Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
economy, business and finance
Mine site emissions new battlefield in coal climate war
Coalminers and environmentalists are clashing over a climate report on the sector finding net-zero emissions targets are unlikely to be hit at the current pace.
‘Not ready’: investors chop down deforestation action
National Australia Bank shareholders have rejected resolutions related to deforestation, but its chairman says he has concerns about the practice.
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.
Cheapest path to energy and climate goals locked in
Solar and wind firmed by storage and backed by gas remains the cheapest pathway to meet Australia's growing demand for electricity while reaching climate goals
Nvidia chip sales to China sparks US security concerns
Critics fear Donald Trump's decision to upend US policy by allowing Nvidia to sell its advanced AI chips to China will boost Beijing's military capabilities.
Mixed employment report won’t make RBA’s job any easier
Unemployment and jobs growth figures for November tell differing stories about the strength of the labour market, providing little clarity for the Reserve Bank.
Faster coal decline risks catching Australia off-guard
Demand for Australian coal exports might dry up faster than first thought, underscoring the need for rapid action to help mining communities prepare.
Tax reform call as data centre boom plugs in investment
A jump in forecast business investment in the midyear budget update will be unveiled by the treasurer, which bodes well for Australia's productivity growth.
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.
Businesses spared rising costs as peace deal struck
Christmas has come early for businesses with a months-long impasse on workers compensation resolved, ensuring insurance premiums do not surge.
Myer hails Black Friday boom as top label nears return
Department store Myer achieved its biggest biggest Black Friday sale performance on record as it prepares to relaunch a fast fashion brand in Australia.
‘No value’: bank defends dropped no-deforestation plan
Westpac's agricultural customers were clear. Its stand against deforestation is of no value, so the bank dropped plans for a forest protection policy.
Belt tightening in order as federal payments balloon
More than $12 billion in program cost blowouts demand tighter spending in other parts of the federal budget, the treasurer is warning Australians.
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.
‘Climate obstruction’ alarms raised with museum sponsor
Ties between a state museum and a major gas company are being questioned by a climate communications group as scrutiny of fossil fuel sponsorship grows.
Japan lifts tsunami warning after 7.5-magnitude quake
Japanese authorities are warning of the heightened possibility of mega-quake for a week after a powerful tremblor hit off the coast of the main Honshu island.
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.
After review, USA going all the way on AUKUS pact
Penny Wong and Richard Marles have met their US counterparts with both nations labelling the AUKUS deal as "full steam ahead".
Avo go at this: Aussie exports fuel hopes for new year
Australians are expected to eat 5kg of avocados per person in the new year, as bumper harvests and export demand boost optimism across the agricultural sector.
Ukraine to share revised peace plan with US: Zelenskiy
British, French and German leaders have met in London with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to tweak a US-draft plan to end Russia's war.
Warner Bros fight heats up with Paramount hostile bid
Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros, in a battle with rival bidder Netflix to buy the company behind HBO, CNN and a movie studio.
NRL sets itself as unity force against China in PNG
With a team set to join the NRL in 2028, Papua New Guinea is walking a delicate tightrope between ties to Australia and economic opportunities abroad.
Shopping for a new car? Life360 will have your back
Family location-sharing app owner Life360 says a recent $181 million acquisition will bring it closer to its goal of targeting users where they are with ads.
Economy has huge issues, billionaire retail icon warns
Premier Investments shares have plunged as the owner of Smiggle and Peter Alexander blames lower earnings forecast on the economy.
Uluru’s Ayers Rock Resort to be sold to US company
A unique deal will return large parcels of land to Traditional Owners, with more than $500 million tipped to flow to First Nations communities.
KFC chain upsizes sales but consumers wait in the wings
The company running nearly 300 KFC restaurants across Australia says it is focused on providing value to consumers who are still concerned about living costs.
Duplexes could be key to solving housing crisis
Developing just a fraction of single-occupancy homes in Australian cities into duplexes would be enough to eliminate the nation's housing shortfall.
Regional bank warns ‘we are living in a time of change’
A bank board has faced shareholder questions about its decision to bring in a technology solutions partner, amid widespread change in the finance sector.
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.
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.