Big bunnies and grog sales take a wartime shopping hit
Coles shoppers adjusted their spending patterns after the Middle East war began, spending less on liquor and even buying smaller Easter chocolate bunnies.
economy, business and finance
Australia will avoid recession, despite global jitters
One of the big four banks has delivered encouraging news about Australia's chances of avoiding a recession, which could still emerge in the global economy.
Musk testifies he didn’t read ‘fine print’ about OpenAI
Elon Musk has sparred with a lawyer for OpenAI during his third day of testimony in a trial over the firm's pivot away from its non-profit status.
Hopes of wartime windfall shot down for federal budget
The federal treasurer is being urged not to grandfather tax breaks for asset-holders in the budget as the economic impact of the Iran war worsens.
Woolies cites post-COVID instability in prices stoush
Australia's biggest supermarket chain has defended its discounts, as the consumer watchdog's joint court case against Woolies and Coles nears the finish line.
Australia’s co-working boom moves from city to suburbs
Flexible workspaces are no longer a peripheral solution and are becoming firmly embedded within Australia's evolving office ecosystem, a report has found.
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.
US Fed holds rates, three members dissent on ease bias
The US central bank is leaving its interest rate unchanged for the third straight meeting but signalling it could still cut rates in the coming months.
China agreed to co-operate on jet fuel exports: Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says countries need to work together "to keep fuel and goods flowing" during a visit to China.
Treasurer downplays property tax windfall from budget
Jim Chalmers is talking down the amount of extra revenue that changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount will add to the budget.
‘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.
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.
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.
breaking_news
budgets and budgeting
consumer confidence
consumers
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
petrol
politics
productivity
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
consumers
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
petrol
prices
productivity
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
politics
social services
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.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
international (foreign) trade
international relations
peace negotiations
politics
trade dispute
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.