Australian economy
Reserve Bank risks recession with August rate rise
The Reserve Bank is at a critical point, economists say – it could let inflation remain a little higher for longer or risk tipping Australia into a recession.
- by Rachel Clun
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
You want cheap stuff? You’ll need to accept more pain like the CrowdStrike crash
The blue screen of death was just the latest in a string of crises that have afflicted the global economy. Brace yourself for more.
- by Shane Wright
Consumer confidence bounces with stage 3 tax cuts
The joy may be short-lived, with inflation data due next week key to the Reserve Bank board’s next interest rate move.
- by Rachel Clun
Explainer
Sovereign wealth
Trillion-dollar piggy banks: Inside the world of sovereign wealth
Norway’s is famously huge. Qatar used its to buy Harrods. How do sovereign wealth funds work? And why isn’t ours as big as Norway’s?
- by Angus Holland
All eyes on inflation figures after strong employment result
Inflation figures due in less than two weeks will be the key to next month’s rates decision, as the country’s jobs market remains strong despite economic headwinds.
- by Rachel Clun
Opinion
Gen Z
Take heart! Australia is still better and fairer than most
It’s been tempting to think that the goal of every generation being better off than their parents has been lost. It’s not true. Not yet anyway.
- by Ross Gittins
The squeeze that could shut down one in 10 cafes this year
High interest rates and inflation are forcing consumers to slice their spending. That could end up sending the local cafe broke.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
For subscribers
How can Australians be so wealthy yet still be poor?
The average Australian’s wealth grew by about 10 per cent last year but the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is growing.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Gen X, Millennial Australians better off than their parents – but not all
Australians are largely growing up to be better off than their parents, but there are risks younger generations may not gain much ground.
- by Rachel Clun
Australian real wage growth among worst in OECD
As the government campaigns on the cost of living, the OECD reports Australia’s wage growth lags the UK, Canada and the United States.
- by Rachel Clun
Rents, weather events and premiums mean fight against inflation not yet won
Australia’s inflation rate has been falling for over 18 months, but rent and insurance inflation are among the household essentials bucking that trend.
- by Rachel Clun