Reserve Bank defies the doves, bolstered by brighter data
The RBA has refused to bow to the market's fiercely dovish positioning, and the improved data has repaid its faith in patience.
‘Rocky waters’ for global middle class as incomes flatline
The middle classes in developed nations are under pressure from stagnant income growth, rising lifestyle costs and unstable jobs, and this risks fuelling political instability.
What treasure will Labor inherit if it wins the election?
Unemployment is at an eight-year low and budget surpluses are locked in, but Chris Bowen will have to navigate falling house prices and slow wage growth to join Peter Costello in the budget surplus club.
Market gives up on election rate cut
The futures market has dramatically flipped on the chance of an interest rate cut in May, all but ruling out a cut before election day.
Why the West's big economies are turning Japanese
Western nations need some of the policy boldness that they once urged upon Japan if they are to avoid decades of malaise.
RBA does not expect to cut interest rates
The RBA's Guy Debelle said ''decent'' economic growth over the next few months would be enough to prevent the bank from having to cut official rates.
Federal budget boosts consumer confidence
Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index shows consumer confidence and expectations around housing and employment have improved since the budget.
Guggenheim foresees mid-2020 US recession
The probability of a recession occurring in the US in the next two years has more than doubled, according to Guggenheim Partners.
Australia's growth rate slowing at twice the speed of peers, says IMF
The global economy has hit an air pocket and Australia isn't immune, the IMF warns.
Stretched Australians unable to reduce debt
Fewer people expect to reduce their debt levels this year and more expect to increase them despite household debt running at 190 per cent.
Economists back IMF on property, rates
Economists endorsed the IMF's view that the property downturn was worse than previously thought and said it increased the chance the RBA wou...
