Major super fund sued over tardy death benefit payouts
AustralianSuper is the latest major super fund to face legal action for allegedly failing to pay out benefits to families of dead members in a timely manner.
economy, business and finance
Trump metals tariffs draw swift Canada, EU retaliation
Canada and Europe have been quick to retaliate after President Donald Trump's metals tariffs came into effect.
US budget deficit hits record $US1.147 trillion
The Treasury Department reports the US deficit in February rose $US11 billion from the same month in 2024.
Post-pandemic property price roller-coaster to flatten
There are signs the housing market in normalising five years after the COVID-19 pandemic sent home values soaring across Australia.
Super housing scheme could shave years off home wait
Australians raiding their super balances for housing could boost home ownership but may result in a jump in prices, economists say.
Trump threatens to slap Europe with monster grog taxes
Stocks have dropped again after Donald Trump threatened a 200 per cent wine tariff on the EU if it doesn't relent on plans to lift taxes on US whiskey.
Mark Carney wins race to replace Trudeau as Canada’s PM
Former central banker Mark Carney has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump after winning the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister.
‘Insurance catastrophe’ declared, 3000 claims so far
Thousands of insurance claims have been made during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred's assault but its still early to estimate the total damage bill.
Home approvals rise as Australia’s economy turns corner
Promising housing data and a return to growth in real household incomes augur well for the Australian economy in 2025.
Rich getting richer: wealth divide hits record high
Australia's wealth divide reached its worst level in more than two decades, after excluding a temporary narrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump delays more tariffs amid US economic uncertainty
Donald Trump has postponed tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a trade war.
Labor set for budget boost thanks to higher tax take
Australia's bottom line will be $11 billion better off, if the government releases a budget before the election, a leading economist predicts.
Trump gives automakers short exemption from new tariffs
President Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers.
Trump triggers trade war with Canada, China and Mexico
President Donald Trump has launched a trade war against the US's three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China.
Green shoots for economy as Australia snaps dire record
Australia has accelerated out of an economic slump after expanding by 1.3 per cent in 2024, leading to a rise in per capita growth - a proxy for prosperity.
Revelations in minutes of interest rate drought breaker
Minutes from the Reserve Bank meeting that finally lower interest rates shows board members responding to signals from recent trends in two key areas.
Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy
Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities leverage their native title rights for economic growth will be the focus of a new centre.
Bosses urged to stay flexible as gender pay gap narrows
The gender pay gap is steadily closing amid warnings revoking work from home flexibility will impact women's ability to earn more.
Stocks tumble as Trump locks in Canada, Mexico tariffs
US President Donald Trump's taxes on imports from Mexico and Canada is sparking fears of a North American trade war that will hike inflation and hinder growth.
Australian economy to get pulse check, RBA minutes drop
National accounts figures headline a bumper week on the economic front, with RBA minutes, retail trade, housing data and government finances also on show.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Treasurer to push for tariff exemption in US meeting
As superannuation giants attempt to build ties with US investors in Washington, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will try to secure a tariff deal with his US counterpart.
UK to up army spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, cut aid
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says spending on the military will be increased while funds for foreign aid will be cut.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Billionaire founder retakes control of his $32b company
Richard White has been named executive chairman of WiseTech Global, four months after stepping down as CEO amid an inquiry into his conduct.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
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.
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.