COST OF LIVING CONTINUES TO RISE AS AUSTRALIANS FEEL THE PINCH
If it feels like everything is more expensive right now, that’s because it is
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Mortgage interest charges were responsible for the greatest increase in living costs over the December quarter for employee households, data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday shows. This uptick in costs follows decisions by mortgage lenders to pass on consecutive cash rate rises by the Reserve Bank of Australia which saw it increase by 300 basis points or 3 percent in 2022.
The statistics, showing price increases across all five Living Cost Indexes (LCI) in Australia — the largest rise since the September 2000 quarter — paint a picture of households under increasing pressure to balance budgets while maintaining their current lifestyles.
While interest rates accounted for a 26.6 percent rise, Recreation and Culture, including travel rose by 5.5 percent over the holiday period, followed by Housing at 2.2 percent and Furnishings, household equipment and services at 1.8 percent.
National electricity prices also increased as the Western Australian Government’s $400 electricity credit offer came to an end. However, this was mitigated by the Queensland Government’s $175 Cost of Living rebate which came into effect in September last year. The Tasmanian Government has also introduced a $119 Winter Bill Buster electricity discount for concession households.
The RBA board is due to meet next week for the first time this year with most experts predicting a further rate rise of 0.25 percent.
Luxury carmaker delivers historic revenues, record global sales, and robust profitability amid ambitious product transformation.
Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 24% to 110.61 billion yuan, equivalent to $15.30 billion, but missed estimates.
Luxury carmaker delivers historic revenues, record global sales, and robust profitability amid ambitious product transformation.
2 minLuxury car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has posted its strongest-ever financial results, achieving record-breaking revenues of €3.09 billion in 2024, surpassing the €3 billion threshold for the first time in the company’s history.
Operating income also reached an all-time high of €835 million, reflecting a 15.5% increase over the previous year, while maintaining an impressive operating margin of 27%.
Global sales saw significant growth, with Lamborghini delivering 10,687 cars in 2024, a 5.7% increase year-over-year. This growth was consistent across key markets in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions, highlighting the global strength of the Lamborghini brand despite challenging market conditions.
Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann attributed the company’s success to the strategic renewal of its product range and the strength of its team. “Evolving the entire product range while continuing to grow: this is how we can summarize another record year for Automobili Lamborghini,” Winkelmann said. “We are confident and determined as we embrace the next challenges in the sector, continuing to combine performance, exclusivity, and innovation.”
The record results reflect an intense 18-month transformation period, marked by the introduction of three new models. The launch of the Revuelto—the first V12 High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV)—combined Lamborghini’s iconic heritage with advanced hybrid technology. Additionally, the new Urus SE elevated the Super SUV segment, introducing cutting-edge innovations in technology, efficiency, and performance. Lamborghini also introduced the Temerario at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, embodying the brand’s uncompromising spirit and design ethos.
Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, emphasized Lamborghini’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. “Our goal remains achieving sustainable growth from both financial and environmental perspectives, creating lasting value for all stakeholders,” said Poma.
The company’s ongoing success has boosted employment significantly, with 1,000 new employees joining the workforce over the past two years, representing a 30% increase. This expansion is supported by Lamborghini’s most substantial investment plan ever, designed to modernize production, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and improve the sustainability of the company’s industrial ecosystem.
Automobili Lamborghini remains a significant contributor to Italy’s economy, reinforcing the global prestige of Made in Italy through a commitment to exclusivity, craftsmanship, and technological innovation. With these strong results, Lamborghini is poised for further growth and continued excellence in the luxury automotive industry.
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If U.S. stock prices continue to fall, wealthy consumers could slow their spending, putting further pressure on the U.S. economy and markets. That could mean everything from fewer luxury cars and handbags being sold to reduced demand for top-end homes and fancy vacations. Broadly, retail sales rose a less-than-expected 0.2% in February from January, the Census Bureau …
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