Inflation surprise all but confirms end to rate hikes
Economists are sounding the death knell for the sharpest interest rate tightening cycle since the 1980s after inflation dropped faster than expected.
Economy, Business and Finance
Record Australian rent price streak finally over
The average asking price for renting a house in Australia's capital cities has remained steady after almost three years of consecutive growth.
Seachangers help Brisbane property prices top Melbourne
A wave of interstate migrants seeking sun over lockdowns has helped average dwelling prices in Brisbane surpass Melbourne for the first time in a decade.
Iron ore giants, lithium miners drag on local shares
The Australian bourse gave up most of the previous day's gains, with the mining sector dropping 2.1 per cent, its worst day in nearly three months.
Slower-than-expected inflation lifts rate pause hopes
Surprisingly lower inflation growth has given mortgage holders renewed hope interest rates won't be lifted again in February.
PM pledges supermarket probe will check out all options
A former federal minister will lead a review into the supermarket sector as claims intensify of price gouging by big chains during a cost-of-living crisis.
Need ChatGPT in the car? Crazy vehicle tech at CES 2024
From cars driven by game controllers to vans you can turn into utes, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is giving a preview of an unusual future.
Black Friday sales get tills ringing as Aussies cash in
Early Christmas shopping and Black Friday sales helped boost retail spending during November as savvy Australian consumers cashed in on bargains.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
New leader in the race for cheapest electric vehicle
The race to deliver Australia's most affordable electric car has roared to life again, with one manufacturer offering a significant discount to win the title.
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
lifestyle (house and home)
rental service
No solace for city renters as prices continue to surge
Economists say there could be relief on the horizon for renters, despite prices growing in every capital city in the last months of 2023.
Household solar installations charged ahead in 2023
Australian households have set a new record for solar investments, with a new report revealing rising electricity prices encouraged more to make the switch.
Supermarkets told to pass on savings at the checkout
Supermarkets have been told to pass on savings as calls echo for the consumer watchdog to launch an inquiry into their behaviour.
Storm clouds loom for economy as rain, floods take toll
The fallout from severe storms in Queensland could lead to consequences for the economy and budget bottom line, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
Black Friday splurge shifting numbers in retail readout
Retail data is likely to reveal shopper enthusiasm for Black Friday discounts ahead of fresh stats on Australian consumer prices, housing and jobs.
Cost of living no roadblock as car sales smash record
Australians bought a record number of new cars in 2023 as the COVID comeback continued but cost-of-living pressures have auto makers preparing for a slowdown.
Australian shares plunge after weeks of strong gains
After its near-record start to 2024, the local share market has finished down 1.4 per cent, its worst one-day drop since July, with losses across every sector.
Cost of living relief on table but cash handouts vetoed
Finely-tuned government assistance could be on its way for households struggling under cost of living pressures, the prime minister says.
Asian toad pest found in Victoria a ‘serious threat’
Melburnians have been urged to look out for the deadly Asian black-spined toad after a resident found one while taking an afternoon walk on Boxing Day.
Farmer urges rural Aussies to consider electric cars
A farmer in Western Australia says more people in the outback should considering buying an electric vehicle to unlock fuel savings.
Aussie households boost savings buffer by $10 billion
Many Australians are continuing to build up the savings they set up during the pandemic and together have more than $1 trillion stashed away in the bank.
Australian shares start year fraction from record high
The ASX200 came within a tenth of a point of its all-time record set August 13, 2021 this morning, before closing just five points under it.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
House prices to fall by 3-5pct after flat end to 2023
The Australian housing market ended 2023 on a flat note, despite respectable gains across the year, and are likely to fall going into 2024, experts say.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
Home values up in 2023 but affordability rears its head
A surprisingly strong year for the Australian housing market has ended on a weaker note, with performance varied across different regions and cities.
Snacks giant sorted with favourite Aussie ingredients
Fancy crackers, chocolates and lollies shared during the holidays are increasingly being made from local ingredients in high-tech manufacturing hubs onshore.
New year changes to bring vape ban, boosted payments
A raft of major policy changes are scheduled to start as the sun sets on 2023, including cost of living relief measures in some states.
Australian shares finish 2023 up 7.8 per cent
The local share market fell 0.4 per cent on Friday, snapping its two-day rally, but December will still be its best month since November 2020.
Australia’s most expensive cities for petrol revealed
Perth retains its title as Australia's cheapest petrol capital with regular unleaded costing an average of 183.9 cents per litre for 2023.
Australian shares hit highest level in 20 months
The ASX200 has finished up 0.8 per cent and is closing in on its all-time high reached in August 2021.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer confidence
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
Electric car show returning to Australia, twice as big
Double the number of electric vehicle makers will be racing into Sydney in 2024 after demand for the low-emission rides tripled.
Shoppers seek Boxing Day bargains across the country
Australians have splurged at unprecedented sales on Boxing Day spurred on by a cost-of-living crisis this year.
‘A simple life’: the reincarnation of rural churches
Rural churches are getting second lives as music studios, luxury homes and cosy BnBs after the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many in search of a quiet life.