November
Why desperate Gen Z is embracing risky investments
Locked out of home ownership, young adults are turning to cryptocurrencies and NFTs, as they refuse to believe hard work brings reward.
In Pictures: November 2025
Click through the links to read in-depth about each story these beautiful photos have illustrated by our AFR staff photographers.
Why corporate goodie bags are not what they used to be
Branded merch speaks volumes about a company’s values, but big firms are cutting back in a sign of the times. McKinsey recruits got nothing this year.
Young economists say first home buyer supports should be scrapped
The government’s billion-dollar support for first home buyer might be popular among younger generations, but five Deloitte economists say it should be scrapped.
Getting to grips with the new rules of cool
Posting too frequently and announcing your relationship status on social media have made way for privacy and the invisible “offline boyfriend”.
Gen Z turns to rentvesting as ‘financial necessity’ amid record prices
Jawal Trivedi bought an investment property at 22. A growing proportion of first home buyers are turning to the practice amid record property prices.
Facelift in your 30s? Welcome to the age of agelessness
To maintain a perpetually “refreshed” look, cosmetic treatments are being sought earlier and more often. But what does it mean to grow older when no one appears to be ageing?
Labor pushes through net zero ‘hell’ as Liberals return to ground zero
The opposition’s attempts to carve out a position on net zero have turned into a rolling catastrophe - in sharp contrast to Anthony Albanese.
China’s favourite tipple falls flat on alcohol bans and Gen Z’s changing tastes
Moutai, maker of national spirit baijiu, is watched as a barometer of consumer sentiment in the world’s second-largest economy. Things aren’t going well.
‘Death contract’: Young buyers wary of the 5 per cent deposit scheme
The 5 per cent deposit scheme may seem to lower entry to the property market, but some young Australians don’t want to borrow to buy at all.
The Gen Z upstart pulling in 10pc of Australia’s podcast wealth
Melbourne-based Shameless Media is just seven years old, but it’s now a $10 million media company.
Xavier Shay doesn’t look like a bank boss. That’s why he’s winning
From splitting bills to rentvesting, the country’s big banks may have finally figured out Millenials and Gen Z customers with fast-growing digital offshoots.
The big warning for Albanese in Mamdani’s win
Centre-left parties that built post-war success on broad coalitions are being hollowed out from the left; Labor must offer radical solutions that show they’re serious.
Message behind Mamdani should worry investors, CEOs and politicians
Zohran Mamdani’s win on the back of support from young voters shows how anger over intergenerational inequality will fuel policies that hurt markets and business.
How Facebook’s dating app became a surprise hit
The service has amassed more than 21 million daily users, making it one of the most popular options for online match-ups.
Liberal deputy Ted O’Brien withdraws support for net zero
The Liberal Party will settle its climate policy as early as next week as it tries to stem the Coalition bloodletting.
October
AFP chief backs social media ban but issues warning over AI harm
Krissy Barrett said the new age restrictions are just one measure needed to prevent online harm, with criminals now using AI to target children.
Traditional criticism is ailing. Here’s what’s replacing it.
Demand for cultural commentary is higher than it’s ever been – but now that commentary is coming from unconventional new sources.
The plan to turn Perth into the envy of Australia
A mining boom town is transforming into one of the wealthiest and most livable places on the planet. Or that’s the plan, at least.
Gil McLachlan and Peter V’landys’ bread and circuses at The Everest
The influential duo’s various schemes were again centre stage on the weekend.