News

King Charles extends olive branch to Harry… with conditions

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2023

Amidst the reportedly strained relationship between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles, there are hints of potential peace talks in the near future.

Sources suggest that Prince Harry might meet with King Charles during his upcoming trip to Europe for the Invictus Games, and if this rendezvous does occur, it appears that King Charles has one specific demand in mind for his son.

Prince Harry is scheduled to be in Germany for the Invictus Games, followed by a return to California via the UK once the event concludes.

This travel itinerary aligns with King Charles’ plans, as he is set to return from his summer holiday in Balmoral and then head to France for a visit. Sources indicate that this coincidence could pave the way for discussions between the two, although Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife, will not be part of these talks.

No Meghan

If the meeting takes place, it would be the first time Prince Harry and King Charles have seen each other since Charles’ coronation in May. However, it would also be their first personal encounter since the release of Prince Harry’s controversial memoir, “Spare,” in January. In the book, Prince Harry accused his father of prioritizing his own needs over his son’s.

Should the peace talks proceed, insiders suggest that King Charles will lay down one clear stipulation for the future. According to an anonymous source quoted by OK!, “The King loves his son very much but he has been mortally wounded by what he has done. He will always be there for him but draws the line at public slanging matches.”

Royal insights

In both his memoir and a bombshell Netflix docuseries co-hosted with Meghan Markle, Prince Harry revealed insights into their royal life. Notably, Harry detailed a physical altercation with his older brother, Prince William, in “Spare.”

In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle also accused a member of the royal family of making inappropriate comments about their son, Prince Archie, before his birth.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Invictus Games, Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to make a united appearance during the closing ceremony in Dusseldorf.

Prince Harry, 38, is set to deliver a farewell speech, while Meghan, 42, will host the ‘Lifestories Scene’ segment, sharing stories of the courage and resilience of injured servicemen and women who participate in the games.

News

Dollar steady as markets await Fed’s rate decision

Dollar steady ahead of Fed’s expected rate cut decision on Wednesday

Published

7 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

Dollar steady ahead of Fed’s expected rate cut decision on Wednesday

In Short:
– The U.S. dollar stayed stable as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut announcement.
– Asian equities rose, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index hitting a record high amid U.S. market gains.

The U.S. dollar remained stable on Monday as investors await the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to announce its first interest rate cut in nine months.

Trading volumes were low due to a holiday in Japan, causing currencies to remain rangebound.

Market participants have largely priced in a 25 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate, anticipated to bring the key rate to between 4.00%-4.25%.

This marks the first easing action since December 2024.

Recent economic data indicates a cooling labour market, with jobless claims rising to the highest levels since 2021, overshadowing inflation concerns.

Market Movements

Asian equities experienced gains, continuing a global rally, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index reaching a record high.

Chinese shares rose close to 1% despite disappointing factory and retail sales data.

This momentum follows historical closes in U.S. markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassing 46,000.

News

ANZ to pay $160 million for bond deal violations

ANZ to pay A$240 million for bond misconduct and customer violations amidst job cuts and regulatory scrutiny

Published

7 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

ANZ to pay A$240 million for bond misconduct and customer violations amidst job cuts and regulatory scrutiny

In Short:
– ANZ Group will pay A$240 million in penalties for multiple violations, including fees to deceased customers.
– The bank plans to implement A$150 million in reforms and has announced 3,500 job cuts.

Australia’s ANZ Group will pay A$240 million in penalties, the largest ever imposed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) against a single entity.

The penalties arise from multiple violations, including acting “unconscionably” during a government bond deal and continuing to charge fees to deceased customers.

The development comes alongside ANZ’s announcement of 3,500 job cuts as new CEO Nuno Matos seeks to enhance profitability.

ANZ has admitted to the allegations and acknowledged the need for significant operational changes.

The bank’s trading practices during an A$14 billion government bond issuance negatively impacted bond prices, which led to a substantial loss for the government.

ANZ plans to submit a remediation strategy to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority by the end of the month.

Company Changes

ANZ has stated it will spend A$150 million on reforms by the end of the financial year.

The Finance Sector Union is expected to file a claim regarding the recent job cuts made by the bank.

News

Climate report warns of rising heat deaths and property losses

Australia faces dire climate predictions, with potential for massive property value losses and thousands of heat-related deaths without action

Published

14 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

Australia faces dire climate predictions, with potential for massive property value losses and thousands of heat-related deaths without action

In Short:
– Climate change could cause hundreds of deaths and $500 billion decline in property values in Australia.
– Increased extreme weather events may lead to rising insurance costs and potential uninsurability of homes.

A government report warns that climate change could lead to significant challenges for Australia, with hundreds of deaths expected from heat-related illnesses.

Property values may decline by up to $500 billion as homes risk becoming uninsurable due to extreme weather events.

The assessment by the Albanese Government forecasts increased frequency of floods, cyclones, and bushfires.The report anticipates over a thousand potential heat-related fatalities in Sydney and Melbourne if action is not taken.

The projected increase in heat-related deaths in Australia’s capital cities, as outlined in the report. Picture: Climate Risk Assessment

Rising sea levels and extreme weather are expected to escalate insurance costs, making coverage unaffordable or unavailable.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged that many Australians will find these projections distressing, but they underscore the urgency of addressing climate change.

Changes in total annual freight costs by Local Government Area in a 2090 scenario, compared to 2024. Picture: Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment

Property Risks

Projected increases in heat-related deaths are particularly concerning. For instance, at a 1.5-degree rise in temperatures, heat-related mortality in Sydney could increase by 103%, reaching about 450 deaths annually at a 3-degree rise.

Coastal flooding days are expected to increase significantly in major urban areas, necessitating critical intervention.