Trump warns against ‘playing games’ with US trade deals
Donald Trump is threatening to hit any countries prevaricating over recently-negotiated US trade deals with much higher duties under different trade laws.
economy, business and finance
Millions stuck at home as historic blizzard hits NYC
A historic blizzard has dumped up to 60cm of snow across the US northeast, forcing millions to stay inside as flights, transport, schools and businesses close.
One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform
The International Monetary Fund report is calling for a hike in the GST and other tax changes, while praising the handling of Australia's economy.
Aussies splash cash on tech but prices tipped to rise
Consumers are spending big on smartphones and games consoles despite a tight economy, JB Hi-Fi says, but the cost of some gadgets could rise.
‘Goliath won’: Santos fends off greenwashing lawsuit
The defeat of a climate suit against Santos has disappointed activists but opened the public's eyes to how the resources giant developed its net-zero targets.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.
BHP copper pivot steps up but iron ore headwinds remain
The world's biggest miner has broken operating records across multiple resources in the recent half as it continues to expand its exposure to a key base metal.
Baby store refits delivers ‘halo effect’ for retailer
Baby Bunting's nine revamped "stores of the future" are delivering the goods, helping the baby goods retailer grow overall same-store sales by 4.7 per cent.
AI digs deep into future of Australian farming sector
Farmers are rapidly adopting autonomous machinery and artificial intelligence to boost efficiency, although the industry needs stronger backing to truly thrive.
Inflation does a job on wage growth, adds heat to rates
Rising inflation has pushed real wages below the level of rising costs, which could have a big impact on the Reserve Bank's next decision on interest rates.
Regional housing market booms, outpacing capital cities
Buyers are turning to regional Australia for housing affordability, but little relief can be found in some of the fastest-growing areas outside the cities.
Suitors fire up steelmaker takeover with hotter offer
A takeover offer worth $2 billion more than a previous attempt to snare Australia's largest steelmaker is no certainty to be successful.
Major builder expects ‘chronic undersupply’ to continue
Pent-up demand has property group Mirvac optimistic about the outlook for residential housing despite the prospect of higher interest rates.
Destructive hailstorms slash insurer firm’s bottom line
Suncorp's first-half profit has dropped 76 per cent after the insurer paid $1.3 billion in natural hazard claims, mostly related to two thunderstorms.
Premier polishes pitch to lure Trump to Australia
A premier is bidding to bring the United States president to Australia, claiming his state has something Donald Trump wants and needs.
Labour pains for borrowers as jobs data hits rate hopes
Economists fear two solid jobs readings could push the RBA to inflict more borrowing pain on Australian mortgage-holders.
Dodgy online items in consumer watchdog’s crosshairs
Forcing giant online marketplaces like Temu and Shein to protect consumers from unsafe products is one of this year's key focuses for the consumer watchdog.
Billionaire says ‘world-class conman’ Epstein duped him
Billionaire businessman Les Wexner says he was foolish to trust "master manipulator" Jeffrey Epstein, as he denied taking part in the abuse of girls and women.
Insurer’s ‘failing’ health system warning as costs soar
Health insurer Medibank Private has lifted its interim bottom-line net profit after the number of Australians taking out policies increased.
No spirit of Australia in Qantas closures, report finds
The Flying Kangaroo has been criticised for closing three regional bases, with an inquiry finding it risks calling itself a country carrier "in name only".
Kmart, Bunnings building as Officeworks stays deskbound
Kmart and Bunnings performed strongly in the first half of 2025/26, owner Wesfarmers says, but another of its well-known chains is lagging.
Rio Tinto misses profit view on iron ore challenges
Weaker iron ore prices have dug into mining giant Rio Tinto's underlying profit, although stronger copper prices cushioned the blow.
Insurer’s shares soar to four-month high on profit rise
QBE shares have rocketed after reporting a net profit increase of 21 per cent on higher premiums and fewer disaster payouts.
Cochlear crashes in latest earnings season carnage
Hearing device manufacturer Cochlear has suffered a 19 per cent sell-off after posting weaker-than-expected half-year earnings and trimming its guidance.
Work never ends for used car giant after $120m sale
A used car startup has netted its founder a nine-figure payday after selling his business to Toyota but it won't put the handbrake on his drive.
RBA offers more rates call insight before jobs data
Critical unemployment figures will give Australia's central bank a clearer picture on whether it will deliver a second interest rate hike in as many months.
Ukraine delaying restart of oil pipeline: Slovakia
Ukraine has been accused of delaying the restart of a pipeline carrying Russian oil to eastern Europe.
Steelmaker pledges dividend bonanza, but shares drop
Weeks after rejecting a takeover bid, BlueScope Steel is promising to return more of its profit to shareholders after delivering a rise in first half earnings.
‘Stonking result’: big bank basks in best day for years
Shares in Australia's biggest bank have soared to a three-month high after it beat earnings expectations with "a really clean set of numbers".
Biotech giant’s shares dive after CEO’s shock departure
Shares in Australia's largest biopharmaceutical company have hit an eight-year low after the sudden retirement of its chief executive.
Shares in wealth manager plunge in earnings bloodbath
AMP shares have plummeted amid questions from analysts about why shareholders should watch their money being "torched" to fund the company's new digital bank.