The brutal retail politics behind the inflation fight
Relations between the Albanese government and the Reserve Bank of Australia are at an unprecedented low. Only one thing will ease the tension.
- Exclusive
- Federal election
Lift RBA target band, Costello dares Chalmers
Peter Costello has challenged Labor to raise the RBA’s target band for inflation rather than attack the bank over monetary policy, after Wayne Swan’s accusations.
Labor shift over crackdown on tax agents
The new stance was announced after a meeting between Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and a coalition of 10 professional associations.
Jewish uni students ‘shunned and told to study at home’
Interviews with dozens of students and academics has uncovered a disturbing picture of the ostracism, intimidation and vilification Jews and Israelis encounter.
Bugger off, Brookfield: Insurers hit back at private hospital chain
The increasingly bitter feud between insurers and private health operators is getting personal.
ASX-listed gold miner places near $100m bet on African project
Australia’s largest African-focused gold miner has increased its bet on a Guinean project, giving the company the option to lob a takeover.
Trump, Harris are spending $25m a week. They’re just getting started
The two candidates’ campaigns are spending their war chests on everything from social media adverts to lawn signs. But a multi-million dollar blitz is still to come.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
review
Learning to live with 50 degree temperatures
From Dubai to Mumbai, cities are having to adapt to hotter summers, often exacerbating economic inequality in the process.
Trump courts the ‘bro vote’, which could just swing the election
A constellation of YouTubers, pranksters and streamers is helping Donald Trump win his frat-boy flank – 18-to-29-year-olds who Republicans believe may just win them the poll.
- Analysis
- World politics
No one is talking about the world’s worst humanitarian crisis
Sudan’s catastrophic war could kill millions and spread chaos across Africa and the Middle East as huge numbers of refugees flee the country.
This poker pro wants to teach you how to be a better gambler
Nate Silver’s account of the gaming industry can be read as a useful manual for aspiring card sharps and professional sports gamblers, but it doubles as an indictment.
- Opinion
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The 5 things university students should be protesting about
Here are some alternative focal points for outrage and protest, particularly for morally energetic university students.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
Companies
Inside Project Amidala: AirTrunk’s $24b deal
Four years ago, Blackstone missed its chance to buy up the data centre giant. It wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice, even if it cost $24 billion.
Melbourne Football Club president quits amid Petracca saga
Kate Roffey has quit the board, just a week after she was heavily criticised for a radio interview about disgruntled Demons superstar Christian Petracca.
- Updated
- Courts
Westpac allegedly bullied ‘troublemaker’ staffer who raised RAMS fraud
The bank’s head of audit and risk also alleges that executives sidelined her. The prudential and corporate regulators are investigating.
Samuel Terry emerges as ARN Media kingmaker with 16pc stake
The activist investment firm has become the television and radio broadcaster’s largest shareholder as the company attempts to consolidate regional media.
Pacific Smiles CEO exits after just eight months and failed takeover
Co-founder and large shareholder says July trade was strong in part because some dentists cut back on the usual skiing holidays and worked instead.
CFMEU official used super fund money to help union, alleges APRA
Legal action has started against Michael O’Connor, who is accused of knowing a First Super staffer was also performing work for his labour organisation.
Arcadium to mothball Mt Cattlin amid low lithium prices
The collapse in lithium prices has claimed its first major victim in Western Australia.
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Markets
Earnings season surprises shake up ASX short sellers
Fortescue, Woodside Energy and Pro Medicus have topped the list of companies being bet against as hedge funds rework their strategies after reporting season.
ASX gains as CBA rallies; Woodside, BHP down
Shares advance; Wall Street mixed ahead of August jobs report; Woodside sells $US2 billion of bonds to help fund acquisitions; iron ore extends decline. Follow updates here.
Markets brace for more bad news on US economy
Traders have ramped up bets on rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
What happened overnight? The S&P 500 dropped as jobs data loomed
Australian shares were set to edge up, reversing earlier losses. US equities were mixed as the debate over how much the Fed should cut rates this month raged.
Copper’s mega-bulls are ‘throwing in the towel’
Once hailed as the decade’s best commodity bet, investors are being forced to temper their expectations following a near 20 per cent slump in prices.
Opinion
Is private credit becoming the next subprime crisis?
Investors need to consider whether they are getting sufficient additional returns for the risks that debts issued by unregulated non-bank lenders present.
Columnist
Brawls over RBA and ASIO as election season starts
Three institutions – the central bank, the security service, and the national census – all became political footballs this week.
Columnist
Just maybe, the worm has started to turn on the cost of living
The short-lived census row has sharply reminded the government that it cannot take its eye off the economic ball now.
Political editor
The MSO brought this row on itself
Young self-absorbed artists and old complacent arts organisations like the MSO don’t understand that great art is powerful because it transcends politics.
Columnist
Playing Solomon on bitter divisions in private health
Health Minister Mark Butler’s review must eventually produce healthier private hospitals and health insurers that pass on the benefits in lower premiums.
