February
US trade deficit hit record in 2024 as imports surged
The US recorded its largest trade deficit in goods with China, followed by the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam and then Ireland.
January
Do you know this week’s news? Answer these 10 questions
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
Which billionaire didn’t attend Trump’s inauguration? Take our quiz
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
Ioneer gets $1.6b loan to build Nevada lithium mine
The Australian miner received the loan from the Biden administration to create the first new lithium mine in the US in almost 60 years.
How Biden will be remembered: A legacy in five key areas
The economy is solid and the president’s personal reputation is largely intact. But his term will be remembered for out-of-control immigration and inflation.
Do you know this week’s news? Answer these 10 questions
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
US economy smashes job expectations, unemployment rate drops
Nonfarm payrolls increased 256,000 last month, the most since March, bolstering the case for a pause in Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
Quiet, snowy peace replaces the gallows of January 6, 2021
Where once a makeshift gallows was erected for former vice president Mike Pence there now stands 30cm of soft, pure driven snow and not a soul to be found.
December 2024
US payrolls rebound, economy adds 227,000 jobs
The unemployment rate edged higher to 4.2 per cent, pointing to cooling demand for workers and confirming the case for a rate cut this month.
Blinken and Russia’s Lavrov clash on Ukraine at meeting in Malta
Russia’s foreign minister has accused the West of reviving the Cold War and provoking a direct conflict with Russia.
Australian rare earth miners warned on US-China trade war
Australian critical minerals companies reliant on China for processing or production could face more headwinds as the Beijing-Washington trade war heats up.
November 2024
China releases three Americans imprisoned for years
A diplomatic agreement was reached with China, the White House said. It was not yet clear whether the US sent home any Chinese citizens.
Putin ramps up nuclear threat after US missiles hit Russian arsenal
Tensions have escalated quickly in the Ukraine Russia war after the use of US long-range missiles. Australia has joined international peers condemning Russia for threatening a nuclear retaliation.
US leadership ‘indispensable’ even with Trump: Rudd
In his first comments since the former president’s comeback, the Australian ambassador in Washington says he is ready to work with the new White House.
Labor’s $15b reconstruction fund makes landmark first investment
Donald Trump’s retreat from the renewable energy transition is good timing for plans to reboot domestic manufacturing, says the National Reconstruction Fund head.
October 2024
Biden, Netanyahu speak as Israel readies ‘lethal, precise’ attack plan
The two leaders were in discussions for the first time in almost two months as the IDF continued to press hard against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Biden triggers oil price surge as Middle East tensions mount
A vague remark from the US president sent oil prices more than 5 per cent higher as Israel’s standoff with Iran threatens to spill out into the global economy.
Biden slams ‘incredible’ 800pc profits as port strike threatens brands
The stoppage, which also risks reigniting inflation and pushing up unemployment just a month before the US election, is heaping pressure on President Joe Biden.
September 2024
‘Utterly untrue’: Keating berates Marles over AUKUS defence
Paul Keating launched fresh criticism of the $368 billion agreement, part of internal Labor squabbling over the pact, which has not gone unnoticed in the UK and US.
Fighting continues as US, France push for ceasefire
The US and its allies proposed a three-week truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in a bid to head off an all-out war.