Right-winger set to be Japan’s first female premier
Japan's ruling party has elected hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, making her likely to become the country's first female prime minister.
economy (general)
Life-changing or dark day: jury out on deposit scheme
An expanded government scheme to help first-home buyers clear the deposit hurdle could pour more fuel on the red-hot property market, housing experts warn.
More Aussie workers turn to AI but revolution is slow
Three times as many Australian workers are using artificial intelligence tools as last year but executives say they are not seeing transformational changes.
Bank’s big rate call after ‘ugly’ inflation print
A big four bank has pushed back its forecast for the next Reserve Bank rate cut after Australia's headline inflation rate jumped in August.
Anthony Albanese dodges power bill price drop guarantee
The prime minister has declined to guarantee cheaper power bills for households under Australia's climate target, as experts say prices would remain stable.
PM to recognise Palestine at UN, awaits Trump meeting
Anthony Albanese is off on a whirlwind trip during which he will recognise Palestine's statehood at the UN and potentially meet with US President Donald Trump.
Check your modem: millions to get free broadband boost
Almost one in every three NBN users will see their internet speed rise in the coming days but experts are warning consumers to check their hardware.
Nature delivers $510b bounty but needs more resources
Australia's environment is delivering much more than the government invests in it and contributes 20 per cent of the nation's economic output, a report finds.
Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation
Borrowers hoping for a second straight interest rate cut have been dealt a blow after a surge in electricity prices drove inflation unexpectedly higher.
Why Australian AI regulation could be a legal patchwork
Artificial intelligence may not be governed by a single, dedicated law in Australia but experts say changes to several existing laws could offer protection.
Aussie workers sceptical of AI coming for their jobs
A slim majority of workers believe the government can be trusted to regulate artificial intelligence and most think it will augment rather than replace jobs.
CommBank’s record $10b profit could’ve been bigger: CEO
Commonwealth Bank could have delivered a better result than its $10 billion profit if it weren't positioning itself for AI revolution, its boss says.
Liquid gas investment inflates Origin Energy’s profit
Profits are up for Australia's largest energy company despite challenges from the price of coal, energy tariffs and power plant uncertainty.
Bright idea for businesses to power household bill cuts
Solar panels installed on commercial and industrial buildings could deliver savings to nearby residents in a trial proposed by a major energy firm.
Australia shouldn’t try to reinvent the AI wheel
Australian companies should boost productivity by using existing artificial intelligence tools rather than trying to create sovereign models, a US expert says.
Modi to visit China for first time in seven years
Donald Trump's unpredictability appears to have helped China and India overcome their niggles, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi planning a visit.
House price growth spurt shows no signs of easing
Further interest rate cuts on the horizon have stirred the nation's housing market with prices rising for a sixth straight month alongside demand.
Jigsaw coming together for further interest rate relief
A soft inflation print and surprisingly strong retail sales paint a rosy picture of the Australian economy ahead of a key Reserve Bank rate meeting.
Rate cut looms as inflation result brings RBA ‘comfort’
The Reserve Bank should have "all the comfort it needs" to cut interest rates again in August after underlying inflation fell to a three-and-a-half year low.
Online shopping rebounds as rate cut talk opens wallets
Australians are spending more online as inflation eases and interest rate cuts seem more likely following a lean period, especially for some home-buyers.
House prices break records as rent unaffordably high
Property prices have soared to record highs in most capital cities, prompting buyers to shift expectations amid increasing high rental prices.
West is best economically as eastern states left behind
Western Australia remains the top economic performer in CommSec's State of the States rankings, but its "breakneck" growth is starting to lose momentum.
Nation on notice as signs point to growing jobless rate
Australians are being warned about possible further rises in unemployment after a shock jobless rate jump that has strengthened the case to cut interest rates.
The ‘critical’ data that could greenlight next rate cut
Economists await key quarterly data that could put the odds firmly in favour of an August interest rate cut, as the Reserve Bank sheds light on its shock hold.
Four day week firms as win-win for workers and business
Cutting one day from the working week could reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction, a study has found, but it could also boost productivity.
Surprise rate hold another blow for consumer confidence
Fewer rate cuts than expected will further weaken already fragile consumer confidence, as the Commonwealth Bank records a gradual household spending recovery.
‘Crisis’: animal shelters struggling to survive
Animal shelters around Australia are struggling financially, battling to keep their doors open or dealing with long wait-lists for surrenders.
Slow rate of cuts puts squeeze on business, households
Businesses and mortgage-holders banking on a cut to interest rates will have to wait more than a month before the next opportunity for financial stimulus.
Rubio to make first Asia trip as Trump unveils tariffs
The first visit to Asia by the Trump administration's top diplomat comes as the US president announces tariffs on America's key allies in the region.
Utes dominate vehicles sales and push BYD past Tesla
Australia's love affair with the ute has dominated new vehicle sales during June, but one hybrid model has had an unusual impact on Australia's auto market.
Lower interest rates, tighter supply lifts home prices
Australia's residential property market is being stoked by strengthening demand fuelled by lower interest rates and a tighter supply of homes for sale.