Tariff attack sends Aussie shares into $100b retreat
Equity markets are a sea of red following US President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements and their likely impact on global growth.
Economy, Business and Finance
Super funds hit in co-ordinated lump sum cyber hack
Trillions in superannuation funds have been targeted by hackers, but many funds attacked are reporting no losses as experts call for better security.
Port becomes political football but is ‘not for sale’
A major port leased to a Chinese company is in the sights of a takeover as the coalition and Labor flag plans for it to be brought back into Australian hands.
Wall St tailpsin worsens: S&P 500 plunges six per cent
US stocks closed for their worst week since 2020 after China retaliated against US President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Eat the problem: sea urchin pest-to-plate funding urged
Harvesting sea urchins from ocean beds they are grazing to oblivion has been hailed as a success yet more needs to be done to keep populations in check.
Will Tesla’s problems crash Australia’s electric dream?
The brand that has long led Australia's electric vehicle charge is falling out of favour. Can the nation's move to low-emission transport go on regardless?
Australians enlisted to help flush out hidden dunnies
Dunno where to find the dunny? Australians are being called on to flush out the nation's best-kept secret - the elusive public toilet.
US tariff ‘medicine’ causes turmoil in global markets
As global financial markets plunge, sparking fears of a global trade war and recession, Donald Trump has doubled down on administering US tariff "medicine".
Trade war, recession fears wipe $110b from markets
Australian shares have resumed their downward spiral after China hit back against US tariffs, and market researchers suggest further volatility is ahead.
Casino giant rescues Star from brink of folding: report
An embattled casino operator may be thanking its lucky stars after agreeing to a $300 million deal with an international counterpart.
Don’t be spooked by sliding super, funds warn members
Australians are being urged not to panic about their retirement incomes after Donald Trump's trade war sent global markets into a tailspin.
Asia stocks plunge, HK suffers steepest fall since 1997
Asian and European shares have plunged as US tariffs and China's backlash send world markets into meltdowns.
Risks of recession casts shadow over leaders’ debate
As economic headwinds emerge after US-imposed tariffs, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are vying to lay claim to being the best bet to deal with them.
Calls mount for RBA to intervene with jumbo rate cut
Markets are betting the Reserve Bank will cut rates by 50 basis points at its next meeting as American tariffs batter the global economy.
Star’s chips down as $940m debt deal comes off table
Embattled casino giant Star Entertainment is back on the brink of collapse after a refinancing deal fell through, but talks with a US casino giant continue.
U-turn on gas-guzzler fines could penalise motorists
Carmakers who fail to meet environmental standards will not be penalised under proposed changes expected during the election campaign.
Sweeping US tariffs create ‘uncertainty’ for Australia
Donald Trump's "unwarranted" decision to impose tariffs on Australia and other trading partners has rattled investors and left exporters facing an anxious wait.
Soaring rents slow down as tenants pushed to the brink
Rents remain at record highs in every capital city despite a slowdown in price growth, says a report that finds low supply leaves landlords with the upper hand.
‘King of Kong’ reigns supreme over YouTube knight
An Australian YouTuber saw himself as a knight wanting to slay a dragon but ended up defaming a Donkey Kong and Pac-Man champion, a judge has ruled.
Victims of $23m con-woman Caddick claw back more losses
Auditors of Melissa Caddick's fraudulent accounts will pay hoodwinked investors $3.5 million, but half of this will be snapped up by lawyers and funders.
Two data prints and a Trump wildcard to decide rate cut
Mortgage holders could know by April 30 whether to expect more interest rate relief, as the Reserve Bank casts its eyes on a crucial inflation reading.
‘Cautious’ RBA on hold as election, tariffs threaten
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 per cent, as global uncertainty clouds the economic outlook.
Managing Trump, tariffs looms large in bid for votes
Australia's political leaders say biosecurity and medicines are not up for debate in response to tariffs set to be announced by US President Donald Trump
Brick by brick, parties build election housing pitches
Tackling housing instability is key to securing an election win, with Labor vouching for build-to-rent while the coalition says Australians should own a home.
Dutton’s airport link plan branded ‘April Fools’ joke’
A federal coalition plan to "redirect" funding for a controversial Melbourne rail loop project to an airport link has been slammed by state Labor.
Hearing aids to heart monitors: tech is going healthy
More consumer technology is being approved for medical use in Australia, from earbuds that work as hearing aids to smartwatches that test for heart problems.
Contamination fears: supermarkets pull popular products
Five supermarket chains have pulled dozens of products from their shelves, warning customers of a potential health risk.
‘Liberation Day’ overshadows Reserve Bank’s rate call
The Reserve Bank is expected to leave rates on hold at its next meeting despite the expected negative impact of more US tariffs on Australia's economic growth.
Rise of NDAs in sexual harassment cases silencing women
Advocates are pushing for reforms to stop the silencing of women in workplace sexual harassment cases and to allow survivors to seek support.
Super failings laid bare after ‘deep grief, suffering’
The peak body for super funds has apologised after a financial watchdog report revealed delays were rife in paying out death benefits to bereaved families.
Crowded market for streaming TV faces Max exodus
A new streaming service offers a host of big movies and small-screen hits, posing questions about the future of a crowded market for on-demand viewing.