Coles calls out ‘politicisation’ of cost of living
Politicians are unfairly attacking supermarket chains to provide answers to difficult questions about inflation, grocery giant Coles says.
economy, business and finance
Consumer confidence rebound wobbles following Trump win
The recovery in consumer confidence is gathering steam despite a blip following the United States election result last week.
‘It’s a lifeline’: relief as government hands Rex $80m
The federal government will provide up to $80 million to keep Rex regional routes operating, a relief for rural communities fearing for their future prosperity.
Pay growth running faster than price rises
Workers have logged another quarter of real wage growth that, thankfully, is not strong enough to push back interest rate cuts.
Jobless rate holds at 4.1 per cent for the third month
Roughly 15,900 jobs were added to the economy last month, falling short of expectations, as the jobless rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent.
Climate change fuelling insurance cost-of-living crunch
More than two-thirds of parents are worried about rising insurance costs pushed higher by climate change.
Jobs still bright spot despite softer employment growth
There may be cracks appearing in the labour market but it's still strong compared to pre-pandemic norms and taking a long time to unwind.
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.
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.