This Month
Chalmers didn’t know a key budget number. This is why it matters
Treasurer Jim Chalmers failed to recognise a $47 billion deficit figure in an oversight that economist Saul Eslake says exposes the government for glossing over so-called “off budget” spending.
April
The ASX stocks that this value investor has been busy buying
New equities boss Tim Johnston says the bull run in growth stocks is finally over, which is good news for investors like him. Here’s what he’s snapped up.
How Trump’s trade war is already infecting the global economy
The IMF chief warns of a “new and major test” as it cuts growth projections on the back of the Trump administration’s tariffs.
Powell draws applause on independence at closed-door IMF meeting
The Fed chair told the meeting central banks must be shielded from politics to do their jobs.
Financial crisis seen as distant threat at IMF meeting
Many experts believe Donald Trump’s trade chaos could trigger the next financial crisis. But the bankers at the IMF spring meeting largely disagreed.
‘Let’s have clarity’: Finance chiefs rue Trump’s tariff whiplash
Finance chiefs in Washington say they are still trying to figure out what Trump wants, as the global economy heads for a slowdown and the chaos keeps going.
Australia faces hit from Trump’s trade war
The IMF has cut its growth forecast for the country by half a percentage point, in a sign it won’t be immune from a global slowdown triggered by US tariffs.
‘A new era’: Trump’s trade war will drag down global economy, IMF says
The forecasts are largely in line with many private-sector economists’ expectations, though some do fear a recession is increasingly likely.
Pope Francis, promoter of more compassionate church, dies
The first Latin American pope worked to make the Catholic Church more inclusive with a focus on poverty and human suffering.
Grill’d burnt over pay; Protesters target PM; Forget 60/40 under Trump
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Global confidence slumps as trade turmoil looms over IMF meetings
The tariff shock and market slide are among rising threats to growth. The outlook deterioration is a marked contrast to the relatively firm start to the year.
Nations try ‘banding together’ in new global trade era
Officials around the world are dashing to diversify their economies. But the fight between the US and China casts a long shadow.
March
How Trump shattered exuberance for the US economy
The predicted US slowdown is remarkable in that it is largely a self-inflicted wound driven by the administration’s own policies, rather than external shocks.
China steps up stimulus amid escalating trade war
Premier Li Qiang warns that “changes unseen in a century are unfolding across the world at a faster pace”.
Reining in the ‘golden age of private credit’
The formerly niche sector is steaming ahead in Australia, but potential investors are being urged to do their homework.
February
Debt-laden Victoria could be paying $15m per match to host NFL
The Victorian government claims hosting LA Rams is a coup for Melbourne, but NSW Premier Chris Minns says his state was asked to pay a ‘king’s ransom’ for the fixture.
Macquarie pivots to private credit, shutters US debt business
The financial services giant will no longer provide traditional loans in the US, having exited the market in Europe. It wants to focus on private credit.
January
IMF lifts global growth forecast on stronger US demand
“The big story is the divergence between the US and the rest of the world,” IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said.
Opposition savings from housing, green energy funds in doubt
Senator Jane Hume says the Coalition will interrogate Labor’s billions of dollars tied up in funds for housing, clean energy and manufacturing, but admits they may be difficult to unwind.
Super admits its size is a risk but says ‘what is the alternative?’
The managers of Australia’s $4.1 trillion retirement savings pool say they are best placed to invest in banks and private lending despite warnings from the RBA and IMF.