Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain
An extra $114 billion in federal government spending will be directed off-budget as the treasurer claims a "historically responsible" fiscal update.
inflation and deflation
Unions ramp up minimum wage rise demands as costs soar
Low-paid workers should not go backwards because of Donald Trump's war, the peak union body says, as it calls for minimum wages to be raised to $26.45 an hour.
Last-minute budget pitch to ‘level field’ for young
Labor has made a pre-budget pitch to young Australians on social media as the government shakes up the tax system to help more people buy homes.
Federal budget to dominate the economic agenda
The government will do well to resist spending a "tantalising" budget windfall, as boosting demand while supply is constrained could result in more rate hikes.
Treasurer downplays property tax windfall from budget
Jim Chalmers is talking down the amount of extra revenue that changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount will add to the budget.
Close call tipped as Reserve Bank mulls third rate hike
Traders and economists expect the central bank to raise interest rates for a third straight meeting but high uncertainty could result in another split decision.
Treasurer warned on household handouts ahead of budget
Millions of Australians could receive an income offset in the budget, but the Reserve Bank is cautioning against the federal government increasing spending.
Woolworths bumped price of baby food before ‘discount’
Woolworths sold baby food at a higher price for just three weeks before taking off 50 cents and marketing it as a price reduction, a court has been told.
Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
The Reserve Bank is worried about 1970s-style runaway inflation if it loses credibility in fighting inflation, as analysts warn of up to five more rate hikes.
Spoils of Iran war to deliver Chalmers a budget boost
The federal budget will be billions of dollars better off, even with added spending, because of higher commodity prices and inflation, a top economist says.
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
Wage increases have not been driving recent inflation pressures and low-paid workers deserve a real pay rise, the government says.
CBA ups inflation prediction as supply chains strain
Australia is staring down the barrel of inflation above five per cent as a result of the Iran oil supply shock, economists from the Commonwealth Bank warn.
The RBA conflict that could decide its next rates call
Australia's central bank must abandon its narrow path and choose between getting inflation down quickly or keeping unemployment low, economists say.
Calm before storm: RBA braces for spikes and hikes
The economy is expected to be hit with a savage inflation spike which will in turn increase the chances of more interest rate hikes.
Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
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.
Treasurer warns of major economic damage from Iran war
Fresh modelling shows oil price shocks and soaring prices for other commodities will have a lasting impact on Australia's economy.
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.
Oil shock further reason for tax reform, spending cuts
An economic downturn might be needed to bring inflation back to target, economists warn, but the government can help with spending cuts and productivity reform.
Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation
Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.
Rate hike odds spike for ‘live’ March RBA meeting
The battle to tame inflation has been thrown into more uncertainty by conflict in Iran and the Middle East, the Reserve Bank governor says.
Wavering households ease urgency for more rate hikes
Economic data released this week will leave the Reserve Bank a little less concerned about underlying momentum in consumer demand, an economist says.
‘Rise on the horizon’: inflation fuels rate hike fears
A small increase in underlying inflation has led to growing expectations the Reserve Bank will lift the cash rate in coming months.
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.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.
Signs of softening spending could stay RBA’s rates hand
A surprise slide in consumer spending has thrown more uncertainty around the Reserve Bank's next move on interest rates.
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.
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.
Row over government role fuelling inflation, rate rise
Spending blow-outs by the government will force the Reserve Bank to hike rates, critics say, but the treasurer argues the private sector is driving inflation.
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.
Magic number that could decide an interest rate hike
Traders now tip a greater-than-50 per cent chance of an interest rate hike in February, but some pundits are holding out hope for a Reserve Bank reprieve.