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.
inflation and deflation
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.
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business (general)
consumer goods
consumers
economy, business and finance
finance (general)
inflation and deflation
interest rate
personal finance
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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business (general)
consumer goods
consumers
economy, business and finance
finance (general)
inflation and deflation
personal finance
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statistic
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.
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.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
money and monetary policy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
‘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.