Money

The best way to make use of your frequent flyer points right now

Published

4 years ago

July 11, 2022

Demand for air travel has soared, but trying to find seats using points is impossible. Here’s the best way to make use of your points

The cost of flying has soared as we all rush to get back into the air. The experts call it “revenge travel”, but we all make up for two years of restrictions.

But now airfares to popular international destinations have soared to more than double pre-pandemic levels. And if you’re trying to use your points to pay for flights, you’re probably finding it hard to book any seats.

So with all this unprecedented demand, what’s the best way to get the most from your points and get you back in the air?

If you’re organised, flexible and determined, you’ll do well. Steve Hui, from iFlyFlat has some ideas.

Singapore Airlines has more seats available than other airlines

The frequent flyer expert noted a common misconception around redemption rates right now, amid claims rates have quadrupled in some cases.

“The number of points for flights is still the same, it’s just that you can’t find seats right now,” says Steve Hui, from iFlyFlat.

What the airlines say

It’s worth noting how far in advance airlines release their rewards flights.

A Virgin Australia Group spokesperson said: “Velocity members can be savvy by taking advantage of discounted fares during sales and booking ahead with reward seats available more than 300 days in advance.”

The two main Australian frequent flyer schemes, Velocity and Qantas Frequent Flyer, have recently reported record points redemption rates.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has acknowledged airfare price hikes.

“Fuel prices have spiked and our fuel bill next year will be $1.8 billion more than it was before COVID,” said Joyce.

“At the same time, there’s still unbelievably low airfares out there. Jetstar had a $29 airfare sale yesterday [June 15], so you still can get very low air fares, but air fares will have to go up with the oil prices.”

Money

Middle East crisis: Global markets, tech, and supply chains under pressure

Published

3 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Navigating global uncertainty as the Middle East crisis reshapes markets, technology, and supply chains

The ongoing Middle East crisis is sending shockwaves through global markets, driving energy prices higher and intensifying volatility. Investors are facing growing uncertainty as inflationary pressures mount and risk sentiment shifts. Supply chains are under stress, with key trade routes disrupted, forcing businesses worldwide to rethink logistics, procurement, and operational strategies.

The technology sector is feeling the ripple effects as semiconductors, critical components, and AI infrastructure come under pressure. Volatility in tech stocks is rising, while defence and cybersecurity firms are navigating both new risks and opportunities. At the same time, investment in renewable energy and energy tech could accelerate as companies adapt to energy price surges and seek more resilient solutions.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies joins us to break down what these developments mean for global markets and long-term strategic planning.

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#MiddleEastCrisis #GlobalMarkets #TechIndustry #EnergyPrices #SupplyChain #InvestorAlert #AI #Innovation

Money

Australia’s inflation report and Nvidia earnings impact explained

Australia’s inflation report sparks market shifts, influencing interest rates, the Aussie dollar, and investor sentiment amid Nvidia’s earnings.

Published

6 days ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s inflation report sparks market shifts, influencing interest rates, the Aussie dollar, and investor sentiment amid Nvidia’s earnings.

Australia’s latest inflation report is creating waves across the market, with questions about interest rates, the strong performance of the Aussie dollar, and the uneven nature of the stock market rally. Investors are watching closely as changes in carry trade risks this month add another layer of complexity.

David Scutt from StoneX discusses what these shifts mean for trading strategies and the broader economic outlook. He provides insight into how underlying factors are shaping investor confidence and market dynamics.

On the tech side, Nvidia’s upcoming earnings are expected to influence AI development and the broader tech sector. Coupled with trends in SaaS and bitcoin price action, these movements are signalling how investor sentiment is evolving in a fast-changing landscape.

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#AustraliaEconomy #InflationReport #AussieDollar #NvidiaEarnings #AIInvesting #StockMarketNews #BitcoinTrends #SaaSInsights

Money

U.S. stocks rally as AMD, Home Depot, and AI software lead gains

U.S. equities rose as AI disruption fears eased, with Home Depot, AMD, and DocuSign driving tech stock gains.

Published

1 week ago

February 25, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. equities rose as AI disruption fears eased, with Home Depot, AMD, and DocuSign driving tech stock gains.

U.S. tech stocks surged as investors’ fears over AI disruption eased. Advanced Micro Devices jumped 9% after Meta announced a multiyear deal to deploy AMD’s graphics processing units for AI data centres. The move highlights growing corporate confidence in AI infrastructure investments.

DocuSign also rose 3% following Anthropic’s confirmation that Claude Cowork can integrate with DocuSign, Google Drive, and Gmail, signalling stronger adoption of AI tools across industries.

The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF climbed 2% despite remaining over 30% below its 52-week high, showing tech stocks are recovering but still have room to run.

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