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Qatar Vs Qantas – the end of the Alan Joyce empire

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It’s been a bad month for Qantas, with its internal workings fully out in the open and on public display.

An ACCC investigation into whether tickets were sold for flights that had been canceled, a CEO who had no choice but to bring forward his resignation, and now a government falling over itself truing to explain why it refused to let Qatar fly more flights to Australia at a time when airfares are 30% higher than pre-Covid.

2023 will go down as bitter sweet for Qantas. Record profits for an airline usually come at a price. And right now, consumers are angry and shareholders are worried.

Qatar decision

The Australian government is under scrutiny following its decision to deny Qatar Airways additional flight slots into the country, a move that has sparked criticism from various quarters. The decision, which has been labeled as being “in the national interest,” is now the subject of a parliamentary inquiry established by the federal opposition.

In October 2022, Qatar Airways sought to expand its presence in Australia by applying for an additional 21 weekly flights on top of the 28 it already operated in major cities. The airline’s CEO, Akbar al Baker, cited Qantas as a factor in higher airfares.

In July 10, 2023, Transport Minister Catherine King rejected Qatar Airways’ bid on the same day she addressed five Australian women who were subjected to invasive strip searches at a Qatari airport in 2020. This incident, which occurred at Hamad International Airport, led to ongoing legal battles.

The rejection of Qatar Airways’ application was made public on July 19, and it was met with criticism from the Australian Airports Association, Flight Centre, opposition MPs, and the airline itself. Transport Minister King maintained that the decision was not commercial but in the national interest.

In August, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of a profitable airline industry. Outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce also appeared before a Senate inquiry, highlighting the need to protect national interests in aviation.

Competitor criticism

Virgin Australia and Flight Centre criticised the decision, with Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka arguing that there was insufficient capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic, and Flight Centre’s CEO, Graham Turner, emphasizing the demand for more flights.

Former ACCC chiefs expressed concerns that the decision would hurt consumers by limiting competition, while a report suggested that the airline industry in Australia was highly concentrated.

On September 5, the opposition successfully established an inquiry into the Qatar Airways decision, which could extend its scope beyond this specific incident. The committee will report its findings in October.

On September 6, Transport Minister King revealed that she consulted with relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry and emphasized that her decision was based on the national interest, not favoring any specific company.

On September 7, Minister King defended her decision, noting that the strip search incident was a factor but not the sole reason for the rejection. She stated that Qatar Airways had lobbied more on its behalf than Qantas and rejected claims that additional flights would lower airfares.

The ongoing inquiry aims to shed light on the factors behind the government’s decision and its potential implications for the Australian aviation industry.

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Money

What will it take for the Fed to cut rates?

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Leading economists anticipate a potential shift in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, shedding light on the timeline for an interest rate reduction.

 
Financial experts and analysts have closely examined economic indicators, which suggest that a change in the Fed’s stance may be on the horizon. Factors such as inflationary pressures, employment rates, and GDP growth have all been scrutinized to ascertain when the central bank might decide to cut interest rates.

The consensus among these experts is that a rate cut could occur within the next six to nine months. They point to the Federal Reserve’s commitment to maintaining a flexible approach, adjusting policies as needed to support economic stability. With inflationary concerns still looming and the labor market showing signs of recovery, the timing of a potential rate cut remains a key topic of discussion among financial circles.

The Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates can have a profound impact on financial markets, investments, and borrowing costs. As such, investors and businesses are keeping a keen eye on developments in this regard, preparing for potential changes in their financial strategies.

Kyle Rodda from Capital.com spoke with Ticker’s Ahron Young. #featured

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Money

Bank accidentally deposits $86M into client’s account

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A financial institution mistakenly deposited over $86 million into a client’s account, causing shockwaves in the banking industry.

The error came to light when the client, a small business owner, checked their account balance and discovered the astronomical sum. It is being hailed as one of the most significant banking errors in recent memory.

The client, who wishes to remain anonymous, reportedly contacted the bank immediately upon noticing the massive windfall. Bank officials were left scrambling to rectify the error, which has raised numerous questions about the institution’s internal controls and safeguards.

The client’s account, initially holding just a few thousand dollars, suddenly displayed a balance that could buy luxury yachts, mansions, and more.

The incident has prompted investigations by regulatory authorities to determine how such an egregious error occurred in the first place.

While the bank has issued an apology and assured the client that the funds will be corrected to the proper balance, it remains unclear how this mistake could have happened on such a colossal scale.

The financial institution may also face potential legal consequences for the error, as well as reputational damage that could impact its future business.

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Tech giants drive global mega-cap surge amid inflation relief

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Tech giants have taken the lead in propelling global mega-cap stocks to new heights.

This surge comes as a welcome relief for investors who have been closely monitoring the impact of rising inflation on the financial markets.

The tech sector, including giants like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, has been instrumental in driving the rally. These companies have reported robust earnings and strong growth prospects, which has boosted investor confidence. As a result, the market capitalization of these tech behemoths has reached unprecedented levels, contributing significantly to the overall rise in global mega-cap stocks.

The easing of inflationary pressures has played a pivotal role in this resurgence. Central banks’ efforts to tame inflation through monetary policy adjustments have begun to bear fruit, reassuring investors and stabilizing financial markets. As concerns over rapidly increasing prices recede, investors have become more willing to invest in mega-cap stocks, particularly in the tech sector, which has demonstrated resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Will the tech giants maintain their momentum and continue to lead the mega-cap surge, or are there potential risks on the horizon?

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