Australian shares round out September with fresh record
The ASX has again hit new intraday and closing record highs, with the local currency at its highest level since early 2023.
Economy, Business and Finance
Core brands survive big change at battling retail chain
Mosaic Brands says it will close its Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W.Lane and BeMe brands to focus on its core brands such as Noni B.
$10 billion Indigenous business milestone celebrated
Indigenous businesses have won more than 71,000 commonwealth contracts, representing $10 billion in government spending over the past nine years.
Travellers to fly for less if Qatar lands Virgin deal
More routes more often and increased use of frequent-flyer miles are predicted if Qatar Airways is allowed to take a large slice of Virgin Australia.
More borrowers falling behind but better days are ahead
Some households are doing it tougher due to high inflation and interest rates but conditions are about to improve, a Reserve Bank of Australia report says.
Shopping around could help lower grocery prices for all
Aldi shoppers are paying significantly less than Coles or Woolworths customers but the biggest savers could be those shopping across all three.
Million-dollar madness: record suburbs in seven figures
More suburbs than ever have median house or unit prices of more than $1 million, with economists predicting the number will continue to grow.
Odds on to ban gambling ads before punters hit polls
Those calling for reform are wondering if Labor will roll the dice and attempt a crack down on gambling advertising with the federal election looming.
No negative gearing reform on cards for election: PM
The prime minister has hosed down suggestions Labor will take changes to negative gearing to the election, amid warnings it could hike up rents.
Chips are down as Star posts huge loss, cashes in jobs
Star Entertainment has written down the value of its three casinos by $1.4 billion as its new CEO plots a path to turn around the fortunes of the company.
China stimulus a ‘very good development for Australia’
After iron ore prices plunged by more than a third since the start of the year, Chinese stimulus measures spell good news for the Australian budget.
‘Knocked on the head’: Labor rebuffs property tax moves
After days of discussions over curbing property investors' tax concessions, the government has firmed its stance against the rumours.
Fallen star: $500 million wiped from Star on ASX
The value of Star Entertainment has plummeted on the ASX after $500 million dollars was slashed from the casino giant's worth as its shares were unfrozen
Qantas engineers to strike as school holidays kick off
Qantas engineers will strike in Sydney next week after their union said the airline's current pay offer is a slap in the face after years of wage freezes.
$14m funding boost to make sustainable jet fuel fly
Environmentally friendly plane fuel could be closer to being produced in Australia after two governments made a record investment in its potential.
‘Out of control’: community divided over dingo decision
A long-awaited extension on dingo control measures has been hailed as a win for farmers, but nobody seems happy with the result.
Retail sales to show economy continues to sputter along
The Australian economy should show further signs of modest growth in upcoming retail trade figures but investors will be more interested in US jobs data.
Bigger budget surplus not ‘an end in itself’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says a better-than-expected $15.8 billion budget surplus doesn't mean cost-of-living measures have been forgotten.
Australian optimism tempered over Chinese stimulus
Australia has welcomed a major Chinese stimulus as its stalling economy has flow-on effects but the treasurer has warned about being overly optimistic.
Myer’s brand new plan as in-house labels collar profit
Department store Myer is reviewing its operations as tough retail conditions and underperforming in-house brands are blamed for profit dipping 26 per cent.
Aussie shares close at record high for fifth session
The ASX200 index rose for a seventh day in a row to again finish at its highest ever level after gaining 1.35 per cent this week.
Liquid metals might solve puzzle of shipping hydrogen
Cutting emissions from transport and agriculture could be possible after an Australian discovery published by researchers from three universities.
‘Welcome progress’ on inflation to come: Treasurer
Jim Chalmers says while inflation levels are set to drop when figures are released on Wednesday, it remains unclear if it will get back to RBA targets.
Shareholders test Coles, Woolies over extinction threat
Australia's supermarket duopoly is facing a double-barrelled shareholder challenge over fish farming threats to an ancient, imperilled species.
Warning of ‘unintended consequences’ on gambling reform
As reports emerged about how a gambling ad crackdown may work, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says the reforms need to be right the first time.
Reserve Bank to hold the line despite US Fed cut
The Reserve Bank is unlikely to give interest rate relief to borrowers at the September meeting as Australia's inflation rate still has fight left in it.
War of words over inflation as national debt dives
Australia lags behind western nations in tackling inflation, the shadow treasurer says, as the Reserve Bank mulls whether to lower interest rates.
Labor, expert lash ‘crazy’ call to step in over rates
Calls for Canberra to intervene with the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to get financial reforms over the line have been rejected by Labor.
Don’t put money on rates relief soon, borrowers warned
Mortgage-holders should not get their hopes up for near-term relief, says a hawkish Reserve Bank governor as the cash rate was again held at 4.35 per cent.
‘Get your act together’: PM calls out supermarkets
Coles and Woolworths have been told to start acting in the interests of Australians after the consumer watchdog accused them of misleading customers.
Nukes flayed as solar boost seized to spruik renewables
An increase in renewable energy capacity is being seized as evidence solar power is Australia's right way forward as the debate over nuclear plants heats up.