Rate cuts could be needed to fight low inflation: RBA
New Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has held out hope of further interest rate cuts, saying he needs to guard against inflation expectations falling too far.
The Economy
Key business group whacks TPP
'Noodle bowl' of agreements is difficult for business to navigate
How tweaking interest rates can transform the economy
The Reserve Bank may have kept interest rates on ice this month, but low rates are already rippling throughout the economy in several important ways.
Parliamentary gridlock benefits ACT economy: report
Gridlock in the senate has been good news for the ACT, according to the latest economic scorecard, with Canberra continuing to dodge cuts to jobs and services.
Housing boom gives retailers $300m reasons to smile
Household goods retailers Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and Adairs are set to gain from rising house prices, near-record housing approvals, and falling savings rates.
China producer prices rise for first time in nearly five years, CPI picks up
China's producer prices unexpectedly rose in September for the first time in nearly five years, while consumer inflation quickened to 1.9 per cent from a year earlier, also beating market expectations.
Apartment boom risks 'coming to the fore': RBA
The risks of oversupply the Brisbane and Melbourne apartment markets are "coming to the fore", the Reserve Bank warns.
China exports fall more than expected, imports shrink
​China's September exports fell 10 per cent from a year earlier, far worse than expected, while imports unexpectedly shrank 1.9 per cent after picking up in August, suggesting signs of steadying in the world's second-largest economy may be short-lived.
Sydney housing boom has peaked, QBE says
Sydney's housing boom is coming to an end as restrictions on loans to property investors and a raft of new developments depress prices, insurance giant QBE says.
Consumer confidence rises further in October
Consumer sentiment rose for a third month in October as Australians are more optimistic about the economy and their own finances for the year ahead.
Business group lashes PM over deficit, tax scare campaign
Six months ago the business-backed Committee for the Economic Development of Australia presented the Turnbull government with what it said was a clear and practical plan to return the budget to surplus. There were 5 of them in fact, including different mixes of proposals such as better taxing superannuation contributions, halving the tax discount for capital gains, ending negative gearing, boosting taxes on luxury cars, alcohol and tobacco, and taxing the private health insurance rebate.
US risks 'fighting the last war' on inflation: Fed member
The world has changed to the point where low rather than high inflation is the primary concern and the US Fed risks "particularly high social costs" if it underestimates the new reality and raises rates too far and too fast.
PM's man says Australian managers below par
Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's most senior advisor has lashed out at Australian managers, saying they are failing to pursue opportunities and holding back national income.
Economy in 'bust' territory, but no hard landing: Citi
Australia's economy is in "bust" territory for just the second time in two decades, but that doesn't necessarily point to a hard landing, according to Citi.
Morrison seems to have a serious hearing disorder
Sight and hearing disorders are only a problem when the Treasurer is only hearing the parts of the RBA's advice that appeal to his ideological bent.
Housing risk overdone, RBA unlikely to cut: Morrison
Treasurer Scott Morrison said debate on Australia's housing market is prone to exaggeration - even as Sydney property prices rise anew - and indicated he doesn't see much appetite at the central bank for further cuts in the nation's already record-low interest rates.
Money movers: How the RBA shifts interest rates
There is truth to the big four bank's claim that they face higher funding costs, but, as always, there's a catch.
'It's all guns blazing': Lack of homes fuels bidding frenzy
Some buyers are snapping up homes they've never seen, worried it might be their last chance.
What Australia can learn from the underdogs
Charlie has been leaping around since last Saturday shouting "a champion team will always beat a team of champions".
Australians warned of risks of soaring household debt
The International Monetary Fund recommends that governments phase out tax incentives, such as negative gearing, that encourage borrowing.
Australians accumulating debt at a 'fast pace': IMF
The International Monetary Fund has singled out Australia as one of few countries where debt is increasing and bucking the global trend.
Why managers won't give staff feedback
Among the top reasons managers hesitate to give feedback to their employees, according to a study conducted by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey, is fear the employee may have an "emotional breakdown".
FIRB chairman bows to conflict of interest pressure
Foreign Investment Review Board chairman Brian Wilson has bowed to public pressure and suspended his involvement as an advisor to private equity investment house The Carlyle Group.Â
RBA keeps rates steady under Lowe
The Reserve Bank keeps rates on hold at the first meeting chaired by new governor Philip Lowe, while remaining fairly relaxed about the housing market.
Food, beverage recovery boosts manufacturing
Factory activity has rebounded from its lowest level in more than a year on the back of a recovery in food and beverage manufacturing.
House prices up as record low mortgages buoy demand
Home prices rose overall in September as record-low mortgage rates kept demand strong in Melbourne and Sydney, though the performance of other cities was a lot more patchy.
If the economy's acting dumb, don't blame the econocrats
We'd be better governed if more of the people in ministers' offices came from the Treasury department.
Economists expect no rate move from RBA
But there could be a cut for Christmas.
The smoking gun that China has a housing bubble
When land costs more than finished homes, you're in dangerous territory, says Deutsche Bank's chief China economist. He reckons the bubble will burst in 2018.
In search of classical Athens' elusive economy
Did you know that classical Athens didn't have an economy? If you find that hard to believe, you should - because it's not possible.
Small Business
Could this scheme replace penalty rates?
Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell says loaded rates have merit "on face value".
The consequence of being a loyal employee
Loyalty can make leave you short-changed. Literally. This is how.