Meta rejects claims it sought to hook kids to platforms
Opening statements have been made in a pivotal trial for Meta where US states are seeking damages for social media harms to children.
economy, business and finance
Blood plasma giant’s share price revives on growth path
An Aussie healthcare giant that put up its first annual loss as a listed group has staged a strong share price rebound as investors bet that the worst is over.
Big Australian sees a copper future on AI, energy boom
Surging copper prices meant the red metal accounted for more than half of BHP's earnings in the past financial year as the miner invests heavily in production.
Aussie businesses praised for their innovation
A big bank trying to win the nation's leading business bank crown is looking for more innovative firms to lend to, after seeing a shift in the past six months.
Rapist talent manager’s prison ‘hell’ in daily lockdown
A talent manager to the stars, now convicted rapist, has complained about being in "living hell" as he details the struggles in prison cell lockdown.
Sales drop triggers share plunge at retail bellwether
Shares in leading retailer JB Hi-Fi have suffered their biggest one-day loss in company history, pointing to tough conditions for the broader sector.
Steelmaker brings it home, after rejecting predators
BlueScope, which owns the Port Kembla steelworks, says it's now in a position of real strength after undergoing a period of investment that's boosted earnings.
Trump envoy discusses Gaza plan with Netanyahu
US negotiator Jared Kushner has held a rare meeting with the Hamas chief in Egypt in an attempt to make progress on the stalled Gaza ceasefire.
Colombia asks Trump for tariff relief post-quake
Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked US President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to help Colombia recover from a devastating earthquake.
Jobs data and a fireside chat: the economic week ahead
Unemployment and wage figures are the pick of the week's economic data, while traders will tune in to a "fireside chat" with the Reserve Bank deputy governor.
Six dead as Ukraine launches massive aerial attack
A large-scale Ukrainian attack has struck industrial infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Samara region.
Thousands evacuated after Indonesia quake kills 53
Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia have recovered six more bodies following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake, bringing the death toll to 53.
‘I am so sorry’: audit investigator’s belated apology
An investigator has apologised to a Senate inquiry for failing to properly probe claims of misconduct at one of the biggest multinational auditors.
Down the drain: Penfolds maker falls into the red
Treasury Wine Estates has delivered a huge earnings loss on the back of large writedowns of the value of its US assets and supply chain issues.
Energy giant isn’t sweating after warmer winter
Weather woes and energy market shake-ups aren't weighing heavily on Australia's biggest electricity retailer.
‘Accountability taken’: Telstra execs pay outage price
Telstra's CEO is among 10 senior leaders paying the price for a major nationwide outage as the telco's board docks executive pay by nearly $2 million.
Power debts rise as end of bill relief hits home
Electricity and gas supplier AGL accepts the end of federal government bill relief and cost-of-living pressures are hitting some of its customers.
Stormy year causes big insurer’s profit to nosedive
Hailstones the size of melons were part of the reason Australia's largest insurer lost almost half of its bottom-line net profit in the year to June 30.
Biggest bank bullish on home loans despite budget hit
Commonwealth Bank home loan applications plunged after controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains taxes, but it's hopeful of a recovery.
Treasurer tips housing growth despite investor slump
A collapse in property investor lending since the federal budget is good for the economy in the long term, the boss of the nation's biggest bank says.
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.
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.