Growing pains and gains as regional boom continues
The population of regional Australia is climbing towards 10 million, putting some towns under pressure as the escape to the country continues.
economy, business and finance
Trump threatens new EU tariffs, reigniting trade fears
Describing EU trade talks as "going nowhere", US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff.
French court convicts thieves who robbed Kim Kardashian
A French court has convicted eight people in connection with the 2016 robbery of US celebrity Kim Kardashian after a high-profile trial in Paris.
Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty
Australia's central bank will seek signs of stability as it tries to chart a course to lower interest rates through the murky waters of global uncertainty.
Trump extends deadline to reach EU trade deal
Donald Trump has agreed to delay implementing a 50 per cent tariff on goods from the European Union until July 9 to allow time for negotiations with the bloc.
Looming power bill hikes spark calls to shop around
Hunting for a better deal could save some Australian households and businesses hundreds of dollars a year as consumers brace for higher bills.
Australian firms ‘upbeat’ China can navigate trade war
Australian firms are bullish about their opportunities in China despite global trade ructions casting doubt over economic growth, the Reserve Bank deputy says.
Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing
Refinancing your home loan – whether by negotiating a better deal with your current lender or switching to a new one – could save you thousands over the life of your loan. However, it won’t be the right decision for everyone. And there are some important things to know about how the process works – including hidden costs and risks.
New Zealand stuck in red as government chases growth
New Zealand is mired in deficits and debt, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis's second budget showing the nation's economic pain.
Telstra accused of beating around the bush on coverage
Telstra admits changing its website to update coverage claims, but denies it misled customers as the consumer watchdog considers the allegations.
Borrowers rejoice as rates cut amid ‘uncertain’ times
The official cash rate has a three in front of it for the first time in two years, after the Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points.
Trump’s man in London backs AUKUS partnership
The new US ambassador to Britain says AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between Australia, Britain and the US, is "vital to the world".
Call for adult wages for youth in retail, fast food
A union is demanding the federal government implement adult wages for young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs.
Search for signs of Trump trade slowdown as RBA meets
Uncertainty, both known and unknown, surrounding Donald Trump's tariffs and their economic impact could spur the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates on Tuesday.
Starlight recipient-turned-volunteer ‘pays it forward’
More people are being urged to join the millions of Australians who volunteer each year, everywhere from hospitals to local parks and creeks.
US to send letters within weeks on trade: Trump
US letters on trade will be sent to other countries over the next two to three weeks, US President Donald Trump says.
Thorny nature reforms threaten to entangle new minister
Labor's pledge to deliver a once-in-a-generation overhaul of environmental laws went unfulfilled in its first term, leaving a new minister to finish the job.
Interest rate cut tipped despite Trump tariff backdown
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to deliver a second interest rate cut as global trade uncertainty threatens to rain on Australia's economy.
Mind the gap: $1 million homes driving up wealth divide
Home ownership rates continue to decline as more homes crack $1 million in value, making it harder for young Australians to keep up.
Money still on rate cut despite surprise spike in wages
Workers have enjoyed their sixth consecutive quarter of pay packet growth as all eyes turn to the Reserve Bank's upcoming decision on interest rates.
‘Hubris’: financial giant in hot water over breaches
Macquarie's brokering arm is being taken to court by the financial regulator for allegedly failing to report up to 1.5 billion short sales over 14 years.
Telco complaints a symptom of cost-of-living crisis
Telcos are failing to offer sufficient help to customers struggling to pay their bills, as the telecommunications watchdog receives a spike in complaints.
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Oil dives on US-Iran hopes as stocks surge stalls
A potential US-Iran nuclear deal has caused oil prices to tumble, while global share markets caught their breath as trade optimism died down.
Trump hails China talks, says ‘total reset’ negotiated
Donald Trump says a "total reset" has been negotiated during tariff talks between the US and China, and "great progress" has been made.
Jobs and wage data in focus ahead of interest rate call
Most analysts are asking not if, but by how much, the Reserve Bank will cut interest rates - and upcoming jobs data could be pivotal to that decision.
US and China reach deal to cut trade tariffs – for now
The US and China have agreed to slash tariffs for 90 days following talks aiming to end a trade war that's raised fears for the global economy.
Consumers in crossfire despite US-China trade war truce
An index measuring consumer sentiment is improving after the US tariff announcements, but Australians are warned the economic impact still remains uncertain.
US, UK announce trade deal but 10 per cent duties stay
UK beef farmers will be allowed access to the US market after a deal, joining a group of select countries including Australia with such an arrangement.
ANZ shares sell-off after flat cash profit of $3.6b
Investors have hit sell on ANZ shares after the big four bank posted a cash profit less than what the market hoped to see.
Renewables influx a cooler change to summer energy mix
More batteries, solar and wind have combined with shrinking coal input to help slash greenhouse gas emissions from Australia's main electricity grid.