Inflation
Opinion
Federal budget
Chalmers has navigated a steady course. But can he nail a tricky landing?
Like a pilot negotiating fierce crosswinds, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ dexterity will be judged on whether the economic landing is soft or hard.
- by Peter Hartcher
Latest
Households bank on tax cuts and anti-inflation budget plans
Tax cuts, worth on average $1888, and a further round of cost-of-living measures will be at the heart of Jim Chalmers’ third budget.
- by Shane Wright
Analysis
Interest rates
Reserve Bank delivers a hospital pass of problems to Chalmers
Jim Chalmers, a Brisbane Broncos fanatic, will wonder what hit him after the Reserve Bank signalled higher interest rates for longer.
- by Shane Wright
Five things to know about the Australian economy
Here are the key takeaways on the economy from the Reserve Bank’s latest monetary policy statement.
- by Rachel Clun
Opinion
World markets
Gold fever: Why China and the rest of the world are stocking up
The gold price is behaving very strangely, but there is a simple explanation.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Exclusive
Australian economy
Businesses struggle as cash-strapped customers dump spending plans
The cost-of-living crisis that is hitting consumers is now being felt by small and medium-sized businesses as shoppers try to make savings.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Interest rates
Why no news from the Fed is good news
The US central bank is sticking to the “higher for longer” interest rate scenario factored into financial markets, while downplaying the prospect of widely feared rate hikes.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Exclusive
Federal budget
$50b clawed back from waste and rorts not enough to solve ‘truly wicked problem’
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher’s spending audit has found $50 billion in savings and redirected spending over the last two budgets. Economists say more needs to be done.
- by Rachel Clun
Home buyers’ inflation pain almost double the official rate
When the ABS factored interest rates into its cost-of-living index, working people paying off mortgages endured the worst inflation.
- by Shane Wright
The fight brewing over the beer giants that have captured the Australian market
The assistant competition minister says Australians are “paying too much for a schooner” and independent brewers say the consumer watchdog should investigate.
- by Rachel Clun
Opinion
Federal Reserve
Trump’s think tanks are planning an assault on the Fed’s independence
If Donald Trump regains the US presidency, his policies will clash with the Federal Reserve Board’s key mandate of providing price stability.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz