Money

Amazon encouraging customers to pick up purchases

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

ticker NEWS

This is a move to slash costs for home delivery and returns amid slack consumer demand

Amazon is offering customers $10 to pick up a purchase, rather than have it shipped to a home address.

The online behemoth has offered certain Prime members $10 to retrieve their own orders of $25 or more from company pick-up points such as Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh and Kohl’s.

This is a move to slash costs for home delivery and returns amid slack consumer demand.

The company’s request went out in an email this week to an unknown number of Prime subscribers.

It’s also a major pivot for the company that for years trained consumers to expect fast, no-fee deliveries and returns.

Amazon late last year hiked the price of its annual Prime subscription by $20 to $139.

It also raised minimum order thresholds for free grocery delivery and expanded speedier same-day delivery with a fee for orders under $25.

Amazon has also started charging some customers a $1 fee, if they return packages via a UPS store when there is a closer Amazon location.

Money

France receives lowest credit rating due to crisis

France’s credit rating downgraded to record low amid political and fiscal crisis, raising concerns over debt and stability

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2025

Ahron Young

France’s credit rating downgraded to record low amid political and fiscal crisis, raising concerns over debt and stability

In Short:
– Fitch Ratings downgraded France’s credit rating to A+, citing political instability and fiscal challenges.
– New Prime Minister Lecornu must secure budget approval amidst rising deficit and potential no-confidence vote.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded France’s credit rating from AA- to A+, the lowest ever recorded, amid ongoing political and fiscal challenges.

The decision comes shortly after Prime Minister François Bayrou was removed in a vote of no confidence regarding his €44 billion austerity plan.

President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu as the new prime minister, marking the fifth leadership change in under two years.

Fitch highlighted political instability as a key factor undermining fiscal reforms, with France’s debt now at €3.3 trillion, or 113.9% of GDP.

The budget deficit increased to 5.8% of GDP and is expected to rise, posing challenges ahead.

Political Instability

The new prime minister faces a divided parliament and must secure budget approval by October 7.

The far-left plans a no-confidence vote against Lecornu, complicating further cooperation on legislative reforms, with S&P Global hinting at a potential downgrade.

Money

Trump moves to fast-track removal of Fed governor Lisa Cook

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

The White House is set to fast-track a ruling on firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, just days before the crucial FOMC meeting.

The move comes as markets reel from surging inflation, weak jobless data, and global currency shifts, raising questions about the Fed’s independence and the stability of policy decisions.

Money

ANZ job cuts spark banking clash

ANZ plans to cut 3,500 jobs, sparking debate on the future of Australia’s banking sector and employment dynamics.

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

ANZ plans to cut 3,500 jobs, sparking debate on the future of Australia’s banking sector and employment dynamics.

ANZ has announced plans to cut 3,500 staff and 1,000 contractors over the next year, triggering a fierce debate between business leaders, unions, and government about the future of Australia’s banking sector.

The decision raises wider questions about the resilience of the business community and the role of politics, productivity, and technology in shaping employment.

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