Splurging shoppers push economy over speed limit
The sharpest rise in household spending in 21 months suggests the economy is continuing to grow in strength, heightening Reserve Bank fears about inflation.
inflation and deflation
Inflation surges as energy rebates run out of gas
Lower energy rebates and higher housing costs than a year ago have propelled the headline inflation rate to its highest level in 16 months.
‘Very positive news’: ray of light post inflation shock
Equipment investment in Australia's IT sector almost doubled in three months amid a surge in data centre projects, which could help revive productivity growth.
Dire housing affordability widening the wealth divide
An extraordinary rise in demand combined with constrained supply has created a boom in Australian home values and rents over the past five years.
RBA reveals what would rule out more interest rate cuts
Barring a material rise in unemployment or weaker-than-expected economic growth, mortgage holders can just about give up hope for any more interest rate relief.
Wages data could force RBA to turn page on rates cut
Unlikely to receive another rate cut in the next six months, borrowers will at least see the big four banks face parliamentary scrutiny in Canberra this week.
Pre-Christmas rate relief dashed after inflation spike
All four major banks predict mortgage holders will have to wait until 2026 for rate relief after a larger-than expected inflation rise.
Treasurer hits back as opposition slaps panic button
The coalition has sought to link a recent rise in inflation and unemployment to the 1970s economic malaise, but analysts say there is no need to panic.
The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts
The rising cost of new homes and services such as takeaway meals were key to the Reserve Bank's inflation miss in September and could rule out future rate cuts.
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
The economy is in a "good spot" but one sector is proving more stubborn than expected, the boss of the Reserve Bank says.
Cup Day rate cut in doubt as RBA nears final straight
The odds are lengthening on an interest rate cut on Melbourne Cup Day, as the Reserve Bank adopts a hawkish tone and inflation steps up the pace.
Spending rebound staggers as Aussies kick booze, smokes
Strong growth in household spending earlier this year is unlikely to be matched, which could ease Reserve Bank fears of a return of inflation pressures.
Economy shrugs off tariff turmoil to outperform peers
Central banks such as the RBA need to be wary of the risks of inflation kicking off again, which could trigger market sell-offs, a global economic body warns.
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.
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.
Inflation ‘quirks’ unlikely to spook Reserve Bank board
Hopes of a rate cut have slipped after a shock surge in inflation, but it's not off the cards yet with more data to come before the next Reserve Bank meeting.
Real wages boost for workers, but costs might worry RBA
Strong annual growth in wages will be noted by the Reserve Bank as it collates data leading up to its next decision on whether to cut interest rates.
Further rate cuts at risk as rent pushes up inflation
Future rate cuts may be less likely if renting and construction costs contributing to housing inflation continue to grow.
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.
The piece of data that could decide next rate decision
Quarterly inflation data will dominate the economic agenda this week, while dwelling approvals, retail sales and property price figures will also be revealed.
Servos urged not to price gouge after oil price hike
The consumer watchdog is being urged to make sure motorists aren't ripped off at the bowser after Middle East strikes led to a surge in fuel costs.
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.
Orderly, coherent or flat-footed: PM rejects criticism
Anthony Albanese has dismissed suggestions he was "flat-footed" after US bombing raids on Iran, as he called for a ceasefire to hold between Iran and Israel.
Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean
Monthly inflation data and state budget updates are set to dominate the economic agenda and shape the Reserve Bank's next cash rate call.
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.
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.
Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty
Australia's central bank will seek signs of stability as it tries to chart a course to lower interest rates through the murky waters of global uncertainty.
Full steam ahead for cash rate cut as inflation settles
Mortgage-holders are poised to bank an interest rate cut within weeks despite the latest inflation reading coming in slightly higher than expected.
Healthy inflation data should help ease mortgage pain
Quarterly numbers are expected to show inflation has drifted into the Reserve Bank's target range to set up a further interest rate cut.
Trump uncertainty set to smash Australian economy
Australia is not following the "bouncing ball" of Donald Trump's daily shifts, the treasurer says, amid predictions of a bigger-than-expected economic hit.
‘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.