‘Rise on the horizon’: inflation fuels rate hike fears
A small increase in underlying inflation has led to growing expectations the Reserve Bank will lift the cash rate in coming months.
Economy, Business and Finance
Grocery giant hits 17-month high on ‘fantastic result’
Woolworths has delivered better-than-expected earnings while improving customer satisfaction scores, sending its shares soaring to a 17-month high.
Coles hits back, blames inflation for prices going up
Coles blames inflation for price rises during its "down down" campaign, denying it misled customers in a case brought to court by the consumer watchdog.
‘Look at the divvy’: iron ore miner’s bumper payout
Iron ore miner Fortescue has raised its interim profit and will pay out 65 per cent of earnings to shareholders, as it continues to decarbonise its business.
High steaks: dwindling industry threatens food security
Farmers are having to send their livestock up to four hours' drive away to be processed, as limited access to local abattoirs raises food security concerns.
Renewables growth energises spending as inflation rises
Capital expenditure has been rising fast in Australia as the treasurer warns stubborn inflation will mean savings are needed in the budget.
Qantas shares nosedive amid weak international demand
Qantas shares flew high in early trading but then faltered and plunged to a three-month low after Australia's biggest airline delivered mixed half-year results.
Got a phone? Prepare for an unsolicited message
Almost all Australians will get the same alert later this year as part of a nation-wide test of a new emergency warning system.
Aussie shares reset records as earnings boon rolls on
The local bourse's value has swelled by about $85 billion in February to record highs, swept up by strong interim financial results and commodity prices.
‘Down Down’: Coles shares shamed as sales growth slows
Coles' half-year earnings have disappointed the market, with shares in the supermarket giant falling to their lowest level since August.
Writing on the wall for letter delivery in Australia
Handwritten notes, Christmas cards and household bills are making way for algorithms and gig economies in a changing world of correspondence.
Why the best way around traffic may be flying above it
Australia has been promised a future filled with flying taxis before but the innovative machines may finally be approaching take-off.
Warner Bros signs $US110 billion deal with Paramount
Warner Bros Discovery has agreed to a $A155 billion takeover deal by Paramount Skydance.
Pop-soul singer Olivia Dean wins big at BRIT Awards
With a Grammy already under her belt, Olivia Dean has stolen the show at Britain's pop music honours, adding four BRIT awards to her burgeoning trophy cabinet.
Inflation to stay on hold in first data post rates hike
The first round of inflation data released after the Reserve Bank chose to lift interest rates will be handed down.
Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden
Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.
One Battle After Another scoops the pool at BAFTAs
The black comedy action thriller One Battle After Another has won six prizes, including best picture at Britain's BAFTA film awards.
Unmanned petrol stations fuelling higher earnings
Australia's leading fuel retailer has benefited from converting dozens of its petrol stations to unmanned sites in what could be a sign of things to come.
Trump tower to target Australia’s ‘well-heeled’
The Trump organisation is believed to have signed a deal to construct one of its signature towers in Australia.
Rail link cut, shelves stripped as floods swamp outback
Flooding has cut a major rail line, inundated roads and triggered rescues but parts of the country are welcoming potentially drought-breaking rain.
More tradies on the tools a key election promise
A state premier on track for a thumping election victory is determined to focus on housing policies, promising incentives for building apprentices.
Canada’s PM to travel to Australia to boost trade ties
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address the federal parliament during an upcoming visit to Canberra.
Funding all aboard ensuring fast rail leaves station
A two-year development phase will lay the groundwork for a final decision on federal funding for high-speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney.
Coffee cups, truck laws leave shoppers with hefty bill
Different laws across Australian states are putting pressure on the retail sector, which wants legislative harmony between jurisdictions.
Dumpster fire: Aussie households fail the battery test
Millions of households are risking fires by getting rid of batteries in dangerous ways and the popularity of lithium batteries is raising the stakes.
One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform
The International Monetary Fund report is calling for a hike in the GST and other tax changes, while praising the handling of Australia's economy.
Aussies splash cash on tech but prices tipped to rise
Consumers are spending big on smartphones and games consoles despite a tight economy, JB Hi-Fi says, but the cost of some gadgets could rise.
Coles points finger at suppliers for price changes
Australia's consumer watchdog has accused Coles of artificially increasing prices to create discounts, while the supermarket giant blames supplier cost hikes.
Tough new laws to crack down on illegal tobacco ‘thugs’
Businesses caught selling illegal tobacco could have their shops shut down for up to 90 days under planned state laws.
‘Goliath won’: Santos fends off greenwashing lawsuit
The defeat of a climate suit against Santos has disappointed activists but opened the public's eyes to how the resources giant developed its net-zero targets.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.