RBA's broken record means no rate moves
The Reserve Bank of Australia thinks the economy is on track for solid growth, but the central bank's optimism has been met with a note of caution from some economists.
The Economy
Get ready for a Sino-American slap in the face
Equity investors across the world are positioned for the nirvana of synchronised and accelerating global expansion led by China and the US.
The banks aren't the risk, consumers are warns RBA
It is not banks turbo-charged by property lending that are the key risk to the economy from any fall in house prices or rising interest rates, rather it is what might happen to consumer spending that worries the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Rising population won't prevent housing slump
A growing population will not be enough to stave off a fall of up to 7 per cent in house prices over the next 18 months warns investment bank Citi.
Lowe used to like rates to calm bubbles
Claudio Borio's work with Philip Lowe 15 years ago may tell us whether the RBA governor will ultimately hike rates to tame a housing bubble.
Victorian budget focuses on business tax relief, jobs creation
Infrastructure spending, payroll tax reform and funding to reskill retrenched manufacturing workers are among jobs measures in the Victorian budget.
Tax ruling against Chevron could lead to more claims by ATO
A recent multi-million dollar tax ruling against oil giant Chevron, if allowed to stand, would have ripple effects across the globe.
Reserve Bank leaves interest rates on hold at 1.5%
"This is a clear indication that rate hikes are a distant prospect," JP Morgan analyst Sally Auld said.
Calls for tax cuts, housing reform pre-budget
Australian company directors are more positive than they've been in six years, but remain worried about inaction on housing affordability and tax reform ahead of the May federal budget.
Housing slowdown a blip or something more?
The big question raised by last month's slowdown in Sydney and Melbourne's housing markets is whether this is a blip on the radar.
Why the RBA is focusing on more than inflation
If the Reserve Bank was still retaining its narrow focus on keeping inflation between 2 and 3 per cent per annum, it would be cutting interest rates at its May meeting on Tuesday.
Pain piles up for taxi licence holders
Millions of dollars pledged to some of Victoria's most financially stricken taxi licence owners looks set to be clawed back by the tax office, after it ruled the hardship payments are taxable income.
Rate hikes further away as US GDP growth disappoints
Friday's weaker-than-expected US GDP figure has firmed forecasts that the US Federal Reserve will not lift interest rates at its May meeting on Thursday morning.
US economic growth slowest in three years
Economists are generally skeptical that growth will reach Trump's goal of 3 to 4 per cent on a sustained basis.
Why it's silly to debate 'good' versus 'bad' debt
The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, strayed into some rather silly territory this week in a speech seeking to lay down a new set of markers for the budget, divvying up government debt into "good" and "bad" debt.
Sydney house prices fall for first time in 18 months
Sydney house prices are set to suffer their first fall in 18 months, new figures show, in the wake of of strong action from regulators designed to curb the growth in investor loans.
Google admits the ATO is chasing it for money
Google Australia has confirmed for the first time ever that it has been hit with an amended tax bill by the ATO following audits of its affairs and that "the company will lodge an objection".
Facebook Australia pays more tax following crackdown
Technology giants are restructuring their tax affairs and for the first time ever counting local advertising revenue.
Want to stop land corruption? Take away the honeypot
One of the great mismatches is how little property developers are accused of giving to politicians from time to time and the massive amounts politicians gift to the developers – some $11 billion a year, according to a new book by two Queensland economists.
Budget reporting change sparks debt spree concerns
Leading economists have expressed unease about a budget reporting change.
ATO boss to hit companies with $4b in tax bills post reappointment
Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan will get another seven years at the head of the Australian Taxation Office, with the agency looking to hit more multinationals with tax bills amounting to $4 billion.
Sydney's most innovative suburbs - and workers - revealed
The study used 18 indicators to rank business innovation in districts across the city.
Finally, we could have a budget that will do something
Tuesday week, Morrison and Turnbull will no longer be as limited by concern about budget deficit.
'Pain spend' is hitting households where it hurts
Prices for essentials jump as wages barely lift and debts are high - boding ill for consumer spending.
Post Panama Papers, call to name and shame
Should the public be able to freely access the names of the people behind the ownership of assets and bank accounts?
ACT economy passes Victoria to become second strongest in Australia
The ACT has passed Victoria to become Australia's second-strongest economy, according to the latest CommSec state of the states report, published Monday.
Inflation likely to hit RBA target band
Rising costs for petrol, fruits and vegetables and tobacco are expected to have lifted consumer prices in the March quarter.
The new enemy of renters: Mums and dads
Few seem to care about renters fate but, for once, a little help may be coming their way.
Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Alibaba say retailers won't comply with GST change
Online retail giants Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Alibaba say the federal government has severely underestimated the threat of rival foreign online retailers failing to comply with its planned GST changes, and consumers will be left worse off.
Chevron eyes high court as it loses landmark tax case
Multinational oil giant Chevron has lost its appeal against a multimillion-dollar tax bill issued by the Australian Taxation Office, setting the scene for the tax man to challenge other companies with dubious tax schemes.
Small Business
Does Australia have too many universities?
Debate is needed about the benefits and costs of merging under performing universities.
Carnell slams banks' 'feeble' response to small business loans inquiry
The small business ombudsman says the Australian Bankers' Association's response is disappointing and excludes many small businesses.