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- Live
- Markets Live
Shares rise; Goodman lifts guidance, Perpetual confirms KKR deal
Shares add 0.2pc. Dow rises for five straight days. ANZ sticks to Nov rate cut call. IPH lobs Qantm takeover bid. Leo Lithium sells $US343m tenement stake. Flight Centre confirms guidance. Follow here.
Latest Posts
Star Entertainment’s luxury yacht fire sale finds way to Federal Court
Seek job ads plunge in April
KKR to buy Perpetual’s trustee, advice businesses for $2.175b
Australian Vintage unwinds big vineyard lease
Last updated 11 mins ago
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
‘I’m not Buffett’: Druckenmiller on Nvidia, Trump and the Fed’s error
Wall Street legend Stan Druckenmiller has profited from the Federal Reserve’s dovish pivot, though he says it could get harder for investors to time AI’s boom.
Origin reaps $420m Octopus gain as Aware Super climbs on board
The UK energy disruptor has upped its valuation by 15pc, in a transaction that brought in Aware and raised the value of Origin’s stake beyond $2 billion.
- Live
- Need to Know
Chalmers worried about sluggish new housing pipeline
Slow housing pipeline worries Chalmers; Stormy Daniels testifies; ratings warning over Victoria’s $188b debt. Follow updates here.
Stormy Daniels gives graphic testimony about alleged sexual encounter with Trump
The porn star told jurors in the “hush money” criminal trial that she “blacked out” despite consuming no drugs or alcohol during the encounter in a hotel room.
- Analysis
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Benjamin Netanyahu’s dilemma: save the hostages or his government
In one of the biggest gambles of his career, Israel’s premier sent troops into Rafah to raise pressure on Hamas — and buy time.
Everything we know about the budget, so far
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down Labor’s third budget on May 14. Here are all the spending measures we know about so far.
Breaking news on companies, politics and economics, in your inbox as it happens.
RBA DECISION
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Why data-driven Bullock has her eye on the budget
RBA governor Michele Bullock says it’s too early to declare victory over inflation as she avoids the markets’ frenzied guessing game on interest rates.
- Opinion
- The AFR View
An RBA tightening bias is called for
It’s hard not to interpret the governor’s press conference and the board’s statement as at least a mild tightening bias that will keep the cash rate where it is at least until near the end of 2024.
Petrol, strong jobs market stoking inflation: RBA
The central bank on Tuesday upgraded its near-term forecasts for headline inflation and pushed back the likelihood of interest rate relief until mid-2025.
Rising government spending is hurting the RBA’s inflation fight
The Australian economy is still operating at an unsustainably strong level despite a string of weak economic growth figures, due in part to public sector spending.
‘We need to be alert and vigilant’: Michele Bullock
This is an edited and abridged transcript of a press conference held by Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock.
VICTORIAN BUDGET
Size of Victorian government to be cut for first time in 15 years
Tight control over salaries and operating expenses will result in reduced average expenditure of 2.2 per cent over forward estimates.
- Updated
- Victorian budget
Ratings warning over Victoria’s $188b debt
Rating agencies have put the Victorian government on notice after it revealed state debt would climb to $188 billion, with a daily interest bill of $26 million.
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Victoria must get a grip
The heavily indebted state has at least stopped whacking its private sector. But there is little sign of resolve on its debts.
Victorian budget winners and losers
There are no new taxes or levies for the first time in several years – although the state’s waste and fire levies are increasing – but the budget avoids many tough decisions save for a slowdown in infrastructure spending.
Victoria adds $700m to home buyer scheme – and calls time on it
There were minimal housing policies in the Victorian budget, but the state government is hopeful of a pick-up in sales next year to boost its finances.
Get the latest business news on the go with the AFR’s new iOS app.
Companies
- Exclusive
- Super yachts
Star’s luxury yacht fire sale finds way to Federal Court
The family office of a wealthy Cypriot businessman has accused the gaming group of reneging on a sales agreement, and wants millions of dollars in compensation.
Cettire founder makes rare appearance to talk up retailer’s growth
The luxury goods marketplace has been under considerable investor pressure with questions over some of the company’s duty and tax payment practices.
