Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain

13 May

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is defending an extra $18 billion in government spending next financial year despite warnings it will make the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation harder. The federal budget on Tuesday revealed government spending will...[Read More]

Treasurer hoses down talk of big budget handouts

6 May

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has downplayed the Reserve Bank governor’s warnings about public spending adding to inflation, insisting large stimulus packages won’t be a feature of the federal budget. After lifting interest rates for the third...[Read More]

Inflation, growth, rates all hinge on end to conflict

6 May

The crisis in the Middle East fanned the flames of already buoyant inflation in Australia and could lead to more interest rate pain if it isn’t resolved, the central bank has warned. The Reserve Bank of Australia released fresh quarterly economic...[Read More]

Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre

6 May

Diesel prices could surge above $4 a litre in coming months under a scenario modelled by economists at National Australia Bank, potentially spelling a much more severe economic fallout than forecast by the Reserve Bank. Fears of service stations...[Read More]

Bank’s big rate call after ‘ugly’ inflation print

24 September

Mortgage holders might have to wait until next year for more rate relief after a sharp rise in services inflation all but killed off the already slim chance of a September cut. The consumer price index climbed from 2.8 to three per cent for the year...[Read More]

National economy still stuck in ‘productivity malaise’

24 September

Australia’s productivity performance improved in the June quarter, but weak capital investment is still holding back growth in living standards, the Productivity Commission says. Growth in labour productivity – or doing more with less –...[Read More]

‘Welcome’ pick-up in Australian economy wrongfoots RBA

3 September

Australia’s economic growth rate has accelerated to 1.8 per cent, the fastest rate in almost two years, amid a boost in household consumption. The annual rise in gross domestic product, included in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ quarterly...[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]