Interest rates
The type of Melbourne property that’s outperforming its neighbours
The conventional wisdom is that well-renovated homes in sought-after locations always sell well. But is that true?
- by Jim Malo and Kate Burke
Latest
No ‘super nerds’ to set rates: Revolt over Reserve Bank reforms
Former treasurer Peter Costello told a Senate inquiry that parliament would surrender its sovereignty if the treasurer lost the power to overrule the bank.
- by Shane Wright
‘Don’t think it’s ever been harder’: Brisbane first home buyers priced out
Even an entry-level Brisbane house has doubled in price over the past five years, and loan repayments are tipping many owners into mortgage stress.
- by Sarah Webb
Updated
World markets
Mining and energy stocks drag ASX lower on big day for earnings reports
Mining and energy stocks weighed heavily on the Australian sharemarket, dragging the index sharply into negative territory after it briefly pared early losses.Â
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
Updated
Earnings season
Westpac chief praises resilient economy and eyes 2024 rate cut
The bosses of Westpac and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank say late payments on home loans have ticked up, but that an easing in interest rates, which looks likely to happen this year, would support economic growth.
- by Millie Muroi
Sharp slowdown in jobs market as economy feels pinch from rate hikes
NSW, the nation’s largest economy, is at the epicentre of a slowdown in the jobs market as high interest rates weigh on households.
- by Shane Wright
Updated
World markets
ASX slumps after US inflation data shocks Wall Street; $A tumbles
The Australian sharemarket pared back some of its earlier sharp losses, but miners and banks dragged the local index lower after heavy losses on Wall Street.
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey and Millie Muroi
Opinion
Inflation
US inflation shock rattles markets and central bankers
The US inflation rate appears more stubborn than expected, which is not good news for other central banks, or those stretched Australian households hoping the RBA will start cutting interest rates soon.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Analysis
Analysis
Savers warned to be prepared as banks start cutting rates
Term deposit rates on their way down, but it is not too late to lock in a decent rate.
- by John Collett
Tax cuts buoy shoppers, but businesses start to feel interest rate pinch
Consumer confidence has climbed sharply, thanks partly to the Albanese government’s revamped tax cuts. But new figures show businesses are starting to struggle.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Federal Reserve
High alert: The signal that has the world on edge
Markets have been sending a signal for more than a year that a US recession could be on its way. The next few months are crucial.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz