Australian economy
Economy could shrink under interest rates and tax: RBA
The economy is facing its worst non-pandemic year since the 1990-91 recession as high interest rates, inflation and taxes hit the nation’s consumers.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
Rate cuts tipped for next year as shoppers slash spending like it’s 1991
The biggest fall in the volume of goods bought by shoppers in over 30 years has economists warning the Reserve Bank will have to cut interest rates in 2024.
- by Shane Wright
Updated
Interest rates
Respite for mortgage holders as RBA holds rates steady for second month
Home buyers, renters and businesses could be spared any further financial pain after the RBA again left the cash rate at 4.1 per cent while signalling the economy is on track for a soft landing.
- by Shane Wright and Rachel Clun
Analysis
Interest rates
Has the interest rate summit been reached?
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe may have finally planted his flag at the top of Mount Interest Rate.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Inside China
China’s big solution is missing a vital ingredient
How Beijing manages the efforts to revive the faltering economy matters for commodity producers like Australia.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
RBA mulls one more rate rise as borrowers tap into savings
Australians are using savings built up during the COVID-19 pandemic to weather cost-of-living pressures even as house values continue to climb.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Interest rates
Another rise in interest rates? We’ve probably had enough already
Whatever decision the Reserve Bank board makes about rates tomorrow – at governor Philip Lowe’s second-last meeting – the stronger case is for no increase.
- by Ross Gittins
Faster, higher, stronger – and expensive: The true cost of the Games
Olympic Games are two weeks of sporting prowess and national pride. But when the athletes go home, what is the true cost to a host city?
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Opinion
You’ve never been better off. So why aren’t you happy?
On most objective measures, life in Australia has been improving over the past few decades. But subjectively we don’t feel like things are getting better.
- by Parnell Palme McGuinness
Opinion
Opinion
If the US or China falter, the average Australian will pick up the bill
The GST is no longer collecting enough tax to see us through a global recession. Australians’ personal income taxes will have to rise.
- by George Megalogenis
Higher hopes of end to interest rate rises as inflation slips to 6 per cent
The figures forced economists and financial market to slash their expectations for additional rate rises.
- by Rachel Clun and Shane Wright