Watching for doves in Reserve Bank’s Christmas reveal
A dovish tilt was detected in the Reserve Bank's last post-meeting comments, so traders will hope for more traces of an upcoming rate cut in its board minutes.
economy, business and finance
Cost of giving diminishes Christmas joy
As families make cutbacks and sacrifices to save the spirit of Christmas, charities warn that many will face a bleak festive season devoid of celebrations.
ANZ chief executive forfeits $1.5m bonus after outcry
The CEO of a big-four bank has forfeited a bonus worth $1.5 million after a backlash from shareholders upset about poor behaviour in its trading rooms.
Productivity slump worsens Australia’s deficit dilemma
Australia needs to get productivity growth back on track to pay for structural spending increases and avoid endless deficits, economists warn.
Long flight to justice ends for sacked Qantas workers
The end of a protracted legal battle is being welcomed by workers illegally sacked by Qantas as they turn to rebuilding their lives after four years.
Deficits dig deeper holes as cracks appear in budget
Australia is on track for a soft economic landing despite budget deficits set to widen as spending grows and tax receipts fall, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Super concessions take biggest bite from the budget
Cost-of-living relief measures are off the table in the mid-year budget update, as a tax expenditure list shows the type of deductions that cost the most.
The women who could soon influence your mortgage
Two new faces will serve on the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate-setting board, with the government defying calls from the coalition for continuity.
Scams lawsuit sends a message to Australia’s banks
The corporate cop has put the nation's banks on notice after filing a civil case against HSBC Australia over its alleged failure to stop $23 million in scams.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Trump taps more of his trusted allies for key roles
Donald Trump is continuing to pick loyalists for key jobs, with his social media platform CEO the latest tapped to serve in his second administration.
Westpac shareholders question bank’s climate plan
Westpac shareholder activists have questioned bank executives about how its climate change policies will be applied.
GP payroll tax, first homebuyer stamp duty scrapped
A state government has fulfilled more of its election promises by scrapping a "patient's tax" and stamp duty for first-home buyers.
How China uncertainty could push back RBA rate cut
Unexpected jobs figures have diminished hopes of an interest rate cut in February but favourable inflation data could put lower mortgage costs back on the menu.
Migration ‘splash’ easing in Australia: expert
An expert has dismissed claims international students are impacting the national housing market, saying a post-pandemic "migration splash" is easing.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
government
politics
Growing backlog as green tape chokes energy investment
A group of developers has warned of significant delays to the renewable energy needed to power Australian homes and businesses as green tape chokes investment.
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.
Interest rate relief edges closer as RBA changes tune
Australia's central bank is sounding more confident it can beat inflation in welcome signs for mortgage-holders, home-buyers and the federal government.
Court thwarts Murdoch bid to cement Lachlan as Fox boss
Rupert Murdoch's effort to ensure son Lachlan maintains control of Fox News has been dealt a blow, with a court reportedly ruling the pair acted in bad faith.
Myer brings in body cameras, radios to keep staff safe
Mid-market department store Myer is beefing up security in its stores to protect workers and reduce the amount of theft.
How a Trump presidency could affect Aussie produce
Farmers are keeping a close eye on US president-elect Donald Trump's commitment to impose tariffs on imports.
Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
Power couple: green energy, gas giant bet on renewables
A renewable energy company with global backers will be launched to take on top tier rivals, despite a looming political threat to clean energy investment.
US pledges nearly $US1 billion in weapons for Ukraine
The US has unveiled nearly $US1 billion in aid for new arms and equipment for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia's invasion.
US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale
A federal appeals court panel has upheld a law requiring the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Tide turns for retailers with shop tills tipped to ring
Australians have been saving what they can as living costs soar but experts expect more spending in the next 12 months, especially when interest rates are cut.
Are you better off: question at heart of next election
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
Where home prices are expected to grow fastest in 2025
Australian property values are set to keep rising over the next 12 months but controversial tax changes are helping keep one state's home price growth in check.
Potential credit rating drop keeps government dangling
Project cost blowouts and extra government spending could put too much pressure on a state's budget for it to retain its longstanding AA+ credit rating.