Renewables influx a cooler change to summer energy mix
More batteries, solar and wind have combined with shrinking coal input to help slash greenhouse gas emissions from Australia's main electricity grid.
economy, business and finance
US could announce some trade deals ‘this week’
US President Donald Trump's administration is negotiating with 17 major trading partners on deals, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
NAB’s $3.6b earnings top expectations but risks remain
National Australia Bank has reported a slight rise in interim earnings and says it's in good shape despite the economic threat posed by US tariffs.
Australian farmland values just keep on growing
Farmland values have surged in Tasmania and Queensland off the back of a rebound in cattle prices, while the market in drought-affected areas has slowed.
Warren Buffett announces retirement plans
Warren Buffett, 94, has shocked an arena full of his shareholders by announcing that he wants to retire at the end of the year
Overseas rates decision to dominate domestic chatter
Australian investors and markets will keenly monitor how Donald Trump's tariffs impact the US Federal Reserve's outlook for future interest rate cuts.
End of the road for freeze on car rego and other fees
A state's year-long reprieve from car registration price hikes will come to an end when the government raises its fees and charges again.
Weary retail recovery has rate cut almost in the bag
All the smoke signals point to an interest rate cut as Australian retail spending continues to grow amid cooling consumer and producer inflation.
Rate cut could fuel further ‘modest’ house price growth
Australia's house prices continue to climb across every capital city after a recent interest rate cut, despite a slump in auction clearance rates.
Trump urges patience on tariffs as US economy shrinks
President Donald Trump has marked 100 days in office facing falling polls and struggling to explain data showing the US economy contracted over his trade war.
Faster return to surplus promised in coalition costings
The coalition has pledged the budget will be $14 billion better off over the next four years, releasing its costings two days out from the federal election.
Trump signs order to ease car tariffs burden
US President Donald Trump has signed an order on car tariffs designed to give some relief to the auto industry on the eve of his 100th day in office.
Students and hire staff pay for Labor election pledges
Labor reveals how it would balance the federal budget with its election promises as a global agency warns government spending could trigger a credit downgrade.
Healthy inflation data should help ease mortgage pain
Quarterly numbers are expected to show inflation has drifted into the Reserve Bank's target range to set up a further interest rate cut.
Problem child no more: surprise rise in state rankings
Western Australia has cemented its spot at the top of the latest CommSec State of the States rankings, but another state's climb comes as more of a surprise.
China accuses US of ‘misleading public’ on trade talks
Beijing has rejected President Donald Trump's claim that the US and China are holding tariff talks, telling Washington to stop "misleading the public".
China warns G20 global economic growth ‘insufficient’
China says economic fragmentation and trade tensions have disrupted supply chains, weakening the momentum of global economic growth.
China eases some US tariffs, denies Trump’s talk claims
China has denied US President Donald Trump's claims the countries are negotiating tariffs, but has exempted some US-made imports from its steep tariffs.
Rate cut on horizon amid fears of more stock turmoil
Donald Trump's latest attack on a pillar of the global economy could renew market stress as Australian homeowners eye a supersized rate cut.
No ‘band-aid solution’: sweating coal risky business
Proper maintenance is the answer to ageing coal generator reliability issues, the coalition has countered in response to more questions about its nuclear plan.
Trump plays critical minerals card in tariff trade war
A national security review of critical minerals imports has been ordered by President Donald Trump in an escalation of his dispute with global trading partners.
Trump hails ‘big progress’ in tariffs talks with Japan
Donald Trump and Japanese officials have taken part in talks on tariffs, as the US president's trade war continues to spook global markets.
Meta’s landmark trial could dismantle huge tech empire
Meta faces a historic antitrust trial which may force it to break off Instagram and WhatsApp, startups it bought that have become social media powerhouses.
Tariff turmoil triggers Reserve Bank inflation fears
Uncertainty over US tariffs and a brewing global trade war cast a shadow over the Reserve Bank of Australia as it deliberated on cutting interest rates.
Big bite on spending swallows up hospitality businesses
A record-high 9.4 per cent of food service and hospitality businesses shut their doors in the year to March as cost pressures weighed heavily on households.
US begins probes into pharmaceuticals, chip imports
The US is preparing to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals, as drug makers argue that could increase the chance of shortages and reduce access for patients.
Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in historic Meta trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has faced questions about his intentions in acquiring Instagram on the first day of a historic antitrust trial.
Australia, Indonesia strengthen ties amid tariff hikes
Global trade concerns are a key topic of conversation between Australia and Indonesia as US trade tariffs wreak uncertainty among governments and markets.
Us excludes smartphones and computers from tariffs
The big tech industry can breathe a huge sigh of relief after President Donald Trump's administration exempted smartphones and computers from tariffs.
Trump tariff trouble to cast shadow on domestic market
While fresh insight into the Reserve Bank's rate decision is set to be revealed, all economic eyes will continue to be on the fallout from US-imposed tariffs.
US tariffs on imported semiconductor chips coming soon
Donald Trump has flagged new tariffs on smartphones, computers and some other electronics as the trade war saga sparks the most volatile markets in five years.