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.
inflation and deflation
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
macro economics
tariff
unemployment
Complacency risk for economy as tariff wars re-emerge
A deterioration in the job market could spare Australian borrowers interest rate hikes in 2026, an economist says.
Oasis tour tunes up economy but clouds rate cut hopes
Britpop giant Oasis and Black Friday bargains have helped bring Australia's economy back in tune, adding to the case against Reserve Bank rate cuts.
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
A sharper-than-expected fall in inflation will encourage the Reserve Bank of Australia, but underlying price growth remains too hot for comfort.
February is live: RBA warns of impending rate hike
The average mortgage-holder's repayments could soon jump an extra $90 a month, with another Reserve Bank interest rate hike on the cards as early as February.
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.
‘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.
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.
construction and property
economy (general)
housing and urban planning
inflation and deflation
interest rate
politics
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.
central bank
economic indicator
economic policy
economy, business and finance
employment
inflation and deflation
unemployment
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.
central bank
construction and property
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
money and monetary policy
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.
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.
central bank
economic indicator
economy (general)
inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
prices
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.
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.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
money and monetary policy
people - social issue
retail
tobacco
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.
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.
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.
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.