Trump’s sweeping tariffs stoke a global trade war
US President Donald Trump's across-the-board tariffs have provoked threats of retaliation and sparked fears about their impact on the global economy.
economy, business and finance
Two data prints and a Trump wildcard to decide rate cut
Mortgage holders could know by April 30 whether to expect more interest rate relief, as the Reserve Bank casts its eyes on a crucial inflation reading.
‘Cautious’ RBA on hold as election, tariffs threaten
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 per cent, as global uncertainty clouds the economic outlook.
Managing Trump, tariffs looms large in bid for votes
Australia's political leaders say biosecurity and medicines are not up for debate in response to tariffs set to be announced by US President Donald Trump
Anti-Elon Musk protesters swarm Tesla showrooms
Crowds protesting billionaire Elon Musk's purge of US government departments began rallying outside Tesla dealerships throughout American cities.
‘Liberation Day’ overshadows Reserve Bank’s rate call
The Reserve Bank is expected to leave rates on hold at its next meeting despite the expected negative impact of more US tariffs on Australia's economic growth.
Treasurer joins chorus in hosing down rate cut hopes
"Almost nobody" is expecting an interest cut, the treasurer says as the Reserve Bank's new rate-setting board meets with an election campaign in full swing.
Greenland’s new PM says the US will not get the island
Greenland's new leader has declared the United States will not get the Arctic island, as Donald Trump ramps up threats to take control of the territory.
Canada’s old relationship with US ‘is over’, says PM
Canada's prime minister says his country's relationship with the United States has changed due to Donald Trump's actions on tariffs.
Tariffs and growth slump a concern for banking leaders
Australia's economic growth forecasts have been downgraded due to Donald Trump's trade war, keeping its most important financial leaders on their toes.
‘The King is King of Australia’: Backlash over $5 note
Monarchists have slammed the central bank's decision not to include the King's portrait on the $5 note, saying the government is pushing to become a republic.
Tariffs spell death knell for businesses on the brink
Australia's economy is tipped to grow faster in 2025 but US tariffs and trade wars could be enough to send marginal businesses to the wall.
Why shock drop in jobs won’t shift RBA rate cut bets
Fewer older Australians returned to work in February, driving a surprise fall in jobs and workforce participation but the labour market remains tight overall.
Watchdog unveils plan to end supermarket shrinkflation
The competition watchdog has resisted calls for powers to break up major supermarkets in a report, while calling for more transparency to tackle price-gouging.
Coles, Woolies guilty of increasing margins: watchdog
Treasurer Jim Chalmers promised a crackdown on major supermarkets following a consumer watchdog report, but warned breaking them up would be counterproductive.
Plans to help more into ‘disaster’ housing market
Aspiring homeowners could secure a cheaper mortgage and lower deposit by letting the government take a stake, but Peter Dutton questions whether they want to.
UK government orders probe into Heathrow shutdown
The UK government has ordered an investigation into the country's energy resilience after an electrical substation fire shut Heathrow Airport for almost a day.
‘Hip pocket help’ on its way in pre-election sweetener
Australians will receive more energy bill relief in the federal budget but the Liberals argue it's only needed because Labor has allowed costs to blow out.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Budget week to bring inflation, cost-of-living news
The Albanese government will look to further ease cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation when it delivers its fourth budget.
Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush
The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.
Carney calls snap vote, says Trump has sights on Canada
Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election asking for a mandate to tackle US President Donald Trump who he says wants to "own" Canada.
‘Optimism’ in budget as Australia seen turning a corner
The cost of living will be centre stage in the government's budget as many continue to do it tough, but a cabinet minister says there is reason to have hope.
Tariffs on cars, aluminium, pharmaceuticals soon: Trump
Tariffs on vehicles, aluminium and pharmaceuticals will be announced in the near future, US President Donald Trump says.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.
EU trade chief meets with Trump officials over tariffs
US President Donald Trump has said he may give "a lot of countries" breaks on tariffs, but has provided no further details on which ones are included.
Another retailer goes out of fashion, 600 jobs at risk
Retail chain Jeanswest has collapsed after more than five decades in business, threatening hundreds of jobs with more than 90 stores likely to close.
Trump ratchets up trade war with 25 per cent car tariff
Markets are reacting to President Donald Trump's announcement of new import taxes of 25 per cent on cars and car parts coming into the US.
Feds accept GST recommendation despite state pressure
A controversial GST carve-up will go ahead as a federal minister says his government will not overrule an independent body's recommended funding for states.
US aligns with G7, urges Russia to accept ceasefire
Fears the US would continue to draw away from the West were unfounded at the G7 summit, as it joined allies in warning Russia to accept the proposed ceasefire.
US launches large-scale strikes on Yemen’s Houthis
The US has launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis after they resumed attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.