Month: September 2024

In a smartphone market largely dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google, it’s easy to overlook other longstanding players who continue to innovate in mobile technology. Motorola, a name you might remember from the “Hello Moto” era, is one such company. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra has recently entered the conversation with its notable features. This folding phone stands out with its sleek design and cutting-edge technology. Its highlight is the largest external display of any[more...]

The OECD Employment Outlook examines recent labour market trends and forecasts across OECD member countries. This edition also evaluates how the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050 will affect the labour market and the jobs of millions of workers. Although overall employment levels are expected to remain relatively stable, jobs will be lost in declining high-emission industries, while new opportunities will arise in growing low-emission sectors.

The Australian sharemarket surged to new highs on Thursday, closing at a record level despite a midday dip that erased its morning gains. The S&P/ASX 200 surpassed 8200 points during afternoon trading before slipping slightly to finish 49.8 points higher, or 0.6%, at 8191.9. Six of the 11 industry sectors gained, with utilities and mining leading the rise, while industrials and healthcare stocks saw the biggest declines. The record close followed a major interest rate cut by[more...]

The US Federal Reserve has decided to cut interest rates by 0.05 percentage points, signaling that the global battle against inflation may be nearing its conclusion. This decision is likely to bring relief not only to homeowners in the US but also in Australia. In its policy statement, the Fed explained that the move reflects "increased confidence that inflation is steadily moving toward 2 percent," adding that the central bank "believes the risks to achieving its employment[more...]

The ACCC has fined Honda Australia for an alleged breach of the MVIS scheme, marking the first penalty of its kind. Honda Australia paid a penalty of $18,780 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an infringement notice for allegedly violating the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS scheme). The MVIS scheme, introduced in July 2022, aims to give independent repair workshops fair access to the diagnostic software and technical information needed[more...]

Parents have been urgently warned about contamination concerns in a popular children’s snack. Aldi has recalled the Farmwood Chicken Breast T-Rex Bites (1kg) due to an undeclared allergen, peanuts, in products with a best before date of 27/10/2025. Food Standards Australia warns that consumers with a peanut allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if they consume this product. Those affected are advised not to eat it and to return it to any Aldi store for a[more...]

In the ongoing debate over surcharges imposed by retailers on those who pay with cards or electronic devices versus physical cash, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to explain that money isn't free. You might hand over $5 for a pie or coffee, while the customer next to you pays $5.05 due to a 1% surcharge for using tap-and-go. However, that $5 already includes the significant cost for retailers to handle cash. From maintaining[more...]

A Qantas plane damaged a portion of the runway during takeoff at Perth Airport on Sunday, leading to urgent repairs. Footage shared online shows Qantas flight QF71, headed to Singapore, moving along the main runway around 12:15 PM, when large pieces of the runway were torn off. "Drama at Perth Airport this afternoon as a Qantas A330 rips up part of the newly relaid section of runway 03," posted Alex, an aviation enthusiast on X.

Elon Musk's Tesla, once the dominant force in the electric vehicle market, has been overtaken by BMW in Europe. In July, BMW sold 14,896 electric vehicles, surpassing Tesla by around 300 units. The German automaker's sales marked a 35% increase compared to the same month last year, while Tesla's registrations fell by 16%.

The family of a bodybuilder who collapsed and spent 15 hours unconscious in a Perth gym shower is calling for a coronial inquest to investigate the circumstances of his death. Speaking to ABC Perth’s Nadia Mitsopolous, Daniela Pirone, mother of 33-year-old Giuliano Pirone, said the family wants answers as to how he could go unnoticed for so long in a 24-hour gym after collapsing early on August 20. Giuliano’s family grew concerned when he didn’t return home,[more...]