Editorial
Bullock fights her own war
RBA governor Michele Bullock took to the podium on Thursday on a mission to avoid a war of words with the treasurer.
Senior reporter
Reports
Clean Energy - the bumpy transition
This special report looks at how Australia is tracking to meet net zero goals, and the new technology that can help us get there.
Politics
‘Vile violence’ against women faces $4.7b crackdown
States and territories will review information-sharing systems and alcohol laws under an agreement for urgent action.
Setka did not trespass on building site: police
Police clear the former CFMEU leader of any criminal offence; Angus Taylor says Wayne Swan RBA comments “disgraceful”; Mark Dreyfus says $3.9 billion for frontline legal services “critical”. Follow live updates.
Departing Shorten confident NDIS can be brought under control
The former Labor leader and party powerbroker will leave federal politics after six terms to become vice chancellor of Canberra University.
- Analysis
- Federal election
From Beaconsfield to Bruce: Labor’s loss will be education’s gain
Bill Shorten will rival, if not supplant, Kim Beazley as the best prime minister Labor never had.
Major blue-collar union splits from ACTU
Electricians, posties and plumbers have resolved to disaffiliate from the ACTU over its support for the CFMEU administration laws, in a historic split.
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World
Trump vows 15pc corporate tax, taps Musk
The Republican nominee for president also said, if elected, he would create a sovereign wealth fund for the US to invest in “great national endeavours”.
Trump, Harris are spending $25m a week. They’re just getting started
The two candidates’ campaigns are spending their war chests on everything from social media adverts to lawn signs. But a multi-million dollar blitz is still to come.
Macron turns to veteran Brexit hardman as French PM
The French president, boxed in by the parliamentary deadlock he created via a snap election in June, has named 73-year-old Michel Barnier as prime minister.
Trump will hit clean energy and any nation linked with Asia
If Donald Trump wins the White House, investors should be prepared for a drop in climate change investments and worse US relations with the world, his former adviser says.
Secrets of an unassuming NY official accused of working for China
Charges against Linda Sun are the latest in the efforts of the US Justice Department to stop efforts by the Chinese government to secretly wield its influence in the country.
Property
The green renovations that could make you $100k
The potential to save thousands of dollars and add value to homes is enticing more households to install sustainable features when renovating.
Social housing offers 8-12pc infrastructure-like returns
As Australia grapples with how to channel institutional money into new housing, the $10b HAFF fund offers a way to invest that Australia hasn’t had before.
Inside the high-tech sheds worth $24b to AirTrunk
From a single room holding a hard-working mainframe, data centres have evolved into major pieces of high-powered, high-tech infrastructure.
The suburbs where housing risks are rising
Risks of sharper house price declines are emerging across many areas in Melbourne as listings surge and demand falls.
Time to buy into REITs: Barrenjoey
Property stocks have weathered the interest rate storm, according to Barrenjoey, who say investors could be “well served” to increase their exposure.
Wealth
Earning big money but still broke? It could be lifestyle creep
Routinely splurging on luxuries can leave even very high earners drowning in debt. Three ways to set yourself free.
What to do with a six-figure redundancy payout
Being made redundant can be emotionally and financially devastating if you weren’t expecting it. But large lump sum payouts also present an opportunity to reset your career and finances.
Help! I’m trapped in my legacy pension product
A reader with $4.3 million in superannuation wants to know how he can exit an outdated, market-linked pension.
Technology
Inside the Swedish lolly craze sweeping TikTok
The world has gone mad for Scandinavian confectionery, thanks to a viral social media post about the high-quality, low-sugar sweets.
Apple, Google, parents should stop kids using social media apps: Meta
The company behind Facebook and Instagram says Apple and Google and their app stores are better placed to prevent children joining social media.
- Opinion
- Digital Life
Google or Samsung, which folding phone is best?
Google’s folding Pixel phone has finally come to Australia, so we’ve put it head to head with the incumbent.
Work & Careers
What this CEO learnt from the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Moscow’s move gave Fujitsu global CEO Takahito Tokita the impetus to buck the trend of Japanese corporates focusing exclusively on Japan.
What this exec has learnt from becoming a CEO at 29
In 2022, Rajneen Arora was the GM of Best Gift Group when the hospitality gift card company fielded a buyout offer. The deal was contingent on Arora becoming its chief executive.
Life & Luxury
- Opinion
- Music festivals
Who decides on the fair price of an Oasis ticket?
Outrage over computer-driven ticket prices to see a legendary band has left music fans and the British government in a muddle.
The watch that works with Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing
Tudor has a new collection for the America’s Cup, which blends the best of then and now in two Alinghi models.
Why men are joining book clubs
The world sleepwalked into a loneliness epidemic. Is the humble book club the remedy?
If you want to get a sense of America, head to Virginia
As the US prepares for another feverish election, it’s timely to consider the country’s long-buried origin story.
The interior decorators in the spotlight for their beautiful spaces
Looking for a home refresh to enhance your signature style or soften hard lines? These three women have the know-how.
