FEAR & GREED | Business News Qantas soars to bumper profit; govt axes 500 tariffs; OpenAI’s Aussie office
Aug 28, 2025
Qantas is soaring again, showcasing a staggering 28% increase in profits fueled by travel demand. The government’s recent decision to axe 500 tariffs promises to lower costs for Australian businesses. Meanwhile, ANZ's layoffs were poorly communicated, raising concerns over corporate transparency. Wesfarmers thrives thanks to popular retailers like Kmart and Bunnings. Plus, OpenAI is set to establish its office in Australia, expanding its influence down under. Tune in for these compelling discussions and more!
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Qantas Rebounds With Profit And Staff Shares
- Qantas recovered strongly post-COVID, reporting net income up 28% to $1.6 billion driven by travel demand and fleet upgrades.
- The airline pairs improved performance with employee incentives, offering 25,000 staff $1,000 in shares annually to mend industrial relations.
Bargain-Hunting Fuels Wesfarmers Growth
- Wesfarmers benefitted from consumers hunting bargains, with Kmart and Bunnings driving group earnings and Kmart profits rising 9.2%.
- The group's focus on value, productivity and cost control underpinned a statutory net profit of $2.9 billion.
Look To Earnings, Not Market Noise
- Expect cautious markets during reporting season as investors adjust positions amid volatility.
- Monitor sector leaders and earnings surprises rather than broad market moves to find opportunities.