Even Easter Bunny cannot hide from high cost of living
Australians are feeling the pinch of sky-high chocolate costs this Easter despite falling global cocoa prices, with some finding other ways to get their fix.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australian shares grind back losses from US trade war
The Australian share market has continued its march higher and is within reach of its value before "Liberation Day" US tariff announcements.
Australian shares edge higher despite Wall St sell off
Australian shares are on track to finish the shortened week higher, as US tariff headlines settle down and trading volumes ease ahead of the Easter break.
Jobs market strong but Trump tariff bomb yet to explode
Australia's jobs market is holding up better than expected, but the impact of Donald Trump-imposed tariffs is yet to play out across the globe.
Accountant’s $2.7m splurge for control leads to prison
A former Deloitte director has been jailed after spending more than $2.7 million of company cash on personal items and masking them as expenses.
No ‘band-aid solution’: sweating coal risky business
Proper maintenance is the answer to ageing coal generator reliability issues, the coalition has countered in response to more questions about its nuclear plan.
Households make room as renters share living costs pain
More struggling, noodle-eating students are moving in together as rents soar in cities and pledges to fix the housing crisis dominate the federal election.
Insurer profits boom to $6.1b after steep premium hikes
Insurance companies have collectively banked $6.1 billion in annual profit after raising premiums and facing fewer significant weather events.
Tariff turmoil triggers Reserve Bank inflation fears
Uncertainty over US tariffs and a brewing global trade war cast a shadow over the Reserve Bank of Australia as it deliberated on cutting interest rates.
Big bite on spending swallows up hospitality businesses
A record-high 9.4 per cent of food service and hospitality businesses shut their doors in the year to March as cost pressures weighed heavily on households.
Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in historic Meta trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has faced questions about his intentions in acquiring Instagram on the first day of a historic antitrust trial.
Australia, Indonesia strengthen ties amid tariff hikes
Global trade concerns are a key topic of conversation between Australia and Indonesia as US trade tariffs wreak uncertainty among governments and markets.
Trump tariff trouble to cast shadow on domestic market
While fresh insight into the Reserve Bank's rate decision is set to be revealed, all economic eyes will continue to be on the fallout from US-imposed tariffs.
Tobacco war could put pressure on emergency departments
Violence linked to the illegal tobacco trade could lead to serious injuries and more work for busy emergency departments, doctors warn.
Uncertainty the only sure-thing as market chaos reigns
Equities and commodities have whipsawed at the whims of erratic US trade policy but worrying signs are emerging in the plumbing that holds markets together.
Australian shares shed $48b as tariffs kick in
Australia's share market has erased most of its previous day's gains, resuming its slide as US "Liberation Day" tariffs take effect and crush confidence.
Electric cars to rev up the energy grid, one at a time
Technology that will let drivers use their electric vehicles as giant household batteries is launching in Australia, although its reach is limited.
Bank boss alert, not alarmed over Trump tariff fallout
As rate-cut bets see-saw, the Reserve Bank governor says Australia is well placed for overseas shocks in her first speech since Donald Trump's tariff thump.
Australian shares post biggest daily gain in five years
Australian shares have rebounded strongly after US President Donald Trump delayed his latest round of tariffs as the US-China trade war escalates.
Stamp prices set to rise as snail mail volumes shrink
The regulator says it is unlikely to stand in the way of Australia Post raising stamp prices as its loss-making letter delivery business continues to shrink.
Refunds for flyers after airline’s overpricing error
More than 60,000 people who booked flights in Australia in the last five years are set to be offered a partial refund after they were overcharged.
Reserve Bank call for calm is welcome amid tariff drama
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is still well-placed to navigate the economic uncertainty generated by Donald Trump's wide-ranging tariffs.
Aussie shares lower as uncertainty trumps confidence
The Australian share market has finished the week down after a tariff delay wasn't enough to offset worries over an escalating US-China trade war.
Greens pushing Labor to scrap property tax breaks
Federal Labor has ruled out changes to property tax handouts, but the Greens will try to force the party to act on the issue if there's a hung parliament.
Thirsty nuclear plants ‘could suck water from farmers’
Farmers and businesses may be forced to surrender gigalitres of water to fuel proposed nuclear power stations due to their inland locations, a report claims.
Aussies worry about harmful deepfakes but share anyway
Most Australian voters say they are seeing more political deepfakes online and want regulation, but some share suspect content without checking.
Workers win big as US giant grants Star casino’s wish
An international gaming giant has ventured across the world to save the flailing Star casinos after the company came close to entering administration.
Local shares regain ground as wary investors take stock
Australian shares have posted their best daily gain for 2025, stemming losses over three consecutive sessions since the announcement of US tariffs.
Australian, Asian markets slide on Trump tariff chaos
Global equities are selling off after US tariffs came in more hawkish than expected, sending dread through markets and global growth expectations.
Australian shares narrow early losses after Trump dump
The Australian share market has closed lower but recovered from an early bloodbath after worse-than-expected US tariffs spooked investors.
Wall Street wipeout: heavy losses spark recession fears
Wall Street has shuddered to a level of shock unseen since COVID-19's outbreak over worries about the economic damage of Donald Trump's latest set of tariffs.