Shares buoyed, $US battered as Fed readies rate cut
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.2 per cent higher on Thursday.
Economy, Business and Finance
Regional bank to slash 400 jobs, take over branches
Bank of Queensland says in addition to about 400 job lay-offs, it will convert its 114 owner-managed branches to corporate ones.
Crying poor claim as insurers accused of price gouging
A crackdown on how insurers respond to climate change has been declared by the corporate watchdog, as a union accuses some of the biggest firms of crying poor.
Australia’s Silicon Valley wins over cashed-up firms
Big-name firms including Afterpay and Cash App are moving into a precinct designated as a hub for Australian technology innovation.
Rex sale on track, despite managers’ call for more time
The administrators of cash-strapped carrier Rex have asked the Federal Court for an extension of time even though they hope to have a buyer in the coming month.
Fine slashed after legal win over ferry pony deaths
The operator of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry will no longer have to pay a $75,000 fine over the deaths of 16 polo ponies after appealing to the Supreme Court.
Woolies trims chicken deal but Inghams says it’s paltry
A rise in supermarket sales offset less consumers buying fast-food chicken but poultry giant Inghams has revealed its biggest customer has now cut its orders.
Green hydrogen developer pumped as partners ink deal
A development partnership for green hydrogen production at the Port of Brisbane could be a blueprint for refuelling facilities in the eastern states.
Aussie lithium leader digs in as price slump deepens
The world's largest hard-rock lithium producer outside China is preparing to ride out the latest price slump and remains positive about long-term prospects.
Green fuels, food, medicine probed by $60m research hub
Can businesses turn waste into jet fuel and gases into fish food? Researchers at an Australian university plan to investigate carbon-cutting projects.
Construction workers plan protests over takeover move
Unions are set to hold protests as a legal battle looms over the government placing the CFMEU's construction arm and associated branches into administration.
Amazon, Bunnings to face new questions over customers
Executives from major household brands will front an inquiry into competition practices as the nation's leaders aim to make products cheaper for Australians.
Tourist spot camping ban proposed after dingo attacks
Families with young children could be banned from camping outside unfenced areas at a popular tourist spot after a spate of dingo attacks.
Competition key to getting lift off for flight refunds
Providing travellers with refunds is a step forward, but more could be done to prevent delays and cancellations in the first place, a peak travel body says.
BHP’s climate transition ‘more than window dressing’
Resources giant BHP has defended the carbon footprint of its mining operations even as demand for traditional commodities and future-facing products expands.
Coles looking to grow already strong online sales
Grocery giant Coles has detailed plans to shift deliveries from stores to automated warehouses after posting a rise in profit.
PM lays down budget challenge on coalition cuts
After reports the coalition has identified up to $100 billion in budget savings, Anthony Albanese has urged Peter Dutton to explain where they would be made.
Operations set to resume at mine after latest fatality
Operations at a central Queensland coal mine are set to resume following a fatality, after the industry regulator gave the green light amid an investigation.
Inflation steps down but ladder still steep for RBA
A mixed set of inflation numbers are unlikely to move the needle for the Reserve Bank as it weighs interest rates and persistent price pressures.
CFMEU legal luck questioned as blue-collar anger boils
More than 50,000 angry protesters rallied against the construction union being put into administration but its chance of winning a legal fight is questionable.
Power struggle: why solar batteries are tipped to soar
It's not just climate change and bills fuelling demand for solar batteries - the threat of blackouts is prompting more households to invest in energy storage.
Bus expansion could solve Olympic-sized commuter issue
A bold plan to expand a bus service could help solve the looming public transport problems for the Brisbane Olympics.
It’s bad news for Nine as profits plunge amid cost cuts
The fractured advertising market continues to hit media revenues with Nine Entertainment full-year profits falling almost a third to $134.9 million.
Woolies registers big profit discount, says prices down
Sales are up at Woolworths but writedowns on its New Zealand stores and drinks business have a taken a huge slice out of its $1.7 billion operating profit.
Fortescue ‘doubling down’ on green iron despite leaks
Mining giant Fortescue pledges to create a green metals industry grounded in Australian ore and renewable energy, after pulling back on championing hydrogen.
Gas pipes supply solid cash flow in energy transition
Gas pipeline operator APA has posted a stronger full-year profit amid an expansion and urges more domestic gas production to support an end to coal-fired power.
Australian shares rally for best week of the year
The ASX200 has gained 1.3 per cent on Friday to finish the week 2.5 per cent higher, its best weekly performance since December.
New posting for former Qld premier Palaszczuk
Annastacia Palaszczuk has been appointed to the Australia Post board as a non-executive director, eight months after her resignation as Queensland premier.
Veteran host Larry Emdur wins the 2024 Gold Logie
The Gold Logie has gone to Larry Emdur, while Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, with Best Lead Actor going to 15-year-old Felix Cameron.
What’s that name? Little-known EV brands race to market
Your next car might have a brand name you have never seen before as a host of Chinese automakers line up to launch electric vehicles in Australia.
Meeting minutes to show RBA dancing to its own beat
Markets will turn their attention to the Reserve Bank's latest board meeting minutes but they might be better off looking further afield for new insights.