Money

Qantas price rise directly linked to blocked Qatar Airways expansion

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

The former head of Australia’s competition watchdog has asserted that Qantas airfares soared by 30% due to the federal Labor government’s refusal to allow Qatar Airways to expand its operations into the country’s major airports.

Alan Fels made these claims as part of an inquiry into price gouging commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, with his findings unveiled on Wednesday.

In his examination of egregious instances of price gouging, Fels singled out Qantas as a prime example.

Speaking to ABC on Thursday, he highlighted the impact of the blocked expansion on airfares, stating, “Well, where do you start? I thought the Qantas airfares were 30 per cent higher because of the blocking of Qatar.”

Anticompetitive barriers

Fels emphasised the need for swift action to dismantle anticompetitive barriers within the airline industry, both domestically and internationally.

He urged the government to reconsider restrictions on international aviation, particularly in light of decisions such as blocking Qatar’s request for increased flight operations.

Fels criticised the lack of competition in Australia’s retail sector, contrasting it with the more robust market in the United Kingdom.

While the UK boasts “four or five supermarkets fighting it out,” Fels lamented the dominance of just two major players in Australia, which he believes stifles competition and undermines consumer interests.

As Fels continues to advocate for reforms aimed at fostering competition and driving down prices, his remarks underscore broader concerns about market concentration and its impact on consumer choice and affordability.

Money

AI fears rattle global markets and investors

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Published

17 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Global stock markets are experiencing heightened volatility as concerns about AI disruption sweep across industries. Investors are closely monitoring which sectors could be most affected as the technology continues to evolve.

Recent announcements from major US AI companies sent waves through international markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of global finance and technology. European software giants such as Dassault Systèmes and RELX saw significant declines, underscoring the global reach of AI developments.

UBS analysts warn that the impact of AI disruption could intensify in 2026 and 2027, with potential ramifications for a wide range of sectors.

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Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

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