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.
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.
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.
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.
Extra diesel shipments prioritised for regional areas
Two additional cargo ships of diesel will come into Australia, bringing in 100 million litres of supply after deals struck with two major fuel companies.
Coalition fuel fix misfires over start-up funding doubt
Confusion reigns over who would pay for a coalition plan to add one billion litres to Australia's emergency fuel stocks - and if the supply figures add up.
Reality bites as Gen X defers cost of living
As fuel costs soar, more consumers are choosing to buy now and pay later - and the biggest spenders may come as a surprise.
Caps on gas, coal costs on the cards if prices soar
Australia is open to a cap on gas and coal prices if they spike due to the widening conflict in the Middle East, the Albanese government says.
Bargain-hungry public warned of long tail to fuel shock
Motorists are getting access to better, real-time information about changing fuel prices as one state launches a crackdown on service stations.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
Capital city rents hit record highs apart from one
All but one Australian capital has yielded annual growth in rents, but experts expect that city to be a star performer in the long-term.
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.
Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets
Lower grocery bills are being promised with a price gouging ban but supermarket giants and retailers say shoppers will be the ones to bear the brunt of costs.
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.
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.
Hamas reasserts Gaza control, post-war talks grind on
There are signs that Hamas is seeking to widen control over Gaza, raising doubts over whether it will cede authority as promised.
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.
Next rate cut uncertain as shutdown fogs Fed windscreen
The Federal Reserve has cut its key rate for the second time this year as the United States government shutdown clouds the economic outlook.
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.
China to halt BHP iron ore cargoes during price talks
China's state-run iron ore buyer has told the country's steelmakers and traders to temporarily halt purchases of all new BHP cargoes.
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.
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.
Rate cut looms as inflation result brings RBA ‘comfort’
The Reserve Bank should have "all the comfort it needs" to cut interest rates again in August after underlying inflation fell to a three-and-a-half year low.
House values break ceiling in almost half of suburbs
An upswing in home values has broadly eased, but almost 45 per cent of Australian suburbs are at record-high dwelling values after sustained growth.