Plug-in hybrid sales slide as tax break is switched off
New vehicle sales have fallen as the end to a fringe benefits tax exclusion leads to a sharp decline in plug-in hybrid sales.
economic indicator
US job growth slows marginally, unemployment steady
US employers have added a better-than-expected 177,000 jobs in April as the job market shows resilience.
US economy contracts 0.3 per cent in the first quarter
US economy contracted in first quarter of 2025, the first drop in three years.
Sliding inflation builds hopes of interest rate cut
Another interest rate cut is firmly on the table with analysts expecting the Reserve Bank to seriously consider the move on the back of fresh inflation data.
Home approvals rise as Australia’s economy turns corner
Promising housing data and a return to growth in real household incomes augur well for the Australian economy in 2025.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Fresh data to shed light on retail, housing strength
Australians are expected to have pulled back on retail spending after major sales, with the latest data unlikely to shift the dial for the Reserve Bank.
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains confident 2025 will be better economically for Australians after struggles with the cost of living.
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.
Labor, expert lash ‘crazy’ call to step in over rates
Calls for Canberra to intervene with the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to get financial reforms over the line have been rejected by Labor.
Healthy jobs numbers to keep RBA on the sidelines
Australia's economy may be limping along but jobs are still going, although mostly part-time gigs and predominantly roles in the public sector.
Business leaders eye economic light at end of tunnel
Corporate leaders report feeling upbeat about their firms and the broader economy as the business lobby takes aim at anti-business sentiment.
Landlord’s market as property investor lending swells
Lending to investors continues to lead the charge and outpace home loans taken out by owner-occupiers.
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.
Mixed jobs data gives RBA more food for thought
Record jobs participation will keep the Reserve Bank wary of cutting rates, despite unemployment rising in July to the highest level since November 2021.
RBA governor warns rate cuts not on near-term agenda
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates steady and tempered expectations of imminent cuts, warning inflation remains "too high".
Wages still outpacing inflation, silver lining for RBA
Workers enjoyed a pay-packet bump in the March quarter but a drop in the wage price index has eased fears wages are contributing to inflation.
Fuel hits new high as oil and Aussie dollar diverge
Rising wholesale costs, high oil prices and a weak Australian dollar have pushed fuel prices to new highs in Australia's capital cities.
Economy hit by ‘dastardly duo’ of rates and inflation
Australia's economy grew very little last quarter but the result was broadly in line with forecasts and unlikely to change the outlook for interest rates.
Australia’s jobless rate hits two-year high
Fresh labour data is unlikely to shift the dial for the central bank despite the jobs market slowdown appearing a little ahead of schedule.
Home prices climb and rate cuts could fuel more growth
The Australian market is stuck between the competing forces of poor affordability and a supply demand mismatch.
Prices ease but insurance and housing are still biting
Consumer price growth is coming off the boil but some key essential goods and services are still painfully elevated.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
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.
Retail sales dip as shoppers hold off for Black Friday
Consumers hit the pause button on spending in the lead up to the Black Friday sales period, official retail trade data suggests.
Consumers, businesses still wary about the future
Consumer confidence has taken a hit after another round of interest rate pain, with businesses also cautious about the outlook despite economic resilience.
Banks pass on rate hikes to thrifty home loan customers
Some mortgage holders are already trimming their spending and working extra hours, with the latest rise to put more pressure on households and the economy.
China growth shows economic recovery gaining traction
Faster growth in China's economy than expected over the third quarter suggests a recent flurry of policy measures is helping to bolster a tentative recovery.
Outlook for economic activity slightly more upbeat
Australia's economic growth is still tracking towards lower-than-usual performance despite future-looking indicators showing a glimmer of improvement.