1. Superannuation Minister Jane Hume casts doubt on increase to super guarantee

Writing in the AFR today, Jane Hume, the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, said that the legislated 0.5% increases to the super guarantee every year for the next five years would be "taking more money away from your standard of living today so you can retire with a higher balance in the future". Senator Hume said that a challenge for policymakers would be to figure out "how to improve the confidence of retirees to use their savings more efficiently to enjoy a better standard of living".

2. Andrew Forrest's plan to create 40,000 jobs

Fortescue chairman and Australia's richest man, Andrew Forrest, has announced plans to build a 'green steel' pilot plant this year followed by a commercial plant in the next few years that would be powered entirely by green electricity. "If Australia were to capture just 10 per cent of the world’s steel market, we could generate well over 40,000 jobs – more than what’s required to replace every job in the coal industry," Forrest said.

3. Joe Biden warns of 500,000 COVID deaths in the US

President Joe Biden said the Covid-related death toll in the United States is set to reach 500,000 by next month. Biden used his first full day as president to outline his administration's Covid strategy, including a 'challenge' for Americans to mask up for 100 days.

4. US politician introduces bill to establish a 'bigfoot hunting season'

Oklahoma state representative Justin Humphrey filed a bill this week that called on the state's Wildlife Conservation Commission to establish a "big foot hunting season" and "set annual season dates and create any necessary specific hunting licenses and fees".

5. Dow and S&P flat on Thursday

The Dow Jones ended the day down 12.37 points or 0.04% to 31,176.01, while the S&P managed a minor gain of 1.22 points or 0.03% to 3,853.07 - another new record for the index. The Nasdaq also reached a fresh high after rising 73.67 points or 0.55% to 13,530.92.