BUSINESS

European stock markets retreated Friday, as traders booked profits from a positive start to 2025 and awaited a full return to business next week.

US President Joe Biden has decided to block the proposed $14.9 billion purchase of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel and will announce the move as soon as Friday, according to US media.

The likelihood of millennials cutting back on their takeaway expenditures is more than double that of baby boomers -- 34.2% of millennials plan to spend less on fast food, compared to just 14.4% of baby boomers.

These "subscription traps" are seen in gym services, meal-kit providers, and health applications, and it is often difficult for users to stop automatic renewals after free trials.

Electric cars accounted for 89 percent of the new cars sold in Norway last year, a report said Thursday, pushing the country closer to reaching its goal of going fully electric by 2025.

Major European and Asian stock markets began 2025 in the red as investors await planned tariffs from US president-elect Donald Trump, adding to China's economic struggles.

According to property data firm CoreLogic, prices across the country dropped by 0.1% in December, while values in major cities fell by 0.2%.

With fewer rental options available, tenants could face increased competition, driving rents higher.

The median balance option delivered impressive returns in 2024, and members who invested aggressively in assets like shares saw notable growth in both domestic and international markets, with many options churning out returns of over 10%.

Due to consumer demand and a desire to support the celebration, Woolworths has reversed its decision to discontinue selling Australia Day items.

Customers are advised by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and Australian Payments Plus (AP+) to upgrade their debit cards in mobile wallets prior to January 1, 2025, in order to prevent any card payment problems.

Young women are twice as likely as males to resign from their jobs as a result of customer abuse, according to a recent survey, underscoring the need for better workplace safety and support.

Australians are expected to spend $3.7 billion in the six days after Christmas, with Boxing Day sales estimated to hit $1.3 billion, despite worries about inflation.

In 2025, most banks anticipate lowering borrowing rates, which will help Australian homeowners. Make the most of these changes by learning how to become ready.

A US government panel failed to reach a consensus on whether US Steel's acquisition by Nippon Steel threatens Washington's national security, shifting the decision to the White House, the Japanese company said late Monday.

Global stocks were mostly higher on Tuesday boosted by a tech rally on Wall Street, but gains remained modest in thin Christmas Eve trade.

The bank said in a statement Tuesday morning that Osko payments were also affected due to the outage. However, cards, ATMs, branch services, and incoming payments remained operational.

According to Andrew Podger, a professor of public policy at ANU, Australia needed to shift its focus towards creating a system that helps older Australians turn their accumulated super savings into reliable incomes, ensuring they can maintain their living standards and manage the financial challenges of old age.

El Salvador will privatize or close the cryptocurrency wallet "Chivo" created by President Nayib Bukele when he made bitcoin legal tender in 2021, an official said Thursday.

Baby boomers and silent generations, who accounted for the majority of the donors, were aging or passing away, which in turn was triggering a behavior among charities to hunt for younger donors to ensure continued impact

Take stock of your financial situation by reviewing these five key areas: short-term debt, family protection (insurance and a will), emergency savings, pension savings, and investment plans. This audit will help you create a solid financial plan.

The Bank of England on Thursday kept its key interest rate at 4.75 percent, deciding against a cut in line with the US Federal Reserve, as UK inflation rises again.

Student loans will now be adjusted annually based on the lower rate between the Wage Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This modification is effective retroactively for the previous two fiscal years.

Australia's household wealth surged 9.9% to a record $16.9 trillion, driven by rising house prices, strong superannuation growth, and a booming share market.

Stock markets mostly climbed and the dollar steadied against main rivals Wednesday with the US Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates.

The promotional stunt, organized by the Libertarian Party, aimed to protest the government's fuel taxes, which currently added 55 cents per litre to the cost of petrol.

According to Canstar's insights director, Sally Tindall, the cycle of cutting fixed rates appears to have paused for now. However, she suggests that there could be some relief in the new year, with potential rate cuts offering much-needed support to homeowners.

ACCC's warning followed a concerning report from The Salvation Army, which found that 29.9% of Australians "will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas." The report also revealed that one in five people has had to skip medical care to afford Christmas expenses.

According to Afterpay's latest "Afterpaid" report, clothing, and fashion items such as crocs, trainers, leggings, and loungewear were flying off the shelves, with red items seeing a 24% jump from 2023.