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.
macro economics
Officials bank on economic slump helping tame inflation
Australia is not experiencing stagflation but higher interest rates will help cool the economy and inflation, the nation's top bank official says.
Rates revelation: why RBA dissenter voted against hike
The lone Reserve Bank board member who voted against lifting the cash rate in May was less concerned about inflation expectations than the bank's economists.
Top forecaster’s dire prediction if Iran war drags on
Australia could enter a recession, with the Reserve Bank raising interest rates a further three times, economists warn as fears of a protracted conflict mount.
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.
Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young
Bridging the gap in wealth between older and young Australians will require a major recalibration in housing attitudes and policies, a leading economist says.
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
Half of Australia's big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates at its next meeting as inflation is pushed outside the target zone.
Divided US central bank cuts rate, signals pause
The US central bank has reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months.
US posts solid jobs data in September, unemployment up
US employers added a surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the Labor Department says.
international (foreign) trade
international relations
macro economics
metal and mineral
politics (general)
tariff
trade dispute
Trump vows to reach a ‘fantastic deal’ with China’s Xi
US President Donald Trump says he's aiming for a breakthrough in planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation
Borrowers hoping for a second straight interest rate cut have been dealt a blow after a surge in electricity prices drove inflation unexpectedly higher.
Treasurer mulls making tax fairer for young Australians
Australia's "unfair" tax system has created a situation where retirees can earn the same income as working households, but pay less than half the tax.
Jigsaw coming together for further interest rate relief
A soft inflation print and surprisingly strong retail sales paint a rosy picture of the Australian economy ahead of a key Reserve Bank rate meeting.
Online shopping rebounds as rate cut talk opens wallets
Australians are spending more online as inflation eases and interest rate cuts seem more likely following a lean period, especially for some home-buyers.
economic indicator
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
employment
labor market
macro economics
politics (general)
Nation on notice as signs point to growing jobless rate
Australians are being warned about possible further rises in unemployment after a shock jobless rate jump that has strengthened the case to cut interest rates.
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
macro economics
statistic
Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean
Monthly inflation data and state budget updates are set to dominate the economic agenda and shape the Reserve Bank's next cash rate call.
business (general)
consumer confidence
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
macro economics
statistic
Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces
Falling interest rates are not buoying the spirits of households and firms as fast as hoped, as global economic uncertainty keeps a lid on sentiment.
Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer
Falling interest rates and Australia's competitive advantages are reasons for optimism, says the treasurer as he sets his sights on improving productivity.
economy, business and finance
exports
international (foreign) trade
iron and steel
macro economics
politics
tariff
trade dispute
trade policy
US tariffs on Australia ‘not what you do to a friend’
Australia has been urged to assertively lobby Donald Trump against a plan to hike tariffs on steel imports, as Labor aims to maintain a calm approach.
Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty
Australia's central bank will seek signs of stability as it tries to chart a course to lower interest rates through the murky waters of global uncertainty.
Trump threatens new EU tariffs, reigniting trade fears
Describing EU trade talks as "going nowhere", US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
breaking_news
central bank
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
employment
labour
loans
macro economics
mortgages
politics
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
breaking_news
diplomacy
international (foreign) trade
macro economics
politics (general)
tariff
trade dispute
US, China to hold ice-breaker trade talks in Geneva
Two top US officials will meet with China's top trade negotiator this weekend in the first major talks since President Donald Trump sparked a trade war.
Wary China ‘evaluating’ US offer for talks on tariffs
The US and China are locked in a cat-and-mouse game over tariffs with both sides unwilling to be seen to back down or be first to negotiate.
Weary retail recovery has rate cut almost in the bag
All the smoke signals point to an interest rate cut as Australian retail spending continues to grow amid cooling consumer and producer inflation.
US wants to start tariff talks with China: state media
A Chinese state media report says the "US has proactively reached out to China" to hold discussions on tariffs.
US economy contracts 0.3 per cent in the first quarter
US economy contracted in first quarter of 2025, the first drop in three years.
Trump uncertainty set to smash Australian economy
Australia is not following the "bouncing ball" of Donald Trump's daily shifts, the treasurer says, amid predictions of a bigger-than-expected economic hit.
Rate cut on horizon amid fears of more stock turmoil
Donald Trump's latest attack on a pillar of the global economy could renew market stress as Australian homeowners eye a supersized rate cut.
Canada’s old relationship with US ‘is over’, says PM
Canada's prime minister says his country's relationship with the United States has changed due to Donald Trump's actions on tariffs.