Yesterday
How the RBA became a global outlier in its inflation fight
This week on The Fin, economics correspondent Michael Read explains why inflation has proved stickier than expected and raised the stakes for the RBA’s big bet.
This Month
New Zealand inflation slows to three-year low
Three of the country’s main banks brought forward forecasts for RBNZ rate cuts after the inflation report.
- Matthew Brockett
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Stocks just keep rising, but bonds are flashing a big warning
Wall Street’s rally is grinding on, and now seems to be broadening out. However, beneath the surface, there are signs of fragility that shouldn’t be ignored.
- James Thomson
Interest rates might need to stay high to tame inflation: IMF
The IMF’s warning comes as economists await June quarter CPI numbers, which will be decisive in determining whether the RBA raises interest rates in August.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
University teaching could explain why democracy is ‘backsliding’
Letters from readers on social science teaching and democracy; the place of gas in the energy transition; and why any inflation is not desirable.
- Opinion
- Opinion
Why Trump and other trends all point to higher inflation
Societal forces from politics to geopolitics to de-globalisation to ageing and climate change are creating conditions that push towards higher inflation.
- Raghuram Rajan
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Why this strategist thinks the ASX at 8000 is a warning sign
Barrenjoey’s chief macro strategist won’t spend much time celebrating the latest milestone. He says the index’s fair value is about 7300.
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Why Macquarie guru Viktor Shvets says ‘Trump trade’ just got trickier
More certainty for markets of a Trump victory now might mean more uncertainty later if he sweeps November’s elections.
- James Thomson
Aussie Broadband discount offshoot Buddy chases lost customers
Aussie Broadband is hoping to win back some of the customers lost to rival Superloop with a new, cheap internet brand, Buddy Telco.
- Jenny Wiggins
Budget surplus to be 50pc bigger than forecast: Chalmers
The May budget forecast a $9.3 billion surplus last financial year, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers now says people should expect something in the ‘mid-teens’.
- Ronald Mizen
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Reserve Bank’s path to a soft landing is very narrow indeed
Further rate rises would make it harder for the RBA to achieve the trifecta of a small rise in spare labour, with employment still increasing and inflation back at target.
- Jonathan Kearns
ASX hits record high as Fed gets ‘all clear’ to cut rates
Shares and bonds have rallied, but economists are warning investors against reading too much into what the data could mean for Australia’s own central bank.
- Joanne Tran and Joshua Peach
Gas bill rises hit households despite east coast price caps
Increases of up to 11 per cent from the biggest retailers will saddle families with steeper energy costs despite a mandated pause in electricity tariff rises.
- Angela Macdonald-Smith
US September rate cut comes into sharper focus
The unexpectedly good US June CPI report has triggered a surge in the probability of a September rate cut to more than 90 per cent.
- Updated
- Timothy Moore
Port costs raise inflation fears, leave luxe cars in the slow lane
The Albanese government is facing pressure to do more to lower shipping costs.
- Tom Rabe, Jenny Wiggins and Joanne Tran
No rate cuts and maybe a rise as inflation sticks, super funds warn
The investment chiefs of the country’s biggest funds also have a bleak outlook for Aussie shares over the next year, after global equities drove double-digit returns in FY23.
- Hannah Wootton
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
The Good Guys debacle reveals inflation’s unexpected consequence
When inflation peaked at 7.8 per cent 18 months ago, no one could’ve predicted how it would affect some of our big brands.
- Anthony Macdonald
- Exclusive
- Infrastructure
Victoria’s secrecy stalls cash for Suburban Rail Loop
Victoria has failed to hand over critical information about its controversial rail loop for almost two years despite seeking $11.5 billion from taxpayers.
- Ronald Mizen
China’s consumer price growth weakens ahead of key summit
Factory deflation eases but Beijing’s reliance on exports and industrial output is stoking trade tensions.
- Ryan McMorrow
Job losses weigh on Powell’s rate cut call
The US Federal Reserve and bureaucrats are paranoid about risks to the labour market from high business borrowing costs, all while hoping price growth slows.
- Updated
- Craig Torres and Amara Omeokwe
