Chilean carrier LATAM Airlines hiked its earnings forecasts for this year on Thursday, backed by a strong first-quarter performance and increased demand. LATAM sees its revenues ranging from $12.8 billion to $13.1 billion for the year, up from a previous estimate of $12.4 billion to $12.8 billion. In a presentation to journalists, LATAM executives cited boosted operations, cost-containment measures and an improved capital structure as the reasoning behind the fresh EBITDAR outlook.
Australia's central bank will hold its key policy rate at 4.35% for a fourth straight meeting on Tuesday and at least until end-September, according to a Reuters poll of economists who forecast just one interest rate cut this year. That change in expectations from two 25 basis point cuts in an April survey follows news inflation fell less than expected last quarter and the labour market remains tight. Although inflation slowed to 3.6% from 4.1% previously, it was not expected to fall below the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target range until 2025, suggesting the central bank will have to hold rates higher for longer.
The stock market rallied heading into Friday's key jobs report. Apple popped late on earnings and massive stock buyback.