Inflation
From top shelf to bargain bins: Shoppers downgrade their tipple
High inflation and aggressive interest rate rises have left the nation’s retail sector facing its worst outlook in generations.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
The ‘extraordinary numbers’ signalling years of pain for renters
An expert analysis shows migration, low vacancy rates and soft investment will drive rental inflation beyond its current 15-year high.
- by Rachel Clun
End the creep: Former RBA expert backs annual tax relief for millions
Luci Ellis, Westpac’s chief economist, says there’s a big case for increasing tax thresholds each year. Without end, taxes will keep rising forever.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Employment
We are now in a vaudeville economy where bad news is good news
There’s a good chance that there’s enough bad news around on family finances that the government handouts won’t push up interest rates.
- by Chris Richardson
The little luxuries households are skipping as they plan to bank their tax cuts
The Reserve Bank is relieved that many households have increased their savings as interest rates rose, but hospitality is feeling the brunt.
- by Rachel Clun
Exclusive
Political leadership
What Australians plan to do with their $300 energy bill subsidy
Most Australians say they will use it to increase savings or pay down loans, countering fears of a spending splurge that would fuel inflation.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
Federal budget
Money can’t buy everything, but Chalmers can buy an inflation reduction
The treasurer’s use of new policy tools to solve new kinds of inflation has enraged many commentators, but the anger of those stuck in the past doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be looking to the future.
- by Richard Denniss
Opinion
Federal budget
How the budget was hijacked by a $300 cherry on the top
The energy rebate is a perfectly sensible device to hasten progress in getting inflation down to the target zone.
- by Ross Gittins
Bet your house on it: The issues Dutton wants as election battlegrounds
The opposition leader seems utterly sure of his power to drive Albanese out of office. Too sure, perhaps.
- by David Crowe
How do I get the $300 energy bill rebate? Your top budget questions answered
From cost-of-living relief to inflation, our experts unpack your most pressing concerns from the federal budget.
- by Rachel Clun and Ross Gittins
Opinion
Opinion
Why this glimmer of hope has Wall Street very excited
At last there’s some good news on US inflation that raises hopes of interest rate cuts. But the excitement might be premature.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz