Money

Millions are turning to loyalty programs to survive

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2024

Ahron Young

Amidst rising expenses, Australians are utilising loyalty programs to make ends meet in the face of rising household costs.

Carly Neubauer, director and co-founder of Elevate Loyalty highlights that loyalty programs have become a vital tool in managing household budgets for many families.

With the rising cost of essential items, Australians are finding themselves in a constant battle to make their budgets stretch further.

“Consumers are looking for ways to save money to meet their household needs on a smaller budget. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard, and Aussies around the nation are having to budget very carefully and make lifestyle sacrifices to keep their heads above water. This is where loyalty programs are coming to the fore; they can really help you out if you’re smart about using them and work them to your advantage,” Neubauer explains.

Range of benefits

Loyalty programs offer a range of benefits and rewards to consumers who participate in them.

These programs allow shoppers to accumulate points, receive discounts, and access special offers, ultimately helping them save money on their everyday expenses.

With the cost of living on the rise, loyalty programs have become a valuable resource for cost-conscious Australians.

As more Australians sign up for loyalty programs, companies are intensifying their efforts to attract and retain customers.

Loyalty programs are becoming increasingly competitive, with businesses offering deeper discounts and more enticing incentives to stand out in the market.

“Companies are really digging deep with their loyalty program incentives because competition is fierce at the moment. In addition, shoppers are also increasingly turning to research to find better deals,” Neubauer adds.

This competition among retailers has led to consumers benefiting from deep discounts and a wide range of additional perks, including points, gifts, and other discounts. Some companies are even expanding their loyalty programs to allow spending with other brands to generate loyalty benefits for program members, further enhancing the value proposition.

Money

Markets surge as Fed hints at July cut

Fed’s Waller hints at July rate cut, boosting investor sentiment; Trump imposes 50% tariff on Brazil, provoking minimal market response.

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

Fed’s Waller hints at July rate cut, boosting investor sentiment; Trump imposes 50% tariff on Brazil, provoking minimal market response.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller, tipped as a possible next Chair, signalled a July rate cut is on the table, calling current policy “too tight.” That’s been enough to supercharge investor sentiment.

Meanwhile, Trump has slapped a surprise 50% tariff on Brazil, sparking political tension. Brazil’s President responded with tough talk on “sovereignty,” but markets barely blinked, the Brazilian real dropped just 1%.

#StockMarket #FederalReserve #Bitcoin #AUD #TrumpTariffs #TickerNews

Money

Trump’s copper tariff shakes global markets

Trump’s 50% copper import tariff aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, impacting global supply chains and Chile significantly.

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump’s 50% copper import tariff aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, impacting global supply chains and Chile significantly.

President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, a move set to rattle global supply chains and redraw the industrial map.

The tariff will hit within weeks, with Chile, the world’s largest copper exporter, expected to bear the brunt.

While Australia’s direct copper trade with the US is limited, analysts say the real message is strategic: the US is reinforcing its domestic manufacturing power.

#CopperTariff #DonaldTrump #TradeWar #GlobalMarkets #TickerNews

Money

RBA unexpectedly keeps interest rates steady at 3.85%

RBA surprises with decision to maintain interest rates at 3.85%, impacting economic forecasts and housing market activity.

Published

3 days ago

July 8, 2025

Ahron Young

RBA surprises with decision to maintain interest rates at 3.85%, impacting economic forecasts and housing market activity.

In Short:
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its cash rate at 3.85% despite concerns from the Housing Industry Association about its impact on new home construction. Although inflation is within target and there’s some market confidence, households are under financial strain amidst economic uncertainties.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to maintain the cash rate at 3.85% following a split vote of six to three. This unexpected decision comes as the Housing Industry Association warns that these rates remain restrictive, potentially hindering new home building.

Senior economist Tom Devitt stated that the rates will delay necessary building activity but noted improved market confidence following previous rate cuts.

Current inflation data shows the RBA’s preferred measure has been declining and remains within the target range. However, household spending is under strain, with Australia experiencing a per capita recession since mid-2022.

Labour costs

The RBA’s decision was influenced by concerns over productivity growth and high unit labour costs, affecting its inflation outlook. While some economists anticipated a rate cut, the RBA opted for caution due to economic uncertainties, both domestically and internationally.

The bank acknowledged gradual recovery in private demand and household incomes but highlighted ongoing challenges in passing cost increases to final prices.

Despite the hold on rates, price rises in essentials like petrol continue to impact Australian households. The RBA emphasized the need for ongoing assessment before making future rate changes, suggesting a careful approach in response to evolving economic conditions.