- Analysis
- Mergers & acquisitions
BHP’s siren song to Anglo shareholders is operational excellence
A claim to be the mining sector’s “best operator” is a big part of BHP’s pitch to Anglo American shareholders, as it promises to get more blood out of the same stones.
Westpac’s business boss eyes fast-charging financing demand
Anthony Miller says “business credit growth will be as good, if not better than in the first half” after three banks talked up their business lending pipelines.
- Exclusive
- Aviation
Bonza’s backers plotted to ‘get the planes out’ and ‘wind this up’
Leaked documents show the writing was on the wall for the budget carrier weeks before it collapsed, and suggest co-ordination between its financiers and owners.
Iluka boss calls out China’s infiltration of rare earths in Australia
Tom O’Leary says China is trying to extend its global dominance in rare earths by controlling assets in Australia and rigging prices.
- Updated
- Earnings season
ANZ says it can reward shareholders and grow lending
The bank said profits were down in its retail business with conditions “more competitive than ever”, but lending to large companies was stronger.
Companies in the News
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Markets
Traders trim rate rise bets on patient RBA
The markets are now pricing in just a 15 chance the cash rate will rise again this year after the Reserve Bank stood pat on Tuesday.
Investors pull money from Wall Street in favour of Asia, Europe
Fund managers are reallocating money away from Wall Street betting that ‘US exceptionalism’ has run its course.
ATO targets crypto traders’ tax affairs, bank details
The Tax Office is ramping up its surveillance of crypto traders, demanding that exchanges hand over details around clients’ ID, wallet addresses and bank accounts.
RBA’s radio silence fuels extreme rate rise bets
Traders’ bet that the RBA will lift the cash rate is fuelled by the central bank’s lack of communications since March as it undergoes sweeping reporting changes.
Investors return to Chinese stocks on housing policy hope
Battered Chinese assets are getting a second look as a combination of earnings recovery, policy support and cheap valuations lure investors.
Opinion
An RBA tightening bias is called for
It’s hard not to interpret the governor’s press conference and the board’s statement as at least a mild tightening bias that will keep the cash rate where it is at least until near the end of 2024.
Editorial
Reforms rather than rate rises
Supply side deregulation to drive productivity is the other half of the policy armoury that should be deployed to help curb inflation and keep employment full.
Columnist
‘Vigilant’ RBA puts home loan borrowers on notice
Governor Michele Bullock has issued a fresh warning to mortgage holders, two years after the Reserve Bank of Australia began raising interest rates.
Economics editor
Victoria must get a grip
The heavily indebted state has at least stopped whacking its private sector. But there is little sign of resolve on its debts.
Editorial
Why data-driven Bullock has her eye on the budget
RBA governor Michele Bullock says it’s too early to declare victory over inflation as she avoids the markets’ frenzied guessing game on interest rates.
Columnist
The Reserve Bank’s bleak news on housing
The central bank sees little respite for struggling home buyers and renters for years to come, as demand in the nation’s housing market continues to outstrip supply.
Columnist
Reports
BOSS Best Places to Work
The awards celebrate the achievements of the best small, medium and large organisations and nine sector winners.
Politics
Everything we know about the budget, so far
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down Labor’s third budget on May 14. Here are all the spending measures we know about so far.
- Exclusive
- Federal budget
Labor’s plan to ‘restore faith’ in Qld
Anthony Albanese said Labor’s Future Made in Australia Act was key to “restore faith” with blue-collar Queenslanders, who deserted the party in 2019 over the confused position on the Adani coal mine.
Calls for power to break up Coles and Woolies split inquiry
The ACCC should get new legal powers to prosecute supermarkets found to be engaging in price gouging, a parliamentary inquiry has recommended.
Health portal ‘plagued by incomplete records and poor usability’
Poor usability and incomplete records are frustrating uptake of the My Health Record portal, while the Productivity Commission estimates benefits of around $5.4 billion a year if it can be made to work.
Landlords offered $5000 lure for housing fix
Amid a surge in Perth property prices, the WA government will give owners of vacant homes $5000 if they make them available for long-term renters.
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World
White House piles ceasefire pressure on Netanyahu as tanks roll into Rafah
White House national security spokesman John Kirby urged negotiators to come to an agreement after Israel launched a “limited” assault on Rafah, in the south of Gaza.
