November
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.
- Michael Read
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.
- Matthew Boesler
October
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.
- Matthew Boesler
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.
- Patrick Durkin and Gus McCubbing
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.
- Gus McCubbing and Patrick Durkin
September
- Analysis
- Inside China
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.
- Jessica Sier
June
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.
- Updated
- Matthew Cranston
May
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.
- Michael Read
April
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.
- Gus McCubbing and Larry Schlesinger
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.
- Updated
- Matthew Cranston
March
- Exclusive
- Tourism
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.
- Samantha Hutchinson
February
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.
- Matthew Cranston
Amazon economists say they can spot a recession in real time
Two economists at the tech giant say they have a model that allows them to identify a recession in the US and Europe.
- Alex Tanzi
January
VB is in and sushi is out despite prices easing
The boss of Australia’s largest independent retailer says that while easing inflation will allay rate hike fears, premium products still aren’t selling.
- Gus McCubbing
‘Akin to a recession’: business braces for slowing economy
An estimated 40 per cent of leaders expect conditions to be weaker this year, thanks to uncertainty, ongoing supply side constraints and weakening demand.
- Patrick Durkin
November 2023
Is the US heading for a recession? Watch the rich on Black Friday
The upper middle class powered a spending boom that kept the economy afloat, but there are increasing signs of a slowdown.
- Leslie Patton
NAB says borrowers will take next rate rise in their stride
Borrowers will be in the spotlight this week with Westpac’s results on Monday, and a possible Reserve Bank rate rise on Tuesday.
- James Eyers
October 2023
China data show slower-than-expected boost from Golden Week
The comparatively soft figures add to recent evidence that while some sectors are on the mend, the broader economy is still far from roaring back.
- Daniela Wei
August 2023
Helloworld joins the travel sector in upgrading guidance
Another travel stock defies the cost-of-living crisis, increasing its earnings guidance on better-than-expected demand for leisure travel.
- Ayesha de Kretser
July 2023
Rates pause gives no respite from shopping gloom
Sentiment among borrowers has plunged to its lowest level on record as economists warn households will need to cut back to cope with more interest rate rises.
- Michael Read