Money

Free shipping is the next victim of ‘shrinkflation’

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2024

Ahron Young

In the world of online shopping, free shipping and hassle-free returns have long been considered perks that sweeten the deal.

However, consumers may soon have to bid farewell to these cost-saving conveniences as retailers start to roll out changes that could make returning items a costly endeavor.

End of an Era

Free shipping and no-cost returns have become almost synonymous with online shopping, setting a standard expectation among consumers.

However, this era of convenience is rapidly coming to a close as retailers grapple with the mounting costs associated with processing returns.

For many online shoppers, the ease of returning unwanted items has been taken for granted.

A global shipping crisis is inbound

However, behind the scenes, retailers have been absorbing the financial burden of processing returns, from shipping fees to restocking costs.

Now, faced with escalating expenses, retailers are shifting the onus back onto consumers, signaling the end of the free ride.

Cost of Convenience

While free shipping and returns have undoubtedly been a boon for consumers, they have come at a cost to retailers, who have been footing the bill for years.

As the retail landscape evolves, consumers will need to adjust their expectations and recognize that convenience often comes with a price tag.

As retailers adjust their policies, consumers will need to rethink their approach to online shopping.

From factoring return costs into their purchasing decisions to being more discerning about their purchases, consumers will need to adapt to this new reality.

As retailers recalibrate their policies, consumers will need to prepare for a new era of shopping where convenience comes at a cost.

Money

Aussie job market defies expectations with stable 4.1% unemployment rate

Australia’s unemployment held at 4.1% in May amid job loss; full-time roles surged, underemployment fell, and female participation rose to 60.9%, keeping RBA cautious despite rate cut speculation.

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s unemployment held at 4.1% in May amid job loss; full-time roles surged, underemployment fell, and female participation rose to 60.9%, keeping RBA cautious despite rate cut speculation.

Australia’s unemployment rate held firm at 4.1% in May, despite a small drop of 2,500 jobs—falling short of forecasts.

But dig deeper: full-time jobs jumped by nearly 39,000, underemployment hit post-COVID lows, and female participation reached a record 60.9%.

With labour market resilience still strong, the Reserve Bank is unlikely to be swayed—though markets see an 80% chance of a July rate cut.

The RBA remains in a balancing act, cooling inflation, without choking growth.

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#RBA #JobsData #AustraliaEconomy #Unemployment #InterestRates #LabourMarket #tickernews

Money

Central banks struggle with economic uncertainty and rates

Central banks face challenges amid economic uncertainty, impacting policy decisions and investor confidence worldwide.

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

Ahron Young

Central banks face challenges amid economic uncertainty, impacting policy decisions and investor confidence worldwide.

In Short:
Central banks are grappling with economic uncertainty, prompting various interest rate cuts globally to stimulate growth. Many central banks, including those in Norway, Sweden, and Japan, are adjusting rates in response to inflation and trade concerns, while others like the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are considering future cuts.

Central banks are facing significant uncertainty concerning economic growth and inflation, making their policy decisions increasingly challenging as they approach the end of their rate-cutting cycles.

This uncertainty is also impacting investors. Recently, Norway’s central bank surprised markets with an interest rate cut, while the U.S. Federal Reserve cautioned against relying heavily on its policy projections.

The Swiss National Bank responded to decreasing inflation and economic unpredictability by reducing its benchmark rate to 0% but may consider further cuts. The Bank of Canada has maintained its rate at 2.75%, suggesting a potential future cut in light of tariffs affecting the economy.

Sweden’s central bank cut its key rate as well, aiming to stimulate growth amid weak price pressures.

In New Zealand, expectations are for rates to remain steady after a recent reduction to protect its economy from global trade uncertainties. The European Central Bank has also cut rates, considering further adjustments to meet inflation goals.

The Federal Reserve is keeping rates steady, although further cuts are anticipated due to low inflation. In Britain, the Bank of England held rates but may continue cuts in response to weak labour indicators.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is prepared for rate cuts due to weak growth data and trade tensions, while Norway’s central bank has been cautious with its recent decision. The Bank of Japan remains the only bank in a tightening phase, balancing escalating tensions and tariff concerns with its monetary policies.

Money

Fed signals slower cuts amid rising risks

U.S. Federal Reserve revises economic forecasts downward, expecting growth slowdown and higher unemployment, but still plans rate cuts in 2024 and 2025.

Published

3 days ago

June 19, 2025

ticker NEWS

U.S. Federal Reserve revises economic forecasts downward, expecting growth slowdown and higher unemployment, but still plans rate cuts in 2024 and 2025.

At its latest meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve revised its economic forecasts downward, with growth trimmed, inflation nudged up, and unemployment expectations now higher.

Despite this gloomier outlook, the Fed still sees two rate cuts in 2025, but just one in 2024 and one in 2026, a major dial-back from earlier projections.

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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #JeromePowell #Inflation #USEconomy #FedMeeting #tickernews