Economy

WH Smith shares tumble 42% after accounting blunder

WH Smith shares sink 42% due to accounting blunder

Shares in WH Smith experienced a dramatic decline following the disclosure of a significant accounting miscalculation that has rattled investors and raised questions about the company’s internal controls. The retail group, best known for its presence in airports, train stations, and high streets across the United Kingdom and internationally, saw its market value drop sharply after admitting to a financial oversight that inflated reported earnings.The announcement sent shockwaves through the investment community, with WH Smith’s stock price plummeting by more than 40% in early trading. Analysts described the situation as one of the most severe financial reporting issues the company…
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Air Canada to resume flights after pay deal struck with union

Air Canada to restart flights after reaching agreement with union

Air Canada has reached an agreement with its unionized workforce, bringing an end to the uncertainty that surrounded its recent labor dispute and setting the stage for flight operations to return to normal. The resolution follows weeks of negotiations that had disrupted schedules and raised concerns for both travelers and the broader aviation sector in Canada.The deal, which was struck after extensive discussions between the airline and union representatives, addresses key issues that had been at the heart of the dispute, including compensation, working conditions, and scheduling. Both parties have confirmed that the agreement provides stability for employees while enabling…
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Soho House bought for £2bn as Ashton Kutcher joins board

Soho House sold for £2bn with Ashton Kutcher joining board

A new chapter has begun for the exclusive global private members' club, Soho House, following a recent acquisition deal that places its valuation at a staggering £2 billion. This significant transaction not only marks a major moment in the hospitality and leisure industry but also introduces a fresh perspective to the company's leadership. The move, which brings a prominent figure from the entertainment and technology sectors onto its board, signals a strategic shift for the brand as it looks to expand its influence and appeal to a new generation of members. The acquisition solidifies the club's position as a premium…
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Qantas hit with record fine for illegal layoffs during pandemic

Qantas receives historic fine for illegal layoffs amid pandemic

The conclusion of a long-running legal dispute has resulted in a landmark decision, with a major airline facing a record-setting penalty for its actions during the pandemic. The ruling against Qantas, Australia's flagship carrier, marks a significant moment in the nation's industrial relations history. The case centered on the airline's decision to illegally terminate a large number of its ground staff, an action that was challenged by the workers' union and subsequently deemed unlawful by the Federal Court. This judgment is not merely about a monetary fine; it is a powerful statement on corporate responsibility, workers' rights, and the balance…
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VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car power

VW introduces monthly plan to upgrade car power

Volkswagen has reportedly introduced a new monthly subscription service that allows owners to unlock additional horsepower for their vehicles. This move places the automaker at the forefront of a growing industry trend toward on-demand features and software-based upgrades. Rather than offering a one-time purchase for a permanent performance boost, Volkswagen is reportedly testing a model that provides flexibility but also creates a new, recurring revenue stream. The core of this strategy is to monetize features that are already physically present in the vehicle but are locked behind a software paywall.This strategy represents a significant change occurring within the automotive sector,…
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Intel shares jump after report of possible US stake in chipmaker

Intel shares soar following rumors of US investment in chipmaker

News that the U.S. administration might contemplate acquiring an equity position in Intel has caused a notable increase in the company's stock worth. Should this proceed, it would mark a significant and unorthodox method of government involvement in the semiconductor sector. This anticipation arises from a recent, more straightforward strategy to back local tech champions, especially as the United States aims to enhance its supply chain durability and safeguard national security within a highly competitive international arena. This indicates a possible transition from basic grants and loans to a closer public-private collaboration, where the government takes on the role of…
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US wholesale prices jump in July as tariffs hit

US wholesale prices climb sharply in July as tariffs bite

In the United States, wholesale prices experienced a notable rise in July, a trend that experts largely connect to the impact of recent tariffs. The increase in production costs, as indicated by the Producer Price Index (PPI), has sparked concerns that these added costs may ultimately be transferred to consumers. The figures, which caught many economists off guard, imply that the broader economic implications of the latest trade measures are beginning to be more evident, potentially leading to an inflation-prone atmosphere.The document released by the Department of Labor showed a notable rise in the PPI, suggesting that companies are facing…
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