Business
The economy
Opinion
US Votes 2024
America’s booming economy is turning toxic for Joe Biden
It seems to be a near impossible task to convince Americans that their economy is performing well.
- by Kate Andrews
Latest
Opinion
Carbon pricing
We can’t escape a carbon tax, which is good news, not bad
In their own polite way, Professor Ross Garnaut and Rod Sims this week spoke out against the blatant self-interest of our fossil fuel industry.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
NAPLAN
Want better productivity? Start by ensuring our kids can read
One in three Australian primary and secondary students cannot read proficiently, limiting their life chances. It’s an appalling deficiency with a costly economic sting.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Australian economy
Chalmers is doing a fantastic job ... at ignoring the dire outlook
Barring an unforeseen shock, the economic signs appear reassuring. But probe deeper and things look disturbing.
- by Tom Switzer
Opinion
Trade wars
Donald Trump’s attack on China might backfire
America’s trade wars have turned into a game of whack a mole, and Donald Trump wants to ramp them up if he gets back in office. Its citizens may pay the price.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Opinion
Interest rates
Let’s stop using interest rates to throttle people with mortgages
One day, the politicians who carry the can politically for inflation miscalculations will revolt against the arrogance of their economic gurus.
- by Ross Gittins
The great childcare price gouge may not be all it seems
Even though childcare fees have soared despite billions in governments subsidies, many operators in the sector are making poor returns.
- by Colin Kruger
Opinion
Inside China
The West hasn’t grasped the scale of the disaster facing China
The West should be more worried about how Xi Jinping reacts to his country sinking into an economic mire. It’s time to prepare for a new cold war.
- by Matthew Henderson
Opinion
Competition
Yes, you can (partly) blame greedy businesses for the cost-of-living crisis
The nation’s economists have not covered themselves in glory in the present inflationary episode, showing an unwillingness to re-examine their long-held views.
- by Ross Gittins
Businesses cutting back workers’ hours as economy slows: Westpac
Companies are slashing employees’ work hours to cut costs and stay afloat as high-interest rates and inflation dampen consumer spending, bank data shows.
- by Millie Muroi
Opinion
US Votes 2024
America’s fiscal watchdog sees decade of spiralling debt and deficits
The Congressional Budget Office expects the world’s largest economy’s deficits and debt to soar to record levels over the next 10 years.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz