🗞️ Las Gaza

Good morning. This week you may have ‘seen’ President Trump sunbathing in the Gaza Strip.

Donald Trump has faced backlash after sharing an AI-generated video featuring a Trumpified Gaza which saw him enjoying cocktails alongside shirtless Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The video goes all out, showcasing Gaza as a Dubai-esque playground complete with skyscrapers, luxury yachts and bearded bellydancers grooving on the sand.

With lyrics such as “No more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza is finally here”, you can see why this hasn’t landed well.

All the headlines and more below...

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Former NT Power and Water Corporation worker sentenced for interfering with home meter for decades

• A former NT power worker was sentenced for using magnets to lower his electricity bill for over 2 decades. LINK

• Private credit lenders in Australia are experiencing early signs of loan distress whilst seeking external expertise to manage tightening liquidity. LINK

• AI-powered investing tools are expected to be used by 50% of traders by the end of FY25. LINK

• The commercial property sector is showing recovery signs as real estate investment trusts report improved income. LINK

COMPANY NEWS

Chalmers approves Qatar’s 25% stake in Virgin Australia

• Qatar Airways has secured approval to purchase a 25% stake in Virgin Australia to expand flight options to Doha. LINK

• Qantas announced its first dividend in 6 years after strong half-year profits that were driven by low-cost JetStar travel. LINK

• Raiz Invest reported a 579% increase in earnings as active users exceeded 325,000. LINK

• Amazon rebranded its voice assistant as Alexa+ with generative AI integration for US$19.99 monthly. LINK

• Employment Hero has mandated artificial intelligence use for problem-solving as part of its digital transformation strategy. LINK

• Nvidia reported US$39.33B in revenue, beating expectations whilst facing competition from China's DeepSeek lab's cost-efficient AI models. LINK

• Coles reported a 2.2% profit decline to $576M due to weak liquor sales, benefiting from Woolworths' industrial action. LINK

• Medibank has announced a 0.8% interim profit decrease whilst returning $160M in COVID-related savings to customers. LINK

• Perpetual announced major cost reductions after recording a 65% drop in net profit to $12M, following a failed $42M deal with KKR. LINK

• Paramount Global has devalued its Australian TV licences while securing approvals for an $13.3B merger with Skydance Media. LINK

• Eagers Automotive has reported strong results from its BYD hybrid vehicle partnership despite a 25% profit decline. LINK

• Ramsay Health Care plans to divest its Ramsay Santé European business as it reports a $104.9M first-half net loss. LINK

• Centuria's net profit rose 413% year on year, driven by supply chain onshoring, e-commerce expansion and population growth. LINK

• Mesoblast reported a widened half-year loss of $75.9M as Ryoncil's FDA approval triggered increased warrant liabilities. LINK

• Atlas Arteria has achieved a 7.4% increase in full-year net profit to $275.3M driven by toll increases and traffic growth. LINK

CHART OF THE DAY

Cyberattackers continue to use generative Al to accelerate phishing as their primary method of attack

ONE MORE SCROLL

Editor’s Pick: Antioxidants in fruits and flowers seem to counteract harmful effects of microplastics, study shows.

Draft Pick: The weird new putting technique that’s driving the golf world completely nuts.

Odd Pick: Axolotls can regenerate their brains – these adorable salamanders are helping unlock the mysteries of brain evolution and regeneration.

TOGETHER WITH

Doga Sydney - Corporate Cuddles & Puppy Yoga

Looking for a fresh team-building activity? Tired of the same old amazing races and escape rooms? Or perhaps you're searching for a unique and unforgettable weekend activity with your friends and loved ones?

We’ve got you covered with Corporate Cuddles and Puppy Yoga 🐶

TRIVIA

Parting the oceans

On this day in 1849, the first boat passed through the Suez Canal. We delve into our favourite two canals for today’s trivia.

1. Which canal is longer, the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal?

2. Which canal had the Ever Given ship stuck in 2021, causing global supply chain disruptions?

3. What is the approximate transit time to get through the Panama Canal? (3-5 hours, 8-10 hours, 16-18 hours or 1 day)?

4. Which canal has the most traffic?

5. Which two bodies of water does the Suez Canal connect?

Answers below

OUR SOCIALS

ANSWERS

1. Suez Canal
2. Suez Canal
3. 8-10 hours
4. Panama Canal
5. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea

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