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- Victoria's Pet Census, Baby Bunting and The Eiffel Tower Closure
Victoria's Pet Census, Baby Bunting and The Eiffel Tower Closure
A potential new PS5 ahead of GTA6, Expected base pay rises, and Catastrophe bonds.
Pick & Scroll News
February 21, 2024
One Read, All Perspectives
Australian News
Over 3,000 Victorian homes and businesses are still without power a week after recent storms. LINK
Distressed property listings are expected to surge if interest rates remain unchanged, with some areas already seeing a significant increase in homes sold under distress. LINK
Catastrophe bonds are attracting Australian fund managers with potential returns of 20% due to low claims from hurricanes and earthquakes. LINK
Australians may not see an improvement in household real incomes until 2027, with eight quarters of decline pushing incomes back to 2017 levels. LINK
Australia's property industry lags in AI adoption, with a third of companies unsure how to implement the technology. LINK
A survey of HR professionals indicates a general slowdown in hiring and a slight decline in firing, with expected base pay rises of 3.7% this year. LINK
Australia's biggest liquor retailers are increasing their market share with homebrand and "exclusive" products that mimic small brands. LINK
ACT and Queensland are now testing mulch for asbestos as contamination concerns spread from NSW. LINK
Storm-damaged Victorian roads are causing lengthy waiting times for tyre replacements and wheel alignments. LINK
Global News
China has made a significant cut to a key mortgage reference rate to revive its ailing property sector. LINK
The US has taken steps at the UN Security Council to block Israel from launching a "major ground offensive" into Rafah. LINK
The Eiffel Tower has been closed due to a workers' strike, causing disappointment among tourists. LINK
Company News
The ACCC has approved ANZ Bank’s acquisition of Suncorp. LINK
Virgin Australia announces the resignation of CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. LINK
Microsoft plans a US$2.1 billion investment in Spain to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure, following a similar investment in Germany. LINK
Sony may release a refreshed version of the PlayStation 5 this year, with analysts suggesting it could help rejuvenate interest ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI's release. LINK
The EU is investigating TikTok for potential breaches of its new digital rulebook. LINK
Alibaba sees strong growth in its international e-commerce business, contrasting with sluggish growth within China. LINK
Medibank's Amplar Health partners with US tech company Amwell to create digital health assistants, aiming to curb chronic diseases. LINK
Bendigo Bank is phasing out the Adelaide Bank brand, consolidating its branding as it refines its approach to loan sales. LINK
Baby Bunting saw a dip in sales due to cost of living pressures and consumer caution. LINK
Ansell cuts almost 1,300 jobs globally as it grapples with weak sales and a profit slump. LINK
Nine Entertainment and Tabcorp finalise a deal to broadcast the Melbourne Cup on Channel Nine for the next six years. LINK
Judo Bank's founder Joseph Healy steps down, with the bank aiming for regional growth whilst addressing the value proposition in small business lending. LINK
Coronado Coal sees an 80% drop in profits due to rising costs, taxes, and adverse weather, reflecting broader challenges in the coal industry. LINK
KMD Brands faces a sales decline, attributing it to weak consumer sentiment and unseasonable weather. LINK
Ingenia Communities reports a jump in new home settlement revenue as it navigates through easing home-building constraints and adapting to higher building costs. LINK
Centuria Capital's diversification into alternative real estate assets pays off amid economic uncertainty, validating its strategic shift towards sectors like agriculture and healthcare. LINK
Other News
Lionel Messi has issued another apology after his absence from a soccer match in Hong Kong sparked controversy, clarifying that his decision not to play was not politically motivated but due to an injury. LINK
Victoria's first Pet Census reveals that one in five dogs have been attacked by another dog, highlighting issues stemming from the pandemic pet boom, including the need for more training and the consequences of increased pet ownership. LINK
This Week’s Top Picks
Remote working is linked with lower wage growth but higher productivity and satisfaction among staff, with the Bank of England providing insights into the impact on businesses. LINK
Almost 400,000 items including live animals and plants were seized at Australia’s international airports last year. LINK
Investors are increasingly interested in fixed income ETFs as interest rates peak, seeking a buffer against volatility and an opportunity for competitive returns. LINK
Singapore will increase costs for outbound flights from 2026 to meet aviation industry decarbonisation goals, mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuel. LINK
Young professionals and mortgage holders are becoming the new face of hunger with charities reporting an influx of first-time aid seekers. LINK
Foreign students are leaving Australia in significant numbers following a visa crackdown, impacting net migration figures. LINK
Aussie sports clubs are facing financial difficulties, risking the development of talent for future sporting events. LINK
Anko, a Kmart brand, dominates the Australian market in several retail categories, selling over 1 billion items annually. LINK
A Delta Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit was turned around due to maggots falling from an overhead compartment, originating from a bag containing rotten fish. LINK