COP30 talks open with a plea for countries to get along
UN climate negotiations have kicked off on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon, with the top official calling on countries to stop bickering.
economy, business and finance
Interest rate cuts might have less impact than thought
Mortgage holders were smashed by the fastest interest rate hiking cycle in decades post-pandemic, but a study has found it did little to dampen spending.
Loan defaults bad for business as NAB profit takes hit
Business lending is growing for NAB but so is the level of bad debt from that customer segment, pumping the brakes on profits at the big four bank.
RBA drops rates hint as Australia maintains AAA status
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has responded to a surprise jump in unemployment as a credit agency gives Australia's finance a tick of approval.
Sheep and beef behind rise in farmer sentiment
Tasmanian farmers are the most confident in the nation, while Western Australian primary producers are the most worried, according to a new survey.
‘We need energy’: leader touts gas to save smelter jobs
The fate of 1000 workers hangs in the balance as leaders debate the best way to save Australia's biggest aluminium smelter from closure.
Treasurer hits back as opposition slaps panic button
The coalition has sought to link a recent rise in inflation and unemployment to the 1970s economic malaise, but analysts say there is no need to panic.
Next rate cut uncertain as shutdown fogs Fed windscreen
The Federal Reserve has cut its key rate for the second time this year as the United States government shutdown clouds the economic outlook.
PM optimistic Trump and Xi will reduce trade tensions
Anthony Albanese is hopeful a hotly anticipated meeting between the world's most powerful leaders will lead to a reduction in trade barriers.
Australians lose hope as nation lags on housing targets
Australians aren't confident the housing crisis will be solved and not one state is on track to reach its homes target over the next five years, research shows.
Protests and price drops: mining giant faces challenges
Protesters have disrupted a meeting held by one of Australia's largest coal mining companies but bigger challenges could come from global price fluctuations.
‘Eye off the ball’: Woolies lays blame for limp results
A string of "distractions" are the reason why Woolworths failed to deliver for shareholders, the company's leaders say.
Coles puts heat on Woolworths with strong sales growth
Supermarket giant Coles continues to take market share from key rival Woolworths, posting stronger quarterly sales growth than its bigger competitor.
Chalmers mulls automatic approval for foreign investors
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled more changes to the nation's foreign investment review scheme as he struck down a proposed pharmaceutical takeover.
Retailers ponder quitting ciggies as illegal sales soar
Supermarkets and smaller retailers are feeling the pain of the illegal tobacco trade, posting super-sized drops in revenue in recent reporting.
APEC wraps up after Trump-Xi agreement on trade truce
APEC nations have vowed greater economic co-operation and integration as they wind up their meeting at a time when global trade faces "significant challenge".
RBA to reveal interest rate call, economic forecasts
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to keep rates on hold after a spike in inflation, with the bank's updated economic forecasts set to be closely scrutinised.
Solutions in short supply as housing market heats up
Slashing the amount needed for a first home deposit might be doing more harm than good for young Australians hoping to get a foothold on the property ladder.
Westpac admits dropping ball on state bank customers
Overpriced mortgage products at its state-specific subsidiaries have contributed to Westpac losing market share, despite solid growth in customer deposits.
Sticky inflation cruels chances of interest rate relief
Borrowers face the possibility of interest rates going up rather than down again after the Reserve Bank held steady following a spike in inflation.
‘Minsky moment’: watchdog boss warns of market collapse
The corporate watchdog has flagged easing reporting requirements for smaller firms while warning private credit to shape up or face tougher regulation.
The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts
The rising cost of new homes and services such as takeaway meals were key to the Reserve Bank's inflation miss in September and could rule out future rate cuts.
‘COP of Truth’ promised as UN says we’ll overshoot 1.5C
The world has been promised real solutions at the COP30 climate change summit as a new UN report puts the planet on course for a 2.5C temperature rise.
Power deal inked to secure smelter’s short-term future
A 12-month power deal has guaranteed the short-term future of a 70-year-old aluminium smelter than employs more than 500 people.
At least seven dead, 11 hurt as US cargo plane crashes
At least seven people are dead and 11 are injured after a large cargo plane crashed in the US, erupting into a massive fireball shortly after take-off.
Golden eye on northern island after spot price surge
An explorer revisits prospects of mining gold on a northern island with the surging spot price making the settler-era site a "compelling opportunity".
Largest smelter could close in ‘national interest’ blow
Rising energy costs could force Australia's largest aluminium smelter to shut, but leaders have promised to do everything possible to keep it going.
Tech giant founder targeted as federal police raid firm
Shares in Australian technology giant WiseTech are in freefall, down 15 per cent in early trading, after revelations of an ASIC-AFP raid.
Tough decisions on closures to help Bega’s bottom line
The closure of a cheese factory in Victoria and a peanut business in Queensland at a cost of 450 jobs will help Bega Cheese boost its earnings.
Time running out for ‘irreplaceable’ $95b reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an ecological and economic jewel, but a growing body of research shows it will be lost without swift and decisive action.
Trump gets royal welcome in Japan, eyes China deal
Defence will be high on the agenda as US President Donald Trump meets with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of talks with China's President Xi.