Money

Qantas to revamp Frequent Flyer program – what it means

Published

2 years ago

March 14, 2024

Ahron Young

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has pledged to revamp the company’s loyalty program in what could be its most substantial overhaul yet.

The proposed changes, expected to be branded as Classic+, aim to enhance customer engagement and alleviate frustration among frequent flyers who have faced challenges in redeeming their points for flights since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

According to sources close to the discussions, not authorized to speak publicly but cited by The Australian Financial Review, the new scheme is likely to convert one Frequent Flyer point to 1¢ for economy flights.

While the conversion rate is anticipated to be more favorable for higher cabin classes, at its core, it would mean that a $100 flight would cost 10,000 Frequent Flyer points under the proposed system.

Enhanced engagement

Traveller dissatisfaction with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program has been mounting, particularly as customers encountered difficulties in utilizing their points to book flights post-pandemic.

The anticipated changes are poised to enhance engagement with the loyalty scheme, which generated $1.27 billion in revenue and $270 million in earnings in the six months leading up to December 31.

During discussions on the company’s first-half performance last month, CEO Vanessa Hudson disclosed that $50 million, out of the $230 million allocated for improving the customer experience, would be directed towards the loyalty division, including Classic Rewards.

Steve Hui, CEO of iFlyFlat highlighted the frustration among many of Qantas’ loyal customers who have struggled to find Classic Rewards seats.

He suggested that the proposed changes to the scheme primarily target investors rather than customers, raising questions about its value proposition for consumers.

Despite concerns, Jefferies equities analyst Anthony Moulder noted in a recent client note that the number of Qantas Frequent Flyer members has surged by 76.7% since 2012.

However, the number of Classic Seat redemptions has only marginally increased from about 4 million to approximately 5 million. Qantas intends to maintain the number of Classic Rewards seats at 5 million.

While addressing shareholder skepticism, particularly regarding the company’s earnings margins, Qantas reassured that the frequent flyer improvements are still in progress.

The airline said its commitment to delivering value for its members while aligning the program with the needs of both customers and partners.

Money

Are we in an AI bubble or just a market reality check?

Tech stocks falter as AI boom faces reality; market shifts towards gold amidst growing investor caution.

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2025

Ahron Young

Tech stocks falter as AI boom faces reality; market shifts towards gold amidst growing investor caution.

Global tech stocks are losing altitude as investors question whether the AI boom has gone too far — or if the market is simply returning to earth after years of euphoric growth. With valuations for chipmakers and AI giants stretched to perfection, analysts warn that expectations may finally be colliding with economic reality.

In this segment, Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies joins us to unpack the trillion-dollar question: is this a healthy correction or the first crack in the AI gold rush? From hyperscaler capex surges to regulatory risks and fragile market leadership, he breaks down what’s driving investor nerves.

We also explore how the market rotation into gold and real assets reflects growing caution, and what this could mean for the future of AI-driven investing.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#AIBubble #TechStocks #MarketCorrection #Semiconductors #Investing #FinanceNews #AIStocks #TickerNews

Money

Inflation rise reduces chances of Reserve Bank rate cut

Inflation spikes, drastically reducing chances of a Reserve Bank rate cut amid economic pressures and rising costs

Published

2 weeks ago

October 29, 2025

ticker NEWS

Inflation spikes, drastically reducing chances of a Reserve Bank rate cut amid economic pressures and rising costs

In Short:
– Rate cut likelihood by the Reserve Bank has decreased due to a rise in annual inflation to 3.2 per cent.
– Significant price increases in housing, recreation, and transport are raising concerns for the Reserve Bank.

The likelihood of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank has decreased significantly after a surge in annual inflation.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that inflation for the year ending September rose to 3.2 per cent, reflecting a 1.1 per cent increase.

Trimmed mean inflation, a crucial measure for the Reserve Bank, was recorded at 1 per cent for the quarter and 3 per cent for the year. The bank anticipates inflation to reach 3 per cent by year-end, while trimmed mean inflation is expected to slightly decrease.

The quarterly rise of 1.3 per cent in September exceeded expectations. Governor Bullock noted that a deviation from the Reserve Bank’s projections could have material implications.

Financial markets reacted promptly, with the Australian dollar rising against the US dollar, while the ASX200 index fell.

The most significant price increases were observed in housing, recreation, and transport, indicating widespread price pressures that concern the Reserve Bank.

Despite the unexpected inflation rise, some economists believe the Reserve Bank may still consider rate cuts in December, viewing current price spikes as temporary due to the winding back of subsidies.

Economic Pressures

Broad-based economic pressures suggest that the Reserve Bank may not reduce interest rates at its upcoming meeting. Analysts highlight the need for ongoing support for households facing cost-of-living challenges.

Money

Wall Street hits record highs on low inflation

Wall Street hits record highs on cool inflation and strong earnings ahead of key Federal Reserve interest rate decision

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2025

Ahron Young

Wall Street hits record highs on cool inflation and strong earnings ahead of key Federal Reserve interest rate decision

In Short:
– U.S. stocks rose to record highs on Friday due to lower inflation and strong corporate earnings.
– Key earnings reports from major companies are expected next week, influencing market trends.

U.S. stocks rose to record highs on Friday due to lower-than-expected inflation data and positive corporate earnings.The S&P 500 and Nasdaq achieved their largest weekly gains since August. The Dow saw its biggest jump from Friday to Friday since June.

The Labor Department reported that the Consumer Price Index was slightly cooler than analysts’ predictions, easing concerns about inflation impacts from tariffs. This development suggests a likely interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting.

Ryan Detrick from Carson Group noted the positive inflation news may facilitate forthcoming Fed rate cuts. Despite the ongoing government shutdown affecting data releases, this CPI report provided much-needed clarity.

Earnings reports are continuing, with 143 S&P 500 companies having reported results. Growth expectations for third-quarter earnings have risen to 10.4%. Detrick indicated a strong opening to the earnings season with a significant percentage of companies exceeding expectations.

This coming week, key earnings will be reported from Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple, alongside industrial companies like Caterpillar and Boeing.

The Dow rose 472.51 points to 47,207.12. The S&P 500 increased by 53.25 points to 6,791.69, while the Nasdaq gained 263.07 points, reaching 23,204.87.

Alphabet gained 2.7% following a deal expansion with Anthropic. Coinbase saw a 9.8% increase from a JPMorgan upgrade. In contrast, Deckers Outdoor’s shares fell 15.2% after lowering sales forecasts.