Global uncertainty played a role in rate cut: RBA
Slowing inflation helped convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates at its last meeting but uncertainty over tariffs was also a factor, the deputy governor says.
economy, business and finance
Lower costs, better value as airlines deal takes flight
A deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia could strengthen competition and improve flight capacity in a '"major win" for passengers.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Struggle Street residents last to benefit from rate cut
Rate relief has been delivered to Australian mortgage holders, yet the Reserve Bank governor says renters may have to wait a while longer to gain any benefit.
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
Fortescue profit slumps on weak iron ore prices
China's struggling property sector continues to weigh on big miners, with Fortescue profits down more than 50 per cent.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Death toll rises from disease linked with heavy rain
More people have died and others are suffering from a disease associated with heavy rain in a region lashed by floods and tipped to cop even more downpours.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
One rate dip won’t cut it with voters who want action
Most Australians blame big corporations and not government for the rising cost of living so a lone interest rate cut won't sway their vote, polling indicates.
Steelworks forced into administration to ‘save’ future
South Australia has ended months of uncertainty over a critical steelworks by placing the plant into administration.
Robust job data unlikely to spook Reserve Bank on rates
Ongoing tightness in the labour market won't overly concern the Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation, says one economist after surprising jobs figures.
‘More gaps, more drop-outs’: rise in complaints post-3G
Telcos have been urged to do better in rural Australia, with continued reports of poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G mobile network closed.
Taxpayers to the rescue of Aussie steel
Safeguarding sovereign steel production is a key factor in a $2.4 billion government package to keep a major steelworks running while a new owner is found.
Origin bets on gas and batteries to keep the lights on
Leading energy retailer Origin Energy says it is "well-placed" to benefit from the energy transition as it bets on big batteries to help keep the lights on.
Trump outlines roadmap for reciprocal US tariff plan
US President Donald Trump says the United States will charge all other countries with the same tariffs as they charge on imports of US goods.
Billionaire to sell coal mine to prop up steelworks
Proceeds from a coal mine sale will be used to pump cash into the troubled Whyalla steelworks in a major debt deal.
Almost 10,000 fired as Trump, Musk cut US agencies
Workers at US agencies are grappling with the Trump administration's aggressive effort to shrink the size of the federal workforce.
Economists less confident of RBA rate cut than market
An AAP survey of 32 leading Australian economists has tipped the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates this week, but more than one in five remain unconvinced.
US pitched deal to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he directed his ministers not to sign off on a proposed agreement to give the US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals.
Caution urged over polls as Labor bleeds support
A warning has been issued over election polling as tightly clustered results in a close race may not reflect Australians' votes.
Dutton prays for rate cut as RBA enters conclave
Economists say a major reduction in mortgage rates this year is unlikely, even though the Reserve Bank board is widely tipped to deliver a cut on Tuesday.
Falling Star offered $650m lifeline for ailing casinos
With its shares in the doldrums and questions over its operations, Star has been offered a conditional lifeline through a five-year financing proposal.
Climate risk main reason premiums are rising: insurers
Breaking up big companies is no silver bullet to keep insurance premiums affordable, the sector says.
Rates cut at last but ‘no victory on inflation yet’
Australia's big four banks are already promising to pass interest rate cuts on in full after the Reserve Bank lowered the cash rate by 25 basis points.
PM denies rate cut will impact election timing
Anthony Albanese remains coy on when Australians will head to the polls, after the Reserve Bank delivered cost-of-living relief for mortgage holders.