RBNZ gives ‘shock treatment’ for lagging Kiwi economy
The NZ dollar has fallen after central bank cut rates to 2.5 per cent, with hopes it will revive the Kiwi economy and the government's political fortunes.
economy, business and finance
Thermal battery an energy answer in hot heavy industry
Electrifying factories could significantly reduce carbon emissions by allowing heavy industry to store and use heat like power in a battery.
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
The economy is in a "good spot" but one sector is proving more stubborn than expected, the boss of the Reserve Bank says.
‘Climate vandalism’: state under fire over energy plan
A state's energy plan has sparked outrage after pledging to keep coal-fired power plants open for decades, potentially putting pressure on emissions targets.
PM says briefing on super tax plan was nothing unusual
The PM's office is briefed all the time on a range of issues, says Anthony Albanese after a hearing was told of conversations over a plan to tax super balances.
Trump hits China with more tariffs as trade war builds
Donald Trump says the US will hike tariffs on imports from China to 100 per cent in retaliation for its new export limits on rare earth minerals.
Lecornu explains reappointment as French prime minister
Reappointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces a Monday deadline to present the parliament with a budget.
Critical minerals talk heats up before PM’s US visit
Australia is keen to lock in a critical minerals deal with the US ahead of Anthony Albanese's talks with Donald Trump and fears of China's market dominance.
‘Socially isolating’: one in seven living in poverty
Charities and social services are calling for urgent action after a study showed one in seven Australians are living in poverty.
Trump softens tone as China-US trade tensions flare
US President Donald Trump has taken a less confrontational approach in his latest social media post on trade tensions with China.
‘Victory for common sense’: Labor backdown on super tax
A plan to increase tax on large super balances has been overhauled, with Labor saying they took feedback on its original plan seriously.
Treasurer defends $4b hit from super tax backdown
An overhaul of a signature Labor tax plan will cost the budget billions, but the treasurer says it shouldn't be seen in isolation.
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
Crucial economic data in coming weeks could determine when mortgage holders can expect more interest rate relief, the Reserve Bank board says.
Overheated share markets may risk financial meltdown
Australia's central bank warns overpriced stock markets, cyber threats and weakness in China threatens the nation's financial stability.
The things keeping Brisbane’s Olympics boss up at night
The business heavyweight overseeing the Brisbane Olympics has been quizzed on what he worries most about and what animal will be chosen as the Games mascot.
Major change to IVF treatments for donors and families
Families involved in an IVF bungle will be permitted to continue their treatment after a provider was found to be exceeding a donor limit.
Trump uses government shutdown to dole out revenge
President Donald Trump is mulling "temporary or permanent" spending cuts that could set up a lose-lose dynamic for Democratic politicians.
Networks join forces to create $416m media monolith
A $416 million merger between the owner of Australia's most popular TV network and the country's biggest radio broadcaster has ignited their share prices.
Rock art safeguards weakened despite gas hub’s harms
The federal environment minister thinks the North West Shelf gas project is damaging ancient rock art, despite opting for weaker emissions restrictions.
Sad day as refinery’s closure to hit jobs and community
Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs as alumina giant Alcoa permanently shuts a 60-year-old refinery that served as a cornerstone of the community.
China to halt BHP iron ore cargoes during price talks
China's state-run iron ore buyer has told the country's steelmakers and traders to temporarily halt purchases of all new BHP cargoes.
Cup Day rate cut in doubt as RBA nears final straight
The odds are lengthening on an interest rate cut on Melbourne Cup Day, as the Reserve Bank adopts a hawkish tone and inflation steps up the pace.
Low rates, supply squeeze create home price rise mayhem
The great Australian dream of property ownership continues to resemble a nightmare for many buyers as prices surge and the supply of homes dwindles.
BHP cops $5b value hit on talk of China trade blockade
Reports China is halting iron ore shipments from BHP have weighed on the world's biggest miner, but experts say any stoush over prices should be short-lived.
Spending rebound staggers as Aussies kick booze, smokes
Strong growth in household spending earlier this year is unlikely to be matched, which could ease Reserve Bank fears of a return of inflation pressures.
Trump slaps new tariffs on drugs, trucks and furniture
President Donald Trump's tariff spree continues with new US levies including 100 per cent on pharmaceuticals as well as duties on furniture and heavy trucks.
Interest rate decision to dominate economic agenda
Mortgage holders are unlikely to get a leg up from the Reserve Bank this week, with markets and analysts predicting the cash rate to remain on hold on Tuesday.
Australia’s luck running out despite budget bright spot
Australia's budget deficit for last financial year ended up being narrower than expected but younger workers will still be on the hook for a decade of red ink.
Financial sector urged to shoot higher on climate risk
The global financial sector has been urged to prevent further backsliding on climate and to stop funnelling money into new fossil fuels in an open letter.
‘Unacceptable’: second triple-zero Optus outage slammed
A second Optus triple-zero outage in as many weeks has raised the ire of a premier as calls mount for the government to empower regulators rather than telcos.
Trump plans 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made movies
Months after US President Donald Trump first teased plans to impose trade levies on all foreign movies, he announces the tariffs will be 100 per cent.