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Business confidence has slipped back into negative territory following the RBA’s rake hike last month.

EconomyCommentsPremiumWar and RBA hike drag business confidence back into the red

Business confidence has plunged into negative territory in February for the first time in almost a year, according to a new bank survey, likely reflecting some caution in the wake of the RBA’s rate hike.

Cheyanne Enciso

Australia’s economy is growing.

EconomyCommentsPremiumFastest growth in three years sparks fear of more rate hikes

The fastest economic growth in three years has sparked fears of even more rate rises to tackle rampant inflation, that’s tipped to get worse as the Middle East conflict escalates.

Stephen Johnson

Higher commodity prices, during a time of heightened oil prices, traditionally boosts Australia’s terms of trade, or the difference between export and import prices.

RBAVideoCommentsPremiumRBA alert to Iran war ‘supply shocks’ and inflation risk

Reserve Bank chief Michele Bullock has suggested the Middle East conflict could worsen Australia’s inflation crisis. But she also hinted at something very unexpected.

Stephen Johnson

US sailors transfer ordnance on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

BusinessCommentsPremiumRBA keeps watching brief on Iran ‘supply shocks’ and inflation

It's unclear if financial conditions can bring inflation under control or whether conflict in Iran will make it worse, the Reserve Bank governor says.

Jacob Shteyman

RBA deputy boss Sarah Hunter pictured speaking in Perth in February.

EconomyCommentsHeavier hand on inflation would’ve cost jobs: RBA

Harsher interest rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 would have cut inflation sooner but at the cost of more than 100,000 jobs, the Reserve Bank has revealed.

Matt Mckenzie

Super Retail Group boss Paul Bradshaw.

RetailCommentsPremiumRebel owner says rate rises ‘rattled’ shoppers in December

The company behind some of Australia’s best-known brands says consumers were “rattled” about interest rate hikes as early as December, which led to a more cautious shopping behaviour during Christmas.

Cheyanne Enciso

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - 09 DECEMBER 2025: RBA Governor Michele Bullock gives a statement in regards of the Monetary Policy Decision in Sydney. NewsWire / Christian Gilles

EconomyPremiumBullock pledges inflation won’t get out of control again

Michele Bullock has declared she’s confident inflation “won’t take off again” with the Reserve Bank expected to mull a further interest rate hike within months.

Matt Mckenzie

Jim Chalmers won't do it, so RBA Governor Michele Bullock is wrestling the economy to the ground.

EconomyCommentsPremiumChance of rate rise high after disappointing inflation data

Home borrowers are facing another interest rate rise in coming months with inflation still soaring.

Stephen Johnson

Perth buyers had last year camped outside a Burns Beach sales office to secure land. 7NEWS

PropertyPremiumShortage fears ease as Perth land supply improves

New land prices have hit a fresh high in Perth but improving supply and rising interest rates should help take heat out of the market in 2026.

Matt Mckenzie

The tight jobs market has been a key reason many economists expect the Reserve Bank may need to increase interest rates again this year.

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EconomyCommentsPremium
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New jobs data does little to keep another rate hike at bay

A thumping jobs result will help WA retain its status as Australia’s economic powerhouse but the national labour market still looks too hot for the Reserve Bank.

Matt Mckenzie

Australian wages are going backwards.

EconomyCommentsPremiumPay levels lag behind inflation for first time in two years

Australian workers have seen their pay levels go backwards compared with inflation for the first time since late 2023, calling into question Labor’s election promise to get wages moving again.

Stephen Johnson

Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock.

RBACommentsPremiumRBA flags more rate rises as high inflation lingers

The Reserve Bank of Australia has hinted another rate rise this year was likely, with the minutes of its February meeting revealing board members are concerned about inflation remaining high into 2027.

Stephen Johnson

The Reserve Bank board is set to unveil the minutes of the meeting that led to its rates decision. (Aap/AAP PHOTOS)

MoneyPremiumReserve Bank to spell out why it delivered rates pain

Mortgage-holders will be given an insight into the likelihood of further rate hikes when minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting are revealed.

Andrew Brown

Wage data for the final quarter of 2025 is expected to reveal growth at 3.4 per cent year-on-year. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

EconomyCommentsPremiumRBA offers more rates call insight before jobs data

Critical unemployment figures will give Australia's central bank a clearer picture on whether it will deliver a second interest rate hike in as many months.

Andrew Browmn

Esteemed economics professor Bruce Preston (left) will join the Reserve Bank board members in charge of setting interest rates, appointed by Jim Chalmers.

EconomicsCommentsEconomics professor joins RBA’s rate-setting board

Esteemed economics professor Bruce Preston will join the Reserve Bank board members in charge of setting interest rates, just a fortnight before it makes another crucial decision for the nation’s homeowners.

Katina Curtis

Sarah Hunter

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RBACommentsPremium
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Hunters have the upper hand in WA jobs market

The struggle to find a tradie in WA is a symptom of a “tight” jobs market that will make fighting inflation harder, Reserve Bank assistant boss Sarah Hunter has said.

Matt Mckenzie

Michele Bullock and Jim Chalmers are facing growing pressure on the link between government spending and the inflation crisis.

RBACommentsPremium‘I’ve answered’: RBA chief tries to shut down spending query

Australia’s central bank chief Michele Bullock tried to shut down questioning at a Senate economics committee when asked about government spending.

Stephen Johnson

Deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

RBACommentsPremium‘Whatever is necessary’: RBA promises to crush inflation

Reserve Bank deputy boss Andrew Hauser says it will do ‘whatever is necessary’ to slow inflation and declared raising productivity Australia’s most urgent economic priority.

Matt Mckenzie

There is a gloomy outlook for household spending after the RBA rate hike last week.

EconomyCommentsPremiumGloomy outlook for household spending after RBA rate hike

Household spending unexpectedly declined in December, with the outlook for the year ahead gloomy after the Reserve Bank of Australia hiked interest rates last week.

Cheyanne Enciso

Editorial: It is clear that the Government is a key driver of inflation — and by extension, interest rates. It is incumbent on the Government to deliver an antidote.

EditorialsPremiumRBA chief links government to inflation and rate rise

Editorial: It is clear that the Government is a key driver of inflation — and by extension, interest rates. It is incumbent on the Government to deliver an antidote.

Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michele Bullock speaks at Parliament on Friday.

RBACommentsPremiumRBA chief says government spending pushing up inflation

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock has told MPs government spending is pushing up inflation by adding to demand for goods and services. She contradicted Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Stephen Johnson

Foschini operates 610 stores in Australia and New Zealand.

RetailCommentsPremiumTarocash owner latest retailer to call out plummeting sales

The owner of Australian menswear brands Tarocash and Connor has become the latest retailer to call out softening sales during the crucial Christmas trading period, warning it has extended into the new year.

Cheyanne Enciso

Jim Chalmers won't do it, so RBA Governor Michele Bullock is wrestling the economy to the ground.

opinion
opinion
EDITORIALCommentsPremium
opinion
After rates pain decision it could get even worse

Australians are being told to buckle up as the RBA may have to hike rates four times across the next two years, based on inflation forecasts.

RBA governor Michele Bullock

RBACommentsPremiumMay Day for Aussie homeowners with another hike looming

Aussie borrowers have been told to brace for another interest rate hike as soon as May with a flurry of experts warning the Reserve Bank will take an aggressive approach to stopping inflation.

Matt Mckenzie