‘Decline’: housing downturn looms as rate hikes bite
Higher rates and affordability pressures are threatening to push the housing market into a decline, with prices in the two biggest cities already on the slide.
interest rate
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.
US Fed holds rates, three members dissent on ease bias
The US central bank is leaving its interest rate unchanged for the third straight meeting but signalling it could still cut rates in the coming months.
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.
Third RBA rate hike might not be the end for borrowers
Mortgage holders are back to square one after a third straight Reserve Bank rate hike, adding hundreds of dollars more to interest repayments since February.
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
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.
RBA’s stagflation nightmare: prices up, confidence down
Consumer and business confidence has taken a dive following the Iran conflict, highlighting the Reserve Bank's dual fears of falling activity and rising prices.
RBA to sift through jobs data as world watches Hormuz
The labour market will be top of the economic agenda in the coming week, while speaking engagements from central bank officials will be closely studied.
Consumer spending and confidence in the spotlight
Analysts and governments will pore over latest economic data this week for more insight into the devastating impact of soaring fuel prices on the nation.
Major capital home prices slip in two-speed market
Australia's housing market is diverging as the biggest capitals go backwards while growth accelerates in mid-tier cities.
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.
RBA to air board’s disagreement in meeting minutes
Central bank watchers will get to peak into the Reserve Bank board room as minutes of a meeting that split 5-4 in favour of an interest rate hike are released.
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.
RBA ready to shift up a gear as the neutral rate rises
The Iran war will hurt consumers by pushing up prices and slowing the economy but the Reserve Bank must act to contain inflation expectations, an official says.
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.
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
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.
Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike
Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.
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.
Good news is bad news: GDP growth fuels inflation fears
Australia's economy expanded by 2.6 per cent over 2025, above Reserve Bank forecasts, raising fears of an impending interest rate hike.
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.
Renewables growth energises spending as inflation rises
Capital expenditure has been rising fast in Australia as the treasurer warns stubborn inflation will mean savings are needed in the budget.
‘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.
Inflation does a job on wage growth, adds heat to rates
Rising inflation has pushed real wages below the level of rising costs, which could have a big impact on the Reserve Bank's next decision on interest rates.