Housing affordability blow as construction costs go up
The cost of building a home continues to rise, making it harder for builders to meet supply targets and alleviate housing affordability.
Economy, Business and Finance
Buyer’s market: 2025 to bring relief to home buyers
A major pullback in house price rises has not stopped the market from extending its growth streak to eight consecutive quarters.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
NBN rollout to be bolstered with $3b network upgrade
High-speed internet will be rolled out to a further 620,000 homes in the 'final piece of the puzzle' for NBN upgrades.
As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all
The Aussie dollar is edging closer to the psychologically significant 60 US cents barrier and Donald Trump could determine whether it crashes through in 2025.
Casino hub could be first to go to save falling Star
A casino precinct might be the first asset sold from an embattled operator's multi-million dollar portfolio in a bid to avoid going belly up.
Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
Upgraded NBN could compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink
Australia must expand its network if it wants to compete with Elon Musk's offering and provide affordable, reliable internet to the regions, an expert says.
Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future
Easing inflation is increasing the likelihood of a near-term rate cut, which would provide a welcome boost to consumer sentiment in 2025.
Experts put money on early rate cut as spending slides
A decline in spending on household goods has bolstered hopes of an RBA rate cut, which would help boost dour consumer sentiment.
Dictator’s daughter agrees to booze ban on flights
The glamorous daughter of ex-Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Sr has agreed not to drink alcohol on planes following an alleged drunken incident.
No magical save for Star as govt focuses on workers
As the shares of embattled casino operator Star Entertainment fall to an all-time low, a state government has ruled out giving it a financial lifeline.
PM finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
Aussie shares drop for second day but gain for week
The ASX200 fell on Friday but finished the week 0.5 per cent higher, recovering from a slight fall during the previous five days of trading.
Tourists splash cash in Australia’s holiday hotspots
Parking nightmares and long lines at coffee shops are common in Australia's beachside towns during peak season - a period local businesses rely on.
Friendly robots, AI litter boxes: the new tech frontier
Wild, weird and unexpected gadgets have been shown in Las Vegas as part of an annual tech fest, with AI powering some household devices for the first time.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Australians warned: Meta to stop muzzling false claims
Australians are likely to see more false content and abuse on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads feeds when Meta ditches fact-checking problematic posts.
Support grows to ditch shark nets along popular beaches
Shark nets are being likened to a "hanky floating in the ocean" and more coastal communities want to ditch the barriers, which can kill other marine life.
Australian shares rally after news of easing inflation
The ASX200 hit a four-week high after a report of cooling inflation raised hopes for Australia's first interest rate cut in four years.
Black Friday spurs spending but full figures fall short
Consumer spending is past its weakest point but still subdued, despite a spike in activity from annual promotions in November.
Bank of mum and dad could run dry for retirement
Affordability constraints have many turning to the bank of mum and dad but parents have been urged to consider their finances carefully before lending.
‘Alarming’ move by Meta raises misinformation fears
Meta's decision to end its third-party fact checks could put Australian democracy at risk amid an explosion of misinformation and disinformation, leaders warn.
Casino operator Star’s shares plunge amid grim finances
Star Entertainment says it had just $79 million in cash left at December 31, after burning through $107 million over the previous three months.
Call for states to fire up new gas to avoid shortfall
Federal Labor has been urged to reverse "anti-gas policies" with structural shortfalls forecast from 2027 and Australians still under the pump on energy bills.
Property dominates wealth but stocks safer than houses
Investors might start looking outside of the property market where most of Australia's wealth is held, as returns for another sector outstrip housing.
CES 2025: tech firms promise AI robots, cars, fridges
Robots, self-driving cars and AI-powered work colleagues may not be far away, according to predictions aired at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Downturn in house values as ‘something’s got to give’
Australia's two most populous cities have signalled the beginning of a property downturn amid widening gaps between income, borrowing capacity and home values.
Early rate-cut hopes alive as core inflation eases
Hopes of a February interest rate cut have been rekindled as core inflation subsides, though the strong jobs market might prove a roadblock.
The Brutalist, Emilia Perez triumph at Golden Globes
The Brutalist and Emilia Perez have won top honours at the Golden Globes, while Australia stars missed out in Hollywood's star-studded start to awards season.
Tech fears overpower hiring woes as top business worry
Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technology issues are keeping business leaders up at night, with labour shortages now a lower-priority concern.