Consumer confidence starts year with a bang
Consumer confidence has bounced higher and is expected to keep improving as rising real wages and rate cuts support household incomes.
economy, business and finance
Coalition insists nuclear plan won’t blow up economy
The federal opposition has slammed government analysis that suggests its nuclear energy calculations are based on a shrinking economy in five states.
Home building to pick up in 2025, but only modestly
Housing construction is expected to ramp up this year but labour shortages, builder insolvencies and higher global inflation pose headwinds.
Countdown to election day as aftershocks rattle Vanuatu
Still reeling from aftershocks, campaigning has begun for a very challenging election in Vanuatu after many polling booths were hit in December's deadly quake.
Hope for end to wage theft as laws come into force
Criminal penalties for employers who deliberately underpay workers have come into effect, with hopes they will deter bosses from engaging in the practice.
Weak start, stronger finish tipped for property in 2025
Australia's property market is entering 2025 in a downturn and while interest rate cuts should boost demand, any home price growth rebound is tipped to be mild.
Aussie dollar rebounds after dropping to 26-month low
The Australian dollar has moved back above 62 US cents after falling below that level for the first time in more than two years against a surging greenback.
Rental affordability still stretched, but worst is over
Vacancy rates are edging higher and growth in advertised rents is stalling in welcome news for the nation's renters.
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
Borrowers can expect cashflow relief from interest rate cuts in 2025, yet a further deterioration in the jobs market will also start to be felt.
Loyalty penalty costing power customers, warns ACCC
Energy consumers are paying more than they should be and the consumer watchdog wants households to force providers to compete harder by shopping around.
Drivers urged to ‘shop around’ as petrol prices surge
Australians are facing headaches at the petrol bowser and a national body has called for an investigation as costs surge in capital cities.
Short trips, cheaper grub: tight budgets change travel
Australians are still travelling but patterns are changing to reflect tougher financial conditions with many taking shorter trips closer to home.
New year changes to boost payments and career options
Employers who underpay staff will be committing a criminal offence in 2025, while more than a million Australians will see changes to government payments.
Long flight to justice ends for sacked Qantas workers
The end of a protracted legal battle is being welcomed by workers illegally sacked by Qantas as they turn to rebuilding their lives after four years.
Productivity slump worsens Australia’s deficit dilemma
Australia needs to get productivity growth back on track to pay for structural spending increases and avoid endless deficits, economists warn.
ANZ chief executive forfeits $1.5m bonus after outcry
The CEO of a big-four bank has forfeited a bonus worth $1.5 million after a backlash from shareholders upset about poor behaviour in its trading rooms.
Cost of giving diminishes Christmas joy
As families make cutbacks and sacrifices to save the spirit of Christmas, charities warn that many will face a bleak festive season devoid of celebrations.
Watching for doves in Reserve Bank’s Christmas reveal
A dovish tilt was detected in the Reserve Bank's last post-meeting comments, so traders will hope for more traces of an upcoming rate cut in its board minutes.
Foxtel sale a game changer for sports fans, industry
The $3.4 billion sale of Foxtel Group to British streaming behemoth DAZN is being called a landmark for Australian sports broadcasting.
RBA says rate cuts coming soon, IMF warns on inflation
The Reserve Bank's interest rate settings are appropriate but the battle against inflation is not yet won, a check-up of Australia's economic health has found.
Deficits dig deeper holes as cracks appear in budget
Australia is on track for a soft economic landing despite budget deficits set to widen as spending grows and tax receipts fall, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Super concessions take biggest bite from the budget
Cost-of-living relief measures are off the table in the mid-year budget update, as a tax expenditure list shows the type of deductions that cost the most.
The women who could soon influence your mortgage
Two new faces will serve on the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate-setting board, with the government defying calls from the coalition for continuity.
Scams lawsuit sends a message to Australia’s banks
The corporate cop has put the nation's banks on notice after filing a civil case against HSBC Australia over its alleged failure to stop $23 million in scams.
Migration ‘splash’ easing in Australia: expert
An expert has dismissed claims international students are impacting the national housing market, saying a post-pandemic "migration splash" is easing.
How China uncertainty could push back RBA rate cut
Unexpected jobs figures have diminished hopes of an interest rate cut in February but favourable inflation data could put lower mortgage costs back on the menu.
GP payroll tax, first homebuyer stamp duty scrapped
A state government has fulfilled more of its election promises by scrapping a "patient's tax" and stamp duty for first-home buyers.
Westpac shareholders question bank’s climate plan
Westpac shareholder activists have questioned bank executives about how its climate change policies will be applied.
Trump taps more of his trusted allies for key roles
Donald Trump is continuing to pick loyalists for key jobs, with his social media platform CEO the latest tapped to serve in his second administration.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.