Christmas bonus as Aussie shares soar to six-week high
Hopes of a much-anticipated Santa rally are beginning to crystallise, after the local bourse hit its highest price in six weeks and gold notched a record.
Economy, Business and Finance
CBA to repay $68m in fees to low-income customers
Following a report by ASIC, the Commonwealth Bank says it's repaying $68 million to low-income customers who incurred unusually high banking fees.
Bee-sieged island keeping deadly mite at bay
An island that is home to a unique population of honey bees hopes biosecurity measures will protect it from a deadly parasite taking hold across Australia.
Bold company tax proposal still friendless after revamp
An alternative corporate tax proposal could have greater economic benefits if a requirement to be budget-neutral was removed, the Productivity Commission says.
‘Unconscionable’: major bank’s record fine bumped up
ANZ has been fined $250 million for widespread misconduct and systemic failures that impacted the federal government, taxpayers and thousands of customers.
Australians fleeing south to escape climate extremes
Australians are already on the move due to climate change, with one state the number one choice for those seeking relief from heat, floods and fires.
Gas reservation promises ‘downward pressure’ on prices
Australia will divert more of its gas for local use rather than export under a long-awaited reservation policy designed to ward off shortfalls.
Mega media group merger clears shareholder hurdle
Seven West Media shareholders have overwhelmingly agreed to the TV network's merger with Southern Cross Media, with the union set to be complete in weeks.
‘Horse has bolted’ on cheap gas, even with reservation
Businesses and households want cheaper gas but it remains unclear how effective a plan to reserve more supply for domestic use will be at lowering prices.
‘Horse has bolted’ on cheap gas, even with reservation
Businesses and households want cheaper gas but it remains unclear how effective a plan to reserve more supply for domestic use will be at lowering prices.
Early warnings not heeded in deadly triple-zero outage
A host of mistakes were made during an Optus triple-zero outage linked to two deaths, including a failure to escalate initial concerns up the chain.
Casino group boss cashes in his chips after 18 months
An embattled casino operator is on the hunt for a new boss, just weeks after regulators signed off on a rescue package from an American gambling giant.
Meal kit services sued over alleged subscription traps
The competition watchdog has taken meal delivery services HelloFresh and Youfoodz to court for misleading consumers with subscriptions.
Business chief urges action on racism, anti-Semitism
The outgoing chair of one of the world's biggest commercial explosives makers has pointed to the Bondi massacre as an example of the need to "contain" racism.
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
Half of Australia's big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates at its next meeting as inflation is pushed outside the target zone.
Chalmers spins battery blowout into budget savings
Clever accounting has been used by the treasurer to claim the government's policy decisions improved the budget bottom line for the first time in eight years.
Nukes and carbon capture remain off future energy plan
Wind and solar systems are projected to be the cheapest energy-generating technology in 2050 while small nuclear reactors will cost the most.
Penfolds owner’s earnings sour on China ‘grey’ wine woe
Shares in Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates plunged after it pointed to a fall in earnings due to problems in China and the US.
Energy watchdog’s legal move over outback outage
The energy watchdog has launched legal action against a major power supplier after an outback community hit by storms endured days without power.
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
With the government unlikely to restrain public spending, the Reserve Bank will have to lift rates in 2026 to keep inflation under control, economists say.
The one tweak that could grow your super by $200,000
A major superannuation fund says a lack of engagement with your super fund can have huge financial consequences come retirement time.
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
‘Not ready’: investors chop down deforestation action
National Australia Bank shareholders have rejected resolutions related to deforestation, but its chairman says he has concerns about the practice.
Modified e-bikes cop another rail ban over safety risks
Converted e-bikes will no longer be allowed on a major rail network, with one state government blaming "after-market add-ons" for causing fires.
Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets
Lower grocery bills are being promised with a price gouging ban but supermarket giants and retailers say shoppers will be the ones to bear the brunt of costs.
Koala ‘misinformation’ cry as population counts soar
Fresh data reveals Australia's koala count could be much higher than previously thought, as a contentious park to protect the species is called into question.
Budget update to reveal Australia’s fiscal fortunes
The federal treasurer says he's booked another $20 billion in savings in the budget update, but is keeping mum on whether that means a smaller deficit.
Savings found in budget update as blowouts add up
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed billions of dollars in savings as other projects in the budget blow out amid "grave" concerns over its bottom line.
Aussies skipping dental, medical care to afford rent
The housing crisis is changing the way Australians live with many revealing "heartbreaking" stories of struggle as they skip on the basics to make ends meet.
February is live: RBA warns of impending rate hike
The average mortgage-holder's repayments could soon jump an extra $90 a month, with another Reserve Bank interest rate hike on the cards as early as February.
Electric shock: hybrids, not EVs, pose pedestrian risk
They may be quieter and heavier than petrol cars but electric vehicles are not more likely to crash into a pedestrian or to cause serious injury.