Money

US says Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson aren’t astronauts

Published

4 years ago

July 26, 2021

The US has tightened its definition of the word “astronaut”, and it doesn’t include billionaire space explorers

The US’ New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its rules to be an astronaut you must be part of a flight crew and make contributions to space flight safety.

This means that officially, billionaire space travellers like Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson may not actually be astronauts despite their trips beyond earth.

The changes come as the first amendment to the FAA Wings programme since it began in 2004. The FAA announced the updates on Tuesday, the same day that Bezos went to the edge of space aboard a Blue Origin rocket.

Richard Branson space flight: should billionaires be going to space? | Ticker VIEWS

How does a billionaire become an astronaut?

In order to qualify as a ‘commercial astronaut’, you must travel 80km above the Earth’s surface – a feat which Branson and Bezos both successfully accomplished.

However, the FAA also says that to be considered an astronaut, space-travellers must also have “demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety”.

For the FAA to award a space-traveller their ‘commercial wings’ as an astronaut, they also need someone to nominate them for the position. Americans can also become an astronaut through the US military or NASA.

The FAA says that the changes better align the Wings Scheme with its role in protecting public safety during commercial space flights.

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Money

Dow hits record after U.S. military action in Venezuela

Dow Jones surged 600 points post-U.S. action in Venezuela, boosting energy stocks amid cautious gold futures rise.

Published

23 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Dow Jones surged 600 points post-U.S. action in Venezuela, boosting energy stocks amid cautious gold futures rise.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged nearly 600 points to a record close following U.S. military action in Venezuela. Investors responded positively, signalling confidence that the geopolitical situation would not spiral out of control.

Stocks rallied alongside rising crude oil prices, with energy companies like Chevron and Exxon Mobil leading the gains. Analysts noted that oil infrastructure rebuilding in Venezuela could provide long-term benefits for the sector.

Despite the bullish market reaction, gold futures also rose, suggesting that some traders remain cautious amid global uncertainties.

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#DowJones #StockMarket #Venezuela #Maduro #OilPrices #EnergyStocks #Geopolitics #TickerNews

Money

Wall Street eyes further gains in 2026 as rate cuts fuel optimism

Wall Street enters 2026 optimistic as falling interest rates and strong earnings drive stock market expectations amid economic resilience.

Published

2 days ago

January 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street enters 2026 optimistic as falling interest rates and strong earnings drive stock market expectations amid economic resilience.

Wall Street is entering 2026 with renewed confidence as falling interest rates and robust corporate earnings lift expectations for continued stock market gains. Analysts say an easier monetary policy is providing fresh momentum for equities after several strong years.

The US economy has continued to show resilience, with businesses maintaining healthy balance sheets and earnings growth holding up despite global uncertainty. Lower borrowing costs and supportive fiscal settings are expected to further boost investor sentiment.

However, market watchers remain cautious, warning that optimism could fade quickly if economic data disappoints or inflation pressures return.

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#WallStreet #StockMarket #USMarkets #InterestRates #Investing #MarketOutlook #Ticker #FinanceNews

Money

US captures Maduro, investors brace for market impacts

US captures Venezuela’s Maduro, marking significant geopolitical escalation and sparking mixed reactions from investors and economists

Published

3 days ago

January 4, 2026

ticker NEWS

US captures Venezuela’s Maduro, marking significant geopolitical escalation and sparking mixed reactions from investors and economists

In Short:
– The U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, amid geopolitical tensions.
– Experts predict varied market impacts, emphasising complexities in Venezuela’s oil sector recovery.

The United States has announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following a military strike on January 3, 2026.

The intervention marks a significant escalation in geopolitical tensions, with accusations against Maduro including drug trafficking and illegitimacy in power.

President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, stating Maduro and his wife were apprehended and removed from Venezuela.Washington’s direct military engagement in Latin America has been rare since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump indicated in a later press conference that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s governance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio involved in planning the next steps.

Economic experts provided varied opinions on the situation.

Market Impact

Jamie Cox of Harris Financial Group stated market reactions will likely remain muted pending the outcome of an OPEC meeting.

Helima Croft from RBC Capital Markets highlighted the complexities of rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector post-conflict.

Brian Jacobsen from Annex Wealth Management expressed that the campaign was expected and could significantly unlock oil reserves.

Marchel Alexandrovich noted that geopolitical risks are increasingly influencing market dynamics, while Tina Fordham warned about the potentially messy nature of change in Venezuela despite optimistic outlooks.