Last big bank holdout against February rate cut folds
With the stars aligned for a February interest rate cut, borrowers are now concerned with how many cuts the Reserve Bank will hand down.
economy, business and finance
Top clothing chains to close, shedding hundreds of jobs
More than 250 outlets of two leading retail chains will close, costing nearly 1000 jobs, after receivers failed to find a buyer for the stores.
Selloff eases as China’s DeepSeek triggers AI rethink
Chinese startup DeepSeek is making waves after launching a free AI assistant it says uses less data at a fraction of the cost of incumbent firms' models.
business (general)
economic indicator
economic policy
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
report
unemployment
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains confident 2025 will be better economically for Australians after struggles with the cost of living.
Crucial inflation readout to determine RBA rate call
Mortgage relief could be just around the corner if predictions of a faster-than-expected fall in price growth are borne out in ABS data released on Wednesday.
The ‘existential’ threat facing the corporate watchdog
Corporations and regulators are struggling to adapt to modern business conditions and regular Australians are suffering as a result, says ASIC boss Joe Longo.
I’d rather not use tariffs against China: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has presented tariffs as a kind of silver bullet against China during an interview on Fox News.
Ballooning capital works blamed for budget blowout
A state will be in the red for some years as its government flags swelling infrastructure costs, as the opposition warns of the risk of potential spending cuts.
Europe extends hand to US, warns of ‘race to bottom’
The EU is taking a "wait and see" approach to relations with the newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump in an attempt to avoid a trade conflict.
Home construction rises but target remains out of reach
High costs, labour shortages and low productivity are limiting the sector's ability to build new homes as construction activity remains below required levels.
‘Mum guilt’: parents battle growing school costs
As Australian parents deal with the ballooning cost of school supplies amid other cost-of-living pressures, a minor party is promising relief.
Trump stirs tariff pot, toying with fresh threats on EU
A day after taking office, US President Donald Trump has reiterated tariff threats without immediately imposing the taxes he threatened during his campaign.
Housing affordability blow as construction costs go up
The cost of building a home continues to rise, making it harder for builders to meet supply targets and alleviate housing affordability.
Tax breaks for clean aluminium to foil carbon emissions
Australia's aluminium industry is set to share in billions of dollars of tax credits to help emissions-intensive smelters convert to cleaner sources of energy.
Star shares hit the skids as survival odds take a blow
Shares are down seven per cent at Star after the embattled casino company warned of "material uncertainty" about its ability to continue.
TikTok stops working for US users as ban takes effect
A TikTok ban imposed on 170 million American users has taken effect as app stores pull the popular social video platform from their offerings in the US.
Australia warned to get productive or be left behind
Fault lines are widening between economic performance of nations and a global body warns Australia risks being left behind if it fails to improve productivity.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
Buyer’s market: 2025 to bring relief to home buyers
A major pullback in house price rises has not stopped the market from extending its growth streak to eight consecutive quarters.
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
A very healthy jobs market is not adding to the case for a February interest rate cut, with all eyes turning to inflation data due in coming weeks.
Experts put money on early rate cut as spending slides
A decline in spending on household goods has bolstered hopes of an RBA rate cut, which would help boost dour consumer sentiment.
Australia has ‘well and truly passed’ rental boom peak
Affordability pressures and rising vacancy rates are keeping a lid on rental growth after years of surging prices.
Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future
Easing inflation is increasing the likelihood of a near-term rate cut, which would provide a welcome boost to consumer sentiment in 2025.
Casino hub could be first to go to save falling Star
A casino precinct might be the first asset sold from an embattled operator's multi-million dollar portfolio in a bid to avoid going belly up.
As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all
The Aussie dollar is edging closer to the psychologically significant 60 US cents barrier and Donald Trump could determine whether it crashes through in 2025.
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
employment
inflation and deflation
labour
macro economics
politics
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Parents shell out billions as back-to-school costs rise
Technology is a major factor in rising back-to-school costs as Australian teachers notice an increase in students without the essentials.
UK, China restart economic talks after six-year hiatus
China and Britain have restarted economic and financial talks after a six-year hiatus during a visit by Britain's Treasury chief to Beijing.
Tourists splash cash in Australia’s holiday hotspots
Parking nightmares and long lines at coffee shops are common in Australia's beachside towns during peak season - a period local businesses rely on.
PM finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
No magical save for Star as govt focuses on workers
As the shares of embattled casino operator Star Entertainment fall to an all-time low, a state government has ruled out giving it a financial lifeline.