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.
economy, business and finance
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.
‘Too high’: RBA rates warning as inflation fears flare
The Reserve Bank governor says interest rates may need to go higher, as Australia's weak productivity problem locks households in for lower living standards.
‘Build resilience’: refinery touted but discount to end
A study will examine locations for what would be the first refinery to be built in Australia since the 1960s, as a cut to the fuel excise is set to end.
Hard sell for retail giant as consumers tighten belts
Households are clamping down on spending even more as financial uncertainty deepens, hitting sales at a leading Australian retailer.
Casino group still in the red as licence issues weigh
Star Entertainment group is still talking to regulators and state governments over its gaming floor licence woes, after reporting another quarterly loss.
Fuel supply secure despite price alert as war grinds on
The nation's fuel supply remains secure despite the war in Iran but motorists should brace for rising prices as experts warn of extensive economic impacts.
Aussie fashion brand ships manufacturing offshore
A cult fashion brand will shift its Australian manufacturing overseas after years of making clothes with both local and overseas producers.
‘Ludicrous’ US levy slammed for free-trade deal breach
Australian businesses have reacted angrily to the Trump administration's higher tariffs on the nation's exports, as Canberra vows to push for their removal.
Holy guacamole: Aussie avos set to smash supply records
The Australian avocado supply is forecast to smash records after a dip, in a-peeling news for lovers of the Sunday brunch staple.
‘Millionaires’ factory’ boss to leave with almost $1b
Macquarie Group shareholders have backed the pay of its chief executive, who will retire in November with around $881 million in company shares.
Surprise jobs jump gives RBA room to raise rates
A larger-than expected rise in employment will not ease Reserve Bank fears about inflation as rising oil prices compound cost pressures.
Rio Tinto signs deal to cut alumina refinery emissions
Rio Tinto has signed a five-year agreement with SuperChar for bio pellets to explore how it can reduce its coal use in its Gladstone refineries in Queensland.