Consumer confidence surges on back of interest rate cut

12 March

The Reserve Bank’s first rate cut since 2020 has delivered a welcome boost to the economic outlook, but Australian consumers are still more pessimistic than optimistic. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer confidence survey posted a strong...[Read More]

Australian economy to get pulse check, RBA minutes drop

5 March

Australia’s economic growth is expected to recover from its multi-decade lows when gross domestic product figures are revealed in the nation’s quarterly health check. The national accounts for December, due from the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]

Hotter-than-expected inflation leaves RBA in tight spot

26 June

An unexpectedly large jump in the monthly consumer price index is unwelcome news for the Reserve Bank of Australia in its lengthy inflation battle. The monthly consumer price index rose four per cent over the 12 months to May, above expectations and...[Read More]

ACCC probe to ensure savers get fair deal

11 January

The consumer watchdog has been asked to look into interest rates for savers amid concern banks aren’t offering their customers a fair deal. Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate the matter,...[Read More]

Earnings, yield to drive returns in 2023

4 January

It’s been a tough year for most equities and investors will likely have to accept lower returns in 2023 – but Australia will still likely outperform its global peers, according to a boutique fund manager. SG Hiscock portfolio manager Hamish...[Read More]

Consumer spending slowdown starts to show

14 September

Rate hikes and the soaring cost of living are finally starting to weigh on household spending. Non-essential outgoings decreased in August, according to CommBank’s household spending intentions index, with sectors such as travel, entertainment,...[Read More]

RBA’s ‘past decisions’ under scrutiny

14 September

A parliamentary committee will grill the head of the Reserve Bank over the central bank’s past decisions. Australian mortgage holders have endured five rate rises as the RBA seeks to bring inflation under control, with the central bank’s...[Read More]

RBA flags end of big-hit cash rate rises

7 September

The central bank delivered another super-sized rate hike in September but economists expect future rate rises to be more restrained. The Reserve Bank of Australia hiked interest rates by 50 basis points on Tuesday, bringing the official cash rate to...[Read More]

RBA decision risks higher cash rate peak

5 October

The surprise slowdown in the pace of rate rises risks dragging out the rate hiking cycle and forcing the central bank to go even higher than expected to dampen demand. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s 0.25 percentage point lift is the sixth...[Read More]