Business
The latest business news and analysis from JournalArta Global.
First GLP-1 weight loss pill approved in Australia
Australia’s medicines regulator has approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy tablet for eligible adults, marking the country’s first GLP-1 weight-loss pill. The oral medicine is expected later this year, after a review of its packaging and production processes. Doctors say wider access could help patients, but warn that prescribing must include careful screening and ongoing support.
Top Senate race states face steeper gas and grocery costs
Households in several closely contested Senate states are seeing fuel prices rise faster than the national average, while grocery costs take a larger share of monthly income in some areas. The figures add economic pressure for voters on Election Day as candidates compete in races that could determine control of the Senate.
US Job Openings Hit Four-Month High as Layoffs Ease
More openings and fewer layoffs point to firmer footing for US workers, even as employment gains remained tepid in September. Employers reported 7.52 million...
Hackers Heat Supermarket Fridges Across Europe, Spoiling Food in More Than 100 Stores
Temperatures in some European supermarket fridges climbed to 50°C as a new cyberattack wave disrupted more than 100 stores across the region. Retailers disca...
Oil prices bounce back after report of strike on Iran
Oil prices rose after reports of a U.S. strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island reversed some of Monday’s steep losses. Brent traded at $105.25 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate at $96.93 in early Asian trade on Tuesday, as the report revived concerns over escalation and the risk of supply disruptions.
Jewellery sold as sterling silver found with toxic metals
Testing of 25 pieces advertised as sterling silver on online marketplaces found eight with cadmium above the legal limit, while only two could be classified as sterling silver. A necklace bought on Etsy also contained a section with just 8.9% silver, despite carrying a 925 hallmark. Several marketplaces said they removed identified listings or began recalls.
Squarespace to Cut 19% of Workforce, Affecting About 300 Employees
About 300 Squarespace employees will lose their jobs as the website-building company cuts 19% of its workforce, a restructuring that will reshape teams respo...
David Jones Westfields Stores Face Closure Risk After Delay
David Jones missed the October 30 deadline to file its accounts with Australia’s corporate regulator for a second year running. Five Westfield stores are reportedly under review as the retailer weighs further closures, while the company says its gift-card service has been restored and stores continue to operate as usual.
Virgin Australia Apologises After Breaking Girl’s $33,000 Wheelchair
Virgin Australia apologised to the family of six-year-old Adelaide Tuimalealiifano after her specialist wheelchair was damaged on a flight from Townsville to Brisbane. Her father repaired it, but disability advocates say airlines should report damaged or missing mobility equipment and improve procedures to prevent further incidents.
Gold trims intraday gains as Fed rate bets cap recovery
Gold held a modest intraday gain during Monday’s European session but struggled to stay above $3,900. A weaker US dollar and falling oil prices offered support, while traders’ expectations of another Federal Reserve rate increase limited the recovery. Markets were watching US manufacturing data, with services and employment figures due later in the week.
Coffee, fuel costs sharpen household squeeze ahead of US midterms
For Nicholas Kolacz, a coffee that costs $10 after a tip has become a once-a-week treat. His budget is one small example of the cost
Oil Prices Slide 3% as US-Iran Peace Hopes Ease Tensions
Oil prices fell as optimism grew over mediation talks involving Iran and Qatar and a possible US-Iran peace deal. Brent crude traded at $109.82 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $100.57. The decline came despite Iran’s foreign minister saying Tehran was prepared for both defence and diplomacy, while analysts warned that renewed hostilities could quickly shift market sentiment.
Why Keeping Your Birthday Private Can Help You Thwart Scammers
Online retailers may ask for a birth date even when it is not needed to complete a purchase. Cybersecurity professionals say leaving the field blank, or using a different date on low-risk accounts, can limit personal data exposed in a breach. The risk grows when a birthday is combined with names, phone numbers and other leaked details to build a convincing identity profile.
ASIC Warns Super Funds Over Rising Complaints and Enforcement Risk
Australia’s corporate regulator has warned superannuation trustees to improve how they handle member complaints or face possible enforcement action. ASIC found nearly one quarter of 45 trustees examined did not regularly analyse complaints data for systemic problems, while complaints in the sector rose by more than 40 per cent last financial year, according to AFCA.
David Jones Urges Gift Card Use as Retailer Faces Uncertainty
David Jones customers have been advised to check their gift card balances and consider spending them as concerns grow over the department store chain’s future. The warning follows reports of failed redemptions over the weekend, which the retailer attributed to a technical glitch. David Jones recorded a pre-tax loss of $95.45 million for FY25 and secured $10m in emergency funding as it negotiates a possible reduction to its store network.
OPEC+ keeps December oil output steady as risks rise
Seven core OPEC+ members agreed to keep oil production steady in December as threats to shipping and concern about renewed U.S. strikes against Iran keep supply risks elevated. Brent crude for January delivery settled above $113 a barrel on Friday. The group is due to decide January output levels at a meeting on Nov. 29.
High street slot farms may avoid new tax via bingo licences
Hundreds of adult gaming centres in England may retain discounted business rates by operating under bingo licences, despite a budget change targeting slot-machine venues. The loophole could weaken the intended effect of the new rules, while lawmakers and a property expert say enforcement and licensing definitions will matter.
Hundreds of England Slot Arcades May Keep Business Rates Discount
Hundreds of adult gaming centres in England hold bingo licences that may let them keep a business-rates discount despite a new tax change. The government raised duty on slot machine takings from 20% to 25%, but the licensing loophole could leave some venues outside the business-rates rules. A lawmaker has urged ministers to tighten enforcement.
Couples in Their Late 70s Face a Plan for Care and Trust
A couple in their late 70s with no children are considering how to arrange help as they age, including who could manage health and financial decisions. A solicitor says they can appoint more than one attorney and may initially choose each other, while professional support and planning resources offer other options.
Airbnb house rules: Cleaning changes divide hosts and guests
Airbnb’s revised house rules will stop hosts from requiring guests to handle cleaning jobs such as washing dishes or stripping beds. The rules apply to bookings made globally from 20 November. Hosts warn that extra mess could raise cleaning costs, while guests say long checkout lists have undermined the appeal of a stay.
Australia’s government promise net savings remains uncertain
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher says Australia’s December budget update cannot yet be guaranteed to deliver net savings, as officials continue reviewing spending. Inflation and borrowing costs are adding pressure, while health and aged-care needs are also rising. Gallagher says ministers are working on savings but will not pre-empt decisions still under review.
Binance Replenishes 90% of Assets After $6.3 Billion Hack
Binance says it has replenished 90 percent of assets stolen in a hack with an estimated impact of $6.3 billion and will cover the remainder. The exchange said withdrawals remained paused but were on track to resume on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The incident also highlights how customers’ recovery can depend on an exchange’s ability and decision to repay them.
North East Tourism Tax Plan Draws Pushback From Venues
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness plans to introduce a levy on overnight visitors, saying it would fund major events and create jobs. But venue operators, a rural innkeeper and four councils warn the charge could deter tourists or fail to benefit local businesses. The debate follows tourism levies already operating in Edinburgh and Liverpool.
Schiffer Warns Binance Theft Could Foreshadow AI Cyberattacks
Eric Schiffer warns that the $6.3 billion Binance theft could foreshadow more sophisticated cyberattacks as artificial intelligence advances. Binance says it has reserved more than $6.34 billion to cover losses, frozen about $3 billion in stolen assets and is continuing recovery efforts while its investigation proceeds.