EU fines Meta $A1.3b over Facebook’s classified ads
Meta is expected to appeal a $A1.3 billion fine over abusive practices benefiting its classified ads on Facebook Marketplace.
economy, business and finance
Crackdown efforts start on dodgy business practices
Dynamic pricing and subscription service traps are in the sights of the federal government, as consultation starts on efforts to ban them.
Jobs market in focus as investors chew Trump triumph
Donald Trump's return is having no immediate impact on central bank inflation outlooks but domestic jobs figures could change the calculus for the RBA.
Australian economy prepared for Trump: Chalmers
Treasurer Jim Chalmers believes Australia is well placed to deal with global financial shocks despite the looming threat of US tariffs.
Aldi banks on winning customers over opening new stores
The nearest supermarket rival to Coles and Woolworths says it's focused on trying to woo new customers rather than expanding its chain of Australian stores.
Households face more bill stress as energy prices rise
Energy debt is expected to escalate even more than anticipated, sparking a review of payment difficulty protections for households and small businesses.
Heat on Nine directors over toxic company culture
The new chair of Nine has fielded questions about a toxic culture at the media giant, as investors deliver a strike against director pay packets.
Immigration debate looms as flashpoint in election
After a hotly-contested debate surrounding immigration in the US, Australia is being urged to discuss the issue with facts during its upcoming election.
Farmers fear being frozen out by supermarket giants
Produce growers face limited export opportunities, low bargaining power and high costs to supply Australian supermarket giants, an inquiry has heard.
Light rail to slow to a crawl as union ramps up demands
Sydney Commuters face frustratingly slow light-rail trips as industrial action linked to a wages dispute between drivers and a major private operator heats up.
Albanese sees sun breaking through dark economic clouds
The prime minister strikes an optimistic tone in a speech to the business crowd, saying the worst economic storms are over and the future may be much brighter.
February rate cut hopes hinge on jobs market softening
The economic outlook has been downgraded as the big four banks' predictions of a February interest rate cut narrows.
Supply the key to fixing housing, not taxes: Treasury
The focus of the government should be on increasing housing supply rather than cutting tax concessions for property investors, the Treasury chief says.
Trucks, trains and dozers drive Fortescue’s ‘real zero’
Iron ore billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest says he intends to silence the naysayers with profitable patented green technology to save the planet - and mining.
No change to RBA forecasts after Trump election
The re-election of Donald Trump as US president could have "adverse implications" for the Australian economy but it has not changed the RBA's view on inflation.
‘Frustrated, sceptical’ consumers lose trust in grocers
Consumers doubt rising costs are totally to blame for higher grocery prices, as profits fall for manufacturers struggling to pass on surging costs.
Woolworths profits down as cost of living hits shoppers
Profits at Australia's biggest supermarket giant have taken a hit as cash-strapped shoppers search the aisles for cheaper options and Woolworths shares slump.
Big coal miner stares down protests, shareholder vote
Shareholders voting at Whitehaven Coal's annual general meeting have supported the company's executive remuneration plan, defeating moves to spill the board.
UK Labour raises taxes by most since 1993
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has raised UK taxes by $A79 billion to cover a shortfall inherited by the new Labour government.
Nine grocery items bill tops $100 in remote community
Some Indigenous communities are paying twice as much for groceries as people in capital cities, a consumer advocacy organisation investigation has found.
Fish furore: Woolies refuses to phase out farmed salmon
Woolworths shareholders have questioned the company's board over its pricing practices and use of farmed salmon which threatens the existence of a rare fish.
‘Long way to go’ as record number of scams reported
Complaints about scams and financial hardship have grown in one of the most worrying trends of the past year, according to the peak financial complaints body.
‘People haven’t splurged’: tax cut spending subdued
Australian retailers are finally starting to see a more upbeat consumer, though spending is unlikely to be strong enough to fan the flames of inflation.
Demand to pressure US senators out of kangaroo ban
Australian politicians and officials have been asked to pressure US senators out of a kangaroo ban that could harm exports and farming.
Flight upgrades still clear for take-off despite outcry
Aviation experts say flight upgrades for business leaders and politicians are likely here to stay after concern about the prime minister's travel arrangements.
Optus regrets ‘unacceptable’ conduct alleged by ACCC
Australia's second-largest telco says it failed to meet expectations after the consumer watchdog alleged "unconscionable conduct" against vulnerable customers.
Aussies willing to visit eight shops for groceries
The cost-of-living crunch is motivating more Aussies to shop around but it hasn't halted Coles sales growth, up 2.9 per cent in the first quarter.
Wesfarmers defends record profits amid cost crisis
Wesfarmers chair Michael Chaney is reclaiming the word "profit" as the parent company of Kmart and Bunnings reaps a record profit amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Profit squeeze as supermarkets try to win back shoppers
Woolworths and Coles are ratcheting up discounts to win back shoppers dissatisfied with price rises in the sector, and taking a hit to profits in the process.
Property market easing with falls across four capitals
Slowing momentum in home price growth bodes well for those hoping to get a foot on the property ladder as the central bank weighs rate cuts.
Strengthening wildlife numbers key to mitigate bird flu
The Invasive Species Council wants better bird protections to mitigate the impact of a deadly bird flu strain as Australia war games how to contain an outbreak.