‘Cautious’ RBA on hold as election, tariffs threaten
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 per cent, as global uncertainty clouds the economic outlook.
inflation and deflation
Budget week to bring inflation, cost-of-living news
The Albanese government will look to further ease cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation when it delivers its fourth budget.
Sliding inflation builds hopes of interest rate cut
Another interest rate cut is firmly on the table with analysts expecting the Reserve Bank to seriously consider the move on the back of fresh inflation data.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Global uncertainty played a role in rate cut: RBA
Slowing inflation helped convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates at its last meeting but uncertainty over tariffs was also a factor, the deputy governor says.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
Caution urged over polls as Labor bleeds support
A warning has been issued over election polling as tightly clustered results in a close race may not reflect Australians' votes.
Treasurer courts business with productivity promises
Helping businesses leverage clean energy and AI will transform Australia to its "fourth economy" and improve productivity growth, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Belief firms in rate relief as inflation takes breather
Markets and economists widely tip a February interest rate cut after underlying inflation came in below expectations for the December quarter.
Last big bank holdout against February rate cut folds
With the stars aligned for a February interest rate cut, borrowers are now concerned with how many cuts the Reserve Bank will hand down.
Australia warned to get productive or be left behind
Fault lines are widening between economic performance of nations and a global body warns Australia risks being left behind if it fails to improve productivity.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
PM finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Early rate-cut hopes alive as core inflation eases
Hopes of a February interest rate cut have been rekindled as core inflation subsides, though the strong jobs market might prove a roadblock.
RBA says rate cuts coming soon, IMF warns on inflation
The Reserve Bank's interest rate settings are appropriate but the battle against inflation is not yet won, a check-up of Australia's economic health has found.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts
The Australian economy is growing slowly with government support, with energy rebates effectively transferring household spending to the public purse.
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices
Australia's retail sales enjoyed a boost from an early start to Black Friday discounting and recovering bank balances following tax cuts.
‘Incredible attrition’: dire warning for small business
Small business owners are suffering from higher levels of depression and anxiety as high costs and regulatory roadblocks spark warnings of a mass exodus.
RBA resists taking a punt on Melbourne Cup day rate cut
The Reserve Bank has not gambled on a Melbourne Cup rate reduction, with punters left to ponder whether borrowers will receive a windfall before Christmas.
‘Everything points to a slowdown’: property loses heat
House and unit prices may have found new record highs but interest rate cautiousness has tempered the pace of growth.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Retail sales to show economy continues to sputter along
The Australian economy should show further signs of modest growth in upcoming retail trade figures but investors will be more interested in US jobs data.
Rebound fears as energy help flicks switch on inflation
Federal energy bill relief has led to a drop in monthly inflation figures, but there are warnings the measures only caused an artificial reduction.
Landlord’s market as property investor lending swells
Lending to investors continues to lead the charge and outpace home loans taken out by owner-occupiers.
Inflation steps down but ladder still steep for RBA
A mixed set of inflation numbers are unlikely to move the needle for the Reserve Bank as it weighs interest rates and persistent price pressures.