Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
The Reserve Bank is worried about 1970s-style runaway inflation if it loses credibility in fighting inflation, as analysts warn of up to five more rate hikes.
economy, business and finance
Unions lobby to unlock fuel cap for workers who drive
Australia's peak union body is calling for fuel allowances for workers to be increased to help them meet rising costs at the bowser.
Qantas route cuts will hit hard for regional travellers
Australians in regional areas will bear the brunt of increased airfares and reduced services as Qantas cuts routes in response to increasing fuel prices.
RBA’s stagflation nightmare: prices up, confidence down
Consumer and business confidence has taken a dive following the Iran conflict, highlighting the Reserve Bank's dual fears of falling activity and rising prices.
Prince Harry honours veterans during solo tour day
The Duke of Sussex has paid tribute to the power of sport in helping veterans overcome trauma, as his wife Meghan made a surprise return to television.
‘Pretty severe’: warnings for Australia ahead of budget
One of the world's leading economic bodies has warned a global recession could be on the way if the Middle East conflict is not resolved quickly.
Chronic housing shortage heaps more pain onto renters
Australian renters are spending a record share of their income on housing costs as a chronic shortage of stock drives prices higher across the nation.
IMF cuts outlook, warns of potential global recession
An extreme scenario in which the Iran conflict lingers could push the global economy to the brink of recession, the International Monetary Fund says.
Brunei pledges to strengthen fuel supply to Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wrapped up his visit to Brunei by sealing a deal with the country's sultan for fuel to flow to Australia.
Trump-style social media vetting a ‘phenomenal waste’
Coalition plans to screen visa applicants' social media have been criticised as unrealistic due to the huge numbers of people applying for entry each month.
Australia inks fresh fuel supply deal with Singapore
Australia's largest supplier of refined fuel will continue to provide petrol and diesel amid global uncertainty as part of a new agreement.
AMP leaders defend share price, tout AI future
There is no sideline position to take in the disruptive moment offered by artificial intelligence, the leader of an Australian wealth stalwart says.
Doubts over Lebanon, sanctions ahead of Iran peace meet
A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is in Pakistan to join Iranian government ministers and officials for peace talks.
More cost relief on table as Aussies asked to save fuel
The impacts of the energy crisis will likely continue even if a Middle East ceasefire holds, the government warns as it prepares to roll out an ad campaign.
Tourism funding boost to help cyclone-hit towns recover
Towns reliant on tourism will receive help to rebuild with a support package on its way for businesses rocked by Cyclone Narelle.
Richest state could fuel up for ‘tough’ times
A cashed-up state government could build its own emergency fuel reserve while still expecting to receive its cut of the national stockpile.
Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade
President Donald Trump says the US Navy will immediately start a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake
Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has lost power after 16 years in office.
Peru election marred by delays as Fujimori leads count
Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, narrowly leads Peru's national election - a vote hit by delays as it heads to a run-off.
Spoils of Iran war to deliver Chalmers a budget boost
The federal budget will be billions of dollars better off, even with added spending, because of higher commodity prices and inflation, a top economist says.
Iran threatens ports as US set to impose blockade
A showdown looms as the US prepares for a blockade of all Iranian ports and Iran warns that no port in the region will be safe if American forces carry it out.
Albanese seeks out fuel supply deal in Singapore visit
The prime minister is hoping an agreement with Australia's largest provider of oil can be reached as the Middle East conflict causes global volatility.
World economy counts cost of war as strait closes again
The economic costs of conflict are greater than severe natural disasters and can leave scars that last for a decade, the world's "financial firefighter" says.
US, Iran weigh ceasefire plan as Trump deadline nears
US and Iran have received a ceasefire plan, as President Donald Trump threatens to unleash "hell" if Tehran doesn't make a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz.
No clear case for longer Iran war with goals won: PM
Australia will join a snap meeting to end disruption to shipping in a critical oil corridor as the prime minister questions the value of a prolonged Iran war.
SpaceX registers to take rocket maker public: reports
SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering in the United States, according to reports.
Major capital home prices slip in two-speed market
Australia's housing market is diverging as the biggest capitals go backwards while growth accelerates in mid-tier cities.
Cafes, hotels take swipe at $1.6b consumer card fee win
The RBA has binned surcharge fees on debit and credit card transactions, which it says will save punters $1.6 billion - if businesses pass on the savings.
Win for younger workers with discount pay rates axed
Workers in retail and fast food jobs will be eligible for the full award wage once they turn 18 after a decision from the workplace watchdog.
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
Wage increases have not been driving recent inflation pressures and low-paid workers deserve a real pay rise, the government says.
Fuel crisis drives Aussies to rethink how they travel
Australians are adapting to rising fuel prices by changing their transport habits, with some ditching their cars even if it adds hours to their commute.