Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future

15 January

Australians are feeling increasingly pessimistic about their household finances even as signs suggest the economy is set to improve. Consumer confidence slipped in the latest survey from Westpac and the Melbourne Institute, with sentiment declining...[Read More]

Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut

15 January

Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]

As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all

15 January

The odds of a February interest rate cut have been slashed but the falling Australian dollar could spell trouble for households hoping for an overseas holiday. The Aussie dollar fell to 61.85 US cents on Monday – its lowest level against the...[Read More]

Early rate-cut hopes alive as core inflation eases

8 January

Mortgage-holders and a prime minister in election mode are hoping an encouraging step down in underlying inflation will pave the way for a February interest rate cut. Economists were generally heartened by official monthly inflation numbers, though...[Read More]

Underlying inflation heading in right direction

8 January

Further progress on underlying inflation bodes well for borrowers hurting as elevated interest rates keep repayments high. Wednesday’s figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics further show consumers are enjoying reprieve at the petrol pump...[Read More]

Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy

1 January

Australians have endured taxing economic conditions in the past calendar year, but there is cause for cautious hope in 2025. Long-awaited interest rate cuts are broadly expected in the first half of the year, providing household budgets with...[Read More]

Watching for doves in Reserve Bank’s Christmas reveal

25 December

Rate watchers will be hoping the Reserve Bank has left them an early present in meeting minutes released on Christmas eve. The RBA kept rates on hold at its December meeting but a dovish tilt detected in its commentary raised expectations relief for...[Read More]

How China uncertainty could push back RBA rate cut

18 December

A bumper Chinese stimulus package could convince the Reserve Bank of Australia to push back the start of its monetary easing cycle after shock jobs figures slashed hopes of a February rate cut. A drastically stronger than predicted Australian Bureau...[Read More]

The women who could soon influence your mortgage

18 December

An economics professor and a regional bank chief will have a say on Australians’ mortgage rates after the biggest shake-up to the operations of the Reserve Bank of Australia in decades. Australian National University professor Renee Fry-McKibbin...[Read More]

Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips

18 December

Prospects of a February interest rate cut have taken a tumble after a surprise dip in Australia’s unemployment rate. The jobless rate fell from 4.1 per cent to 3.9 per cent in November, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Thursday,...[Read More]

Bank chief doubts trade-war risk will cancel Christmas

11 December

Australia’s central bank has no great expectations of hard times in 2025, despite the threat of a global trade war casting a pall over Christmas celebrations. Channelling Charles Dickens in a Christmas Carol-themed speech in Sydney, Reserve Bank...[Read More]

Interest rate relief edges closer as RBA changes tune

11 December

The inflation fight is not over but the Reserve Bank of Australia is growing increasingly confident the battle is shifting in its favour. After leaving interest rates on hold in December, as universally expected, economists observed a notable shift...[Read More]

Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived

11 December

Green shoots are appearing for mortgage holders as the Reserve Bank of Australia sees more signs inflationary pressures are easing. While keeping the cash rate on hold at 4.35 per cent on Tuesday, the central bank board made a more dovish pivot than...[Read More]

Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts

4 December

Australia’s economy is still growing – but only just – though economists are unconvinced the weaker-than-expected data will bring forward keenly-anticipated interest rate cuts. Full-year growth fell to 0.8 per cent in September, down from one...[Read More]

Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices

4 December

Savvy shoppers pouncing on early Black Friday sales have helped deliver higher-than-expected retail sales in October. Income tax cuts, lower petrol and energy prices and evaporating chances of more rate hikes might be further boosting spending in...[Read More]