Consumer sentiment lifts for third week
Consumers are heading into the festive season a little more confident, but almost a quarter of families will be going into debt to fund festivities.
economy, business and finance
Millions to go into debt to fund Christmas
Christmas is always an expensive period and this year households are feeling the pinch, with one in four going into debt to fund festivities.
RBA sorry for interest rate predictions
Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe has admitted language around the 2024 interest rate forecast was not clear enough and apologised for the miscommunication.
Australia’s 100-million solar panel puzzle
Going solar or upgrading an old rooftop system may slash power bills and cut emissions, but Aussies won't help to save the world if panels end up as landfill.
Australian shares end week up 1.5 per cent
The local share market finished Friday up 0.24 per cent, to again close at its best level since May 30 after four straight days of gains.
Business output shrinks for second month
Demand for services has cooled but manufacturing conditions remain fairly robust, a new survey shows.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Alumina refines credible path to net zero
Clean energy and local expertise could transform alumina refining, which has been one of toughest sectors to crack in decarbonising the Australian economy.
‘Be honest’ on bill shock from new energy
Origin Energy says the push for clean energy is "out of step" with consumers, warning of bill shock for years from the cost of building new renewable assets.
Spending spree drives rise in confidence
Black Friday sales may be feeding into slightly elevated consumer confidence scores as savvy spenders pounce on discounted items.
Call for renewable energy storage target
Climate and energy leaders say a national renewable energy storage target could stabilise soaring power bills and encourage the construction of new systems.
APEC leaders pledge stronger trade system
APEC leaders meeting in Bangkok have called for an end to Russia's war on Ukraine and pledged to steer the region's economies toward sustainable growth.
Change ahoy for Gladstone port, industry
Shifts in global power, climate change and technology are driving a 50-year plan for Gladstone's port, and a 10-year transition plan that starts now for locals.
Queensland report backs future for coal
Queensland's coal industry is emerging as a winner in the global energy crisis as demand from India, Japan and South Korea pick up the slack from China's ban.
Aussie unemployment rate falls to 3.4 pct
The jobless rate has fallen back to 3.4 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the labour market still extremely competitive.
Annual wages growth reaches 3.1 pct
Wages are tracking upwards, growing by 3.1 per cent in the year to September, but still failing to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Cyber attack costs pile up for Medibank
Health insurer Medibank says an ongoing cyber attack will result in pre-tax costs of between $25 million and $35 million.
Recession unlikely in Australia, says IMF
Australia has had one of the strongest recoveries from the pandemic among advanced economies and is on track to avoid a recession, the IMF says.
Medibank sticks by hacker ransom call
Medibank remains steadfast in its refusal to pay a ransom to hackers who stole customer data, as the health insurer holds its annual general meeting.
‘Carbon capital’ plots transition road map
Australia's "carbon capital" Gladstone has developed a detailed plan for 10 years of change so no one gets left behind in the race to net zero emissions.
Billionaire secures AGL board overhaul
Four candidates nominated by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes' private company, Grok Ventures, have been elected to AGL Energy's board of directors.
RBA flags rate pause but more rises likely
Mortgage holders are likely to endure more rate hikes but the central bank board wants to give its policy tightening a chance to flow through the economy.
Regions hold up as city home prices dive
Regional home prices soared during the pandemic and are so far proving more resilient to interest rate shocks than metropolitan markets.
Petrol hits 17-week high, but relief ahead
Motorists are paying more than $2 a litre at the pump in several major cities but some cities are entering the discounting phase of their fuel cycles.
Dark matter of mine closure for small town
What happens after a mine closes may be a challenge for owners and communities but experts say it doesn't have to be a mystery if planners can learn to adapt.
BHP adapts to ‘megatrends’, sorry for harm
BHP is looking for assets at the right price as the world demands more minerals to build a net-zero economy, but doesn't see a future in green steelmaking.
breaking_news
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
real estate
Ransom payouts lure ‘lowlife’ hackers: REA
REA Group's chief says the company behind Australia's biggest property website wouldn't pay a cyber attacker's ransom as it only encouraged more hacks.
Climate project list for developing world
UN experts have published a list of projects worth $US120 billion that investors can back to help poorer countries cut emissions and adapt to global warming.
Newcrest tackles costs, gets first strike
Newcrest is chasing more copper to underpin gold mining operations and says it has contracts in place to control costs amid global inflationary pressures.
IR changes will serve common interest: PM
As debate continues on government workplace changes, Anthony Albanese says the reform will rebuild an outdated system.
Energy boom behind major profits: Treasury
Treasury officials have been grilled about the drivers behind inflation and confirmed external supply side shocks as the chief cause.
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
Australia’s gas economy tops $70bn a year
Amid pressure for an extra tax on gas profits, the industry is mounting a defence of its importance to the Australian economy.