Insights

The dollar has sunk to a three-month low as investors reacted to disappointing growth figures and expectations increased of a cut soon to the US Federal Reserve's stimulus program.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce ratcheted up the histrionics on Thursday when he phoned key politicians, including Treasurer Joe Hockey, warning them of massive losses, swingeing job cuts and an urgent need to look at all options including the sale or partial sale of some key assets.

Qantas will consider radical options including partial sales of Jetstar and its frequent-flyer program to raise funds to keep its dominant position in the domestic market over arch rival Virgin Australia.

Shares dropped to their lowest level in seven weeks, shedding about $20 billion, amid growing worries the US Federal Reserve might start reducing its stimulus as early as this month.

Westfield is to spend $US800 million ($883 million) to buy out the remaining half-share of the retail premises at the rebuilt World Trade Centre in New York.

A lesser spotted generous vulture

Veda Group has become the best-performing public float of the year to date after the credit reporting and data services company's shares soared 40 per cent on its first day of trade.

Fresh from concluding the long-promised free-trade agreement with South Korea, Australia's Trade Minister has a new challenge.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce ratcheted up the histrionics on Thursday when he phoned key politicians, including Treasurer Joe Hockey, warning them of massive losses, swingeing job cuts and an urgent need to look at all options including the sale or partial sale of some key assets.

Qantas will consider radical options including partial sales of Jetstar and its frequent-flyer program to raise funds to keep its dominant position in the domestic market over arch rival Virgin Australia.

The dizzying heights of a $6 share price seemed like a distant memory for Qantas investors on Thursday, as the airline continued its atrocious run with its biggest one-day loss since June last year.

The three new A320s were now parked indefinitely in France. Qantas Airways

The dollar has sunk to a three-month low as investors reacted to disappointing growth figures and expectations increased of a cut soon to the US Federal Reserve's stimulus program.

Shares dropped to their lowest level in seven weeks, shedding about $20 billion, amid growing worries the US Federal Reserve might start reducing its stimulus as early as this month.

Westfield is to spend $US800 million ($883 million) to buy out the remaining half-share of the retail premises at the rebuilt World Trade Centre in New York.

A lesser spotted generous vulture