This Month
Banks say borrowers aren’t reducing home loan repayments as rates fall
Three major lenders say only one in 10 customers are asking to pay less, a blow to retailers who have hoped the RBA’s moves would stimulate sluggish spending.
April
US consumer confidence plunges to lowest in 5 years on Trump tariffs
The figures reflect a rapidly souring mood among Americans, who expect prices to rise because of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
America is panicking about empty shelves. That’s bad news for markets
The pain of a trade war between the US and China has already started, but Wall Street is all-in on a deal arriving soon. Here’s why that’s optimistic.
Why Rolexes and Nikes could get more expensive
The ripple effects from the biggest assault on free trade in decades will be felt across the world – not just on US shop shelves.
March
US consumers are freaking out. Australian investors should worry
Donald Trump’s tariffs have smashed confidence at the same time as household wealth has taken a whack from falling shares. April 2 looms larger by the day.
Signs of consumer pick-up as China fights off tariff hit
Data released on Tuesday showed retail sales rose 4 per cent in the January-February period, better than a 3.7 per cent rise in December.
Macquarie warns of bear market as US spending collapses
The broker expects any rebound to be short-lived as Donald Trump’s trade war and government spending cuts could trigger a 20 per cent drop in the sharemarket.
The six charts that show the consumer comeback is here
After two years of cutting back, Australians are finally loosening their purse strings as confidence rises. But a full-blown boom seems unlikely.
November 2024
Consumer confidence hits 2½-year high as rate rise fears ease
Despite the lift in sentiment, households may need to wait another seven months before receiving mortgage relief.
Key US inflation gauge and spending pick up in solid economy
The figures cap a month of upside surprises in vital reports that will likely augur a cautious approach to interest rate cuts in the months ahead.
October 2024
US economy expands on the back of consumer resilience
Inflation-adjusted GDP grew by 2.8 per cent while consumer spending advanced 3.7 per cent, the most since early 2023.
Fears for Victoria as economy ‘diverges from other states’
Victoria has fallen behind the rest of the country across a range of economic indicators including for house prices, spending and business conditions as economists warn of a “clear divergence” from other states.
Victoria slumps for business, as execs warn: ‘It’s really struggling’
CSL chairman Brian McNamee and former NAB CEO Ross McEwan warn that the state is in financial peril, as new business starts fell behind the rest of the country.
September 2024
China’s stimulus no bazooka, but urgency has arrived
China’s efforts to stimulate its economy this week were welcomed and the fight against a slowing economy appears to be on.
June 2024
Upbeat markets price in rate cut as US inflation eases
US President Joe Biden welcomed the news of falling inflation but said more needed to be done to reduce the cost of living.
May 2024
Tax cut ‘surprise’ could pump $10b back into economy
A surprisingly large number of people are unaware of the stage three tax cuts, which may make them more likely to spend their share of $23 billion, adding pressure to inflation.
April 2024
The Melbourne shopping hotspot that became a ‘ghost town’
Businesses on Bridge Road in Richmond, which has a whopping 15.5 per cent vacancy rate, fear an insolvency snowball effect.
Markets cut rate cut bets as US inflation rises to 3.5pc
Stubborn inflation driven by fuel and rent has raised concerns of a resurgence in consumer prices and slashed expectations the Fed Reserve will start cutting rates in June.
March 2024
Swift Lift: Domestic travellers splashed $170m during Taylor’s tour
The average interstate and regional concert-goer spent $500 including $37 on clothing and accessories and another $120 on attractions.
February 2024
Hotter than expected US CPI boosts chances of Fed hold
With inflation still well above the Federal Reserve’s 2 per cent target level, financial markets are betting that the central bank will keep rates steady.