Australian firms ‘upbeat’ China can navigate trade war
Australian firms are bullish about their opportunities in China despite global trade ructions casting doubt over economic growth, the Reserve Bank deputy says.
Economy, Business and Finance
CFMEU boss to step away from national leadership post
The CFMEU's national secretary Zach Smith has told staff he will step back from the role but continue to run one of its state branches.
Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing
Refinancing your home loan – whether by negotiating a better deal with your current lender or switching to a new one – could save you thousands over the life of your loan. However, it won’t be the right decision for everyone. And there are some important things to know about how the process works – including hidden costs and risks.
Restaurants on the brink as business failures plateau
Hospitality venues are feeling the pinch from high business costs and low spending, but lower interest rates should help ease the pain
Regional house price growth outstrips capital cities
Two regional centres either side of a state capital recorded the highest dwelling value increases so far in 2025, as capital cities reverse a decline.
Aussie shares at three-month high as big bank hits peak
Australia's banks have helped push the local stock market higher as the nation's most valuable company notches a share price record.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
internet
online
research
research and development
science and technology
social issues (general)
software
technology (general)
Google offers AI tools to automate that personal touch
Users of Google products could allow AI to personalise email replies and more with their own tone and style by allowing it to peer into their private data.
Premier denies ticketless fares revamp is off the rails
A completion delay and cost blowout on ticketless public transport fares for commuters doesn't mean the overhaul has hit the skids, a premier insists.
Trump’s tariff ‘rollercoaster’ raises recession risk
Donald Trump's trade war has clouded economic forecasts as Australia's central bank seeks to thread the needle to avoid the nation tipping into a recession.
Albanese ends whirlwind international tour in Singapore
Anthony Albanese will end his first trip abroad after his re-election with a stopover in Singapore during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Borrowers rejoice as rates cut amid ‘uncertain’ times
The official cash rate has a three in front of it for the first time in two years, after the Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points.
Debt piles up as public service faces $3b budget cut
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill as interest on debt eats a $29-million-a-day hole in a state budget, despite public service job cuts and higher tax revenue.
‘Wafer-thin’ budget surplus won’t fix debt problem
One unforeseen event would likely erode a state's long-awaited return to surplus, as its treasurer attempts to tame mounting debt in her first budget.
Telstra accused of beating around the bush on coverage
Telstra admits changing its website to update coverage claims, but denies it misled customers as the consumer watchdog considers the allegations.
Aussie shares hit three-month high as streak continues
Australian shares have pushed higher each session this week as easing trade tensions and hopes of incoming interest rate cuts buoyed markets.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
Mind the gap: $1 million homes driving up wealth divide
Home ownership rates continue to decline as more homes crack $1 million in value, making it harder for young Australians to keep up.
Oil dives on US-Iran hopes as stocks surge stalls
A potential US-Iran nuclear deal has caused oil prices to tumble, while global share markets caught their breath as trade optimism died down.
Strawberry shields forever: bioplastic cuts fruit waste
Unique packaging material created using bacteria and sawdust could reduce disposable plastic and keep strawberries safe during transport.
breaking_news
central bank
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
employment
labour
loans
macro economics
mortgages
politics
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Telco complaints a symptom of cost-of-living crisis
Telcos are failing to offer sufficient help to customers struggling to pay their bills, as the telecommunications watchdog receives a spike in complaints.
‘Hubris’: financial giant in hot water over breaches
Macquarie's brokering arm is being taken to court by the financial regulator for allegedly failing to report up to 1.5 billion short sales over 14 years.
Bus driver goes to trial over pedestrian death
A bus driver accused of careless driving causing the death of an 18-year-old pedestrian will fight the charge, prompting emotional courtroom scenes.
alternative energy
consumers
crime, law and justice
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
renewable energy
Parent group challenges energy giant over carbon claims
EnergyAustralia will face the Federal Court to answer allegations some of its "carbon neutral" products were not as green as they seemed.
alternative energy
consumer goods
consumers
electrical appliance
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
natural gas
renewable energy
More households want to go full electric but lack spark
Millions more Australian households plan to cut gas and go all-electric but many say they need more information and guidance to do so.
French court finds Depardieu guilty of sexual assault
French actor Gerard Depardieu's fall from grace is complete after he was found guilty and sentenced for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021.
Consumers in crossfire despite US-China trade war truce
An index measuring consumer sentiment is improving after the US tariff announcements, but Australians are warned the economic impact still remains uncertain.
Record $7m tobacco haul as police target crime assets
Police have seized a record $7.3 million haul of tobacco and frozen $22 million in crime syndicate assets in a big blow to the booming black market.
alternative energy
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
renewable energy
research
research and development
waste management and pollution control
Wastewater may solve wee green hydrogen price problem
The cost of renewable hydrogen could be cut substantially if Australian researchers can scale their latest discoveries involving wastewater.
Aussie shares pare gains ahead of US-China deal detail
Australian shares have edged slightly higher amid trade talks between the world's two largest economies, but a deal on tariffs is yet to come.
Healing art: medical scans get a cultural makeover
A new CT scanner at an Indigenous-owned medical imaging service has become a symbol of hope, healing and culture for one regional community.