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Economics

Fed's rate hike exacerbates Australia's outlook

MATTHEW WAI  |  THURSDAY, 17 SEP 2026
The Federal Reserve has lifted its interest rate for the first time in more than three years, contributing to the ongoing adversity the global economy is facing, especially in Australia.

ECB hikes rates, economists expect RBA might be next

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  FRIDAY, 11 SEP 2026
The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised the interest rates on the deposit facility by 25 basis points to 2.5%, in a bid to stabilise inflation at its 2% target in the medium term, as conflicts in the Middle East continue to generate inflation pressures.

Labor moves to kill non-compete clauses in productivity push

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  TUESDAY, 8 SEP 2026
The Labor government has put forward a draft bill to ban non-compete clauses for employees whose earnings are equal to or less than the high-income threshold, in a bid to promote productivity and competition in the broader economy.

Australian economy growth 'stronger than expected'

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  THURSDAY, 3 SEP 2026
The Australian economy grew 0.4% in the June quarter, growing 2.1% in the year to June 2026.

CEDA warns migration cuts will have economic spillover

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  WEDNESDAY, 2 SEP 2026
The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) has warned while a dramatic cut in headline migration figures might be seductive, changes at scale will have a spillover in the economy including the labour market.

Albanese pushes Trump on tariff exemption

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  FRIDAY, 14 AUG 2026
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked US President Donald Trump to consider a full exemption on tariffs for Australia, or at the very least no increase from the current 12.5% subject on Australian exports to the US.

RBA on hold but keeps door open for more hikes

ELIZA BAVIN  |  WEDNESDAY, 12 AUG 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the door open for further tightening despite keeping the cash rate steady at 4.35%.

PC calls on government to 'redouble' efforts to close the gap

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 30 JUL 2026
The Productivity Commission has released its 2026 annual Data Compilation Report, tracking Australia's performance towards the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Mixed inflation data keeps August RBA meeting a 'live' one

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  WEDNESDAY, 29 JUL 2026
Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.8% in the 12 months to June, down from 4% in the 12 months to May 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Jobs data surprises on the upside, rate hike on the cards

RIDDHIMA TALWANI  |  FRIDAY, 24 JUL 2026
Employment jumped by a substantial 76,300 jobs in June, above the market consensus of 15,000 jobs creation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).