Woolworths profits down as cost of living hits shoppers
Profits at Australia's biggest supermarket giant have taken a hit as cash-strapped shoppers search the aisles for cheaper options and Woolworths shares slump.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australian shares lower as rate drop hopes pushed back
The ASX200 finished 0.8 per cent lower after a fall in headline inflation to within the Reserve Bank's target range failed to impress investors.
Fish furore: Woolies refuses to phase out farmed salmon
Woolworths shareholders have questioned the company's board over its pricing practices and use of farmed salmon which threatens the existence of a rare fish.
Demand to pressure US senators out of kangaroo ban
Australian politicians and officials have been asked to pressure US senators out of a kangaroo ban that could harm exports and farming.
Flight upgrades still clear for take-off despite outcry
Aviation experts say flight upgrades for business leaders and politicians are likely here to stay after concern about the prime minister's travel arrangements.
Optus regrets ‘unacceptable’ conduct alleged by ACCC
Australia's second-largest telco says it failed to meet expectations after the consumer watchdog alleged "unconscionable conduct" against vulnerable customers.
Aussies willing to visit eight shops for groceries
The cost-of-living crunch is motivating more Aussies to shop around but it hasn't halted Coles sales growth, up 2.9 per cent in the first quarter.
Wesfarmers defends record profits amid cost crisis
Wesfarmers chair Michael Chaney is reclaiming the word "profit" as the parent company of Kmart and Bunnings reaps a record profit amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Profit squeeze as supermarkets try to win back shoppers
Woolworths and Coles are ratcheting up discounts to win back shoppers dissatisfied with price rises in the sector, and taking a hit to profits in the process.
Miners dominate company tax list as others pay zero
A corporate income tax haul of almost $100 billion is being hailed as a "great result" but almost a third of major Australian companies avoided a tax bill.
Labor, coalition ensnared in flight upgrade furore
As the prime minister came under fire for flight upgrades, the opposition is defending its own travel arrangements.
Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
RBA tipped to keep rates steady for 12th straight month
Interest rates have been kept on hold for almost a year and are broadly expected to stay there until cuts start in early 2025, provided inflation keeps easing.
Electric prime movers finally rolling into Australia
More companies are swapping heavy-duty diesel trucks for electric prime movers, but industry experts say regulations still need to change to get more on roads.
Shuck horror! WA-grown Sydney Rock Oysters heading east
According to a Western Australian farm backed by Andrew Forrest and his ex-wife Nicola Forrest, some of the best Sydney Rock Oysters don't come from NSW.
What the US election tells us about deepfake politics
Australian MPs are weighing how to curtail deepfake election advertisements, but a prominent artificial intelligence expert says a ban might be unnecessary.
PM rallies Labor troops ahead of election showdown
The prime minister has used a key speech to lay out parts of his second-term agenda, with education shaping as an election battleground.
Labor banking on education plan to give it a clean run
As federal MPs return to Canberra, the Labor government is hoping its education reforms will allow it to end the political year on a high ahead of the election.
‘Con job’: government flushes hydro energy project
A report says a scrapped pumped hydro scheme proposed by the former Queensland government had no value for money, with costs blowing out to almost $37 billion.
Westpac’s profit dips to $7b as mortgage stress eases
Westpac has posted an annual profit of $7 billion and lifted its final dividend, in Peter King's last financial result as chief executive.
Trade boost spruiked as China inspects Australian meat
Trade Minister Don Farrell is launching the first phase of a winemaking agreement with China as he looks to boost trade by tens of billions of dollars.
Made or assembled in Australia? Solar policy under fire
Questions have emerged over whether solar panels will be manufactured or merely assembled in Australia at a senate hearing into energy agencies.
RBA resists taking a punt on Melbourne Cup day rate cut
The Reserve Bank has not gambled on a Melbourne Cup rate reduction, with punters left to ponder whether borrowers will receive a windfall before Christmas.
New pizza boss tasked with bringing in more dough
A former pizza delivery driver who grew Domino's into a billion-dollar multinational company with the lot is leaving after more than two decades at the helm.
Santos rejects attack on ‘speculative’ net-zero roadmap
Santos says public statements it could reach net-zero emissions by 2040 were not misleading because its roadmap contained targets and not promises.
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
Two forums looking a nuclear power and renewable energy have been told contrasting views about their impact on power prices.
Mosaic Brands enters voluntary administration
The parent company of iconic clothing brands Rivers, Millers and Katies has entered voluntary administration.
Clean energy talk cheap, flight upgrades pricey for PM
Anthony Albanese has made a whistlestop tour as he ratchets up election campaign efforts, but one expert says he must do more to change public opinion.
Budget blowout won’t impact police frontline: premier
A $116 million budget blowout will not impact frontline police services, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says as he vows to bolster their ranks.
‘Everything points to a slowdown’: property loses heat
House and unit prices may have found new record highs but interest rate cautiousness has tempered the pace of growth.
Political dogfight erupts over PM’s plane promotions
Australia's major party leaders are embroiled in an increasingly personal stoush after revelations the prime minister accepted a stack of flight upgrades.