Aussie media titan soldiers on during brutal ad drought
More aggressively monetising customers' data is on the table as part of a media empire's vicious cost-cutting and revenue-raising mechanisms after a tepid year.
economy, business and finance
Trump demands Iran pay compensation for deaths
Hopes have faded for an imminent deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump demanded Iran pay compensation.
Data collection fever as households sign into census
More than five million Australians have completed their census forms, as a government website tries to avoid a repeat of an infamous 2016 crash.
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
Borrowers are on notice with the Reserve Bank signalling it won't shy away from raising interest rates if inflation comes in higher than forecast.
Labor budget’s big bank blow as loan applications drop
Federal Labor policy changes for capital gains tax concessions and negative gearing appear to have prompted a decline in mortgage applications.
Inflation numbers to bring relief for mortgage holders
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to keep interest rates on hold, but economists are still warning inflationary risks remain.
US anticipates Iran-Oman deal so oil traffic can resume
The US anticipates a deal between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz is imminent as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan pledge a mutual defence pact.
Labor backs ‘strong’ fuel supply as petrol prices bite
Drivers continue to feel the pinch at the bowser despite strong national fuel supplies, as the ongoing volatile war in Iran drags on.
Tax changes get tick of approval from ratings agency
Tax hikes on property investors will help keep budget pressures under control, ratings agency S&P Global says in a check-up of Australia's fiscal health.
Fuel diplomacy sends Australia’s trade surplus tanking
A surge in fuel and electric vehicle imports in response to the Middle East conflict drove Australia's goods trade surplus to a nine-year low.
All Ords index tops $3.2 trillion as shares beat record
Mining stocks have driven the local exchange into new territory for a second session as Middle East peace hopes buoy investor confidence.
Property listings giant defies house price slump
Shifting sands mean Australia's biggest property website can't afford to sit on its laurels even as it proclaims a better-than-expected year.
Ocker reboot makes Alexa ‘authentically Australian’
Amazon Australia is upgrading its Alexa chatbot with the same technology that underpins ChatGPT, and says it has been trained to understand Australian culture.
‘Unrealistic’ rules for AI data centres spark warning
Investors could be deterred from investing in new AI data centres in Australia if national guidelines under negotiation are too strict, the coalition warns.
Shares soar to record highs as oil dives on peace hopes
Local shares have rallied on reports the US and Iran are nearing a new peace deal, boosting confidence as investors bet on a brighter outlook for global growth.
Gold rush: high yellow metal price lifts job prospects
It's a case of jobs, jobs, jobs in the West Australian goldfields as miners chase high commodity prices, rush to restart operations and build new plants.
Betting firms shift blame to parents, other platforms
Children being exposed to gambling advertisements and allegations of predatory inducements have been dismissed by major betting companies.
No tax link as investors strike gold with first payout
Shareholders in a mid-tier gold producer have been told their first dividend payout in decades was driven by happy coincidence, not upcoming tax changes.
Escorts, drugs: big-spending gamblers’ inducements
Gambling reform advocates have issued a plea to the government to stamp out the predatory behaviour of major betting companies.
US came for our rare earths, will be back for more
A former ambassador to the US has touted Australia's mining resource advantages, saying they will attract more capital from the US and UK.
City drivers to cop first sting of end to fuel discount
Households and businesses are bracing for more cost-of-living pressure as the government's fuel excise pause ends, pushing prices for petrol and diesel higher.
Housing affordability rises as price downturn continues
Home values have fallen at their fastest monthly rate in almost four years as an economist suggests prices could grow more slowly than incomes for a decade.
Vibe check for outback town as corporate suits descend
Laid-back residents of Australia's gold capital are about to be inundated by business types in suits and RM Williams boots as a mining forum comes to town.
Housing approvals rebound, but still behind targets
The number of dwellings granted approval has hit a five-year high, but national housing levels still lag behind federal targets.
Fuel seller eyes massive earnings lift due to conflict
The company that owns one of Australia's two oil refineries says the Middle East war underscores the need to keep that capability, as the conflict continues.
Shares soar as inflation surprise staves off rate hike
Healthcare stocks have led a broad-based ASX rally, after economic figures indicated the Reserve Bank wouldn't need to lift interest rates in August.
Sacked, struggling Qantas staff still wait for payments
Legal delays have prevented workers who were sacked by Australia's largest airline from receiving their share of a small fortune in compensation payments.
Shoddy bank record-keeping hits savers as scammers lurk
Many Australian banks are flying blind when customers ask them to confirm the details of mortgage offset accounts, leaving thousands of borrowers at risk.
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
Inflation figures have come in under the Reserve Bank's predictions, but some economists warn they might not paint a true picture.
Migration plummets from post-pandemic record highs
Political debate continues to rage over migration levels but latest analysis shows the number of arrivals has plunged since borders reopened following COVID.
Energy giant took weeks to respond to major data breach
Almost one million Origin Energy customers are being warned about potential scam activity after their data was leaked in a suspected hack.