Row over government role fuelling inflation, rate rise
Spending blow-outs by the government will force the Reserve Bank to hike rates, critics say, but the treasurer argues the private sector is driving inflation.
central bank
Magic number that could decide an interest rate hike
Traders now tip a greater-than-50 per cent chance of an interest rate hike in February, but some pundits are holding out hope for a Reserve Bank reprieve.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
macro economics
tariff
unemployment
Complacency risk for economy as tariff wars re-emerge
A deterioration in the job market could spare Australian borrowers interest rate hikes in 2026, an economist says.
Central bankers defend Fed’s Powell after Trump threat
Fed chair Jerome Powell has the backing of fellow central bankers from Europe to Australia after the Trump administration threatened him with criminal charges.
Robust jobs market risks adding fuel to inflation fire
Australia's labour market remains tight, with limited spare capacity keeping pressure on already-high inflation and shortening the odds of interest rate hikes.
US Dept of Justice probe into Fed chair sparks backlash
The Trump administration's criminal investigation of Fed chair Jerome Powell has triggered a backlash that threatens to undermine the White House's goals.
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
A fresh survey of Australian consumer sentiment doesn't make for encouraging reading as the central bank weighs lifting the cash rate at its next meeting.
Fed subpoenaed, indictment threatened: chair
Fed chair Jerome Powell says the Department of Justice has served the central bank with subpoenas and threatened indictment over his testimony on renovations.
Divided US central bank cuts rate, signals pause
The US central bank has reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months.
February is live: RBA warns of impending rate hike
The average mortgage-holder's repayments could soon jump an extra $90 a month, with another Reserve Bank interest rate hike on the cards as early as February.
Rate rise flagged as RBA does a Grinch with no Xmas cut
More rate relief for borrowers has essentially been ruled out by the Reserve Bank governor as the central bank mulls over when to lift rates again.
Christmas rate relief off the table at last RBA meeting
The official cash rate is expected to remain on hold when the Reserve Bank decides on interest rates for the last time in 2025.
Chinese economic slowdown at top of RBA’s mind
Slowing Chinese economic growth and persistently high inflation are "top of mind" for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Australian economy builds as investment roars back
Australia's economic growth rate came in below market expectations, but a strong domestic pulse shows the economy is in good shape.
Early Christmas for RBA with landmark inflation print
Inflation data will dominate the domestic economic dashboard, while the UK budget and New Zealand rate cuts are on the agenda abroad.
RBA reveals what would rule out more interest rate cuts
Barring a material rise in unemployment or weaker-than-expected economic growth, mortgage holders can just about give up hope for any more interest rate relief.
central bank
economic indicator
economic policy
economy, business and finance
employment
inflation and deflation
unemployment
Wages data could force RBA to turn page on rates cut
Unlikely to receive another rate cut in the next six months, borrowers will at least see the big four banks face parliamentary scrutiny in Canberra this week.
central bank
computing and information technology
economy, business and finance
it/computer sciences
job layoffs
labour
retraining
The roles expected to be in hot demand from AI boom
Data engineers, cybersecurity experts and customer experience designers are in for an AI jobs boom, although firms expect to reduce headcounts as uptake grows.
RBA bigwig reveals how economy can escape slow lane
The Australian economy's spare capacity will be key to deciding how many times the Reserve Bank can cut interest rates, a senior official says.
Interest rate cuts might have less impact than thought
Mortgage holders were smashed by the fastest interest rate hiking cycle in decades post-pandemic, but a study has found it did little to dampen spending.
central bank
construction and property
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
money and monetary policy
The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts
The rising cost of new homes and services such as takeaway meals were key to the Reserve Bank's inflation miss in September and could rule out future rate cuts.
Sticky inflation cruels chances of interest rate relief
Borrowers face the possibility of interest rates going up rather than down again after the Reserve Bank held steady following a spike in inflation.
Next rate cut uncertain as shutdown fogs Fed windscreen
The Federal Reserve has cut its key rate for the second time this year as the United States government shutdown clouds the economic outlook.
central bank
economic indicator
economy (general)
inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
prices
Pre-Christmas rate relief dashed after inflation spike
All four major banks predict mortgage holders will have to wait until 2026 for rate relief after a larger-than expected inflation rise.
RBA drops rates hint as Australia maintains AAA status
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has responded to a surprise jump in unemployment as a credit agency gives Australia's finance a tick of approval.
Governor takes aim at tax barrier to economic mobility
The Reserve Bank has set its sights on one tax it says keeps owners of big homes from downsizing and people from relocating for better jobs and pay.
Bank heads to open up before ‘urgent’ rate cut talks
Surprising unemployment data has many expecting interest rates are in for another trim, with two key figures in that decision set to give their reaction.
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
Crucial economic data in coming weeks could determine when mortgage holders can expect more interest rate relief, the Reserve Bank board says.
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
The economy is in a "good spot" but one sector is proving more stubborn than expected, the boss of the Reserve Bank says.
Overheated share markets may risk financial meltdown
Australia's central bank warns overpriced stock markets, cyber threats and weakness in China threatens the nation's financial stability.
Cup Day rate cut in doubt as RBA nears final straight
The odds are lengthening on an interest rate cut on Melbourne Cup Day, as the Reserve Bank adopts a hawkish tone and inflation steps up the pace.