Big bank warns of recession risk as uncertainty lingers
The head of Australia's second-largest bank is more worried about businesses delaying investment decisions than the impact of higher interest rates.
economy, business and finance
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Spain
Spain is allowing a cruise ship hit by hantavirus and three deaths to dock in the Canary Islands, as authorities investigate if transmission occurred on board.
Trump pauses effort to escort ships in Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump says the US initiative to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is being paused to see if an agreement with Iran can be finalised.
Fuel bonus as WA posts eighth straight budget surplus
More than $1 billion in cost-of-living relief will be shared in Western Australia as the state capitalises on an iron ore uplift to bank another budget surplus.
Lenders told to ‘support customers’ facing hard times
Lenders must watch out for customers because the corporate regulator won't take a backward step as households face hardship, the outgoing ASIC chair will warn.
Aussie shares fall as war dims hopes for US rate cuts
The Australian share market has dropped 1.2 per cent after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire but his pick to lead the Fed has adopted a hawkish stance.
Tesla profits rises in Q1 as Musk teases Roadster debut
Tesla, the electric vehicle maker run by billionaire Elon Musk, earned $US477 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 17 per cent from a year ago.
Home builder cautious over war impact on supply chains
A major home builder says overall sales are healthy, despite some signs of a moderation in activity in April, as it watches supply chain impacts from the war.
Oil and gas giant feels the heat from climate activists
Shareholders have jeered as protesters concerned about the environment repeatedly disrupted a meeting hosted by Australia's biggest oil and gas company.
Extra diesel shipments prioritised for regional areas
Two additional cargo ships of diesel will come into Australia, bringing in 100 million litres of supply after deals struck with two major fuel companies.
Impact on inflation from fuel price hike to be revealed
The first inflation figures since the Iran war started, causing petrol prices to skyrocket, will give clues on its cost - with home-buyers watching closely.
‘Manosphere’ rise requires new gender equality approach
Gender equality activists have gathered for a landmark conference aimed at charting a new way forward as anti-rights movements gain traction.
Tech ‘perfect storm’ needs ambitious online safety plan
Online safety advocates say a global push from governments is required to ensure tech companies design their products with the safety of citizens in mind.
Turning wine into fuel could bolster local supplies
More than 350 million bottles of wine are gathering dust in Australian storage, and industry figures have an ingenious plan to stop them heading for the bin.
United Arab Emirates quits OPEC in blow to oil cartel
The United Arab Emirates says it is withdrawing from OPEC, stripping the oil cartel of one of its largest producers.
Worse to come as oil crisis adds fuel to rate-pain fire
A rate hike in May is forecast by analysts after the Iran oil shock pushed the annual headline inflation level to the highest point in almost three years.
Banks to reveal how Iran conflict has affected earnings
Investors will be watching the banks' provisions for bad debts when ANZ, NAB and Westpac report their half-year earnings in the coming days.
Not OK to ‘loot a charity,’ Musk says at OpenAI trial
Elon Musk has told a court his lawsuit, which could reshape the development of artificial intelligence, is about defending the institution of charitable giving.
‘Deeply concerning’: childcare centre closures attacked
An embattled childcare group rocked by abuse allegations against one of its workers is closing down dozens of centres.
Iranian gunboats fire on tanker in Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran are locked in a stand-off over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran reversing a move to reopen the waterway, firing on a ship attempting to pass.
Break in economic data keeps Middle East in focus
Traders will be hoping US President Donald Trump strikes a permanent deal with Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as the clock ticks on a fragile ceasefire.
World weighs fate of Mideast ceasefire, US seizes ship
The fate of the Mideast ceasefire is in doubt as Tehran says it won't participate in a second round of negotiations after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship.
NDIS in treasurer’s sights as budget outlook darkens
The treasurer is playing down talk of an improvement to the federal budget bottom line after economists tipped an Iran war-driven revenue boon.
Truckies win fuel boost to fight dire price threat
Transport workers could soon be getting more money to cover the costs of rising fuel prices from the Iran war after a decision from the workplace watchdog.
China-linked firm takes majority stake in Qld coal mine
Yancoal Australia is buying an 80 per cent stake in the Kestrel coking coal mine in central Queensland, Australia's largest underground coal mine.
Fewer flights, higher fares take off for Virgin flyers
Domestic passengers can expect to pay higher airfares for longer as another Australian carrier announces it is slashing capacity.
Job market yet to feel impact of Iran war, rate hikes
Australia's relatively low jobless rate has reinforced the Reserve Bank's view the labour market is still tight, adding to the case for more rate hikes.
‘Who gave you the right?’: villagers take on gas giant
Leaders from remote Papua New Guinea villages have turned up at a shareholders meeting of gas giant Santos to question the board about a controversial project.
Fresh fuel supply fears hosed down after refinery blaze
Australia will lean more heavily on fuel imports after a fire caused by a suspected gas leak ripped through one of the nation's two oil refineries.
PM cuts short Asian fuel mission after refinery fire
Anthony Albanese will return to Australia early from overseas following a major blaze at one of the nation's two remaining fuel refineries.