Economic outlook blooms with key data to guide rate cut
Inflation data could greenlight another Reserve Bank interest rate cut, boosting the Australian economy as easing trade tensions raise growth prospects.
economy (general)
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.
Hope for home owners as inflation hits four-year low
Expectations are growing interest rates will be cut again soon as the Reserve Bank's preferred measure of inflation falls to its lowest level in years.
Green tick: Australian net-zero projects to be rated
Environmental projects will be analysed and rated in Australia in a move experts say could prevent greenwashing and encourage international investments.
Australia’s big car love affair still fuelling sales
SUVs and utes have proven the big sellers on Australian car lots in May but the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles is accelerating.
US gives countries deadline for trade offers: report
A letter suggests the US government will evaluate responses of trading partners and offer "a possible landing zone" that could include a reciprocal tariff rate.
‘Massive’ increase driving smokers to the black market
Progressive increases in cigarette taxes have dented smoking rates and boosted government coffers, but a surging black market is prompting calls for a rethink.
At least 111 dead in northern Nigeria flooding
At least 111 people have been confirmed dead in central Nigeria after flash floods submerged a market town.
Black-eyed Musk denies drug use as US govt tenure ends
Billionaire Elon Musk - sporting a black eye in the Oval Office - has been praised by Donald Trump for his efforts to cut federal spending, as his tenure ends.
Insurance cost warning after disasters hit bottom line
The cost of natural disasters has set the federal budget back $2.2 billion, but experts warn cyclones and floods will push up insurance premiums.
Weak business investment underlines productivity battle
Encouraging productivity-boosting investment, such as infrastructure connecting regions with capital cities, is needed amid a slowdown in capital expenditure.
Reprieve: Trump tariffs temporarily reinstated by court
A US appeals court has overturned an earlier ruling and allowed Donald Trump's global tariffs to go back into effect.
AI in sights to build up nation’s sliding productivity
It takes an Australian worker twice as long to build a home as it did 50 years ago, making it all the more urgent to fix declining productivity growth.
More gas projects, less green tape call at energy event
Gas giants have called on the Australian government to approve projects faster and let them explore more mining opportunities.
Egg, housing costs might fry hopes of earlier rate cut
Headline inflation has held steady but came in hotter than economists expected in the year to April. Whether it's a blip or something else remains to be seen.
Why the carbon offset ‘swear jar’ needs an overhaul
Firms relying on carbon offsets to tout their green credentials and reduce their environmental footprints are under fresh scrutiny after a court settlement.
Australia urged to spend big while green iron is hot
Australia could replace carbon-intensive coal and gas exports with green iron and quadruple earnings, a report says, but only if it makes changes.
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.
Australia must prepare for Hollywood-style cyber attack
Cyber criminals are growing in number and sophistication, warns Australia's top online defender who urges businesses to prepare themselves for the worst.
Restaurants on the brink as business failures plateau
Hospitality venues are feeling the pinch from high business costs and low spending, but lower interest rates should help ease the pain