Why interest rates are likely to rise in 2018
Markets are pricing in the likelihood that the RBA will deliver one interest rate increase by the end of 2018.
The Economy
Axing negative gearing would boost economy and home ownership, RBA conference paper finds
Thirty per cent of rental properties would be freed up and bought by Australians who would have otherwise rented.
World's commodity engine roars to another record
China continues to gobble up the world's commodities, setting new records for consumption of everything from crude oil to soybeans.
Queensland LNG exports hit record levels
Coal had been on track for a record export year in 2017 until rail and port infrastructure was disrupted when Cyclone Debbie hit in March.
Australia has 'missed the boat' on nuclear power
Both critics and supporters see little future for large-scale nuclear power in Australia’s energy mix
$A jumps as retail sales surge on iPhone X, Black Friday bonanza
Australian retail sales boasted the biggest monthly rise in four years in November as consumers splashed out on Apple iPhones and Black Friday promotions, sending the Australian dollar higher.
Malcolm Turnbull's scare campaign that didn't scare anyone
The choice here is between the credibility of the Prime Minister and Treasurer or their competence in assessing economic policy.
Best to be in NSW, where it's easiest to find a job
It's the easiest time to find a job since the mining boom.
Job ad numbers fall in December
The number of jobs advertised in Australia fell in December, after a year of strong employment growth that took the jobless rate to its lowest level since 2013.
Melbourne apartments stoke building approvals
Approvals for the construction of new homes jumped by a surprise 11.7 per cent in November, driven by a spike in apartment and townhouse building in Melbourne.
Why Treasury thought Turnbull was wrong on negative gearing
Malcolm Turnbull knew or ought to have known that the claims he made about Labor's housing policy were likely to be wrong.
Can the power grid survive another heatwave?
After its first major test of 2018, is the energy grid prepared for another heatwave?
Miners pay their 'fair share' of tax
The Australian mining industry paid $185 billion in federal company tax and state and territory royalties between 2005-06 and 2015-16, according to a report produced by Deloitte Access Economics for the mining lobby.
The building boom was softer in December
Construction growth in Australia moderated slightly in December, but still expanded for an 11th month in a row.
2018 ‘the end’ of resources boom as commodity price drops bite
The government has put an end date on the mining boom, with 2018 marking the tipping point for when producers will see export earnings heading south.
Why the government can’t supply its way to housing affordability
Sydney and Melbourne are entering a housing downturn, but it has nothing to do with a surge in supply.
Australian trade slumps to $628 million deficit
Australia's trade slumped to a $628 million deficit in November, as weaker coal and grain exports combined with increased imports for the worst result in more than a year.
SUVs lead charge as new vehicle sales have record month and year
Demand for sports utilities showed no sign of cooling, while strong sales of commercial vehicles pointed to solid business spending.
Five things to fear in a strong global economy
The world economy entered 2018 on a stronger footing than many economists and investors dared predict. What could go wrong?
2018: the year getting a mortgage will become harder
How far will house prices fall in 2018?
For most, predicted downturn will be little more than a blip
Double-digit price falls may sound concerning to home owners who have only ever known rising values, but even this "worst-case scenario" is not a crash.
Australian towns going off the grid
Australians are looking at energy's big picture by going small.
Manufacturing growth tipped to continue this year
Growth in Australia's manufacturing sector moderated in December, but still stretched its run of either expanding or stable conditions to 15 months.
Aussie dollar eases local petrol pump pain
Stiff resistance from the Australian dollar is helping keep a cap on rising petrol pump prices as new year holiday travellers hit the roads.
Sydney and Melbourne home prices fall, more declines tipped for 2018
Research house CoreLogic is predicting property price falls of about 7 per cent for Sydney and Melbourne over the next 18 to 24 months.
Australia's least-competitive industries earning 'super-profits'
Economists joke that, whereas they are taught that any barriers to new firms entering a market are bad, allowing profits to be too high, MBA students are taught that "barriers to entry" are good, and shown ways to raise them.
Something unusual has happened to our credit card balances this Christmas
It was once routine for our collective credit card bill to smash records during the festive season. But consumers are now more cautious.
IKEA's flatpacked tax bill shows it's time to put screws on beancounters
Another year, another story about IKEA's massive Australian sales and minuscule tax.
Australia requests a 'period of transition' on new Indian tariff
The Australian government has asked Indian authorities to adopt “a period of transition” after India implemented a new tariff on key agricultural imports.
The Sydney and Melbourne suburbs that do the most housework
Don't want to do any housework? Then live in the inner suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.
Small Business
How Jun Lee built a $16m chicken and beer business
Gami Chicken & Beer's will open its first Sydney store this year and is aiming to have 45 Gami Chicken & Beer stores Australia-wide by 2020.
The problem with the entrepreneurial dream
The vision of many millions of dollars, long holidays and freedom to choose your own hours might just be wishful thinking.