Garrick Club of London votes to accept female members for first time
The vote — by a margin of roughly 60 per cent to 40 per cent — will open membership to women for the first time since the club’s founding in 1831.
Famous, poor and gay, she scandalised her class, and country
Lawyer Constance Debré left her husband for women. Denied custody of her son, she turned the story into a book that shocked France.
Palestinians seek UN General Assembly backing for full membership
It would effectively act as a global survey of how much support the Palestinians have for their bid, which was vetoed in the UN Security Council last month by the US.
- Updated
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Israel takes control of Rafah border crossing
The Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing early on Tuesday local time, the Israeli military said, taking “operational control” of the vital pass.
Property
- Exclusive
- Luxury property
Investors Mutual CEO sells designer Sydney mansion for $23m
Damon Hambly and designer Philippa Haydon bought the Bellevue Hill property for just $3.7 million in 2010 and turned it into a trophy home.
Pace of house price growth to cool as risks emerge
House prices have recouped the interest rate-induced losses in the past two years and are poised to hit record highs this year, but downside risks are gathering pace, according to experts.
Rest Super, Barings snaffle $780m Goodman industrial portfolio
The Australian super fund and US investment manager have acquired 12 properties in Sydney and Melbourne, leased to the likes of Amazon and Metcash.
Vicinity, ISPT offload WA mall for $70m, taking capital loss
The Halls Head Central shopping centre was once valued at $114 million.
Landlords offered $5000 lure for housing fix
Amid a surge in Perth property prices, the WA government will give owners of vacant homes $5000 if they make them available for long-term renters.
Wealth
The overlooked asset class that could set you up for retirement
Residential property investment is good for accumulating wealth, but commercial property will provide retirees with a better income stream.
Stressed by rates and thinking about fixing? Try the sleep test first
Lenders outside the big four are offering some of their best fixed mortgage rates in more than a year, but practice extreme caution, experts say.
- Opinion
- Investing
The investment shift that could undermine your wealth plan
Whether to invest for income or growth is not the right question to ask for those in or moving to retirement.
Technology
How Kim Jong-un’s propaganda song conquered TikTok
“Friendly Father” is the first North Korean composition about the leader to go viral for its musicality.
Apple plays up AI potential in new iPads
The tech company unveiled a bevy of new iPads including two versions of the iPad Pro sporting its M4 chipset and a redesigned iPad Air model in two sizes.
It’s bigger and brighter, but is it Samsung’s best TV?
We pit Samsung’s “pinnacle” TV against a lesser model. The results won’t surprise you.
Work & Careers
Adelaide’s best restaurants for a business lunch
Where to go when you’ve got a deal to discuss, when you want to impress your top client or thank the team – as tested by our reviewers.
Watchdog investigates CFMEU conduct at major Brisbane project sites
The Fair Work Ombudsman is making “active inquiries” into claims the CFMEU jumped fences and allegedly intimidated workers at major Queensland infrastructure sites.
Life & Luxury
Are ultraprocessed foods unfairly vilified?
Many scientists suspect manufactured foods are causing a range of health issues, but there is a lack of rigorous research to prove it.
- Analysis
- UK leadership
Jeremy Clarkson, patron saint of the Great British bore
In barely a decade he has gone from disgraced Top Gear presenter to beloved guardian of the British countryside, due to the success of Clarkson’s Farm.
- Driving With Tony Davis
- Motoring
This tiny EV is cute and cool – but is it worth $59k?
The battery-powered Fiat Abarth 500e is a fun way to zip around town. And you can park it pretty much anywhere.
‘New York polish, Ballarat work ethic’: the designer creating an empire
Other Australian brands are struggling. So what’s Rebecca Vallance doing right?
The 20-year-old brand making its fashion week debut
The woman behind Melbourne born-and-bred cool girl label Viktoria & Woods says it’s finally time to reach a wider audience.
From the gallery
BOSS Financial Review
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Flexibility the new quid pro quo in the workplace
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Whole-of-portfolio approach to investing brings collaboration to the fore
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Australia’s renewables push creating demand for wide-ranging jobs, new skills
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