economy
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
15 January
Waning consumer confidence could give the Reserve Bank pause as it mulls hiking interest rates at its next meeting. Household spending data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Monday showed consumers were gathering steam late last...[Read More]
High cash rates no barrier to housing boom, data shows
15 January
Three Reserve Bank interest rate cuts were widely credited with accelerating growth in property values last year, but historical data shows the most drastic price surges aren’t always due to falling borrowing costs. The 8.6 per cent increase in...[Read More]
RBA official’s advice to borrowers over inflation data
15 January
The Reserve Bank’s deputy governor has brushed off a surprisingly soft inflation print, reiterating to borrowers they should not expect any more mortgage relief soon. Inflation figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday...[Read More]
Oasis tour tunes up economy but clouds rate cut hopes
15 January
Australians splashed out on Black Friday sales, concerts and sporting events, putting household spending on track to exceed central bank forecasts. Household spending rose one per cent in November, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed on...[Read More]
National home price hit a new record high in 2025
8 January
Entering the property market just got a bit harder after the national home price reached a record $880,000. The new high in December followed monthly growth of 0.1 per cent, and growth of 8.8 per cent over the year, the PropTrack report released on...[Read More]
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
8 January
A softer-than-expected inflation result will boost the case for the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates steady, but there’s still plenty in the detail to suggest a February hike remains in play. Headline inflation slowed from 3.8 per cent to 3.4...[Read More]
Weaker housing market tipped as rate hike fears mount
8 January
The housing market is tipped to start weaker in 2026 with confidence dented by fears the Reserve Bank’s next move will be a rate hike, a leading property data provider says. Cotality’s national Home Value Index recorded the smallest gain in five...[Read More]
New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
1 January
When Australians wake up to a new year, changes to government payments and policies will impact the finances of millions of households. From Thursday, the maximum cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be slashed from $31.60 to...[Read More]
Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young
1 January
Is the wealth gap between old and young Australians becoming a gulf? Former federal Treasury secretary Ken Henry has declared young workers are being “robbed” by the tax system, while ex-Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas calls the intergenerational...[Read More]
Boxing Day sales take off with bargain airfares
31 December
With bumper Boxing Day sales under way, shoppers are being cautioned to closely track prices to ensure they’re getting genuine bargains not illusory offers. Two major airlines have also added to the December 26 bargain hunt early on, announcing...[Read More]
Analysts forecast more gains for price of gold in 2026
25 December
Gold has made its biggest jump since the 1979 oil crisis in 2025 – with prices doubling in the last two years – a performance which might previously have meant forecasts of a big correction. Yet a growing investor pool and factors ranging from...[Read More]
RBA reveals what’s needed to avert rate hikes in 2026
25 December
By the end of January Australians should have a clearer picture of whether they can expect interest rate hikes next year. Quarterly inflation data, due to be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on January 28, will confirm or allay...[Read More]
Cozzie livs no match for multibillion-dollar Xmas spend
25 December
A forecast multibillion-dollar uptick in Christmas and holiday spending is being taken as a sign Australians are finally getting beyond cost-of-living woes. Consumers are by and large expected to loosen the purse strings over the silly season, with...[Read More]
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
25 December
There are two ways to fix Australia’s inflation problem, a leading economist for a top bank says. One, HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham, says is to restrain government spending, allowing for the private sector to continue its recent upsurge...[Read More]
Net migration falls as ‘values’ debate heats up
25 December
Australia’s net migrant intake has continued to fall from its post-COVID record as the migration debate turns from numbers to values. Net overseas migration (NOM), which measures the amount of people that move to Australia minus those that move...[Read More]