Rate rise risk unnerves mortgage holders
Households with a mortgage have posted a steep drop in confidence due to concerns a cash rate rise by the RBA is just months away.
Economy, Business and Finance
Consumers, business upbeat ahead of poll
Consumers and business have entered a long six-week federal election campaign in a relatively upbeat mood.
‘Telephone’ voting for COVID-19 iso cases
A telephone voting system is set to be rolled out for the 2022 federal election, allowing those in COVID-19 isolation on polling day to cast their ballot.
Auction rates bubble on despite price cool
Despite cooling Australian house prices, auction rates are sky high as buyers get in and sellers go to market before interest rates rise.
Construction starts on new Qld coal mine
The deputy prime minister has hailed a new coal mine as helping to underpin Australia's security by generating more money for the economy.
RBA warns of quicker, steeper rate rises
The Reserve Bank warns borrowers to be prepared for interest rates to rise more quickly than anticipated, as politicians gear up for a cost-of-living election.
Biggest ASX loss in more than three weeks
Investors have watched the ASX close lower after signs the US Federal Reserve wants larger rate increases to head off inflation.
Toyota class action bill could reach $2b
A class action lawsuit against Toyota has been upheld, with the auto giant facing the prospect of paying out thousands of customers to the tune of $2 billion.
ASX weighed down by US rate hike concerns
Shares have slipped on the ASX after worries in the US about the central bank taking more aggressive action to curb inflation.
More Australian kids dying on driveways
More Australian children are dying on household driveways than ever before, figures reveal.
More economists expect June rate rise
More economists have brought forward to June their expected date for a first rise in the RBA cash rate in a decade.
Major cities see impact of fuel excise cut
Motorists are enjoying lower petrol prices in major cities as a result of the cut to fuel excise and everyone should be enjoying the benefit in coming weeks.
Scarborough gas venture wins key approvals
The Commonwealth-Western Australian Joint Authority has granted Woodside key approvals for the massive LNG Scarborough Project off the coast of Karratha.
Qld flood recovery takes funding hit as Morrison rejects plea
Difficult decisions will need to be made after the Commonwealth rejected the bulk of a flood disaster recovery package, the Queensland government says.
RBA’s Lowe warns higher inflation ahead
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned higher rates of inflation are ahead, signally he will be keeping watch on data results in coming months.
Petrol prices fall as job market tightens
Petrol prices are dropping below $2 while new job advertising figures suggest the unemployment rate could be in the low-threes by the end of this year.
Aust, India sign ‘watershed’ trade deal
Australia has signed a long-awaited free trade deal with India after years of negotiation, delivering benefits for exporters and importers.
Plan to boost nation’s farmed prawns fails
The plan to build one of the world's biggest prawn farms at an outback Northern Territory cattle station has been put on hold over cost concerns.
Inflation rise in June quarter: Treasury
A Senate estimates hearing has been told higher global oil prices and supply-chain pressures are contributing to growing inflation.
ASX stagnant, inflation concerns persist
April Fools' Day has been no laughing matter on the Australian share market as inflation concerns hamper momentum.
Bullock appointed Reserve Bank deputy
The Reserve Bank of Australia has its first female deputy governor in its 62-year history, Michele Bullock, who replaces the retiring Guy Debelle.
Smaller cities lead growth in home values
Home values were up 0.7 per cent in March, with Sydney and Melbourne declining and smaller cities punching above their weight.
Star boss denies ‘advocating’ for casino
The head of Star Entertainment's financial crime unit has continued his evidence at an inquiry into whether The Star is fit to retain its Sydney casino licence.
Gas producer Arrow Energy fined $1m in Qld
Queensland's Department of Resources has fined coal seam gas producer Arrow Energy $1 million following concerns raised by landholders in the state's south.
New airline Bonza seeking 200 workers
New domestic airline Bonza is offering 200 jobs to pilots and cabin crew who have seen their industry downsized dramatically during the pandemic.
Jobless rate could fall below 4pct soon
The unemployment rate could fall below 4 per cent sooner than forecast in this week's federal budget with the number of job vacancies growing in recent months.
Carbon price will return under Greens
The Greens say they will bring back a price on carbon if they are placed in the balance of power after the federal election expected in May.
Qld farmers want reef law science auditor
Queensland farmers have slammed the major parties for not backing a crossbench bill to wind back Barrier Reef runoff rules, which they claim are not scientific.
Concerns budget spend will fuel inflation
Global credit rating agencies have given a nod of approval to the federal budget, but economists see pre-election handouts further fuelling inflation.
Budget a measure for tough times: Morrison
The prime minister says the budget is about more than getting re-elected after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled a number of short-term sweeteners.
States to share in $166b of federal funds
Between the GST carve-up and specific purpose payments, the states and territories will share in more than $166 billion in federal funding over the year.