Motorists warned to buckle up for higher fuel prices
One of Australia's peak motoring bodies has stopped short of calling for a fuel excise cut but believes all options should be on the table as oil prices spike.
inflation and deflation
Australians are ‘furious’ about inflation: RBA deputy
The Reserve Bank's deputy governor Andrew Hauser says Australians are fed up with higher living costs, and want inflation to be brought under control.
Reserve Bank’s grim rates warning as oil prices spike
The war in the Middle East is threatening to push oil prices back above the crucial $US100 a barrel mark and make inflation even harder to get back to target.
‘Economically disastrous’: Hanson’s super policy panned
Allowing workers to divert a quarter of their super income to rent and mortgage payments won't pump up inflation, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson insists.
Worse than 2007: productivity stat bad news for the RBA
Low productivity means Australia's economy is growing above its "speed limit", amplifying concerns the Reserve Bank will hike interest rates again.
Economic growth data next milestone for Reserve Bank
GDP figures will headline the week in economic data, while central banks in Canada and New Zealand will meet to set interest rates.
Banks tip more hikes as spending surge adds to RBA woes
Three out of the four big banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates by November, with one forecasting a hike in a matter of weeks.
Banks tipping November rate hike after ‘hot’ inflation
Despite headline inflation falling to 3.5 per cent - the lowest level since November - an above-expectations result adds to the case for more rate hikes.
Inflation data and RBA minutes to reveal rates clues
Inflation is forecast to have eased during July due to lower electricity prices, but rising fuel costs could reignite price growth down the track.
Rise in unemployment shows jobs market softening slowly
The jobs market appears to be softening with a rise in the jobless rate to 4.5 per cent, which should take pressure off the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates.
Treasurer tips housing growth despite investor slump
A collapse in property investor lending since the federal budget is good for the economy in the long term, the boss of the nation's biggest bank says.
Six the Musical returns, but can it rise to the throne?
Six the Musical has returned for another Australian run amid hopes the hit show will escape the unfortunate beheadings of some recent theatre productions.
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
Inflation figures have come in under the Reserve Bank's predictions, but some economists warn they might not paint a true picture.
Surprise jobs jump gives RBA room to raise rates
A larger-than expected rise in employment will not ease Reserve Bank fears about inflation as rising oil prices compound cost pressures.
UK’s Burnham targets power bills in first move as PM
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham will cut taxes on Britons' electricity bills as he attempts to deliver on his promise to ease the UK's cost-of-living crisis.
Trump threatens to shoot down signs of economic rebound
Oil prices are rising again as conflict between the US and Iran reignites, threatening a recent recovery in household confidence and spending.
Home price data another window into tax change fallout
Property market data will soon be released after the Reserve Bank unveils a readout from its latest interest rate-setting board meeting.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
employment
inflation and deflation
interest rate
labor market
labour
productivity
unemployment
Strong jobs figures clock on for future rate rise shift
More than 40,000 jobs have been added to Australia's economy to exceed expectations, but slowing growth could ease the Reserve Bank's inflation fears.
Oil and milk prices to spill the tea on inflation story
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will this week release inflation and employment figures for May and a senior Reserve Bank official will speak.
Slowing economy could shut the door on more rate hikes
Stagnant productivity means households face higher inflation and lower living standards but the treasurer hopes cheaper housing will ward off voter discontent.
Relief likely as Reserve Bank tipped to hold cash rate
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to leave interest rates on hold for the first time this year despite inflation still being above target levels.
Big bank changes RBA rate call as cost pressures ease
Slowing economic activity and softer price growth could convince the Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold, with inflation pressures weaker than initially feared.
breaking_news
business (general)
consumer goods
consumers
economy, business and finance
finance (general)
inflation and deflation
interest rate
personal finance
politics
prices
statistic
Falling fuel prices bolster hopes for RBA rate reprieve
A cut in the fuel excise caused annual headline inflation to fall, but the underlying impulse for price pressures is still gathering steam.
Temporary fall in inflation won’t ease RBA fears
A short-lived reduction in the fuel excise has provided some momentary price relief but inflation will only worsen without a resolution to supply blockages.
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.
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
politics
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.
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.
auto trends
inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
national government
politics
road transport
state budget and tax
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.
central bank
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
politics
prices
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 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.