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.
inflation and deflation
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.
Rising cost of living hammers renters and mortgage belt
Higher rents are weighing heavily on Australians receiving government support payments as all households experience rising living costs.
construction and property
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
inflation and deflation
retail
Relief in sight as rates focus switches to cuts
Mortgage-holders appear to have avoided another interest rate hike, in a welcome development for the federal government with an election on the horizon.
Door swings shut on rate rise following inflation data
Australia's inflation rate has clocked its first annual increase in 18 months but borrowers can breath easy as it was unlikely to trigger another rate hike.
As Canada cuts rates, RBA doves come home to roost
After hitting inflation hard and early, the Bank of Canada is already cutting rates while their dovish Australian counterparts contemplate another rate hike.
Greens’ essential goods cap ‘may lead to shortages’
A Queensland Greens plan to cap prices for essential groceries is set to save households cash at the checkout but an expert has warned it may lead to shortages.
‘Whole series of data’ before next rates call: RBA
The Reserve Bank's outlook on inflation is little changed and more data is needed to build a fuller picture of the economy, the deputy governor says.
Tax cuts to help households ‘catch up’ to rate rises
After a long wait and much political tussling, the stage three tax cuts are finally about to come into effect - and not a moment too soon.
‘Painful squeeze’: inflation spike renews heat on rates
Surprisingly strong inflation has resurrected the possibility of another interest rate hike in an unsettling development for squeezed borrowers.
Rates on hold yet inflation risks remain on RBA’s radar
The threat of inflation has not been neutralised and the Reserve Bank is still prepared to pull the trigger on another interest rate hike if needed.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
money and monetary policy
politics
Chalmers eyes soft landing amid budget criticism
The pressure on Australia's economy from higher interest rates justifies the decision not to deliver a "slash and burn" budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Slower US consumer price growth boosts rate cut hopes
Expectations for an interest rate cut in 2024 have been given a boost by US consumer prices increasing less than expected in April.
Fuel hits new high as oil and Aussie dollar diverge
Rising wholesale costs, high oil prices and a weak Australian dollar have pushed fuel prices to new highs in Australia's capital cities.
Prices ease but insurance and housing are still biting
Consumer price growth is coming off the boil but some key essential goods and services are still painfully elevated.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
Slower-than-expected inflation lifts rate pause hopes
Surprisingly lower inflation growth has given mortgage holders renewed hope interest rates won't be lifted again in February.
Inflation surprise all but confirms end to rate hikes
Economists are sounding the death knell for the sharpest interest rate tightening cycle since the 1980s after inflation dropped faster than expected.
Inflation to eat into Christmas lunches, presents: poll
Christmas will be less merry than usual for many Australians, with a union poll showing a sizeable number of people plan to spend less on lunch and presents.