‘More than a bet on the US’: Why Macquarie is cashing up
When volatility strikes, the investment bank reaches for the playbook it developed during the Global Financial Crisis.
Economics
US deal with the Brits lifts optimism and ASX to two-month high
The Australian sharemarket has been buoyed to its highest point in two months by the preliminary deal between the US and UK as weekend talks with China loom.
Decarbonisation debate is so much hot air
The need to decarbonise is universally supported but just how remains a debated issue. And this is convenient for the naysayers.
Inflation fears for ASX bosses creep higher amid tariff standoff
Australia’s largest steelmaker is among the businesses expecting the emboldened Albanese government to fight for an exemption to Donald Trump’s tariff measures as inflation fears bite.
‘Harder than it looks’: Shayne Elliott on his ANZ legacy
After nearly a decade at the top, Shayne Elliott admits he was ‘a bit naive’ on some issues and ‘should have more courage’ on others. But has he left ANZ as a better bank?
After playing defence, NAB’s new challenge is how to attack
NAB dominates a market that everyone wants a slice of. CEO Andrew Irvine will need to draw on every ounce of his banking experience to get bigger.
Demand sends cost of wholesale electricity rocketing
The cost of producing electricity in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia spiked in the first three months of 2025 and that’s bad news for electricity bills.
Stokes unleashes on ALP over super tax hit
As business leader disquiet grows over the impost of a tax on unrealised capital gains, Ryan Stokes has launched a scathing attack on Labor’s proposal.
Future Fund has been planning for this market shock for years
The $300bn-plus fund anticipated the forces driving global markets were dramatically shifting. That bet has now paid off.
Westpac CEO’s nod to the past to make banking great again
The back-to-basics approach is a nod to Westpac’s golden era under chief executives Bob Joss and David Morgan.
For reform’s sake, business must embrace new approach
The silver lining for business is Albanese’s decisive win and new authority gives Labor room to take risks, including a more ambitious economic agenda.
What’s in a brand? America Inc tests for ‘Trump tarnish’
Some of America’s biggest corporate names such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Apple are working on strategies to avoid getting caught up in the global anti-Trump blowback.
Now that the talk is over business wants real action
The campaign’s been between a government which doesn’t deserve to be re-elected and an unelectable opposition, and if the polls are right a Labor/Greens coalition is a very real possibility.
Why tax on super’s unrealised gains will drive the rich offshore
Activist fund manager Geoff Wilson says federal Labor’s planned super tax will have enormous unintended consequences and he believes there is a better way forward.
Is the Wall Street rebound for real or a dead cat bounce?
Stagnant GDP, corporate distress, consumer panic and supply chain chaos increase the likelihood of Trump relenting on tariffs so there’s a contrarian opportunity to invest in a potential rally.
‘Turn back the trains’: How Trump tariff blitz is hitting home
The CEO of US aluminium giant Alcoa is at the very front lines of a global trade war. Bill Oplinger has offered a revealing insight on navigating the new world.
Contrarian shows there’s money to be made from market chaos
Global markets are in turmoil but not everyone is in a state of panic and MFS Investment Management’s Zahid Kassam is making the most of the stock volatility.
Inflation falls, rate cut on cards: Here’s what it means for you
Key inflation figures have fallen, paving the way for a May interest rate cut. Here’s what it means for you.
‘Don’t bet against America’: Cbus’ top stockpicker keeps faith
The new head of the $100bn construction-aligned industry fund major intends to keep deploying cash in the US.
$250bn GDP forgone on weaker growth
Tax revenues would be $50bn higher each year and annual GDP more than $250bn larger if Labor had met its assumed productivity rate of 1.2 per cent a year, the Coalition has claimed.
Aussie shares on rebound now vulnerable to earnings downgrades
Analysts say the strong performance of the sharemarket faces a reality check, and the lofty valuations of the big banks in particular will be scrutinised as earnings reports come in.
AI benefits could reduce house prices, immigration: KPMG
AI’s productivity benefits could give Australia the boost it needs, reducing the amount of jobs which go offshore and keeping revenue onshore, says KPMG’s digital boss.
Tax warning for 130,000: Labor out to get you
Peter Dutton and Angus Taylor have left their most scathing attacks on Labor’s superannuation tax changes to the last week of the election campaign.
Big banks and states have most to fear from loss of ‘AAA’
Australia is a member of this exclusive financial club. The US doesn’t make it and the UK is not even close. Being stripped will be felt right through the economy.
NZ’s ‘extraordinary’ move delivers Aussie banks big legal win
A move impacting the nation’s biggest class action signals a much closer relationship between business and PM Chris Luxon.
Business forced to play long game over economic leadership
The Trump-induced trade crisis is another missed opportunity for much-needed economic reform and business leaders see nothing in Australia’s current leadership to give them confidence for change.
Albanese’s woolly pricing signals on critical minerals
Just like the great wool stockpile of the 1990s, a mountain of government-owned rare earths can do more damage to a fragile market.
Mortgage stress drops to lowest level in two years – but 1.4m still at risk
Australia’s most indebted households are beginning to feel the effects of monetary easing, as mortgage stress falls to its lowest level in nearly two years – but 1.4m people are still at risk.
Richard Branson attacks Trump over trade and Ukraine
The US president is ‘in danger of doing so much damage’ to the world with his erratic policies, warns Virgin boss Richard Branson.
Labor shifts gears in drive to revive productivity
Jim Chalmers has committed a second-term Albanese government to shifting its three-year fight against inflation towards reversing flatlining productivity.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics