK

  • Biden administration eases vehicle emissions standards, granting US automakers more time to comply, potentially influencing similar adjustments in Australia. LINK

  • Singapore and Malaysia introduce QR code-based passport-free travel at land checkpoints to streamline border crossings and reduce processing times. LINK

Company News

  • Hermès faces lawsuit over Birkin bags' exclusivity, accused of violating US antitrust law by making the bags too hard to purchase. LINK

  • Reddit IPO prices at top of range, raising $1.1 billion and testing the US market's appetite for new listings. LINK

  • University professor claims ageism in dismissal over alleged student misconduct, suing the University of Melbourne for damages. LINK

  • PwC global chairman rejects Senate request for a report on tax leaks scandal, citing confidentiality and privilege. LINK

  • Strata management firm Netstrata scrutinised for excessive fees and kickbacks in NSW, raising legal and ethical concerns. LINK

  • Shein to offer supply chain services to global brands, expanding beyond fast-fashion retailing. LINK

  • Tencent Holdings posts disappointing revenue growth, as gaming revenue shrinks and the company plans to increase share buybacks. LINK

  • Bentley Motors delays all-electric vehicle transition, adapting to market conditions and extending plug-in hybrid offerings. LINK

  • Subway switches to Pepsi products after a 15-year partnership with Coca-Cola. LINK

This Week’s Top News

  • Corporate insolvencies hit a decade high, affecting construction, hospitality and retail sectors due to financial pressures. LINK

  • Australians lost $2.2 billion to card fraud last year, with an increase in the number of people affected. LINK

  • Public transport accessibility standards have been updated for the first time in 20 years to improve disability access. LINK

  • AI washing emerges as firms exaggerate AI capabilities, attracting regulatory attention. LINK

  • Electricity bills to decrease for most Australian households from July 1, providing some relief in the cost-of-living crisis. LINK

  • 3G mobile network shutdown raises concerns for rural and remote Aussies losing key phone services. LINK

  • Elon Musk defends his ketamine prescription as beneficial for investors, stating it improves his mood and execution capabilities. LINK

  • Workplace drug use is criticised as workaholism, not biohacking, with increasing reports of executives and high-pressure professionals using substances to boost performance or creativity, posing risks of addiction and health issues. LINK

  • Amazon benefits from 'loopholes' in Australian Labor law changes, potentially enhancing its delivery efficiency. LINK

  • Farmers hold $6 billion in tax haven accounts despite a smaller grain harvest and fluctuating cattle prices. LINK

  • Unions target small businesses through women, posing a risk to flexible work arrangements. LINK

  • Smart home device sales rise despite privacy and cost concerns, items vary from internet-connected fridges and washing machines, to smart speakers. LINK

  • Retrenchments are expected to rise among middle managers due to spiralling operating costs. LINK

  • ATO pursues $34 billion in small business debts post-COVID, raising insolvency concerns. LINK

  • MYOB predicts insolvency risk for over 20% of SMEs due to new payday super laws, highlighting challenges of simultaneous superannuation and wage payments. LINK

  • Shortfall in student accommodation as international student numbers rise, with an expected annual gap of 7,000 beds. LINK

  • PwC seeks buyers for its Indigenous Consultancy amidst firm-wide restructuring and scrutiny. LINK

  • Australian Grand Prix to surpass $100 million in revenue, with tickets sold out, partially driven by Netflix's series 'Drive to Survive'. LINK

  • "Oppenheimer" achieves success at the Oscars and box office, but its release in Japan brings controversy over the portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer. LINK

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