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.
economy, business and finance
Trump’s wine tariff threat over Macron peace board snub
Donald Trump has responded to news that France intends to decline an invitation to join his Board of Peace by threatening tariffs on French wines and champagne.
US Supreme Court yet to issue ruling on Trump tariffs
The US Supreme Court has yet to decide on a dispute over the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariffs.
‘Struggling in silence’: Aussies’ shame driving up debt
Nearly half the nation started the new year in debt, but research shows countless Australians are unwilling to discuss their finances, even with loved ones.
‘No going back’ on Greenland, Trump vows
Donald Trump has doubled down on his pledge to seize control of Greenland, refusing to rule out taking it by force and threatening to upend historic alliances.
Healthy jobs market spells rate pain for borrowers
Upcoming inflation data will be make or break for a Reserve Bank rate hike decision following stronger than expected jobs figures, economists say.
Coal exit delay risks spooking clean energy investment
The ageing Eraring coal-fired power station will close in 2029, a two-year delay that could undermine investment in solar, wind, storage and transmission.
‘True maestro’: tributes flow for fashionisto Valentino
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died after a decades-long illustrious career dressing Hollywood stars and high society in his haute couture.
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.
Dan Murphy’s owner grows sales at expense of profit
Endeavour Group expects to report a smaller profit after cutting its prices to grow its sales on the lead-in to the key holiday trading period.
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.
Cycling’s Flying Burrito aims for more Paralympic gold
Korey Boddington, the reigning Australian cyclist of the year, is a para-cycling track sprinting star who is particularly fond of burritos.
High school costs forcing indebted parents to work more
The significant cost of educating children in Australia is forcing parents to work more hours and families to cut back on holidays.
Bluescope Steel entices shareholders with $438m payday
Australia's biggest steelmaker will pay investors a special dividend of $1 per share after rejecting a takeover overture from Kerry Stokes and a US partner.
Hot or not? Strong spending complicates rate picture
Upcoming data will give the Reserve Bank a better sense of whether higher interest rates are required to take the heat out of Australia's economy.
‘Their career is toast’: writers’ festival anguish
The consequences of cancelling a major literary festival are far-reaching, publishers and writers say, despite a premier declaring there is no economic impact.
Trump vows tariffs on European nations over Greenland
Donald Trump says he will charge extra import taxes on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.
Holiday-home perks under spotlight in ATO clampdown
The tax office is planning to clamp down on holiday home tax deductions, as proposed new rules clarify the criteria for which home owners can claim expenses.
Trump: it’s time to get ‘threat’ away from Greenland
After announcing tariffs on European allies, Donald Trump says Denmark has failed to protect Greenland from the "Russian threat" but "now it is time".
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.
Death toll soars after high-speed train crash in Spain
A high-speed train has derailed and smashed into another oncoming train in southern Spain in a collision that killed at least 39 people.
Harry’s lawyer tells court Mail complicit in wrongdoing
Prince Harry's case against the Daily Mail publisher over allegations of unlawful information gathering is under way in Britain's High Court.
Trump ties Greenland to not getting Nobel Peace Prize
Donald Trump has linked his bid to take control of Greenland to his failure to win a Nobel Prize, as a row over the island threatens to reignite a trade war.
Home approvals surge but affordability still an issue
Rent has soared to a median of $817 a week in Australia's most expensive city as a lack of supply stretches affordability to the limits around the nation.
US seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela
The US has seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in back-to-back operations.
RBA official’s advice to borrowers over inflation data
Mortgage holders have been warned not to expect relief anytime soon with the latest inflation figures unlikely to significantly influence the RBA's thinking.
Extreme hot and cold driving inland health emergencies
As Australia swelters through a heatwave, research suggests inland populations can expect hot days to become a bigger cause of health stress in the future.
Cheaper houses have lift-off as guarantee takes effect
A five per cent deposit guarantee is helping first homebuyers into the market, but ensuring they pay more for the privilege.
Greenland opposition leader backs direct talks with US
The head of the opposition Naleraq party has urged direct talks between US officials and representatives of Greenland, without Danish involvement.
US Supreme Court could rule on Trump tariffs next week
A US Supreme Court ruling in a major case testing the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariffs could be announced on Wednesday.
Where home prices could take off or crash land in 2026
A worsening outlook for interest rates will put a dampener on Australia's property market in 2026 but records are still expected to tumble across the country.