Consumer spending and confidence in the spotlight
Analysts and governments will pore over latest economic data this week for more insight into the devastating impact of soaring fuel prices on the nation.
economy (general)
High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales
Electric bike sales are surging, retailers say, as motorists look to save at the bowser with fuel prices expected to remain high for months to come.
‘Dog’s breakfast’: commuter fears over free transport
Regional residents are concerned temporary free public transport to offset fuel prices in one state will make finding a seat harder than ever.
Trump extends deadline for striking Iran’s power plants
President Donald Trump has delayed a threatened strike on Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, after Tehran rejected a US ceasefire plan.
RBA to air board’s disagreement in meeting minutes
Central bank watchers will get to peak into the Reserve Bank board room as minutes of a meeting that split 5-4 in favour of an interest rate hike are released.
Global group backs cuts, rate rises to curb inflation
Australia's inflation rate will peak higher than previously forecast, as surging oil costs cause consumer prices to increase, a Paris-based policy body says.
Upcoming inflation data to show calm before the storm
February consumer price data to be released on Wednesday will shape the Reserve Bank's thinking on interest rates ahead of a crucial meeting in May.
‘Tales of two insolvencies’: small business failures up
Credit-demand figures indicate business conditions have been headed south since before the US-Israeli war on Iran rocked global energy markets.
Aussies could miss big payday due to basic AI skills
Millions of Australian workers are using artificial intelligence tools with only a basic understanding, and could boost their salaries with more training.
Tankers burn as Iranian strikes defy Trump’s ‘victory’
Massive fireballs have lit up the sky over the Gulf as Iranian attacks on oil tankers flout President Donald Trump's claim the US has won its war with Tehran.
World faces largest-ever oil disruption on Mideast war
A global energy watchdog has released a record emergency release of crude as it warns the US-Israeli war on Iran is causing the biggest oil shock in history.
Explosions in Tehran as Israel launches wave of strikes
Intense air strikes have landed around Iran's capital after
Interest rate hike ‘no slam dunk’ amid Iran uncertainty
Traders and economists widely expect the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates but uncertainty over the Iran war could convince the board to keep them on hold.
Fuel tax cut urged to avoid fruit ‘rotting on trees’
As some country towns face major petrol shortages, pressure is mounting on the federal government to intervene to bring down fuel prices.
‘Significant spikes’: servos to face huge gouging fines
Service stations could face $100 million fines for intentionally ripping off customers as panic buying places consumers under pressure at the pump.
Trump hails ‘golden age’ as US voters sour on economy
Donald Trump has broken the record for longest State of the Union speech as he claimed the US is "winning" under his leadership, even as his poll ratings slide.
Young women giving up on home ownership as costs rise
Young people, particularly women, are turning their backs on home ownership as up-front and ongoing costs combined with other pressures put it out of reach.
Renewables growth energises spending as inflation rises
Capital expenditure has been rising fast in Australia as the treasurer warns stubborn inflation will mean savings are needed in the budget.
Major cities flounder in ‘two-speed’ housing market
Home prices are flat-lining in Australia's biggest cities and surging elsewhere as new national data tells a tale of two housing markets.
Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life
Almost half of Australians aged 18 to 29 are considering leaving cities for the regions, driven by the cost of living, work opportunities and lifestyle factors.
Premier polishes pitch to lure Trump to Australia
A premier is bidding to bring the United States president to Australia, claiming his state has something Donald Trump wants and needs.
Petrol, diesel cars slow while hybrids, EVs speed up
Australians are buying fewer cars that use fossil fuels alone as they shift allegiance to low-emission hybrid and electric models.
Reserve Bank boss calls on businesses to invest smarter
Opposition MPs have grilled Reserve Bank officials over whether government spending and monetary policy errors contributed to the first rate hike in two years.
Private demand under the microscope after rate hike
Fresh data will reveal whether the strong momentum in private spending, which spurred the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates, has continued into 2026.
Rate rise pain all but certain after inflation shock
Hotter-than-expected inflation figures have convinced analysts the Reserve Bank will lift rates as soon as next week, heaping pressure on mortgage holders.
Households could get paid under plan to price pollution
Australia could raise $35 billion a year by putting a price on pollution and help households and businesses by sharing the revenue, a report has found.
Why some economists go against the flow on RBA rate bet
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to become the first major central bank on Tuesday to U-turn from rate cuts to rate hikes in the post-COVID inflation era.
Former politicians prosper in Australia Day honours
For their service to educational equity, economic development and public health, ex-politicians have been bestowed some of the nation's highest honours.
Robust jobs market risks adding fuel to inflation fire
Australia's labour market remains tight, with limited spare capacity keeping pressure on already-high inflation and shortening the odds of interest rate hikes.
Forget quiet quitting: job-hugging tipped as top trend
Fewer Australians are expected to seek fresh employment as the market becomes tighter and artificial intelligence technology creates uncertainty.
Capital city rents hit record highs apart from one
All but one Australian capital has yielded annual growth in rents, but experts expect that city to be a star performer in the long-term.