Interest rate cut hopes rise on soft inflation print

29 January

Interest rate relief could be around the corner after underlying inflation came in below expectations. Core inflation fell to 3.2 per cent in the year to December, opening the door for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate at its next...[Read More]

Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope

22 January

Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]

Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight

22 January

The treasurer has poured cold water on any new taxes, saying Labor is focused on targeted cost of living relief. Asked whether Labor would bring any new taxes to the upcoming federal election, Jim Chalmers said, “no, our focus is on the tax...[Read More]

Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut

15 January

Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]

As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all

15 January

The odds of a February interest rate cut have been slashed but the falling Australian dollar could spell trouble for households hoping for an overseas holiday. The Aussie dollar fell to 61.85 US cents on Monday – its lowest level against the...[Read More]

Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future

15 January

Australians are feeling increasingly pessimistic about their household finances even as signs suggest the economy is set to improve. Consumer confidence slipped in the latest survey from Westpac and the Melbourne Institute, with sentiment declining...[Read More]

Early rate-cut hopes alive as core inflation eases

8 January

Mortgage-holders and a prime minister in election mode are hoping an encouraging step down in underlying inflation will pave the way for a February interest rate cut. Economists were generally heartened by official monthly inflation numbers, though...[Read More]

Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy

1 January

Australians have endured taxing economic conditions in the past calendar year, but there is cause for cautious hope in 2025. Long-awaited interest rate cuts are broadly expected in the first half of the year, providing household budgets with...[Read More]

Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts

4 December

Australia’s economy is still growing – but only just – though economists are unconvinced the weaker-than-expected data will bring forward keenly-anticipated interest rate cuts. Full-year growth fell to 0.8 per cent in September, down from one...[Read More]

Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm

27 November

Australia’s inflation rate may have undershot expectations to hold at the bottom of the central bank’s target band but borrowers should not expect interest rate cuts just yet. The annual headline inflation rate has held at 2.1 per cent in...[Read More]

Annual inflation rate hangs on at 2.1 per cent

27 November

Australia’s annual headline inflation rate has held at 2.1 per cent in October for a second month, coming in a little below expectations. Despite clocking a second month at the bottom of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s two-three per cent target...[Read More]