Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [1][2] - The news team operates in key finance and investing hubs including London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, and Perth [2] - Proactive focuses on medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [2][3] Group 2 - The team delivers news and insights across various sectors including biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] - Proactive adopts technology to enhance workflows and improve content production [4][5] - All content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, ensuring adherence to best practices in content production and search engine optimization [5]

Core Insights - Alaska Air Group Inc. expects third-quarter adjusted earnings per share to be at the low end of its previous forecast of $1.00 to $1.40 due to higher fuel prices and operational challenges [1] Financial Performance - The airline's expected fuel cost has risen to $2.50 to $2.55 per gallon, up from an earlier estimate of about $2.45, influenced by refinery disruptions on the West Coast [2] - Operational issues, including weather, air traffic control delays, and a July IT outage, have increased expenses, with the outage alone expected to reduce earnings by approximately 10 cents per share [2] - For fiscal 2025, Alaska Air anticipates adjusted earnings of over $3.25 per share, which is below analyst estimates of $3.81 [5] Revenue and Demand - Revenue trends remain solid, with unit revenue tracking near the high end of guidance and positive yield growth observed in August [3] - Demand for premium seating and a significant rebound in corporate travel since the second quarter have helped mitigate the impact of rising costs [3] Loyalty Program and Market Position - The launch of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program in August has resulted in record media impressions, and the new Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card exceeded year-end enrollment targets within two weeks [4] - Industry analysts note that low-cost carriers are facing increasing pressure as larger competitors capture a greater share of post-pandemic demand, highlighting the challenges for low-cost airlines in managing volatile expenses [5] Stock Performance - Alaska Air's shares are currently trading lower by 1.81% at $62.22 [6]

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK) traded lower in early action on Monday after the airline company provided a guidance update. The carrier said it expects Q3 adjusted earnings per share to be at the low end of its previously guided range ...

Market Overview - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 have reached new all-time highs, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [2][4] - The Dow Jones Industrials Index has decreased by -0.31% [1] - Higher bond yields are limiting stock market gains, with the 10-year T-note yield rising to 4.06% [3][8] Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan's September consumer sentiment index fell to a 4-month low of 55.4, below expectations of 58.0 [5] - Inflation expectations for the next 5-10 years increased to +3.9% from +3.5% in August, contrary to expectations of a decline [5][8] - Markets are pricing in a 100% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting [6][9] Company Movements - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) surged over +11% following reports of a potential acquisition bid from Paramount Skydance [13] - Tesla (TSLA) rose more than +5% after receiving approval for testing autonomous vehicles in Nevada [13] - Micron Technology (MU) increased by over +3% due to strong demand for AI chips, contributing to a +13% rally this week [14] - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) gained more than +2% after announcing high-volume deliveries of Nvidia systems [14] - Microsoft (MSFT) rose over +1% after reaching a preliminary agreement with OpenAI regarding their partnership [15] Declines in Stock Prices - Lululemon Athletica (LULU) fell more than -3% after a price target cut by Bank of America [16] - Oracle (ORCL) decreased over -3% amid reports of insider backing for a competing acquisition bid [17] - MGM Resorts International (MGM) declined more than -1% due to insider selling activity [18]

Alaska Air Group Inc (NYSE:ALK) stock is up 1.8% to trade at $65.04, after UBS upgraded the Washington-based airliner to "buy" from "neutral" with a price-target hike to $90 from $56, citing the company's initiatives moving forward. J.P. Morgan Securities also chimed in with a price-target hike to $96 from $73. These bull notes come a couple days after Alaska Air announced that Diana Birkett Rakow, Senior V.P. of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, whi ...

US equity futures are fractionally lower with small caps lagging as the record-breaking rally in stocks appeared to be running out of steam. At 8:15am ET, S&P 500 futures slid 0.1% after all major US indexes hit all-time highs on Thursday, however Nasdaq 100 futures are still in the green amid an relentless tech bid: Microsoft rose in premarket trading, leading the Mag 7 after it avoided a hefty antitrust penalty from the European Union. Europe’s Stoxx 600 eased as well. Incremental headlines after yesterda ...

Core Points - Alaska Airlines is launching a new nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon starting September 12, 2025, utilizing Hawaiian Airlines' long-haul 787-9 aircraft [1][6] - To celebrate the inaugural flight, Alaska Airlines is offering a limited-time Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal and reduced award redemptions for travel through December 15, 2025 [2][6] - The new route will operate five times a week, enhancing connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and South Korea [3][4] Service Details - The Seattle-Seoul Incheon flight will depart at 2:50 p.m. and arrive at 6:35 p.m. the next day, with return flights leaving Seoul at 8:35 p.m. [4] - The 787-9 aircraft features 34 Business Class suites with lie-flat seats, privacy doors, and 18" HD monitors, along with plans to install ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi next year [3][5] Loyalty Program - Atmos Rewards members will earn points and status points on both purchased and award tickets, with 5,200 status points earned for a one-way flight from Seattle to Seoul [3][8] - The Atmos Rewards program combines Alaska's Mileage Plan and Hawaiian's HawaiianMiles, offering more choices and rewards across a global network [8] Future Expansion - Alaska Airlines plans to establish a 787-9 hub in Seattle, with intentions to serve 12 intercontinental destinations by 2030 [7] - The new Seattle-Seoul route is part of Alaska's strategy to transform Seattle into a premier global gateway, with additional routes to Tokyo, London, and Rome planned for 2026 [5][6]

Core Insights - Point.me's 2025 report ranks the best airline miles programs globally, focusing on maximizing value for travelers [1][4] - The report evaluates 59 airline loyalty programs across eight categories, including redemption rates and customer service [2] Ranking Overview - Air France-KLM's Flying Blue is ranked as the best airline rewards program for the second consecutive year, noted for its competitive redemption rates and extensive transfer partners [6] - American Airlines AAdvantage made a significant leap from sixth to second place due to new partnerships with Citi ThankYou Rewards, enhancing point transfer options [7][8] - Alaska Airlines ranks third, recognized for its strong award availability and international partnerships [9] Regional Highlights - In North America, American AAdvantage leads, followed by Alaska Airlines and United MileagePlus, with JetBlue TrueBlue noted for innovative partnerships [11] - Flying Blue tops the rankings in Europe, while Avianca LifeMiles remains strong in Latin America despite slight pricing changes [12] Key Trends - Earning miles is increasingly driven by credit card spending and partnerships rather than just flying, emphasizing the importance of accessibility [13][14] - Flexibility in cancellation policies and award holding options is becoming a critical differentiator among loyalty programs [15] - Partnerships with credit card issuers and other airlines are essential for enhancing loyalty program value and member engagement [17]

Key Takeaways ALK will launch Seattle-Reykjavik nonstop flights in May 2026. The expanded Iceland air tie-up enables single-ticket access to 60+ European spots. Flights on the route will be operated by Alaska Airlines' long-range 737-8 MAX.Alaska Air Group’s (ALK) wholly owned subsidiary, Alaska Airlines, is set to enhance its international footprint with the launch of a new nonstop service from Seattle to Reykjavík, Iceland, beginning May 28, 2026. This milestone not only connects travelers to Iceland’s na ...

Guests can now book nonstop travel to Reykjavík, Iceland and look forward to Alaska's signature hospitality and the added bonus of complimentary Wi-Fi on every journey to the Land of Fire and Ice. Building on our award-winning reputation, we're debuting a suite of new onboard enhancements across our 737 fleet, including a refreshed First Class dining experience and our first-ever complimentary Premium Class Snack Basket offered on flights over 670 miles. We're excited to share that our expanded partnershi ...