Trump delays more tariffs amid US economic uncertainty
Donald Trump has postponed tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a trade war.
economy, business and finance
Labor set for budget boost thanks to higher tax take
Australia's bottom line will be $11 billion better off, if the government releases a budget before the election, a leading economist predicts.
Trump gives automakers short exemption from new tariffs
President Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers.
Trump triggers trade war with Canada, China and Mexico
President Donald Trump has launched a trade war against the US's three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China.
Green shoots for economy as Australia snaps dire record
Australia has accelerated out of an economic slump after expanding by 1.3 per cent in 2024, leading to a rise in per capita growth - a proxy for prosperity.
Revelations in minutes of interest rate drought breaker
Minutes from the Reserve Bank meeting that finally lower interest rates shows board members responding to signals from recent trends in two key areas.
Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy
Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities leverage their native title rights for economic growth will be the focus of a new centre.
Bosses urged to stay flexible as gender pay gap narrows
The gender pay gap is steadily closing amid warnings revoking work from home flexibility will impact women's ability to earn more.
Stocks tumble as Trump locks in Canada, Mexico tariffs
US President Donald Trump's taxes on imports from Mexico and Canada is sparking fears of a North American trade war that will hike inflation and hinder growth.
Australian economy to get pulse check, RBA minutes drop
National accounts figures headline a bumper week on the economic front, with RBA minutes, retail trade, housing data and government finances also on show.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Treasurer to push for tariff exemption in US meeting
As superannuation giants attempt to build ties with US investors in Washington, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will try to secure a tariff deal with his US counterpart.
UK to up army spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, cut aid
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says spending on the military will be increased while funds for foreign aid will be cut.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Billionaire founder retakes control of his $32b company
Richard White has been named executive chairman of WiseTech Global, four months after stepping down as CEO amid an inquiry into his conduct.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Global uncertainty played a role in rate cut: RBA
Slowing inflation helped convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates at its last meeting but uncertainty over tariffs was also a factor, the deputy governor says.
Lower costs, better value as airlines deal takes flight
A deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia could strengthen competition and improve flight capacity in a '"major win" for passengers.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Struggle Street residents last to benefit from rate cut
Rate relief has been delivered to Australian mortgage holders, yet the Reserve Bank governor says renters may have to wait a while longer to gain any benefit.
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
Fortescue profit slumps on weak iron ore prices
China's struggling property sector continues to weigh on big miners, with Fortescue profits down more than 50 per cent.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Death toll rises from disease linked with heavy rain
More people have died and others are suffering from a disease associated with heavy rain in a region lashed by floods and tipped to cop even more downpours.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.