Newspaper icon
The latest issue of Financial Standard now available as an e-newspaper
READ NOW

Economics

Australia finalises 'landmark' trade agreement with European Union

MATTHEW WAI  |  WEDNESDAY, 25 MAR 2026
After years of negotiations, the Federal Government has secured a landmark trade deal with the European Union overnight, which will unlock "lucrative" access to European government mandates for local businesses.

Chalmers looks to shore up fuel supply as Iran war continues

ELIZA BAVIN  |  MONDAY, 23 MAR 2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers convened an emergency meeting of the Council of Financial Regulators to discuss the conflict in the Middle East.

Geopolitical risks, private credit threaten financial stability: RBA

KARREN VERGARA  |  FRIDAY, 20 MAR 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that with the tremors of geopolitical tensions already being felt, the vulnerabilities of the US and UK private credit markets could spill over to Australia.

Treasury downgrades productivity assumptions

ELIZA BAVIN  |  FRIDAY, 20 MAR 2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said productivity is expected to fall along with birth rates, but a 300,000 jump in migration per year will likely add to economic growth.

Chalmers says Budget will make 'hard decisions'

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 19 MAR 2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Federal Budget will focus on savings, boosting productivity and investment, and delivering tax cuts.

Senate report provides fuel for CGT discount tweak

JAMIE WILLIAMSON  |  THURSDAY, 19 MAR 2026
A Senate inquiry into the operation of the capital gains tax discount concluded the concession does skew ownership away from owner-occupiers and impacts wealth and intergenerational inequality.

Another RBA hike in May 'not a done deal'

ELIZA BAVIN  |  WEDNESDAY, 18 MAR 2026
With yesterday's Reserve Bank interest rate hike being such a close call, experts are saying a third consecutive hike in May will be a last-minute decision.

Inflation to spike, oil supply plenty: Chalmers

KARREN VERGARA  |  MONDAY, 16 MAR 2026
While Treasurer Jim Chalmers did not rule out that inflation could hit as much as 5%, he is confident that Australia will not run out of fuel off the back of the current Middle East crisis.

Inflation could surge above 4%

ELIZA BAVIN  |  FRIDAY, 13 MAR 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia and Treasury are anticipating inflation to rise above 4% as a result of the war in Iran.

March RBA hike now on the cards

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 12 MAR 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hike interest rates this month as economists bring forward their forecasts from May.