Jobless fall gives RBA room before next rate cut
The unemployment rate slid to 4.2 per cent in July, partly because of an unwinding from an earlier, outsized jump, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports.
economy, business and finance
Liquid gas investment inflates Origin Energy’s profit
Profits are up for Australia's largest energy company despite challenges from the price of coal, energy tariffs and power plant uncertainty.
NBN users gorge on fibre for healthier download speeds
Technology upgrades are transforming how Australian's connect to the internet, as the NBN Co's full-year results show many premises are using fibre.
Rebooted plastic scheme could hike groceries cost
Consumers could face higher prices for goods wrapped in soft plastic as plans for a much-anticipated recycling scheme are revealed.
Rates cut but borrowers told not to bank on more relief
The cash rate has been cut to its lowest level in more than two years, as the Reserve Bank resisted the temptation to wrong-foot analysts twice in two months.
Unions push back on productivity plan for schools, jobs
Fresh fault lines have formed in the lead up to the government's reform roundtable as unions reject productivity proposals welcomed by businesses.
US and China extend tariff truce by 90 days to November
The US and China have extended their trade truce until November 10, just hours before a jump in tariffs had been set to take effect.
Price floor sends rare earths shares through the roof
Shares in rare earths miners are soaring as the federal government indicates its support for a taxpayer-funded minimum price for the electronics ingredients.
Titan submersible disaster was preventable: Coast Guard
A US Coast Guard investigation has concluded that the Titan submersible implosion, which killed five people on the way to the Titanic wreck, was "preventable".
US trade deficit narrows amid drop in consumer imports
The US trade deficit narrowed in June on a sharp drop in consumer goods imports.
Australia to take ‘sensible, middle path’ on AI control
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a potential answer to Australia's dwindling productivity but concerns have been raised over its impact on workers.
Modi to visit China for first time in seven years
Donald Trump's unpredictability appears to have helped China and India overcome their niggles, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi planning a visit.
US memo urges countries to reject UN plastic caps
Hopes for a "last-chance" ambitious global treaty that tackles the full life cycle of plastic pollution have dimmed.
Novo Nordisk warns of layoffs as pressure mounts
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, Europe's most valuable company, is eyeing potential cost-cutting measures.
Plan to lift GST must come with lower income tax burden
A bid to strengthen the budget and improve productivity could increase the tax burden on Australians unless a balanced approach is taken, an economist warns.
Trump says he plans 100pct tariff on computer chips
US President Donald Trump says he's imposing a 100 per cent tariff on computer chips for companies that don't make them in America.
Trump’s higher tariffs hit goods from trading partners
Donald Trump's higher import taxes on goods from more 60 nations are taking effect.
Trump’s higher tariffs spark defiance and concern
US President Donald Trump's higher tariffs on imports from dozens of countries have kicked in.
‘Struggling more than ever’: Debt reaches six-year high
The number of Australians seeking help with debt has reached a record high as housing stress and utility costs weigh on budgets.
Australia and New Zealand embrace in ‘uncertain world’
Regional security and global uncertainty are dominating discussions during annual talks between Anthony Albanese and his New Zealand counterpart.
‘More gruelling, precarious’: climate biting workforce
From disrupted trucking routes to teaching in hot classrooms, the changing climate is already being keenly felt by Australian workers.
Rates take back seat to affordability for home buyers
Interest rates might be weighing less on Australians' decision to buy or sell a property, with affordability now ranked as the leading influence.
Mortgage holders ready for relief after past rates blow
The Reserve Bank of Australia board is expected to deliver mortgage holders more hip-pocket relief in its upcoming interest rates decision.
Hopes RBA won’t repeat shock rates hold as board meets
The "Trumpification" of the US Federal Reserve provides an unsettling backdrop to the Reserve Bank's August meeting, where it is expected to cut interest rates.
Year-long inquiry into CFMEU ‘thuggery’ begins
A prominent industrial relations lawyer has kicked off an inquiry into allegations of criminal links and workplace harassment in a construction union.
Smelter owners urged to put more on the table
The federal government has not ruled out any support measures as it calls on a mining giant to step up and save a copper smelter in regional Australia.
Markets plummet as Trump issues more steep tariffs
Global markets are reeling after US President Donald Trump announced his latest slew of steep tariffs on dozens of trading partners.
‘Not right’: Australia urged to wind back tax breaks
Reforms to Australia's tax system have been politically risky, but without urgent action, home ownership could be out of reach for the nation's workers.
Upward spending trend unlikely to shift needle on rates
Splurging shoppers are unlikely to dent the chances of an August interest rate cut, with consumer data tipped to deliver an upward spending trend.
Climate ratings could spare buyers from risky homes
Star ratings for resilience and winding back electric car incentives have been flagged by the Productivity Commission in its pursuit of climate cost savings.
Global consortium has Whyalla steelworks in its sights
The ailing Whyalla steelworks is in the sights of an international consortium with deep pockets and led by Australia's largest steelmaker.